MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Dan Enos and his staff opened a new era of Central Michigan football as the first of 15 Spring workouts kicked off Thursday morning in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Prior to practice Enos introduced National Football Foundation Hall of Fame member Herb Deromedi. The former CMU head coach reminisced about recruiting Enos as a high schooler and informed the team how much he has been impressed with the head coach's dedication and work ethic ever since, following the careers of Enos and many other current assistant coaches. He encouraged the players to get better with each of the 15 practices ahead of them.

Enos followed Deromedi's address by challenging the team to build on the foundation that has been laid by previous players and coaches. "The bar has been set high by Coach Deromedi, and now is the time to measure up," he stated.

The fast-paced helmets-only session was held in sunny conditions with temperatures in the 50s, allowing the Chippewas to open the Spring season outdoors for the first time in several years.

"To be out here installing our offense, defense and special teams was a lot of fun," Enos said, "I know a lot of our players probably had some anxiety going into it and I'm sure a few of our coaches did, but I thought it was a great practice with great energy and I know we got better today."

"Our strength staff and our players did a tremendous job in the off-season with our Fourth Quarter conditioning program," Enos said. "We were in great shape today. We practiced fast and we didn't wear down."

Friday's schedule will include weightlifting periods and position meetings in preparation for practice number two, Saturday at 9 a.m. The Chippewas are scheduled to practice three mornings per week for the next four weeks, holding the Spring Game Saturday, April 17.

Hear more from Coach Enos on the team's off-season preparation, his thoughts after practice number one, and the staff's expectations of Spring ball in the CMU Sports Zone video above.