LAS CRUCES - A new era in the New Mexico State athletics department launched Wednesday as the calendar has rolled around once again to another school year, but this one will be unlike any other here.

For the first time ever New Mexico State is sporting a women's soccer squad.  Head coach Michael Needham took full advantage of having his team together for the first time by holding a pair of practices Wednesday on the newly constructed soccer practice fields.

And of course for fans all around the country the month of August means the start of the college football season.  NM State opened a new chapter Wednesday for its football program when Aggie boss DeWayne Walker led his team on the field for his first fall practice as a head coach. Walker was hired on Dec. 31, 2008 as the schools 33^rd head coach and is excited to get to work and resurrect the program.

"First days are first days," Walker said. "Today we wanted to focus on our execution and energy level. I think from the first day of spring practice to today, the difference is night and day and we had a lot of carry over from then so we don't have to start from scratch."

The challenge for Needham and the inaugural Aggie soccer club is vastly different. Unlike Walker and his staff who had spring football to install their system with the team, Wednesday was Needham's first day having his team of 30 student-athletes out on the field.

"We are pleased with our first day of training," Needham said. "As promised we made history this morning and we look forward to the upcoming weeks as we prepare for an exciting season.

"Our first goal is simple; we will come together as a group," added Needham. "The second goal is to get organized and find out who we are on both sides of the ball. We will have a much clearer picture as the next several days unfold, but the athleticism and passion today will act as a great springboard for the remainder of preseason."

In their first two-a-days, the Aggies worked on fitness in the morning session and scrimmaged in the evening session.

Walker and the Aggies practiced for two hours Wednesday on the football practice fields. The team was dressed in shorts and their new crimson helmets, as they are going through the NCAA mandated five-day acclimation period before they jump into full pads and two-a-day practices, which starts on Aug. 10.

Walker's Aggies spent their first practice working on special teams, in individual positions as well as offensive and defensive groups before coming together as a team for the last half hour of the session.

The soccer team only has 10 days of practice before its first competition, which is an exhibition game against New Mexico Highlands on Aug. 15 in Aggie Memorial Stadium. Their history-making and season opening match is Friday, Aug. 21 at UTEP.

NM State's football team opens the season, Sept. 5, at home against Idaho in what is its first season-opener against a conference opponent since 1988.

NM State football season tickets on sale now

Fans can save up to 60 percent off the price of single-game tickets by purchasing season tickets. Most seats in the stadium are priced at $50 or less. For more information or to reserve your seats today, visit the Pan American Center ticket office or call 575-646-1420.

Free Soccer Clinic

Registration for the free soccer skills clinic being held Aug. 15, is filling up fast. Less than 100 spots remain for the clinic, which begins at 11 a.m., and is open to all kids ages 14 and under. The clinic is for all skill levels and gives kids a chance to meet the Aggies. Register online at NMStateSports.com.

Aggie Volleyball Opens Saturday

The New Mexico State volleyball team opens its 2009 season Saturday with its first practice. The Aggies have been to the NCAA Tournament four times in the last five years and are looking to defend their league crown after winning a share of the 2008 WAC regular season title.