Some news and notes on the Western Illinois Football program this off-season.

Spring practice begins next month. The Leathernecks will go on location to Rock Island (April 2) and Naperville North (April 9) high schools prior to the annual Bruce Craddock Memorial Spring Game on April 23rd.

All-America defensive back Patrick Stoudamire recently signed with the Spokane Shock of the AFL League. Stoudamire, who signed as a free agent last spring with the San Francisco 49ers before getting released in the fall, will begin his rookie year in the AFL with the league’s defending champion. Spokane’s season begins on March 11th at San Jose.

Jeff Hecklinski, Western’s quarterback from 1995-97, continues his collegiate coaching career at Michigan. He takes over as the wide receivers coach for the Wolverines, coming to Ann Arbor with head coach Brady Hoke from San Diego State.

Running back Herb Donaldson signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. The All-America running back for the Leathernecks is a member of the Titans’ practice squad.

All-America linebacker Jason Williams continues to recover from an injury last season. Williams, who was traded from Dallas to Carolina, made 16 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in four games with the Panthers (two starts). He is currently listed on the Panthers’ injured reserve list.