Gaining a head start before a pandemic struck was not the intention and completely beyond anyone's scope when the Arkansas State University football team opened spring practices Feb. 17.
It ended up working out that way.
With many college football programs still deep in offseason workouts, the Red Wolves were back on the practice field in mid-February.
But as the spreading coronavirus started to force the sports world's hand late last week and triggered shutdowns of professional leagues, college conferences and high school associations, it became apparent that ASU Coach Blake Anderson's decision to start spring camp early proved to be a stroke of good fortune, even if the Red Wolves weren't able to finish it.