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Aug. 20, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford Bulldogs modeled their new 2002 uniforms during their annual media day luncheon at the Rotunda Club on the Samford campus Tuesday afternoon.

Head Coach Bill Gray praised his four captains that were on hand and talked about the excitement around the team which won four of its final five games in 2001.

"We have worked very hard during camp. At any time this summer, there were 40 players on campus working out and conditioning. We still have some question marks but one of the things I feel very confident about is the four captains that are sitting here."

"I felt it was important for the team to elect captains early on instead of waiting until the end of the season, so that they can experience what it means to be a captain. They'll wear the "C" on their chest as well as in their hearts. It's a challenge to each one of them, and they have already shown leadership both on and off the field," said Gray.

"They'll wear the "C" on their chest as well as in their hearts. It's a challenge to each one of them, and they have already shown leadership both on and off the field," Head Coach Bill Gray, talking about the four captains

About 25 media representatives were on hand including Scott Griffin and Lance Taylor from WJOX's "The Griff Show" which aired live from the luncheon.

Head Coach Bill Gray talked to about 25 media representatives on Tuesday..

The festivities began with the introduction of the new uniforms which honor the 1991 Bulldog team that advanced to the NCAA I-AA semi-finals. Junior Jason Ogletree modeled the red jersey with the silver pants while freshman Gerald Thompson modeled the white jersey with the silver pants. Samford will keep the same blue helmets it wore last season.

The red jerseys were part of the new look Gray adopted when he took over half way through last season. Gray's first home game was the Homecoming game which was the 10-year anniversary of the 1991 team's playoff run. After soundly defeating Tennessee-Martin 31-8, the Bulldogs returned the next week and defeated Elon 43-36 also wearing the red jerseys.

"It's really nothing new. This is the uniform that Samford wore in its glory days, and we want our players to remember the past and strive for even greater accomplishments," Gray said.

Samford will open up the 2002 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 29, against North Alabama. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs will play four of their first six games at home to open the season.