Football Practice Report #33
11/9/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
The group will be going for its third winning season in its four years, plus its 25th victory in that span. Not since 1963 has a Rice class had three winning seasons during its career, and not since the 1954 seniors has a class had more wins. That class had 26 wins in its four years, while a win Saturday over the Miners would be this class' 25th.
"They've done a lot, and we want them to finish in style," said coach Ken Hatfield following Tuesday's workout in Rice Stadium. "They've played hard and maintained good practice habits. I don't think we've had a down time mentally this year.
"They've maintained good focus all through the season."
Among the seniors are offensive starters Matt Baldwin at center, halfback Mike Gingrich, guard Neal Gray, tight end Shan Jackson, fullback Clint Leschber, quarterback Chad Richardson and wide receiver Raphael Tillman. On defense, the starters are Wesley Kubesch at linebacker, defensive tackle Judd Smith and bandit Larry Ruffin. Also playing at the Stadium for the final time will be quarterback Jeremy Bates, defensive back Karlon Bedford, place-kicker Scott Grimes, defensive end Donell Victorian, defensive back Adam Williams and punter Victor Young.
The Owls should be a bit better health this weekend. The most notable returnee is Gingrich, who has missed the last two weeks with a sprained shoulder.
"The big thing is that it's our last home game and we can dress everybody," added Hatfield. "There's no tomorrow, so everybody that can physically play will try to get out here for the last game."
Kick-off Saturday in the Stadium is 2 pm (CST).