Charleston Southern Player Dies

A Charleston Southern defensive lineman died Tuesday from bleeding in the brain a day after collapsing just before practice.

Scott Wehnes, 21, collapsed as he made his way to the practice field Monday. He spent the night in the hospital and died Tuesday morning, said Charleston Southern President Jairy Hunter.

Wehnes is the second Buccaneer player to die this year. Freshman running back Kevin Keyes was shot to death in February when he was carjacked as he returned to campus.

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Despite endorsements from several Auburn players to hire interim Coach Bill Oliver for the Tigers’ vacant position, Athletic Director David Housel said that lobbying efforts were a waste of time. It was not clear if Housel was referring to the Auburn players, or coaches who have contacted him about the position that became available when Terry Bowden resigned Oct. 23. “A word to the wise--lobbying efforts will be counterproductive,” Housel said. “The cream rises to the top on its own, not with lobbying efforts.” . . . Terry Shea will return to coach Rutgers in 1999, despite winning only six games in more than two seasons. After a winless season in 1997, Rutgers has surprised many experts with a 4-4 record so far.