By: Burke De Boer Sports Editor
Under blue skies and bright sun, the football team hosted the 2017 spring game.
The May 6 game was held at McArthur Field and gave Wolves fans a look at the work the team has put in over spring practice.
Last year’s two quarterbacks, Philip Fenumiai and Nick Duckworth, are seniors in the fall and competed against one another as Western Oregon players divided into a red team and white team. Underclassmen Ty Currie, Wyatt Hutchinson and Blake Walker were also tested.
“I honestly think it’s a group effort,” said Trey Shimabukuro, quarterback coach for the Wolves. “Offensively we simplified things for our guys which allowed them to play fast and understand the ‘why’ behind the playcall. We still have a long way to go as a position, but I am excited to see the progress we have made.”
Last year’s defensive leader was Bo Highburger, who will be a junior in the fall.
“Took some big steps as a team today,” Highburger said. “Two players that stood out to me, although I’m pretty preoccupied with playing the game myself, were linebackers Andrew Weber and Nate Proctor.”
Highburger also had praise for wide receiver Harrison White, who was redshirted last season.
“It was cool to see our young guys progress and make plays on both sides of the ball,” said wide receiver Zack Suarez, who will be a senior. “As a whole I think it went really well. It was nice to be in that environment after the last few weeks of spring ball.”
Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu
