Gooch Leaves Tulsa Football Team
6/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 21, 2003
Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa quarterback Tyler Gooch has decided to leave the Golden Hurricane football program to pursue a baseball career. Today, Gooch informed Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe and Director of Athletics Judy MacLeod of his intentions to discontinue his education and football career at Tulsa.
"I've decided to ask for my release from The University of Tulsa and transfer to the University of Oklahoma to play baseball," Gooch said. "I was torn between two dreams out of high school and I have a second chance for one of those dreams that I haven't fulfilled yet. It's something I want to do and I don't think it's fair to the team if my heart is not completely focused on football, and baseball is something that I have always dreamed about. I want to give it a shot and see what happens."
Gooch, a junior, completed 55-percent of his passes for 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns last year as the starting quarterback. In 20 career games, he has thrown for 2,925 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing over 55-percent of his passes. He has also rushed for 580 yards and three touchdowns in his two seasons.
"Tyler has decided, after both of us looking at a couple of different options and scenarios, to forego his football career and play baseball," Kragthorpe said. "While I do not agree with his decision, I do wish him the best."
"Being a Division I football player, and more particularly playing the position of quarterback, requires a tremendous amount of commitment and passion for the game and for the team. In working through different possible scenarios, Tyler indicated to me that the passion for the game and the level of commitment required to be successful were not there for him. Again, I wish Tyler the best in pursuit of his future dreams and endeavors," Kragthorpe added.
"In regard to a separate matter, Leroy White has requested his release. Leroy was placed on an in-house probation for violation of team policies. Leroy has chosen not to stay under the terms of that probation, so we are granting his release," Kragthorpe said.
Tulsa players report for fall camp in 46 days on August 6, 2003.
