It's a (UConn) Blue Christmas

December 25, 2004

The University of Connecticut football team held its final full practice of the 2004 season on Saturday afternoon at Ford Field. The team then headed back to its hotel for a Christmas dinner and later in the evening went to the movies to see Meet the Fockers.

Left, After practice, the Huskies posed for a commemorative and historic team photo...Right, A tradition for UConn under head coach Randy Edsall is after the final full practice of the year, the seniors line up coming off of the field so that everyone else can thank them for their leadership and congratulate them on a great career. Freshman Julius Williams embraces Jeff Fox at the end of the line.

Left, The receiving line will always bring several Husky seniors to tears...Right, Edsall tapes his pregame radio interview with Joe D'Ambrosio. Keeping with the family spirit of the holiday, the picture was taken by young Corey Edsall.

Although the Motor City Bowl committee had arranged for a dinner for both teams at Shula's Steakhouse, the Huskies instead elected to hold a family gathering back at the Hyatt. Here the children of defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos (left) and special teams coordinator, tackles and tight ends coach Dave McMichael (right) open their presents.

Left, Quarterbacks coach Rob Ambrose's 15-month old son Riley. Really, can photos get more cute than this???...Right, You know it is a big-time event when even Santa Claus himself makes an appearance. Here, St. Nicholas is joined by Don Corzine, Eileen Edsall and Joanne Fazio.

Left, Big kids like Tyler King, Mike Kodish and Matt Applebaum like seeing Santa too...Right, the team's honored guest from the North Pole reads a story to a group of the coaching staff's children.

Each Husky had their own hand-made ornament on the team's Christmas tree.