Date Posted:08:55:11 05/12/04 Wed Author: ralph Subject: SUU gets big transfer RB!
Coach Meier, Thunderbirds getting their Whalen in backfield
By D. Gary Webb
CEDAR CITY -- Most Southern Utah University football fans who attended any number of games last year agree that the Thunderbirds were about three key players short of reversing their 4-7 record.
A case in point would be the Northern Colorado game, which came down to one play with SUU just inches from a winning touchdown, but lacking in a bruising, quick runner that could have either broken through the line or danced his way around it.
Coach Wes Meier may have found that player.
For BYU fans, the name of Marcus Whalen evokes memories of a big, strong. fast running back who made big, tall waves as a freshman, then followed it up with a sophomore season of over 900 yards.
Whalen appeared to be the answer to the BYU running game for the next two years, but a foot injury and a pair of standards violations put him on the wrong side of Cougar coach Gary Crowton. Whalen went into spring practice as the top back but was held out of the final week of spring practice with instructions to focus on his school work.
A month later Whalen was given his football walking papers, and the once-upon-a-time star is now out at BYU.
..."It was reported that Whalen intended to finish his collegiate football career at Southern Utah University, a Division I-AA school.
However, due to NCAA rule 15.5.1.3, all transferring athletes are required to be in good standing with their former institution in order to play the following year. The success of Whalen's transfer hinged upon the outcome of the Honor Code review.
The suspension brings an end to Whalen's NCAA football career." ...
