Bruins Carrying a Heavier Load

The Bruins have been on campus for more than a month, mastering a routine of games, practices, meetings and weightlifting. That routine became much more demanding Thursday, the first day of fall classes.

“They’ve been like pro players, without the money,” said Kim Barger, director of academic services for athletes. “Life’s about to get crazy for them. Now we’re basically asking them to do a full-time job and be a full-time student.”

Barger’s office provided a three-week orientation for freshman players, covering topics from study skills and time management to date rape and academic fraud, with particular attention paid to recent academic scandals at Minnesota and Tennessee.

Sophomore defensive back Joe Hunter said he was “intimidated” by “all these 4.0s and whiz kids” but used tutoring and study groups to survive academically. Hunter laughed off the notion that UCLA athletes get a break in the classroom.

“Sometimes it’s even harder,” he said. “You come into a classroom and some teachers want to stick it to the athletes.”

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Arizona State quarterback Jeff Krohn did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of flu-like symptoms. The Bruin coaches expected former starter Ryan Kealy to play extensively behind Krohn, a freshman, so the defensive game plan won’t change if Kealy starts.