Football | 4/18/2024 12:15:00 PM

April 18, 2024-Emporia State fans will get to salute the past, the present and the future of Hornet football from the East Stands on Friday night with the annual Spring and Legends Game on Jones Field at Welch Stadium. 
 
All public seating will be in the east side grandstands due to ongoing construction on the west side of Welch Stadium. All gates and restrooms will be open on the east side while the west side grandstands and restrooms will be closed to the general public. The construction is part of the renovation process of Welch Stadium and includes concrete work, new handrails and new seating in the west grandstands as well as new signage recognizing the post season accomplishments of Hornet Football.

The day will begin with a Tailgate for all Hornet Football Alumni at 4:00 p.m. in the north end of the stadium.  Food and beverages will be provided for the alums and their families that have signed up.

The current version of the Hornets will take the field at 7:00 p.m. for the annual Spring Game/Open Practice.  At half time the 2023 seniors will be recognized followed by fans getting to meet the newest batch of Hornets as the 2024 Emporia State recruits are recognized. The Legends Game will follow and will pit former Hornets against each other in a flag football game on Jones Field. The scores from the two contests will be combined to determine the winner.
 
The Hornets are 18-6 over the last two seasons, the second-best record in the MIAA over that time.  They are set to return ten players on offense highlighted by All-American receiver Tyler Kahmann and seven on defense including All-MIAA defensive back Jaaron Joseph that started the Heritage Bowl.  Last year was the eighth time in the last 11 seasons that Emporia State advanced to the post season.