Aug. 30, 2005

The USD football players have selected seniors Philip Bretsch, Nick Garton and Evan Harney (out for season with injury) as their 2005 team captains heading into Saturday's kickoff against Azusa Pacific. Each player during their Torero career have led by example both on and off the playing field. Garton and Bretsch will play key roles in the upcoming season while Harney will be an honorary captain from the sidelines.

Bretsch, from Fallbrook, California, returns for his senior year where he will play strong safety. Last year Bretsch ranked third on the team in tackles with 72 (50 solo stops), including a season-best 9 tackles against Penn.

Nick Garton

Garton, one of the team's most versatile players, returns for his final year where he will see considerable action at wide receiver and on special teams as a return specialist. Last year he caught 34 balls for 473 yards and 5 TDs, and earned First Team All-PFL honors as a return specialist (26.1 kickoff return specialist; 6.9 punt return ave.).

Evan Harney

Harney, who suffered head injuries in a freak accident just before the start of camp, will be a presense all season at both practices and games. In just two seasons, the two-time All-American running back has rushed for school records in attempts (588), yards (2,809) and touchdowns (35).