December 17, 1999
Among the more than 3,500 Texas A&M University students scheduled to graduate this weekend will be several key Aggie football players. Three commencement ceremonies are planned at Reed Arena (Dec. 17-18).
All-American punter Shane Lechler, starting quarterback Randy McCown, wide receiver Matt Bumgardner, backup linebacker Sean Coryatt and starting offensive lineman Semisi Heimuli are degree candidates in the school of agriculture. Reserve wide receiver Michael Jennings will also graduate with a degree in speech communication. Ceremonies are set for Saturday, Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. at Reed Arena.
"I'm very proud of these young men," Aggie Head Coach R.C. Slocum said. "We talk all the time about taking care of your business on, and off of the football field. We talk about taking advantage of the opportunities offered here at Texas A&M to achieve academic and athletic success. These are good football players who have experienced success on the field, won championships and went to bowl games. They also achieved success in the classroom by earning their degrees. They have put effort into achieving the total college football experience and I couldn't be more proud of these young men."
"It's hard to believe it's been four and half years," quarterback Randy McCown said. "It's very special to receive a degree from a great school like Texas A&M. I'm pleased so many of the guys I came to school with are receiving their degrees either this weekend or in the spring."
The first commencement ceremony will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Reed Arena with degree candidates from the schools of architecture, engineering, geosciences and science.The schools of business, education and veterinary medicine are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday with the final ceremony to be held Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Joining the school of agriculture will be liberal arts and medicine.
Two of the current Aggie football players are graduate students as starting offensive tackle Shea Holder earned his degree in August, along with wide receiver Leroy Hodge.
The followings football players are slated to graduate in the spring semester: running back Eric Bernard, defensive back Sedrick Curry, linebacker Chad Frantzen, tight end Mike Kazmierski, offensive tackle Andy Vincent and defensive back Jason Webster.
DECEMBER AGGIE FOOTBALL DEGREE CANDIDATES
Name Pos. Hometown School
Matt Bumgardner WR Luling, TX Agriculture
Sean Coryatt LB Sugar Land, TX Agriculture
Semisi Heimuli OL Euless, TX Agriculture
*Leroy Hodge WR Rosenberg, TX Liberal Arts
*Shea Holder OL Arlington, TX Agriculture
Michael Jennings WR Aurora, CO Liberal Arts
Shane Lechler P East Bernard, TX Agriculture
Randy McCown QB Jacksonville, TX Agriculture
*Earned degree in August prior to senior football season.
MAY AGGIE FOOTBALL DEGREE CANDIDATES
Name Pos. Hometown School
Eric Bernard RB Tulsa, OK Business
Sedrick Curry DB Houston, TX Liberal Arts
Chad Frantzen LB Diana, TX Business
Mike Kazmierski TE Bryan, TX Education
Andy Vincent OL Sulphur, LA Business
Jason Webster DB Houston, TX Business