Scout Team Makes Bruins See Purple

It was a big mystery when coaches locked the UCLA starters and primary backups in their meeting rooms while the scout team dressed in preparation for Tuesday’s practice.

And it was still a mystery when the players went onto Spaulding Field and stretched, for the scouts were nowhere to be seen.

And then the mystery was cleared up when Washington streamed onto the practice field.

Or was that Northwestern?

The scouts, dressed for all the world like the players UCLA will see Saturday in the Rose Bowl, were greeted with derision by the players that will line up against the Huskies.

Normally, scout team players don the numbers of the players they are seeking to emulate, but the importance of Saturday’s game caused Coach Bob Toledo to change the routine.

UCLA equipment people talked with the folks at Reebok, seeking purple football pants. Texas Christian and Northwestern were suggested, and Northwestern came through, lending the Bruins 48 pairs to outfit the 34 scouts.

The equipment people also sent out gold UCLA helmets to be painted purple for the scouts and added the block W that the Huskies will wear Saturday.

“I think it made them play a little better,” Toledo said of the purple scouts. “We had a good practice today.”

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Defensive line coach Terry Tumey had something of a long night Monday, departing after practice and meetings to help wife Candace deliver their first child, a daughter.

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NEXT FOR UCLA

WHO: Washington

WHERE: Rose Bowl

TIME: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

RADIO: AM 1150