Former Naval Academy assistant Brian Norwood attended yesterday's practice at Rice University and spoke to the team afterward. Norwood served as secondary coach at Navy from 1995-99 under Charlie Weatherbie, having come from the University of Hawaii along with Paul Johnson, Ken Niumatalolo and Ivin Jasper. He spent one year at Texas Tech before serving a seven-year stint as secondary coach at Penn State.

   Norwood, who is now defensive coordinator at Baylor, is a boyhood friend of Niumatalolo's. They played football and basketball together at Radford High in Oahu and were also teammates with the University of Hawaii football team. Norwood was a four-year lettermen and two-year starter at safety for the Rainbows and was named the team's Most Improved Defensive Back as a senior.

   Norwood traveled a long way from Waco to Houston to watch Navy practice and support his old friend. Niumatalolo introduced Norwood to the players afterward and said the former Navy assistant talked about the bond of friendship the two Honolulu natives have enjoyed for so long.

   "Our biggest thing here at the Naval Academy is the brotherhood among the players. Brian is my best friend, we grew up together and played sports together. Later, we coached together. I want the players to understand that what's most important in (athletics) are the relationships you build. I want our guys to treasure that and recognize how important this (bowl) game is for our seniors. It is the last time they will put on a Navy uniform."