Photo: Sarah Andrews

Drake began its spring practice sessions on March 23 and has worked out three days a week since then. The team is excited to have an actual game to look forward to at the end of the spring instead of just a scrimmage against each other.

“We’re not making it any different because we’re allowed practice time before the game,” Creighton said.

The Global Kilimanjaro Bowl will be played in Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium, a facility holding 20,000 people, in Arusha with the gigantic mountain in the backdrop of the arena. The game will be broadcast on live television across Africa.

The Bulldogs wrapped up spring practice on April 23 with the annual Blue & White Game at Drake Stadium. The team will have an opportunity to see the level of talent of its Mexican counterparts with two days of practice in Arusha before the big game.

“It’s kind of nice to have a game to look forward to after practicing for five weeks,” Lahart said.

For Drake, the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl could be a start to a memorable year. The team finished 7-4 and placed third in the Pioneer Football League last fall, and the Bulldogs return 10 starters on offense and seven on defense. The team’s motto during winter conditioning and spring practice has been “Finish.”

“We were close last year and two years ago, but we ended up falling short,” junior wide receiver Drew Blackmon said. “Still, we’re always picked to finish in the middle. You don’t have to believe in us, but we’re going to believe in ourselves and that’s all we need.”