The Peter Stuursma era is underway at Hope, WXMI FOX 17 reports, and the man who won seven state championships at East Grand Rapids High School is already making an impact, even if his players literally can't impact each other.

NCAA Division III schools can't practice in pads or even helmets in the spring -- but Stuursma's presence is leaving an impression.

"He's a funny guy," junior Jacob VanderVeen said as the Flying Dutchmen wrapped up spring practice on Thursday night. "I just love the stories he tells. That is something that he opens up with every day -- is a funny story that he has seen. You feel like he is almost a father figure to you like right away, and it's really cool to have him around."

Hope finished last season 2-8. You wouldn't know it with the enthusiasm they've tackled the spring with.

"Before coming in it was like 'Uh, I don`t know how we are going to do next year losing a lot of good guys,' but the way we are coming together right now, I`m real excited for the season," senior Tyler Kirchoff said.

Hope opens the 2016 season on September 3 at Smith Stadium against Monmouth College.

Click here to watch WXMI's full report on the Flying Dutchmen including video interviews with Stuursma and select Hope players.