by Greg Maher
Staff Writer
Star athletes, ones that have natural God-given ability, the kind of ability that enables them to dominate each and every time they step on to the playing surface, usually have every reason to promote themselves with boastful conceit; but not sophomore Anthony Rice. Rice is a star wide receiver for the University of La Verne football team.
If you are fortunate, you will run across an Anthony Rice, an athlete who respects the meaning of the word “team,” and who strives for perfection of himself in an effort to help the team.
Rice was born in Louisiana but moved to California when he was three months old. He attended Garey High School in Pomona, and was a standout football and baseball player there.
Rice was drafted by a professional baseball team but chose to go to college instead, getting an academic scholarship to Washington State University. He left Washington because his football coaches refused to let him play baseball too.
“I almost hung up sports for good when I left Washington. I was frustrated and had lost confidence in myself,” said Rice.
He credits ULV and his teammates for helping him regain his confidence and for making him feel at home here.
“I love it here at La Verne. All my teammates are great too, they all have great attitudes,” he said.
Playing sports for so long, Rice has noticed that a lot of guys want to be individuals but says “my teammates here are all team players.”
Rice likes the small atmosphere at ULV but confessed that he slacked off when he first got to La Verne.
“School is the most important, without an education nothing else matters, not even sports,” he said.
Rice is very excited about the success so far of the football team but gives no credit to himself. “I’m not satisfied with my performance so far, I expect a lot of myself and right now I’m just not satisfied.”
Currently he is the leading yards-per-game receiver in the nation for Division III football, averaging 158.3 yards per game. He also is in the top 15 in three other categories: Receptions per game, with 6.3; scoring, with 12 points per game, and all purpose running, with 162.67 yards per game.
Despite these fantastic statistics, he is not at all cocky.
“I thank God for my talent and take pride in my ability, but being cocky can bring down a whole team and that’s not me.”
Rice plans to stay at ULV until he graduates then wishes to play baseball or football professionally.
“If I want to protect my body, I’ll play baseball,” Rice said.
Bo Jackson, maybe Deion Sanders? “If there is any way I could play both sports professionally I would love it.”
Rice cannot stress the importance of education enough. “If sports fall through, as long as I have that degree in my hand I’ll be fine.”
“Whether Rice goes on to play professionally or not, only time will tell. He is an outstanding player and we are glad he is here. He not only does great things on the field, he opens it up for others as well,” said Head Football Coach Rex Huigens.
One thing is for sure, this young man has a desire to succeed at whatever life throws his way.
“I can’t be satisfied till the end of the road,” Rice said. What a long prosperous road it looks to be.
Greg Maher
