The academic year is coming to an end soon, and so is spring practice for the University of Pikeville football team.
 
On Saturday afternoon, the team will host its annual spring game at the W.C. Hambley Athletics Complex in Pikeville, and the pubic is invited and encouraged to attend.
 
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
 
One year after picking up the first playoff win in program history, the Bears played in the de facto conference championship game last season when the AAC automatic qualifier came down to the regular-season finale between UPike and Reinhardt.
 
"That's our goal," said Corey Fipps, head coach and director of athletics. "We want to be competing for the championship at the end of every season. Our student-athletes have worked hard this offseason and we've had a fun, competitive set of practices this spring.
 
"We hope everyone will come out and see where we are and support these young men who represent our campus and our community so well. We're really excited about ending this game on a strong note."
 
The 2026 football season will begin Aug. 27 when the Bears travel to Little Rock, Ark., to play Arkansas Baptist College. The home opener is Saturday, Sept. 5 when Campbellsville comes to town for a 6 p.m. opening kick.