University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Lose a QB, Gain a Golfer
1/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Eagles Lose a QB, Gain a Golfer HATTIESBURG, Miss. --
D'Angelo, a junior who was the Golden Eagles' starting quarterback for parts of the past two seasons and who played his third season in 2003, suffered another concussion late in his team's Liberty Bowl game last month in Memphis, Tenn., against Utah. As a result, he has decided to give up the sport of football, and, according to Johnson, will be a welcome addition to the golf team.
"We're excited to have him with us," Johnson said. "He possesses tremendous golf skills, and we're happy that he will bring his leadership skills and maturity to our program. He'll be a welcome addition to an already outstanding squad.
"Micky is an extremely powerful player who can have a quick and positive impact on our squad, and our immediate goal will be to get him up to speed with the rest of the squad, since his primary focus the last few years has been football.
"I know that he will continue to represent the University and the Southern Miss Department of Athletics in the same positive and productive manner he has exhibited as a member of the football squad."
D'Angelo, a Gulfport, Miss., native was an outstanding quarterback at Long Beach High School and threw for over 1,600 yards in 2002 as a sophomore at Southern Miss. He threw for another 500-plus yards during the 2003 season, after missing several games with a concussion suffered early in the season, and has already earned a long list of athletic and academic awards as a Golden Eagle.
He's also aware that he has some catching up to do. "You don't make the transition quickly from football to golf, and if I'm going to be able to help the golf team, I have a lot of work ahead," D'Angelo said. "I am well aware of the strength of Coach Johnson's team. I know most of the players, and they're all well ahead of where I'll start.
"But, if hard work makes a difference, then I'll be able to help, and I appreciate Coach Johnson giving me the opportunity to remain active in athletics."
