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Iowa line coach Rick Kaczenski knows USC
Kaczenski retains fond memories of his three seasons on Lou Holtz’ staff
CommentsTAMPA, Fla. — Only a few people are left on the South Carolina staff from Rick Kaczenski’s stint in Columbia, but Iowa’s defensive line coach still thought it was neat when USC was announced as the Hawkeyes’ opponent for next week’s Outback Bowl.
Kaczenski was a graduate assistant from 1999 through 2001 at USC under Lou Holtz, Kaczenski’s coach at Notre Dame.
“Even though I don’t know the guys, I know a lot about the school and the university and the type of fans,” Kaczenski said Friday. “It’s just like Iowa. They’ve got great fans, and they’re going to follow them.”
Kaczenski followed ex-USC assistant Buddy Pough to S.C. State for the 2002 season, then went to East Tennessee for three months before the program was disbanded. After a year at Elon, Kaczenski returned to the GA ranks at Iowa, where he was promoted to a full-time assistant after two seasons.
Like USC, Iowa missed out on a bowl last year, snapping a streak of six seasons with a bowl appearance — a string that included four New Year’s Day games.
Said Kaczenski: “Last year not being a part of that, we didn’t enjoy Christmas.”
Touchdown in Tampa. USC’s charter flight arrived in Tampa around 1:30 p.m. Friday, although many of the players drove to the bowl site. Following a team meeting, the Gamecocks attended a welcome dinner and had the rest of the night free.
Interim line coach Cedric Williams, a starting guard for the Gamecocks’ previous two Outback teams, encouraged his players to find the balance between fun and football.
“That’s what I told the guys: In Tampa you’re going to have a good time,” Williams said. “But just listen to us and go from there.”
The Gamecocks will practice for the first time at Jefferson High this morning.
Familiar face. When Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia was a student at Jefferson, he recalled seeing Iowa practice at the school when the Hawkeyes were preparing to play Florida in the Outback.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said the Hawkeyes made an unsuccessful run at Garcia.
“We were kind of distantly involved recruiting-wise,” Ferentz said. “I don’t think he had much interest in us.”
Extra points. USC safeties coach Ron Cooper said he has had no contact from Purdue about its defensive coordinator opening. A recent story on Rivals.com mentioned Cooper as a possible candidate. ...
Hawkeyes defensive back Lance Tillison finished his high school career in the Tampa area when his family was forced to relocate from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Tillison’s family has since returned home. ...
Iowa has practiced twice in Tampa since arriving on Dec. 24.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
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