When the offense scored on a play that coaches deemed “was for the win,” players took time to celebrate the score in the goal-line drills as part of the Toppers first spring practice Saturday at Smith Stadium.

It’s that energy and enthusiasm that coach David Elson is looking for with spring practice underway.

“There was good enthusiasm and good intensity, but obviously we will find out more once we put pads on,” he said. “I thought the guys really put to some of the new things we’re doing – new terminology both offensively and defensively.”

This year’s spring drills are the first for Western as they are a full-fledged member of the Football Bowl Subdivision, and bowl-eligible member of the Sun Belt Conference.

Along with being a new member, the Toppers have plenty of new things happening around camp as well.

New defensive coordinator Mike Dietzel and new offensive coordinator Walt Wells are both working to implement different terminology and a few different looks this spring.

“We know (Dietzel) personally – we know he’s a good coach with good charisma, and everybody really likes him, and we’re all taking well to it,” senior linebacker Blake Boyd said.

Wells has already made some changes to the offense, including implementing plays with the quarterback taking snaps under center.

Coach Elson thought the new package went well, getting better as practice went on.

Senior quarterback Brandon Smith echoed Elson’s thoughts.

“There were a few mistakes here and there, but the important thing was the tempo was up, and the guys made mistakes, but they made them at full speed,” Smith said.

The team will have 15 practices over the next four weeks, and Elson hopes to have many questions answered after spring practice is completed.

“We just want to continue to install our offense, defense and special teams,” Elson said. “And give guys opportunities to compete and develop chemistry in each phase of our football team.”

Overall, practice seemed to go well, but players and Elson alike did say there were plenty of mistakes, but that is expected in the first practice.

“On defense, we have some new terminology, and that’s the main thing that is messing people up,” Boyd said. “But everyone knows the defense – it’s just a matter of effort.”

Elson contributed the mistakes to the team being young, but said that that was normal.

With spring practices, players are able to get back on the field in live repetitions.

“It’s a different attitude and different mode going back to football,” Boyd said. “But usually after a half practice, you’re ready to go.”

Elson said he doesn’t think his practices are much different than the fall, but he just tells his players to get rep after rep to be ready.

Western continues spring drills this week with practices Wednesday, Friday and a scrimmage on Saturday at Smith Stadium.