Athletic Report
January 13, 2001

ENMU’S NELSON SMITH PLAYS
IN CACTUS BOWL ALL-STAR GAME
KINGSVILLE, TX — Eastern New Mexico University senior defensive tackle Nelson Smith (6’5”, 275 lbs., Albuquerque, NM/U. of Miami) played for the West All-Stars on Friday, Jan. 12, in the Cactus Bowl All-Star Game at Javelina Stadium on the Texas A&M- Kingsville campus.

The game, previously known as the Snow Bowl, was the eight annual all-star game featuring top players from NCAA Division II teams. The East All-Stars and the West All-Stars battled to a 33-33 tie.

Smith received significant playing time, and recorded 2 tackles and 2 assists. He was often double-teamed, with the East squad seldom running plays in his direction.

Smith earned 104 tackles in three seasons at ENMU. He helped the Greyhounds earn a combined record of 22-10, including back-to-back Lone Star Conference South Division titles in 1999 and 2000. The West team tied the game on the final play. Aaron Turner kicked a 20-yard field goal to tie the game, as the West put together a 4-play, 64-yard drive after the East took a 33-30 lead with just 0:34 left on the clock.

Both teams had substantial rallies during the game. The East squad built a 12-0 lead on two touchdowns in the first 16 minutes, but the West All-Stars scored the next 30 points. The West led, 30-12, with 9:46 left in the game, following an 11-yard touchdown run by DeWayne Miles of West Texas A&M.

The East answered with three touchdowns. Quarterback Randy McKavish scored on a 12-yard run with 6:18 left and added a 4-yard run with 1:09 remaining. The East recovered the ensuing onside kick, then drove 64 yards on three plays. Brian Dolph hauled in a 15-yard pass from McKavish for the go-ahead score. Terence Stokes added a 2-point conversion catch.

LSC running backs played key roles in the West’s offense. Midwestern State’s Dominic Rhodes carried the ball 16 times for 157 yards. Miles finished with 76 yards on 8 carries. The West All-Stars lead the all-time series, 6-1-1.

A crowd of 12,500 was on hand for this year’s game, the first held in Kingsville, Texas. The previous seven games were played at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D. For additional game information: www.tamuk.edu/athletics/media/10112cactusbowl.htm