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News Nuggets, 04.17.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Juco star joins elite Memphis recruiting crop

MEMPHIS � Head coach John Calipari announced this week that Waki Williams, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward from Columbus, OH, has signed a national letter-of-intent to attend the University of Memphis beginning in the fall of 2004.

Williams played the last two years at Mt. San Jacinto College in California. He joins Tank Beavers, Kareem Cooper, Richard Dorsey, Darius Washington and Shawne Williams in this year's signing class.

The Tigers' recruiting haul is ranked by several publications among the nation's best, including Hoop Scoop Online which has the Memphis newcomers ranked No. 1.

"Waki adds versatility to our team and that will allow us to play several different lineups next year," said Calipari, who has led the Memphis program to four consecutive postseason appearances. "Having played junior college ball the past two seasons, Waki is a more mature player, and his experience will be a valuable asset for us next year."

As a sophomore in 2003-04, Williams averaged 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from the three-point line, despite playing in only 22 of the team's 29 games as a result of an injury. He ranked among the top 50 in both scoring and rebounding in the California Community College statistical leaders.

Williams helped lead the Eagles to a 21-8 overall record and an 11-3 Foothill Conference mark last season. His freshman season in 2002-03 saw the Eagles post a 24-12 overall record and a 9-5 league mark as Williams averaged 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.

Prior to attending Mt. Jacinto College, Williams played his prep basketball at Columbus East High School.

Relief pitcher pulls off ultimate save

JACKSONVILLE, FL � The flames, blood and a possible explosion did not deter Ashley Roque. The Jacksonville University pitcher simply did what he thought was right.

He pulled a woman from her burning car after a highway accident, and probably saved her life.

"It was the only thing I knew to do," he said. "I did not want to be praised."

The 21-year-old relief pitcher was driving his truck near St. Augustine on Tuesday evening on the way to see his girlfriend. He noticed the car ahead of him swerve to avoid a car that had pulled onto the highway.

Roque also had to swerve to pass the car. He saw the car driven by Laura Beth Thompson go airborne, crashing into trees and catching fire. Roque called 911 on his cell phone. He then headed for her car, worried it would explode.

"The fire had already taken over the front of the car,'' Roque (pronounced ro-SHAY) said Thursday. "I didn't know cars were supposed to burst into flames on impact."

Thompson's face and chest were covered with blood. All she said was, "I can't get out." Both car doors were smashed in by the accident. Roque reached through the broken side window.

He worried about removing Thompson from the car, fearing she might have back or neck injuries. But he put his arms under her armpits and dragged her out. He placed the 25-year-old woman on his shoulders and didn't put her down until they were across the road.

Shortly after she was pulled from the car, he noticed the seats began burning.

"I did what I had to do," he said.

Thompson was taken to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, where she was listed in stable condition Thursday in the intensive care unit, hospital spokesman Peter Bacon said.

Roque said Thompson's father said his daughter had some broken bones and a collapsed lung.

"He probably did save her life," Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper said. He said no charges were filed in the accident.

Rogue is a junior who transferred to Jacksonville in 2002 after playing at Maryland-Baltimore County. He went 0-3 with a 6.97 ERA this season.

Roque said he has been getting some razzing from teammates. He also received a call from Thompson's father, William, thanking him for rescuing his daughter.

"I did what I thought was right," Roque said.

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News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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