Rick Minter likes the challenge of coaching college football.

        “It's all about maturity and development,” Minter said. “To see how you can plug up your holes and not drop off at all.”

        That's just what he plans to do with his University of Cincinnati team. Coming off its second consecutive Motor City Bowl appearance, the Bearcats start spring practice today at Nippert Stadium.

        UC returns 40 lettermen, including eight starters apiece on offense and defense.

        Quarterback Gino Guidugli is back to lead UC's spread offense. He earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors after passing for 2,573 yards and 16 touchdowns.

        On defense, senior safety Ivan Fields returns. Fields led the Bearcats in tackles (78). Junior cornerback Zach Norton led UC with three interceptions.

        Fifteen high school and eight junior college student-athletes will join the Bearcats.

        Also new to the team this spring are offensive coordinator Rusty Burns, defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and tight ends and recruiting coordinator Phil Dorn.

        Six seniors from last season's 7-5 team will not return, including running back Ray Jackson, linebacker Lewis Carter and punter Adam Wulfeck.

        Along with replacing the departed players, Minter said one of his team's biggest challenges next season will be to score more points. In 2001, UC was 7-1 when scoring 24 or more points, but 0-4 when scoring less than three touchdowns.

        “For us to compete against the teams on the schedule, we're going to have to score some points,” Minter said. “We just need to keep getting better at what we're doing.”

        Ohio State is one of the opponents on Minter's mind. The Bearcats host OSU Sept.21 at Paul Brown Stadium. UC opens the season Sept.2 against TCU.

        Approximately 90 student-athletes will attend spring practice, which ends with the annual Red and Black game on April27.

Cats look to build on recent success

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