Bowling Green, Ky. — The Western Kentucky University football team practiced for the fourth time on Feix Field at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in a spirited practice that lasted over two hours. The WKU football team practiced in shoulder pads and helmets for the second consecutive day and will hold its first workout in full pads tomorrow.

“Tonight was a lot of fun," head coach David Elson said. "We are on track and I am ready to get on full pads and to start scrimmaging. Putting on full pads is the best way to prepare for a game-like atmosphere because that is how the game is played. We need to get in a lot of reps, learn to fight and learn to control our emotions. That is the most important thing."

The practice began with position drills and ended with an intense battle between the offense and defense when the team came together.

"This was an excellent practice," Elson stated. "I think it was by far our best practice this week and the intensity was great. A lot of guys just finished summer school and they were ready to release some stress."

“Right now we just need to take it one day at a time," Elson said. "We still have a lot of work to do but our players are being competitive each day. Overall I am very pleased with our player's performances."

The Hilltoppers open the season on August 30 against Indiana as one of the 120 schools that comprise the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A). WKU is entering its 90th season on the Hill and will be eligible to win the Sun Belt Conference crown and earn a bowl selection in 2009.