Football takes backseat to academics at Rice

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

HOUSTON — In pledging allegiance to the Rice University football team, everybody — from the school president to the student manager — must learn the eight verses of "Fight For Rice."

The Owls — nurtured by Hatfield, in his 11th year at the Houston private school — have developed a tradition of uniqueness.

The Owls do not have a class system. The media guide lists all of the players alphabetically, not offering a separate section for seniors, potential award winners or recruits.

There are no special living arrangements for the players. At Rice, all new students are assigned to one of the nine "colleges" — social and residential units on campus. "We're treated like any other student," quarterback Greg Henderson said.

The school makes few exceptions to its academic standards. Hatfield said Rice admits between 650 and 675 new students each year. Last year, there were 8,000 applicants. Players attempting to join the football team as non-scholarship students must compete with the other applicants. The average SAT score is 1,300. UH quarterback Brandon Satcher said his recruiting visit to Rice was rescinded because his SAT was not high enough.

Once in, defensive back Terry Holley said, "the classload is always tough. It keeps you focused. You know you have 20 hours of homework every week. You have to put in the right amount of time because the grading system is unbelievable. Every plus and minus counts."

Hatfield said he tries not to overwork players — in part because of their courseload, in part because he does not want to tax a 92-member squad. In contrast, UH has more than 110 players.

"Our real goal is to be fresh at kickoff," Hatfield said. "That's our major practice goal every week. If you're fresh at kickoff, you can make adjustments during the game. But if you're worn out at kickoff, there's nothing you can do. There's no way you can go back and regain that stamina and energy."

During the recent bye week, the Owls practiced lightly for three days, then took off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hatfield said he does not conduct practices the day before games.

Some practices are devoted fully to community service. Some players have worked at area hospitals, others volunteered at the Children's Museum. Last year, the team worked at a city park, picking up trash, trimming hedges and replanting trees.

"It helps the community and it helps us," Holley said. "We're members of the community, and we want to help. It's part of our education."

Hatfield said: "I think it makes them appreciate their scholarships."

While most college football players await the NFL Combine, the Owls look to the school's career day. That's when scores of national and area companies send recruiters to Rice's campus.

"Every student is preparing for the rest of his life," Hatfield said. "We teach the freshmen how to write resumes, how to do the things that are important to people — and they take advantage of a lot of opportunities. There are so many companies that come down here. Even during the economic downturn, all of the companies that cut back on their travel, none of them cut back on Rice. I think most of our seniors had 18 or 19 job interviews.

"The first year I was here, I had a tight end (Adam Zylman) who didn't get to play his senior year. He helped us out on the field. He went on and graduated. I think he was in computer science. The next year, he's 22 years old, and he's making $67,000. That's a pretty good starting salary."

Holley, who was raised in Oklahoma City, said few of his friends knew of Rice before his enrollment. "It was like, 'You're an Owl?' " he recalled. "But my parents knew of Rice's academic reputation. They're very proud I chose to go to school here."

UH's Poumele hurt, but available to play

During last night's practice at W.W. Thorne Stadium, slotback Se'e Poumele aggravated a stretched nerve in his right hamstring. Poumele did not compete in the final hour of practice. UH coach June Jones said he believes Poumele will be available to play tomorrow.

Justin Ayat, who is recovering from a groin injury, kicked two 37-yard field goals at the end of the two-hour practice. Jones said Ayat will handle the kickoffs and all of the placekicks.

Earlier, Owl wideout Marcus Battle, who had not competed in more than two weeks because of a pulled hamstring, participated in the 90-minute practice at Rice Stadium. Hatfield said Battle likely will be available, although center Ross Huebel (knee) and left guard Micah Meador (shoulder) will not start. Right tackle Greg Wilson will open at left guard, Cotey-Joe Cswaykus will start at center and Rolf Krueger is elevated to No. 1 right tackle.

NFL scouts attend Warriors practice

Scouts from the New York Jets, New York Giants and Houston Texans attended the Warriors' practice yesterday.

Jim Cochran, a former UH coach who scouts for the Jets, said the Warriors' top prospects are quarterback Tim Chang, cornerback Abraham Elimimian and running back West Keli'ikipi.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.