Posted at 10:20 a.m., Monday, October 27, 2003

Purcell gains WAC honors

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Purcell amassed 12 tackles, including two sacks for 14 yards, and three quarterback hurries in a 31-15 victory over Texas-El Paso Saturday night. "It feels really good," said Purcell, who played despite a torn ligament in his left elbow. UH defensive coordinator George Lumpkin said Purcell "plays through discomfort. If you want to be a great athlete, that’s what you have to do. Everybody has bumps and bruises. As long as it’s something that’s not disabling or something that will put you out for the season, you have to play with a little discomfort. Mel is able to do that. He’s a good player. I’m not surprised he made player of the week."