Football: Irish records set in solemn defeat
Observer Staff Report
If the Irish wanted consolation from their 28-6 Gator Bowl loss, it could involve a series of individual achievements.
In just his second year at the position, senior receiver Arnaz Battle finished the season with 50 catches, making him the fifth players in school history to break the half-century mark and the first to do so since 1977.
Battle's 10 catches in the Gator Bowl marked the second time he caught that many passes this season.
Meanwhile, Ryan Grant amassed one of the quietest 1,000-yard seasons ever. His season total of 1,085 places him 10th on Notre Dame's all-time list.
One of the more dubious records was set by Joey Hildbold, who booted 78 punts this season, breaking Blair Kiel's 1982 season record by one kick.
Gillis done
What appeared to be a serious yet often routine knee injury suffered last month has turned into a career-ending injury for offensive lineman Ryan Gillis.
When Gillis underwent arthroscopic surgery a week after his injury, doctors realized that if the senior continued to play football, he might need a knee replacement by the time he was 25. So Gillis decided to hang up his cleats for good.
Gillis had a fifth-year of eligibility and was expected to compete for a starting position. He never saw significant playing time during his career, compiling a little more than 30 minutes of playing time this season as a backup guard.
The marketing and psychology double-major is back at school working on his degree, and he plans to graduate next December. He also said he expects to have some role on the team in the fall — a role he will define after he talks to the coaching staff.
Jones returning?
A report last month in USA Today said former Irish tailback Julius Jones may be trying to return to Notre Dame.
The report quotes Jones' older brother Thomas, who plays for the Arizona Cardinals, as saying Julius was considering returning to Notre Dame.
Jones was kicked off the team over the summer for academic reasons. He moved to Arizona to live with his brother and enrolled at Arizona State to preserve his eligibility.
If Jones does return, he would have one season of eligibility remaining.
Attempts to contact Jones were unsuccessful.
Captains
At the Notre Dame football banquet in December, the Irish voted on four captains for the end of the season.
The foursome, cornerback Shane Walton, receiver Arnaz Battle, safety Gerome Sapp and offensive lineman Sean Mahan, served as game-day captains for the Gator Bowl.
Walton was also voted the team's MVP at the awards banquet.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, January 15, 2003
