|
 |
|
Wayne Hicks
Lenoir-Rhyne College
Head Football Coach |
January 27, 2006
Q & A With Lenoir-Rhyne Head Football Coach Wayne Hicks
Bear mentor discusses the
different aspects of recruiting as the signing day
for 2006 approaches
Hickory, N.C.
– JuJu Phillips, a 1983 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College and current color
analyst and sideline report for the Lenoir-Rhyne Athletic Broadcast Network, sat
down with L-R Head Football Coach Wayne Hicks to discuss the recruiting season
for 2006 as the upcoming signing day approaches (Tuesday, February 1, 2005 is
the National Signing Day).
Here is the fifth-year mentor had to say.
PHILLIPS: "What do you think the victories at the end of the
season over Tusculum and Catawba did for recruiting?"
HICKS: "First of all, it gave us tremendous momentum and
confidence as a staff and a program to move forward into recruiting. It
definitely give us a trump card which we've never had. We can now get into
those kids' living rooms who are also looking at our rivals, especially the one
in Salisbury (North Carolina). Now, those young men can take notice of our
program."
PHILLIPS: "What are the main selling points that
Lenoir-Rhyne can now bring into those living rooms?"
HICKS: "Well, first we believe we have an outstanding
reputation both academically and traditionally athletically. From an
academic standpoint, we can go into any home and feel proud of what we
represent, and as our program continues to grow with the support we've always
had from alumni, it is a tremendous opportunity."
PHILLIPS: "I would imagine another key selling point is the
recent news that 34 out of 36 seniors that have been in the program since you
took over will receive a degree from Lenoir-Rhyne."
HICKS: "Yes it is. That says a lot about the school,
and not just me or the program. It says a lot about our professors and our
President, Dr. Wayne Powell. It means we are committed to the true
student-athlete. But most importantly, it says a lot about the kids in the
program who want to compete in the classroom, as well as on the football field."
PHILLIPS: "Specifically, the program is losing 18 seniors
including key players at quarterback, running back, secondary and at linebacker.
What areas are you looking to replenish in recruiting."
HICKS: "We have no specific area we are looking to upgrade.
Across the board, we are looking for players who will make a difference.
Ideally, we would love to bring in as many lineman as possible. But, we
need a quarterback and key players at some of the positions that you mentioned."
|
