OGDEN — Spring football at Weber State University came to a conclusion last week with the Purple-White Game at Stewart Stadium, and after suffering through a 1-10 season, improvements for the program are in the works.
For starters, new coach Ron McBride has brought in former East High star Sione Havili for a chance to show off his considerable talents as a running back.
McBride has always done a terrific job of recruiting talent at the University of Utah and will try to bring in local blue-chip athletes to the Wildcats program. Havili comes from Texas Tech and brings a level of talent that hasn't been seen here for a long time.
Additionally, the coach has brought in talented freshman running back Marcus Mailei, who could push Havili for playing time. The first-team all-state running back rushed for over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns last season for the Rams.
McBride is rebuilding a program that will rely heavily on in-state talent, including returners like Dallas Drecksel, a strong safety from West High, and kicker Joe Johnson of Granger. Other local newcomers include Max Moala, a linebacker who transferred from Olympus to Murray last season, and East defensive back Nick Webb.
Along with the new faces, McBride is seeing a good change in the players' motivation.
"It's like night and day, we're still a work in progress, but their attitude to succeed is very evident," he said. "I'm pleased, but I'm not ready to jump off of the top of the stadium."
The upgrade in players could coincide with new facilities for the Weber program. Over the summer, WSU plans to build a new indoor practice facility (much like the U.'s). A new weight room and locker room are up for debate by the athletic department and university brass. Where the money comes from and how much will determine if any of these proposals become reality.
The Wildcats believe these new facilities could help bring in better players. Henry Lusk, Weber's wide receiver and special teams coach, played for McBride at Utah and spent four years in the NFL. He knows the importance of having the best facilities possible and thinks that Mac will get what he wants.
"He's Mr. Utah football. People will listen and something will get done," Lusk said.
With the right mix of local talent and improved football digs, he believes the program will make great strides in the Big Sky Conference.
"In two or three years, Weber State is going to be the most dominant program in the area," said the former Utah wide receiver. "We can win this conference. Mac can take this program to the top for a long time."
The Wildcats have never outright won a conference title. In 1987, quarterback Jeff Carlson led WSU to a share of the conference title with Idaho.
Local players on Wildcats' roster
Local Wildcat signings
Gabe Bowers Fr DL 6-5 245 Brighton
Marcus Mailei Fr RB 6-1 230 Highland
Max Moala Fr LB 6-1 230 Murray/Olympus
Rio Stotler Fr DL 6-1 275 West Jordan
Nick Webb Fr DB 6-4 200 East
Brad Leggat Fr QB 6-5 205 Hillcrest
Justin Howard Fr RB 5-11 165 Jordan
Tyler DeBry Jr LB 5-10 230 Bingham/Dixie St.
Local Wildcats returning
Nate Allison So. WR 6-2 210 West Jordan
Joe Johnson Sr. K 5-8 165 Granger
Dallas Drecksel Sr. SS 6-1 215 West
Naisa Panisi So. C 6-3 270 West
Chase Helm So. TE 6-2 205 Hunter
Patrick O'Keefe Jr. DE 6-3 230 Brighton