University of Houston Athletics
Pritchett Granted Extra Year From NCAA
7/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 16, 2003
HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston senior tight end Jonathan Pritchett (Friendswood, Texas) received some good news today, when the NCAA granted him an extension of his five-year period of eligibility, thus allowing Pritchett to play this fall for the Cougars.
Pritchett--who graduated in December of 2002 and will attend graduate school this fall--played the 1998-99 seasons for the Cougars before missing the entire 2000 (broken leg) and 2001 (knee) campaigns with injuries. He played in 11 games last season, including seven starts, and recorded a career-high seven catches for 103 yards.
"This is really good news for our football program," commented first-year UH head coach Art Briles. "Jonathan brings outstanding leadership to this team, plus it helps add more depth to the tight end position."
Pritchett joins another senior, Second Team, All-Conference USA performer Stephen Cucci, at this position. Junior Travis Griffith was moved from linebacker to tight end during the off season.
"After providing the NCAA with extensive documentation regarding (Pritchett's) injuries, the Student-Athlete Reinstatement staff at the NCAA applied the waiver criteria and granted (Pritchett) another year of eligibility," said Kevin Fite, UH's Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Eligibility. "We are pleased that such a fine young man will have the opportunity to be a part of our program this year while pursuing a master's degree in business administration."
The Cougars officially begin preparation for the 2003 season, when the entire squad meets for workouts beginning Wednesday, August 6. The "Briles' Era" begins on Saturday, August 30, when the Cougars play host to cross-town rival Rice in the Administaff Bayou Bucket at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
-- www.UHcougars.com --
