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UCLA Spring Football

The UCLA Bruins had a disappointing 6-7 season in 2003 under new coach Karl Dorrell and hope to rebound in 2004. Like all college football teams, the Bruins practice in the spring, so on a beautiful Southern California day we headed out to Westwood to take in the action. Unfortunately, there wasn't much football action since the team bolted from the field mere minutes after starting. As the Daily Bruin newspaper wrote: It was the re-establishment of an old Bruin tradition resembling a high-school ditch day.

"When I was here, I remember the senior leaders telling all the underclassmen that everyone better go," Dorrell said of his days as a wide receiver. "They would say, 'If we're going, everyone is going.' "

Fulfilling the dreams of most football players, the day off from practice signifies a conscious choice by Dorrell and the coaching staff to re-establish old Bruin traditions that have not lasted through the years. Unfortunately for the players, this new tradition will only occur once a year.

All photos by Brent Mullins
 

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