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Notebook: Wagner Tells USF Players To Finish Strong

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Gregg Becnel/The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2007

TAMPA - Jeff Wagner, a University of South Florida alumnus who is battling acute myeloid leukemia, was invited by Coach Jim Leavitt to speak to the team before Monday's practice.

"It was really from the heart," Wagner said. "It was just talking about faith and trust and focus and finishing strong."

The No. 2 Bulls (6-0, 1-0 Big East), who play at Rutgers (4-2, 1-1) on Thursday, have adopted Wagner's "Finish Strong" mantra and wear it on black wristbands.

As the players and coaches ran off the practice field, Wagner high-fived them and gave them encouraging words. Several stopped and chatted with Wagner, who sported a "Finish Strong" T-shirt, telling him he was an inspiration to them.

A Rutgers Stadium-record 325 media credentials have been issued.

BULLS HONORED: Sophomore K/P Delbert Alvarado, a Robinson grad, was named the Big East Special Teams Player of the Week after making two field goals (34, 33) and averaging 43.8 yards per punt against UCF. QB Matt Grothe and DE George Selvie were named to the conference Honor Roll.

MORE EXPOSURE: USF's Oct. 27 game at Connecticut will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and be televised regionally by ABC.

Gregg Becnel

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