Aug. 22, 2003

Charleston, SC - Transfer quarterback Willie Simmons was declared eligible to play for The Citadel Friday afternoon as The Citadel completed its last two-a-day session of the 2003 preseason.

After applying for a waiver with the NCAA on Tuesday, August 26, Simmons and Bulldog head football coach Ellis Johnson were told during Friday afternoon's practice that the one-time transfer waiver had been approved.

"It's good to finally get the appeal behind us," stated Johnson. "I am very happy for Willie as a person that the NCAA made the right decision for this young man."

After practicing for over a week with the situation unresolved, Simmons can now concentrate completely on his education and football.

"I'm glad it's finally over," Simmons stated. "Now I can focus my full attention on school and football. I can't wait to tell my family because they have been so supportive of me throughout this whole situation."

With the distraction behind them, the Bulldogs wrapped up their preseason drills and can now focused on preparing for Charleston Southern, who The Citadel opens the season with on August 30 in Johnson Hagood Stadium.

"We had a great full pads practice today to conclude two-a-days," added Johnson. "The intensity was up and we made a lot of progress heading into game week. With the appeal behind us, we can now move forward towards CSU."

The Bulldogs will conclude the preseason with the sixth annual "Meet the Bulldogs" Saturday afternoon in Johnson Hagood Stadium. The festivities will begin at 4:00 pm and will include free hotdogs from Aramark, ice cream compliments of Pet Milk, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a meet and greet session with the team followed by a Blue-White scrimmage. The hotdog dinner will be served at 5:00 pm.