Football: A Letter To Rice Fans From Ken Hatfield

Football: A Letter To Rice Fans From Ken Hatfield

12/2/2004

Dear Rice Fans,

The 2004 season certainly did not go the way we envisioned.

Our 18 seniors fought hard throughout the season. Highlights were: (1) a 10-7 Bayou Bucket-claiming opening victory over new Conference USA foe - Houston; (2) An exciting 41-29 comeback WAC victory over Timmy Chang and his Hawaii Warriors; (3) The 44-10 victory over SMU to retain the Mayors? Cup.

Road victories were hard to come by as six WAC teams did not win any road games this year.

Our road hopes were dashed with: (1) A seven-point loss at San Jose State, even though together we set an NCAA all-time scoring mark of 133 points in one regulation game; (2) A one- point loss to bowl-bound Navy where a missed extra point with 4 minutes to go was crucial; (3) A seven-point loss against bowl-bound and 23rd-ranked UTEP where we fought back but could not overcome four big plays: two touchdowns that were actually scored but were disallowed by official calls; one blocked punt by Terry Holley that three of our players hustled to get but UTEP recovered for only two points instead of six; and two critical fumbles.

Our goal is to have student-athletes represent Rice University by graduating and by playing football with passion and skill.

We fall short on the scoreboard sometimes but we will not fall short of representing Rice with class and dignity.

The UTEP game symbolizes the whole season. On a cold, wet night in El Paso, against a 23rd-ranked Miner team, we battled and fought and believed we would win. We made mistakes, missed three field goals, had two untimely fumbles and allowed several deep passes. But, we stayed in the game with a warrior?s heart as Terry Holley blocked a punt, then the defense caused another safety to force an overtime. At the end of the second overtime, an official?s missed call on Ed Bailey?s touchdown plus a critical fumble allowed UTEP to escape with a victory.

In the locker room, there was disappointment, hurt, sadness but we stuck together as a Rice team and Rice family.

2005 marks the beginning of a new era for Rice -- Conference USA.

With our 22 new recruits this year, we will prepare to play all 85 players next year. Injuries have depleted us late in most seasons, so we will be ready to play anyone this fall, even if it is for only a few games. Young guys may start the season on special teams and their enthusiasm and heathy bodies will be an asset.

A final word: Thank you from the bottom of my heart to:

Faithful Rice students

Dedicated cheerleaders,

The distinctive MOB,

Interested faculty and fans,

Tireless stadium workers and support staff,

And all you loyal, encouraging fans.

Go Owls in 2005.

Ken Hatfield
Head Football Coach

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