June 14, 2009

While growing up in Coppell, a small Texas town located next to the northeast corner of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, young Daniel Raudabaugh had aspirations of being an astronaut, a fireman and a superhero--all rolled into one.

"Every Halloween," says Raudabaugh, "I would die my hair black, put the cool curl in my hair and dress up as Superman".

He was an energetic and entrepreneurial youngster, participating in a variety of sports while running his own lawn service business.

Years later, that energy and bubbly personality are still discernible for the 22-year-old Miami University quarterback. You'll easily recognize him in the pregame locker room. He's the red-haired gent who goes around the room, high-fiving his teammates.

Following the conclusion of spring practice, Raudabaugh was listed No. 1 on the depth chart at QB by new RedHawk head coach Michael Haywood. He enters fall drills just ahead of Zac Dysert and Clay Belton. But Haywood isn't ready to give Daniel the starting nod for the season opener against Kentucky just yet.

"I think Daniel got an early lead primarily because of his experience," said Haywood. "He did a nice job in grasping the offense, but he still has a ways to go."

Statistically, Raudabaugh threw for 1,960 yards in 2008, completing 58.6 percent of his passes. With another solid season, he could conceivably finish among Miami's all-time top four for passing yardage.

REDHAWK Q & A: Daniel Raudabaugh

What is the best class you've taken at Miami? A lot of the communication classes because they talk about things that are going on in the world today.

What are your plans after graduation? Would like to play football for as long as possible, or else move home, become a teacher, and coach football.

What is the most notable thing about your Coppell, Texas? Growing up and knowing everyone, close-knit town and good people.

Who was your greatest athletic influence? Brett Favre because he was a gunslinger and fun to watch and Troy Aikman.

What's the best part of being a Division I athlete? Getting to play the game you love everyday while being a part of the university community and having the brotherhood of the team.

What is your favorite sports movie? A League of Their Own, Rookie of the Year, and Any Given Sunday.

What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests? I umpires Little League games for Oxford, and collected baseball cards as a kid.

"The person from history I'd most like to meet ..." (why?) Abraham Lincoln, for what he did for the country. Also I would have liked to talk to the great grandfathers on his mom and dad's side of the family because knowing more about your family helps you find a greater meaning of self-worth and self-image.

"Playing football growing up, I always pretended to be ...": Brett Favre, Troy Aikman, Dan Marino because they were the best growing up.

"The greatest lesson I've learned playing football is ...": You have to be patient and look past mistakes. Things aren't always going to go the way you want so the most important play is the next play and you have to be ready.

"The artist that takes up most of my iPod ...": A lot of rap and the Rolling Stones.

"The best book that I would recommend others to read is ...": The Outsiders and `21'.

"The best advice ever given to me was ...": Keep your head up and play hard because you never know when it's going to be your last play.

"If I could live anywhere, it would be ...": "Coppell Texas, the greatest place in the world."

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HOW TO PURCHASE REDHAWK SEASON TICKETS

Fans looking for premium savings and ideal seat location get the best of both worlds by purchasing RedHawk football season tickets. Season tickets--including the game against Kentucky-- are only $120. Prices are even more affordably priced for Miami faculty and staff ($105), senior citizens ($110), and youth under 18 ($100).

Individual ticket prices for the much-anticipated game in Cincinnati against Kentucky are $45 for the lower bowl, $35 for the upper bowl and $75 for the club level. Season ticket purchasers will be seated in premium seats in the lower bowl at Paul Brown Stadium for the season opener, assuring them a savings of $15 per ticket.

Members of MU's Red & White Club (RWC) will receive priority season ticket privileges. Contact the Athletic Development Office at (513) 529-8097 or email the RWC at RWClub@muohio.edu.

Miami's six-game home schedule not only includes the September 5 contest in the Queen City against the Wildcats, but also five games at Yager Stadium on the Oxford campus. An October 3 Family Weekend battle versus nationally ranked Cincinnati, a Homecoming game against 2008 bowl participant Northern Illinois on October 24, a Halloween afternoon tilt versus intrastate rival Toledo, and exciting November games under the lights against Bowling Green and MAC Champion Buffalo make up the schedule of games located in Oxford.

Tickets can be ordered online (www.MURedHawks.com), in person at the Millett Hall Box Office or by phone 1-866-MUHAWKS (1-866-684-2957) or 513-529-HAWK.

New this year, due to the challenging economic climate, Miami faculty and staff can pay for their tickets via monthly payroll deductions. Call the ticket office for details.

Fans are encouraged to join MU's Red & White Club (RWC), Miami Athletics' official membership organization that supports annual scholarship needs. Contact the Athletic Development Office at (513) 529-8097 or email the RWC at RWClub@muohio.edu.

--www.MURedHawks.com--

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