Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Makes Decision At Quarterback
8/23/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 23, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University's football team will start the 2000 season with two starting quarterbacks ... veteran Pete Shepherd (Mount Pleasant/Sr.) and redshirt freshman Derrick Vickers (Miami, Fla./Pace).
"We tried to be as fair as possible in our evaluation of all the quarterbacks and we found that two guys deserved to play," DeBord said. "Both have been consistent and put themselves ahead of the other quarterbacks.
"The interesting thing is that they're both unselfish young men who felt the other one should play. If both continue to play well as they have this fall, I can see us doing this all season because each one does certain things the other can't."
Shepherd, a two-year starter, will play the first quarter at Purdue University when the Chippewas launch the 2000 season on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. (EST). Vickers will play in the second quarter and a decision will then be made at the half based on their performances.
"We want to make it clear that they're not competing against each other ... they're competing against the other team," DeBord said.
Shepherd, a sturdy 6-1, 200-pounder, has completed 373-of-737 passes in his career for 4,848 yards. He's played in 28 games, starting 23 times.
Vickers is a more elusive 6-1, 185-pounder who threw for 1,475 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior at Monsignor Edward Pace High.
The starting duo edged past sophomore Derek Gorney (Clinton Township/Chippewa Valley) and redshirt freshman Darren Tooley (Lake Orion). CMU also has a pair of true freshmen in camp in Grant Arnoldink (Holland/West Ottawa) and Jeff Perry (Apple Valley, Cal./Silverado).
CMU opens the home portion of the 2000 season on Saturday, Sept. 9, against Akron at 1 p.m. (EDT).
NOTES--Central Michigan University football has its first Sideline Luncheon of the fall on Monday, Aug. 28, at The Embers at 11:45 a.m.
New Chippewa head coach Mike DeBord and select members of his staff and football team will be present.
The luncheon costs $6 and is open to the public. There will be no luncheon on Monday, Sept. 4, but weekly meetings will resume on Monday, Sept. 11.
