Young and energetic, UW-L football prepares for 2019 season as coach assumes more duties

Weather for the fourth University of Wisconsin-La Crosse football spring practice was similar to a game in late October — cold and windy. It’s first practice was completely the opposite.

Regardless, energy was always high.

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The Eagles are coming off an impressive 7-3 season with several returning starters on the roster.

UW-L coach Mike Schmidt is hoping those younger players are ready to step up.

“A lot of depth and returning experience,” Schmidt said. “Really the most depth we’ve had since I’ve gotten here. I feel really good about where the team is at.”

Schmidt has helped guide his team throughout spring practice since he was hired on as back in 2016. Now, however, he’s taking over offensive coordinator responsibilities for the first time in his tenure.

“It’s exciting for me, nerve-wracking for me,” Schmidt said. “All really good feelings though. We’ve got a lot of veterans on that side of the ball and some playmakers coming back. We’re excited to see the quarterback battle play out.”

The quarterback with the most game experience is sophomore Evan Lewandowski, who played sparingly in eight games last year.

He threw for 234 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Schmidt said one of the most important things of spring practice is making sure the team stays healthy.

A release of the 2019 schedule is expected out soon.