Jan. 8, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri sophomore quarterback Santino Riccio has elected to transfer from Mizzou, as announced today by Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel.

Riccio came to Mizzou from Ellwood City, Pa. in the fall of 2001. After redshirting that fall, he spent the 2002 season as MU's number three signal caller, and saw action in three games. He played in all 13 games in 2003, primarily as MU's holder for place kicks, but also completed 13-of-23 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Riccio played the entire second half in MU's game at Ball State, and was 7-of-12 passing for 59 yards and a touchdown as he helped lead MU to a 35-7 road win. He later came up with arguably the biggest play of the Tigers' 2003 season, when he connected with tight end Victor Sesay on a 14-yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal to give MU the lead for good in the fourth quarter of Mizzou's 41-24 win over 10th-ranked Nebraska.

"Sonny is a quality young man who has been an important part of our program," said Pinkel. "We're sorry to see him go, but we certainly understand his reasons and will do anything we can to help him in his search for a new school," he said.