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Times reporter Bob Condotta keeps the news coming about the Montlake Dawgs.

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April 3, 2008 4:32 PM

Spring ball kicks off

The Huskies were greeted by clear skies and a nice spring-like afternoon as they finally kicked off spring practice today at 4 p.m.

The team was in helmets, shells and shorts for the first workout --- full pads aren't allowed until after two practices. Media is again restricted to viewing just the first 25 minutes (however, at least two complete practices are scheduled to be open later in the spring, including Saturday) so there isn't a lot of news to report.

What might have been most notable was the sight of E.J. Savannah and J.R. Hasty standing on the sidelines watching as the rest of the team took part in warmups and conditioning drills. The two remain essentially suspended for not fulfilling certain team responsibilities, thought to be related to off-season conditioning and possibly missing classes.

When conditioning was complete and the team split up for drill work, Savannah and Hasty began running steps at the stadium (Anthony Boyles ran with them though it's uncertain why --- could have been an equipment issue or something).

UW coach Tyrone Willingham says the two could return "at any time'' and obviously the fact that they are attending practice, though not taking part, indicates they are remaining close to the team.

Otherwise, everything looked as expected.

Among the players on the field was true freshman linebacker Kurt Mangum, who talked briefly before practice about the whirlwind of the last few months graduating from high school and enrolling in college early. He arrived at UW Friday and began classes this week.

Mangum said he plans to go back to high school to talk in graduation ceremonies but otherwise is ready to leave high school behind.

"Really, it's all about the future,'' he said. "High school is the past for me right now, so I'm moving forward.''

Mangum said he is learning the middle linebacker and strongside linebacker positions.

There is no access to players or coaches afterward (and no coaches were available before practice today since they had met with us Tuesday) so there likely won't be anything new to report until tomorrow when the team will hold its second practice.

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