Photo Provided First year West Liberty head football coach Chad Salisbury watches his Hilltoppers go through spring drills. The spring season will culminate in Friday night’s annual spring game at West Family Stadium at 5.

WEST LIBERTY – A new era of West Liberty University football will take the field Friday as the Hilltoppers host their annual spring game at 5 p.m. at West Family Stadium.

The event marks the first opportunity for fans, alumni, and the campus community to see head coach Chad Salisbury’s team in action since he took over the program earlier this year.

After a full spring of practices, Salisbury says the focus has been on building the foundation of the program both on and off the field.

“I think the kids are working hard,” Salisbury said. “We have a lot of things we need to get better at, but the group has come together. We’re seeing guys starting to trust each other, and I think that’s what we need to build this spring.”

While the product is still a work in progress, Friday’s spring game offers a glimpse into the direction of the program under its new leadership.

“I just want the guys to compete,” Salisbury said. “They’ve worked really hard since January, and it’s their time to go out there and show what they’ve done in front of their friends and families.”

The spring game will also serve as an opportunity to reconnect with the broader Hilltopper football family, with recruits and alumni expected to be in attendance.

“I’m excited to get the alumni back and our incoming players around the program,” Salisbury said. “We’re starting to build this family, and that’s what I’m really excited about.”

Salisbury, who is in his first season at the helm, described the past few months as a fast-moving but rewarding transition as he and his staff continue to shape the program’s identity.

“It’s gone by quickly because we’re really enjoying it,” he said.

With competition, development, and culture at the forefront, Friday’s spring game will provide the first look at what Salisbury hopes will be a strong foundation for the future of West Liberty football.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at West Family Stadium.