U of A Athletics mourns the passing of Rhys Coppens

(March 22, 2010) University of Alberta Athletics mourns the passing of former Golden Bears' football player Rhys Coppens, who passed away this past weekend.

Athletics offers its condolences to Rhys' family and friends in this terrible time.

Originally from Edmonton, Coppens graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School and joined the Golden Bears football program for the 2007-08 season.

As a rookie and at 17-years old, he finished second on the team in tackles, with 46, and finished second in conference interceptions with four. Coppens also recovered three fumbles which was tied for the best in the conference, and returned kickoffs for Alberta, racking up 401 yards on 20 returns.

In one game against Calgary, Coppens picked up two interceptions, a pair of fumble recoveries and six solo tackles in a close-fought 17-9 Alberta win over the Dinos. He helped set up the Bears lone touchdown of that contest late in the third quarter when he recovered a loose ball at the Dinos 20-yard line, and was awarded the CIS defensive player of the week award for his efforts.

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