August 14, 2000

JOHNSON HAPPY WITH PACE OF PRACTICE,
WORK OF SENECA WIDE RECEIVER BEAR RINEHART

GREENVILLE -- Walking off the practice field Monday following Furman's first full squad practices in shorts and helmets, Paladin head coach Bobby Johnson said he was happy with the effort turned in by his team, and in particular sophomore flanker Bear Rinehart.

"We're moving pretty fast, taking advantage of the experience we have on this team to cover a lot of things in a short period of time," said Johnson. "It (the experience) means a lot because when we move to pads on Thursday, we should be ahead of where we were last year. Of course, until you go live the wide receivers and defensive backs, probably more than anybody else, have a chance to shine, and Bear Rinehart certainly did that today. He made some great catches in traffic."

Rinehart, a 1998 graduate of Seneca High School who carries the "Bear" nickname in honor of former Alabama head football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, caught three passes for 38 yards in his first season of action last year. He entered the pre-season listed as the backup to projected starting flanker Bryant Huguley.

Furman will continue its pre-season with twice daily practices beginning at 6:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. The squad will work out in shorts and helmets through Wednesday before going to full pads on Thursday. All Furman practices are open to the public.

Fan Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19, at 1:30 p.m. at Paladin Stadium. Players and coaches will be on the field for autographs for approximately 30 minutes prior to the annual Purple-White scrimmage.

Furman, which returns 17 starters off its 9-3, 1999 Southern Conference championship, NCAA playoff squad, opens its 2000 season on Sept. 2 against Elon in Paladin Stadium.