EDMOND (March 24) – Defending Lone Star Conference North Division champion Central Oklahoma will open spring drills Wednesday as the Bronchos begin preparing for the 2009 campaign.

UCO will have 15 practices over the next four weeks, including three scrimmages.  The Bronchos are set to meet at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday and Friday this week before having an early-morning session Saturday.

Afternoon practices are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday the next three weeks, with intrasquad scrimmages set for 10 a.m. on April 4 and 11 before the final spring-ending scrimmage at 6 p.m. April 18.

“We know we have a lot of work to do and we're looking forward to getting started,” said second-year head coach Tracy Holland, named LSC North Division Coach of the Year last season.  “The team has worked hard in the off-season getting ready for spring practice and this is an important time for us.

“Everybody's excited to get on the field and do what needs to be done to keep getting better.  The coaches and players want to continue building on the momentum we had at the end of last season as we keep working on getting this program where it needs to be.”

The Bronchos return 13 starters from last year's 7-4 team that overcame a 0-4 start to win their last seven games and capture the North Division title.

UCO opens the 2009 season on Aug. 29 at perennial NCAA Division II power Pittsburg State.