Heading into Spring

Here’s a link to some notes off of Wednesday’s Hot Stove luncheon along with some additional tidbits below...

Yale has organized a six-team competition amongst its own players and will compete in various contests on and off the field. Some include community service, academic performance and athletics. It’s based on the point system and will run through spring practice.
The winning team’s reward? A steak dinner.
“It’s been a pretty heated competition,” Reno said. “We want guys to compete all year around.”
Added captain Beau Palin: “We’re pushing ourselves and pushing each other. We’re getting better than the day before. It’s the best offseason I’ve ever been a part of in terms of improvement.”
HEADING WEST
Yale will have a true test before opening Ivy League play this season. The Bulldogs will travel to San Luis Obispo, Calif. to face Cal Poly on Oct. 5 for their third game of the season.
Cal Poly finished the season at 9-3 and was ranked No. 11 in the FCS.
“It’s great for our players, our alumni and it’s great competition for us before Ivy League play. We’re excited about it. It’s good for recruiting, too.”
RENO ON RICE’S RETURN
Former All-Ivy League LB and Yale captain was recently named the Bulldogs outside linebackers coach. He comes back to New Haven after spending a season as a graduate assistant at Georgia Tech.
Rice takes over for Drew Petzing, who took a job as a quality control coach with the Cleveland Browns.
“He’ll bring intensity,” said Reno of Rice. “Guys will be well coached at his position and he’ll do a great job at recruiting. We’re excited to have him back.”
SPRING SCHEDULE 
Yale will open its spring session on March 27 and have morning practices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The annual Blue-White scrimmage will take place on April 20 at 2 p.m. at the Yale Bowl. Yale will honor the 1989 Ivy League championship team.