Texas Tech University Athletics
Doing Double Duty
November 07, 2002 | Football
Nov. 7, 2002
By Kate Golding, Texas Tech Media Relations
For most Texas Tech student-athletes the thought of juggling one sport along with school and outside activities can some times be overwhelming, now for three Red Raider football players, throw in one more sport, more practice and more study hall. Carlos Francis, Cody Fuller and Ivory McCann have been juggling the schedules of a two-sport athlete since their arrival to Texas Tech. For Francis and McCann, soon after football they trade in their pads for track cleats, and as for Fuller he exchanges receiver gloves for a baseball and bat.
Francis, a 5-foot-10, junior outside receiver for the Raider football team has experience at his side now in his second season as a two-sport athlete. The Dallas native passed up opportunities to run track at several Division I schools, knowing that he could showcase his abilities in both sports as a Red Raider.
"I love track and I love football," said Francis. "I wanted to do both, so choosing Texas Tech was the best decision for me."
Prior to the Colorado game, Francis had 35 receptions and averaged 10.4 yards per reception. As well as being a standout on the football field, Francis ran the fastest 200 meters time at Texas Tech in 2000 and is a member of the 4x100 relay. Francis and McCann, both members of the relay, were the first Texas Tech team since the 1960's to win a conference title.
"I enjoy having the opportunity to play both football and track," Francis state. "I feel that the most positive thing about it is that it keeps me mentally focused throughout the year."
Ivory McCann, the sophomore defensive back and kick returner, holds records not only as a football standout, but also as a track athlete. His touchdown kickoff return against New Mexico in 2001 for 108 yards set the school record, and in track McCann turned in the Red Raiders' 2002 season-best time in the 100-meter dash.
"I knew on my visit to Tech that this is where I needed to be," noted McCann "Tech was the one school I visited that made me feel most important."
After a redshirt year in football last season, Fuller is physically and mentally ready for the challenge of two sports this year. Fuller passed up offers at Texas and Texas A&M for baseball understanding the unique chance he had at Tech to play both sports.
"Big 12 football is a big deal, and a big deal in Texas for that matter," said Fuller. "Baseball is a love of mine, so the opportunity to play both is a great honor for me."
Fuller knows that this year will be different coming out of football later than usual, leaving him with less time to work on his swing and arm, but for him it is a challenge he is excited about excepting.
"I know that I will enter baseball season a little bit more fatigued than last year," Fuller said. "But I'm not worried, it will just take a little extra work on my part."
If the saying is true "two is better than one," than these three Red Raider student-athletes are getting to experience it first hand.
