Football: Message From Head Coach Ken Hatfield

Football: Message From Head Coach Ken Hatfield

2/23/2005

By Ken Hatfield

In 1912 Rice opened its' doors to educate people who would make a difference for good in this world.

In 1912 Rice was a charter member of the Southwest Conference in football continuing Rice?s philosophy of educating leaders.

Even Dr. Lovett, Rice's first president, saw fit to include football players on our first pillars along with other educational faces.

Times change but values and eternal truths do not.

Rice Football has always been in step with the mission of the University. Rice Football has always been a model for intercollegiate athletics and enjoys that reputation today nation wide while competing at the top level of competition - Division 1-A.

In January 2005, the American Football Coaches Association once again honored those schools that have graduated 70 percent or more of their football players. For the 16th consecutive year Rice was called forward! In fact longevity is this:

1. Notre Dame: 20 consecutive years
2. Virginia: 20 consecutive years
3. Duke: 18 consecutive years
4. Rice: 16 consecutive years
5. Northwestern: 6 consecutive years

A Rice football player is first and foremost a Rice student. Football is also a training ground and several players have successfully graduated and continue to play football in the professional leagues. Larry Izzo (Rice 2002) has played nine years in the NFL with three Pro Bowl selections while helping the New England Patriots win three Super Bowls.

Ladouphyous (Shaw) McCalla (Rice 1999) has had a great career in the Canadian Football League.

The 2001 Fightin? Owls went 8-4, the best record in the past 51 years. Two other teams (1996 and 1997) posted 7-4 records which ties the second best records in 51 years.

Players continue to develop by using The John L. Cox Fitness Center, made possible by many former players and friends of Rice Athletics. A special thanks to Carl Isgren who provided some much needed new equipment this past year.

Rice Football is about caring about others. No place does it better. Seeing the young people come on to the field before each game and watching their faces as the players enter the stadium. This is Rice Football.

Summer time finds football camps for 2nd graders up to 12th graders. This is a Leadership and Football Camp as leadership is shared by our coaches before every workout. We encourage each young person to master their studies and do their best in football.

Campus involvement by our players include serving on the Student Athletic Council, sponsoring campus-wide fun events and even a Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

Players also enjoy community reading programs, visiting children in Texas Children?s Hospital, helping at the Children?s Museum and cleaning up Hermann Park.

A Rice football player is a caring, educational representative of Rice University, who wants to excel and prepare himself to make a difference for good in this world.

I am honored to coach these outstanding young men. They deserve your support!

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