PINE BLUFF, Ark. - The wait is over.

On Tuesday, the new look University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team began spring practice at Golden Lion Stadium. First year head coach Cedric Thomas has been waiting for this day since he was hired, and he is equally excited as his players to hit the field and continue the journey.

"Words really can't describe it," said Coach Thomas. "You would have to be in my inner being to get a feel for it. We've had tears of joy because we are excited and at the same time nervous and anxious; so many emotions wrapped up into one. I feel like Ginuwine a little bit. All in all it is great to be back home for a new start. I'm ready to go and see these young men get out, run around and have fun. Once we get out here inside these white lines, all that nervousness will be gone and it will be back to doing what we do best."

Practices will begin at 3 p.m.during the week (Tuesday's and Thursday's) and at 11 a.m. on Saturday's culminating with the annual Black and Gold Game on Saturday, April 28. Practices are open to the Pine Bluff community and the public unless otherwise notified.

"We want people to come check us out," said Coach Thomas. "We want the community to identify who these guys are. We want the Pine Bluff and surrounding communities to come out, and we're all for it. There will be times we shut it down, but as much as we can open it, that's what we want."

When asked what he is ready for the most, Coach Thomas confidently answered.

"To get out and get in our domain," said Coach Thomas. "These offices are fine and being on the road talking to kids from a recruiting standpoint is fine, but we are coaches. At the end of the day we want to have our feet on that grass and be able to go impact kids' lives through this great game so we are just ready to get outside, run around a little bit and sweat. As coaches we are ready to see how much retention our team has from winter workouts and conditioning."

Coach Thomas summed up his overall feelings as his team transitioned from months of lifting weights and conditioning to finally stepping out on the gridiron. 

"We've been in school all day, but now its time to get out and have a little recess and have fun," said Coach Thomas.