VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota football team will begin its spring football season on Wednesday, April 2.

According to South Dakota head football coach John Austin, a total of 77 student-athletes will report to practice on Wednesday. The USD football team will hold practices at 3 p.m. on April 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, and 25. The annual spring game is scheduled to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 in the DakotaDome. The final nine practices will be held at the DakotaDome.

As he assessed the goals and objectives for the Coyotes' spring season, Austin noted that the Coyotes have a lot of hard work in front of them as they try and rebound from a 3-8 season a year ago.

"We had a solid off-season program but we have a lot of work to do this spring," said Austin, who begins his fifth year at South Dakota.

"Our plan is to develop depth and a two-deep this spring. On offense, we want to establish a high percentage passing game with a consistent, physical running game. On defense, we have to find ways to eliminate big plays while utilizing our athletic ability to pressure offenses. I feel good about our kicking game," said Austin.

"I believe we will have a very athletic team with good team speed. Our coaching staff and players are anxious to get started. We look forward to spring practice. The competition at various positions is wide open this spring," said Austin, who has a 17-26-career record at South Dakota.

Among those reporting to spring practice will be 35 letter winners, including 17 on offense, 16 on defense and two on specialty teams. USD will also return six starters on offense and six on defense.

2002-03 SCHEDULE: USD will open the season this fall at home against Concordia-St. Paul at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6 in the DakotaDome. The Coyotes have a total of seven home games. Other home games include Minnesota-Duluth, 1 p.m.; Nebraska-Omaha, Sept. 27; Minnesota State-Mankato, Oct. 11, on Dakota Days; Oct. 25 vs. South Dakota State; North Dakota, Nov. 8; and Lincoln, Nov. 15. The Dakota Days game begins at 2 p.m. and the Lincoln game is at noon. USD plays on the road at Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Sept. 20. USD's league road opener is Oct. 4 at Augustana College. The Coyotes also travel to St. Cloud State on Oct. 18, and North Dakota State on Nov. 1. All USD's road games begin at 1 p.m.