HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana football team put on the pad for the first time on Saturday, closing out the opening week of spring practice at Strawberry Stadium.
 
Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo has been pleased with what he's seen from his Lions after week one.
 
"We've come out with great energy from day one and I've really been pleased with how we're flying around and playing fast," Scelfo commented. "We're also doing a good job communicating, which is another positive."
 
One of Scelfo's primary objectives in spring practice was for his team to be more physical, especially on defense. Saturday's first practice in pads gave the Lions a first chance to work towards that goal.
 
"Early in practice, the offense definitely had the upper hand and were controlling things," Scelfo said. "But I'll give the defense credit for how they responded and ended practice strong. We did some good things on both sides of the ball today.
 
"All 22 positions are being competed for and just become someone started last year doesn't mean they don't have to earn their spot again," Scelfo added. "We've been giving everyone reps and there's a lot of guys who are making the most of their opportunities."
 
Scelfo is looking for further progress as spring practice continues through the 2 p.m. Spring Game on April 4.
 
"On offense, I'd like to see us run the football more effectively moving forward," Scelfo said. "On defense, we need to continue to run to the football and play aggressively."
 
The Lions will return to the practice field on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. Southeastern opens the 2020 season on Sept. 3 at Tulane.
 
2020 Spring Practice Schedule
Tuesday, March 10 – 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 – 9:45 a.m.
Tuesday, March 17 – 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 – 9:45 a.m.
Tuesday, March 24 – 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 – 9:45 a.m.
Tuesday, March 31 – 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 2 – 3:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 – Spring Game – 2 p.m.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. The Lions' 2020 home schedule features visits from McNeese (Sept. 26), Northwestern State (Oct. 10 – Hall of Fame Game), Abilene Christian (Oct. 24 - Homecoming), Houston Baptist (Oct. 31) and Central Arkansas (Nov. 14).  
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of the 2018 football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.