The Bods football team began preparations for this season Aug. 6. Head football coach, Craig Schurig, has a positive outlook for the 2015 fall season.

The first nine practices have gone well and good outcomes are expected of the team this year. Schurig is looking to improve from last years 4-7 record and spoke highly of this years seniors:

“I expect them to lead. They had a really good spring and summer. We’ve got a good group, and we really anticipate them playing their hearts out.”

For offense, Brandon Bourbon, a University of Kansas transfer, will enter as running back. Senior Sam Eickhoff will make his 15th start as fullback.

Seniors Jordan Hart and Connor Crimmins will fill both wide receiver spots, with Chad Williams and Brit Dewey looking to see time on the field.

The offensive line will consist of three return starters, including senior Cameron Brown, with senior D.J. Lynn making the switch to center. Adam Luthi and Luke Yoder will enter their senior year as returning tight ends.

The defensive end will only hold one senior starter, returning Spencer Matthews, senior Josh Sanders will also be a candidate for the season. Seniors Cody Heiman and Zack Weekley will start at linebackers with returning senior Alec Steuber in rotation.

Defensive backs have two starting senior safeties, Shay Wooten and Jaime Myers, with Jordan Nelson in the mix and senior Jarvis Harrod in rotation at cornerback.

The team will hit the road for its first game of the season at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 against the Lindenwood University Lions. The first home game will follow vs. the Nebraska Kearny Lopers at 6 p.m., Sept. 10.

Washburn and Emporia State University tied for the 7th rank in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. With the rivalry game against Emporia being late in the season, the wait will give the two teams a chance to peak their game performance and learn a lot about each other.

“Hopefully we’re playing really well at that time and can continue to make it a very heated rivalry,” said Schurig.

For a full schedule, see wusports.com.