March 10, 2003

Houston, Texas - The Art Briles' Era officially will commence tomorrow, when the Houston Cougars begin spring practice at 4 pm on the UH Practice Fields. Under their first-year head coach, the Cougars will practice four times a week until Saturday, April 5, when the annual Red-White Game is played at Robertson Stadium.

Houston is set to practice Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, with a scrimmage at the stadium set for Saturday mornings.

The Cougars return 17 starters and 52 lettermen from last season's 5-7 team, and Briles' first responsibility will be to find replacements for running back Joffrey Reynolds, Conference USA's leading rusher, and safety Hanik Milligan, a First Team, All-Conference USA performer in 2002.

UH kicks off the 2003 season at home on August 30, in the annual Administaff Bayou Bucket clash with cross-town rival Rice.

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