Memphis TN - The Rhodes College Football Team had lots to celebrate on Saturday. With the addition and dedication of a brand new FieldTurf field from the generous philanthropy of Rhodes Football Alum Lester Crain (Class of 1951) and a hard fought 20-17 victory over longtime southern rival - Washington University from St. Louis, the 2012 Rhodes Lynx Football season started off on a high note. 

On the field the Lynx were led by tremendous efforts both on the individual and team level. Offensively, Freshman Blake Box got the start at QB and completed 16 of 26 passing in his first ever college game. Junior Dane Wilson and Freshman Kevin Vieria led a punishing ground attack, and Wilson rushed for 141 yards and 1 touchdown on 30 attempts, whereas Vieria rushed for 50 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 attempts. Receiving wise, Pre-Season All-American Jack Lartigue led the receiving corp with 7 catches for 60 yards. Defensively, the Lynx swarmed around a tough Wash U rushing attack as Sophomores Joseph Raby and Justin Toliver led the Lynx Defense with 9 tackles each. On special teams, Senior Lukas Stockhausen was perfect on the day for PATs and FGs, but his 37 yard field goal in OT sealed the win for Rhodes.

Head Coach Dan Gritti had this to say about the monumental day: "It was a program defining win. I was really happy that we were able to honor Mr. Crain with such a great victory on the field dedication day."

The Lynx will be at home against next week as out of conference opponent, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, makes their way to Memphis from Claremont, California for a 1:00 PM Central Time Kickoff.