Weber enjoying spring football under new coaching staff


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OGDEN — With basketball season over in Ogden, Weber State’s attention has moved to the gridiron, where the Wildcats are led by a new head coach.

Ever since Weber State hired University of Utah assistant coach Jay Hill to be the school’s head football coach, Hill has performed. Whether it is signing an impressive first class of recruits or engaging the community in a variety of events, Weber State’s football program and its perception has grown in the minds of fans.

But now that spring practice has begun, it’s time for the intangible qualities to end and time to focus on the most tangible thing in sports — creating a winning product on the field.

Hill said spring practice has been a positive experience for Weber to this point.

“We’re getting them,” said Hill, who is a first-time head coach. “It’s not exactly where I want it yet, but it’s been a huge improvement. Each practice has gotten a little bit better.”

Obviously, it’s tough to simulate real game situations in spring ball, as it is predominantly scrimmages where quarterbacks can’t be sacked. Still, Hill noted that he encourages strong competition in each and every drill.

“Football should be fun for these guys,” he said. “Quite frankly, when we took over, a lot of these kids looked like whipped dogs — 2-9 will do that to you, so we’re trying to instill fun back in the game. And with that fun comes a heightened intensity, and they’re flying around.”

Running back Bo Bolen, who returned for the 2013 season after serving an LDS mission, said the new culture among the staff is one that has bred positivity.

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“I think we took a step in the right direction over the winter conditioning and this whole spring ball, so far,” said Bolen, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown in last year’s season opener against Stephen F. Austin. “I’m excited for the season. I think, overall, this team is stronger; we’re faster. People are getting held accountable to every little mistake they make, myself included, so I love it.

“I feel just, it’s going to be a big change this next season, and we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”

With a new head coach came new assistant coaches, including SUU defensive coordinator Justin Ena and offensive coordinator Steve Clark. Clark is tasked with improving a Weber offense that was amongst the worst in the Big Sky Conference last season, and saw frequent stretches of futility.

Sophomore quarterback Austin Chipoletti became the Wildcats’ starting quarterback in 2013, starting with the season’s third game against Utah State.

Chipoletti said he has enjoyed getting to know Clark and Hill.

“We’re definitely getting to know each other,” he said. “We’re still in the feeling each other out stage, but I like Coach Clark and I like Coach Hill. They’re going to do some good things while they’re here.”

While last year’s offensive system dictated that the quarterback run often out of the shotgun, Clark’s offense is more traditional in that the quarterback is under center, Chipoletti said.

Overall, Hill said spring ball is about having the players enjoy the process of becoming a winning program.

“They’re having fun and they’re working hard.”

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Jon Oglesby

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