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News Nuggets, 01.10.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Las Vegas Bowl ponders overthrow of Liberty Bowl arrangement

LAS VEGAS — Next year's Las Vegas Bowl could be vastly different under plans being considered by game officials.

The bowl probably won't occur again on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. There could be a new title sponsor, and talks could bring the Mountain West Conference champion to the game by 2005.

Tina Kunzer-Murphy, the bowl's executive director, says officials are meeting with a potential sponsor over the next few days. The Las Vegas Bowl had no sponsor for the 2003 game, relying mostly on financial support from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Kunzer-Murphy also says she would like the game played December 23rd instead of Christmas Eve like last year.

Bowl officials would also like the Mountain West Conference champion to play in the game, which would boost bowl recognition.

To do that, the bowl would have to increase its current payout of $800,000 per team. The Liberty Bowl, which currently pairs the Mountain West's top team against the champion of Conference USA, guarantees $1.3 million per team.

Clemson duo plans to play for pay

CLEMSON — Clemson receiver Derrick Hamilton and defensive tackle Donnell Washington will give up their last year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Both were named second-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference this past season.

``We appreciate the contributions both Donnell and Derrick made to our program the last four years and we wish them well in their pursuit of a professional career,'' coach Tommy Bowden said Friday. ``Their departure will give some incoming freshmen an opportunity to help our team next year.''

Hamilton ended the season with 62 receptions for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions, kickoff return yards and all-purpose running.

``I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates and the Clemson fans for all their support the last four years,'' Hamilton said. ``Clemson is a great place, I will miss it.''

Bulldogs' Croon picks up a 'Beamer'

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom added the son of Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer to his staff on Friday.

Shane Beamer has been a graduate assistant at Tennessee the last three seasons, coaching kickers, punters and long snappers. The 26-year-old was a grad assistant at Georgia Tech before moving to Tennessee.

He played wide receiver and long snapped for his father at Virginia Tech. He graduated in 1999. Frank Beamer has been the coach at Virginia Tech for 17 seasons.

Amputee expected to see action in Shrine game

SAN FRANCISCO — Neil Parry got the biggest thrill of his final week of college football several days before the East-West Shrine game was played.

Parry, who returned to San Jose State's team this season three years after part of his leg was amputated, was among 90 players who visited the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento as part of the festivities leading up to the annual all-star game.

Though Parry was a last-minute addition to a roster stacked with future NFL players, he was the star of the hospital. The senior signed autographs and chatted with countless youngsters, some who made a special trip to Sacramento just to meet him.

"Hopefully if there are some kids who are going through a tough time, I can be a support to them, just like so many people were to me," Parry said.

Parry will play on special teams for the West at SBC Park on Saturday. He is the first amputee to participate in the game — a living, tackling example of the ideals espoused by the game's organizers.

"All the guys here have been nothing but great to me," he said. "These guys are all trying out for scouts, for the NFL, and I know where I stand. I'm not going to the NFL, but when they asked me to play, I couldn't turn it down."

While Parry enjoys his last football fling before returning to school, most of the seniors are hoping to boost their draft stock in the 79th annual Shrine game.

Many are well-known stars, such as Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel and Miami running back Jarrett Payton. Others, such as Boise State quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, are trying to make their mark in the first chapter of the three-month series of combines and tryouts leading up to the draft.

Rain has delayed workouts for both teams during the week, though the forecast is clear for Saturday. The East team completed a walk-through on the field Friday, but the West was forced indoors while a tarpaulin protected the turf.

"We're not exactly over-practiced, but there's enough limits on the game that there shouldn't be any surprises," said UNLV coach John Robinson, who will lead the West team in the no-blitzing game.

Robinson will use Parry on coverage for punts and kickoffs, and he's mindful of the impact Parry's presence will have beyond the game.

"He's a good guy, and it's important to me that he gets in the game and does a few things," Robinson said. "I think it's a great link between the athlete and the children in the hospital. Just the psychology of being able to overcome anything, that's a great thing to show."

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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