By Katy Winge

The Northwestern Football team felt a warm welcome to the 2017 season. The first spring practice was held outdoors in the 60 degree temperatures on February 21.

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Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald emphasized using this time to focus in on fundamentals. He also said he thought down the stretch last year, his team was in better shape than its opponents and that’s a big part of what they’re building up in the spring. After finishing last season with a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl, this year the goal is to be Big Ten Champions. Fitzgerald said spring ball is the first step in that journey.

The Wildcats return 17 of 22 starters, including the dynamic quarterback/running back duo of junior Clayton Thorson and senior Justin Jackson. The first game of the season is Sept. 2 against Nevada at Ryan Field in Evanston.