COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The NCAA has denied a request by senior South Carolina quarterback Mike Rathe to reconsider his application for a sixth year of eligibility, the school said Wednesday. Rathe plans to appeal the decision.<br>
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The NCAA had initially rejected Rathe's request, saying his case did not warrant an extension to the five-year clock for football eligibility. He asked for a reconsideration of his case and that was the denial the school announced Wednesday.<br>
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Rathe, a 6-2 transfer passer from San Diego, requested the additional year because of circumstances surrounding his first two college years at the University of San Diego and Mesa Community College when he broke a finger on his playing hand and was out for a full season.<br>
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``We have been waiting for three months so I am disappointed,'' Rathe said in a statement released by the university. ``But we are not dead yet because we have an appeal left.<br>
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``We will try to keep a positive attitude until the end and hope for the best.''<br>
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Rathe, 23, came to South Carolina in January 2003. He played in five games that fall, completing 2 of 8 passes for 24 yards and two interceptions.<br>
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This past season, Rathe had his most thrilling moment as a Gamecock when he completed a 19-yard pass to Troy Williamson with 1:28 to go for the winning touchdown in a 12-7 victory against Kentucky.<br>
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For his South Carolina career, Rathe was 14 of 26 for 167 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.<br>
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Rathe was expected to add depth and experience to the quarterback position in the first season with new coach Steve Spurrier.<br>
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Spurrier had no comment on the decision, the school said.<br>
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Rathe said he is still in Columbia ``and will continue to work out: running, throwing, lifting and studying plays. I want to make sure I am ready if the appeal is approved.''<br>
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(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
