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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers' Eleven; Football's Senior Class
11/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
It's a potential team honor the "family-oriented" group will undoubtedly cherish. After each practice the team's unique bond is reinforced with a rallying cry hollered in unison. Instead of yelling out the standard "Win!" or "Go Gophers," offensive tackle Rian Melander said all 106 players gather in a huddle and loudly shout "Family." "Hearing it said so often, I really think it's helped us grow as a team and I believe we're all closer because of it," Melander said of the simple, yet symbolic gesture.
As players who were unable or unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to become part of the Gopher family departed, the Class of 2004 shrunk considerably. "As the class became smaller, we all became closer," cornerback Ukee Dozier stated. So what remained were eleven men with a similar mindset, mission and work ethic.
Consequently, each of the eleven has played a considerable role in the recent success of Golden Gopher football as either a starter or regular contributor throughout his career. Four members of the group have made at least 25 starts: defensive end Darrell Reid, 45; Dozier, 41; Melander, 25; and strong safety Justin Fraley, 25. Entering today's contest, Minnesota's seniors have posted a 28-19 record over the past four seasons and this year qualified for a third straight bowl game.
Senior leadership has undoubtedly contributed to the on-the-field accomplishments. The eleven's team-first approach was a central reason every Minnesota player participated in voluntary workouts during the past summer. Wide receiver Paris Hamilton said the Class of 2004 has clearly demonstrated how to effectively practice and thoroughly prepare for games, and he fully expects that legacy to continue even after the seniors leave. "Every player wants to win, but not everyone is willing to do the hard work that it takes to win," Hamilton explained. "We've shown what players have to do to achieve greatness."
When asked what he considered his favorite team memory, Justin Fraley referred to the Gophers' commitment to the summer workouts. And while he could have picked from any number of significant Minnesota victories, his answer was reminiscent of a proud father recalling a special family moment. "It was amazing to watch individuals put in the effort to achieve what's best for the team," Fraley said of the workouts. "We all paid a huge price this past summer, but maintained a positive attitude through to the end."
Though the eleven certainly embody an all-for-one approach, their backgrounds are undeniably diverse. They come from as far away as Dover, England (Rhys Lloyd, kicker/punter) and as close as Minneapolis' DeLaSalle High School (Dominique Sims, linebacker). They run the spectrum from shortest (Mike Wojciechowski, cornerback) to tallest (Melander). They include four-year starters, junior college transfers and a walk-on. They have played nearly every offensive and defensive position, and have starred at blocking and tackling, catching and kicking.
And like any accepting family, their differences have added character and actually strengthened the class bond. "Everyone comes from different backgrounds," offensive guard Brandon Harston explained. "But everyone's uniqueness just adds to this team." Harston said "togetherness" characterizes the team and noted that teammates are always together, even away from the field. "If you spot one of us, you'll probably end up seeing a bunch of us," he said.
The brotherly relationship shared by the team has most likely been the reason the group has stuck together in the wake of disappointing conference road losses during the second half of the season. Each senior's personal sense of responsibility to the team's success is adequate motivation to spur adjustment and subsequent improvement. Though the team's final record may not end up being what the eleven had hoped for, it's literal progress to once again have Gopher fans predict success. "Looking back and knowing we've helped improve the program and helped reenergize some loyal fans makes me extremely proud," Melander explained.
The Gophers' eleven should feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that they're leaving the program in a better condition than when they arrived. Dozier acknowledged that it's a personal honor to have his name linked with Minnesota's improvement and Dominique Sims said helping the football program turn the corner has provided him with a sense of worth. Sims considers the foundation of winning to have been set, and firmly believes that the following classes will be able to take Gopher football to a championship level. With renewed success, Mike Wojciechowski anticipates a steady influx of talent to arrive in the Twin Cities to help continue the Gophers winning ways. "Young players want to come and play football at Minnesota again," he stated. "Knowing we're a part of getting big-time recruits committed to play for the Gophers will mean even greater success down the line."
Success after football is equally important to the departing seniors. Although many anticipate taking a shot at playing at the next level, as a group, they have prepared well for great personal accomplishments off the field. Ukee Dozier, for example, has the size and talent to potentially make an NFL roster. But with only a two-credit class still needed to complete his degree, he will be the first in his family to graduate from college, so he's left nothing to chance.
Dozier's example illustrates the thoroughness with which each senior approaches his own life. They all seem to recognize their personal limitations, so they have continually relied on each other for additional strength. It's, therefore, doubtful that one player will jump to the forefront when recalling the Class of 2004. Wojciechowski attributes that to a focus on team goals rather than individual stats. "Beforehand there were bigger names in a class of seniors, but this year everyone is at the same level," he stated. "We don't have one individual that stands above the rest, so we've all had to play together to become better."
Whatever the future holds for the Gophers' eleven - Dozier, Fraley, Hamilton, Harston, Lloyd, Melander, Reid, free safety Johnathan Richmond, Sims, linebacker Brian Smith, and Wojciechowski - it most assuredly will be molded by the lessons learned while playing for the Gopher football family. "It's a group of guys who have been through so much together," Darrell Reid said of his fellow seniors. "The memories we have shared and the experiences we have gone through together are unforgettable. I'm proud to finish my career at Minnesota with those guys by my side. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Written by Kevin Noth, athletic communications graduate assistant
When you're at home, you're always among family. For a class as close as the eleven departing Golden Gopher seniors, it therefore seems most fitting for them to have had an opportunity to complete this season unbeaten at home.
It's a potential team honor the "family-oriented" group will undoubtedly cherish. After each practice the team's unique bond is reinforced with a rallying cry hollered in unison. Instead of yelling out the standard "Win!" or "Go Gophers," offensive tackle Rian Melander said all 106 players gather in a huddle and loudly shout "Family." "Hearing it said so often, I really think it's helped us grow as a team and I believe we're all closer because of it," Melander said of the simple, yet symbolic gesture.
As players who were unable or unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to become part of the Gopher family departed, the Class of 2004 shrunk considerably. "As the class became smaller, we all became closer," cornerback Ukee Dozier stated. So what remained were eleven men with a similar mindset, mission and work ethic.
Consequently, each of the eleven has played a considerable role in the recent success of Golden Gopher football as either a starter or regular contributor throughout his career. Four members of the group have made at least 25 starts: defensive end Darrell Reid, 45; Dozier, 41; Melander, 25; and strong safety Justin Fraley, 25. Entering today's contest, Minnesota's seniors have posted a 28-19 record over the past four seasons and this year qualified for a third straight bowl game.
Senior leadership has undoubtedly contributed to the on-the-field accomplishments. The eleven's team-first approach was a central reason every Minnesota player participated in voluntary workouts during the past summer. Wide receiver Paris Hamilton said the Class of 2004 has clearly demonstrated how to effectively practice and thoroughly prepare for games, and he fully expects that legacy to continue even after the seniors leave. "Every player wants to win, but not everyone is willing to do the hard work that it takes to win," Hamilton explained. "We've shown what players have to do to achieve greatness."
When asked what he considered his favorite team memory, Justin Fraley referred to the Gophers' commitment to the summer workouts. And while he could have picked from any number of significant Minnesota victories, his answer was reminiscent of a proud father recalling a special family moment. "It was amazing to watch individuals put in the effort to achieve what's best for the team," Fraley said of the workouts. "We all paid a huge price this past summer, but maintained a positive attitude through to the end."
Though the eleven certainly embody an all-for-one approach, their backgrounds are undeniably diverse. They come from as far away as Dover, England (Rhys Lloyd, kicker/punter) and as close as Minneapolis' DeLaSalle High School (Dominique Sims, linebacker). They run the spectrum from shortest (Mike Wojciechowski, cornerback) to tallest (Melander). They include four-year starters, junior college transfers and a walk-on. They have played nearly every offensive and defensive position, and have starred at blocking and tackling, catching and kicking.
And like any accepting family, their differences have added character and actually strengthened the class bond. "Everyone comes from different backgrounds," offensive guard Brandon Harston explained. "But everyone's uniqueness just adds to this team." Harston said "togetherness" characterizes the team and noted that teammates are always together, even away from the field. "If you spot one of us, you'll probably end up seeing a bunch of us," he said.
The brotherly relationship shared by the team has most likely been the reason the group has stuck together in the wake of disappointing conference road losses during the second half of the season. Each senior's personal sense of responsibility to the team's success is adequate motivation to spur adjustment and subsequent improvement. Though the team's final record may not end up being what the eleven had hoped for, it's literal progress to once again have Gopher fans predict success. "Looking back and knowing we've helped improve the program and helped reenergize some loyal fans makes me extremely proud," Melander explained.
The Gophers' eleven should feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that they're leaving the program in a better condition than when they arrived. Dozier acknowledged that it's a personal honor to have his name linked with Minnesota's improvement and Dominique Sims said helping the football program turn the corner has provided him with a sense of worth. Sims considers the foundation of winning to have been set, and firmly believes that the following classes will be able to take Gopher football to a championship level. With renewed success, Mike Wojciechowski anticipates a steady influx of talent to arrive in the Twin Cities to help continue the Gophers winning ways. "Young players want to come and play football at Minnesota again," he stated. "Knowing we're a part of getting big-time recruits committed to play for the Gophers will mean even greater success down the line."
Success after football is equally important to the departing seniors. Although many anticipate taking a shot at playing at the next level, as a group, they have prepared well for great personal accomplishments off the field. Ukee Dozier, for example, has the size and talent to potentially make an NFL roster. But with only a two-credit class still needed to complete his degree, he will be the first in his family to graduate from college, so he's left nothing to chance.
Dozier's example illustrates the thoroughness with which each senior approaches his own life. They all seem to recognize their personal limitations, so they have continually relied on each other for additional strength. It's, therefore, doubtful that one player will jump to the forefront when recalling the Class of 2004. Wojciechowski attributes that to a focus on team goals rather than individual stats. "Beforehand there were bigger names in a class of seniors, but this year everyone is at the same level," he stated. "We don't have one individual that stands above the rest, so we've all had to play together to become better."
Whatever the future holds for the Gophers' eleven - Dozier, Fraley, Hamilton, Harston, Lloyd, Melander, Reid, free safety Johnathan Richmond, Sims, linebacker Brian Smith, and Wojciechowski - it most assuredly will be molded by the lessons learned while playing for the Gopher football family. "It's a group of guys who have been through so much together," Darrell Reid said of his fellow seniors. "The memories we have shared and the experiences we have gone through together are unforgettable. I'm proud to finish my career at Minnesota with those guys by my side. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Written by Kevin Noth, athletic communications graduate assistant
