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PRESENTS FOOTBALL: NEWS AND NOTES Allen, Gaston Enjoy Shrine Experience BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com R icardo Allen was happy with his week of practice and performance in the East-West Shrine game Saturday. That's why he's so perplexed at the lack of invitations afterward. He'd hoped to land a spot in the Senior Bowl. But he wasn't among seven players added to that game's roster on Saturday night. Two of those added players were cornerbacks. Practices began Monday for the game, which is played Saturday in Mobile, Ala. And Allen still is waiting on an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, held next month in Indianapolis. Despite some disappointment, Allen was staying positive about his time in St. Petersburg for the Shrine Game. The East — on which Allen was joined by Purdue teammate Bruce Gaston — won, 23-13. "It was a great experience, and I'm just grateful to have been part of the game and thankful for the opportunities I have in life," Allen said. "It was really fun to get out and play with other players and learn new systems. I was very ready for the game because of the knowledge that Purdue has Ricardo Allen (left) and Bruce Gaston enjoyed playing togethgiven me over the last er for likely one final time in Florida. Both are still awaiting invites to the NFL Scouting Combine, held in February in couple of years." Allen had five tack- Indianapolis. ton said. "It was definitely a busiles, he said, and averaged 18.3 yards on three punts ness trip and everyone was foreturns, including a 30-yard re- cusing on showcasing their abiliturn he took to the West's 20-yard ties and it was definitely a good feeling to play another game and line. No statistics were available to win." Gaston has yet to receive an for Gaston, a defensive tackle. invite to the Combine either, he "I feel like I played pretty well. I always feel as if I can play better, said, but "will continue to work though, that's just how I am," Gas- hard either way." Purdue's pro day is March 4. SIGNEE BREAKDOWN On the evening of national signing day, Darrell Hazell and Purdue's staff will break down the recently signed 2014 class at an event in Mackey Arena. From 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Cardinal Court, the coaches will show video and speak about each of the signees. John Purdue Club members may attend the event for free, but the cost for non-members is $15. Attendees must be at least 18, due to compliance restrictions. Reservations are required by Jan. 31. Call the JPC at 765-4943248 for details. The same night, the men's basketball team plays Minnesota at 8:30 p.m. in Mackey. Tickets are Patrick Kissel—Sheboygan, Wis. Senior, Organizational Leadership and Supervision Patrick was one of 47 Purdue student-athletes honored as Academic All-Big Ten Award recipients by the Big Ten. In all, five members of the 2012 wrestling team were named to this list. GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 24, EXPRESS 17 • 21