The Western Kentucky football team did not participate in on-field activities Sunday, but spent part of their morning helping WKU freshmen get settled into their new homes.

Hilltopper players and coaches were stationed around campus to aid new freshmen involved in the M.A.S.T.E.R Plan program move into their dorm rooms.

“This is something we think is important,” WKU coach David Elson said. “We want to have a connection with our student body, and there’s no better way to do that than starting early when they first move in. It’s important that they realize that our players are normal young people just like they are. It’s important for us to help them out, and in turn our students help us by supporting us on game day.”

That notion becomes even more important starting in 2008 with the renovations to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Thanks to the reseating process, WKU students will now occupy the lower level of the east grandstand, a move that the Toppers hope will give them a distinct homefield advantage.

“I think the most important part of our gameday experience is having a student section that is packed,” Elson said. “This off season we’ve met with the Greek and student organizations to let them know just how important they are to us - and that’s evident partly by the improved seating they have in the stadium.”

The Hilltoppers return to the practice field today and are less than two weeks away from opening Aug. 30 at Indiana. WKU will play its first home game at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 against Murray State.