Jan. 24, 2006

Honolulu, Haw. - Rice's John Syptak recovered a fumble in the Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl on Jan. 21 in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium.

Syptak, the all-Conference USA defensive end from Bellville, played as a reserve inside linebacker for the West, coached by former Owl assistant Tyrone Willingham, now the head coach at Washington. The game was nationally televised by ESPN2.

Syptak recovered the fumble by East quarterback Brett Elliott of Linfield College in the second quarter at the East 34-yard line, but West kicker Nick Bazulda of North Texas later missed a 29-yard field goal.

The East won the game 10-7.