AMONG `GO-TO GUYS' EX-WESTLAKE STAR CUPPARI STANDOUT WR FOR COLORADO STATE.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Joey Cuppari has waited for that special season as a Colorado State wide receiver. Whatever happens to him individually, he could be part of something special in Fort Collins, Colo.

Cuppari, a Westlake High graduate, is a senior starter and figures to play a key role for the No. 19 Rams when they play UCLA tonight at the Rose Bowl. It's another opportunity for Cuppari and CSU to continue shocking college football's elite.

Colorado State (2-0) plays in the Mountain West Conference, uninvited guests to the Bowl Championship Series holiday party. To even get a sniff at one of four BCS bowl games and the seven-figure paycheck that goes with it, the Rams need nothing less than an undefeated season.

Two games, two victories over teams from BCS conferences: 35-29 at Virginia and last Saturday's shocking 19-14 upset of then-No. 6 Colorado. The Rams crashed the Top 25 and take a No. 19 ranking into a game against another power-conference opponent in the Bruins.

Two weeks into 2002, Colorado State is attempting to be this year's version of Fresno State, which rode early victories over three BCS schools into contention for a major bowl. Beating UCLA would make the Rams' task of a 13-0 season feasible.

``We don't like looking down the road. If we keep winning, then good things will happen,'' Cuppari said. ``We just want to play hard. If we win, the ranking will take care of itself.''

Cuppari is just pleased to be contributing on a regular basis. Two years ago, he was a potential star when he had 31 receptions for 438 yards and five touchdowns. Poised for a breakout junior year, Cuppari was bothered by a shoulder injury and finished with just six catches for 151 yards and no touchdowns.

He vowed to make amends as the only senior in CSU's inexperienced receiving corps.

``I've got a lot to make up,'' he told reporters in Colorado before the season. ``I want to have a huge season. Last year I only had six catches, and I hope to get that in one game.''

He almost was prophetic in his statement. In the opener at Virginia on Aug. 22, Cuppari caught four passes for 65 yards. Included in that total was a 34-yard touchdown from quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt.

He came back a week later against bitter instate rival Colorado with three catches for 60 yards to surpass his total receptions from 2001. Like he did as a sophomore, Cuppari is resembling his Westlake days. He was one of the greatest receivers at a school that regularly churns out standout wideouts.

NFL alums Gary Wellman and Billy Miller played there. So did Michael Brignac and Ryan Foltz, staples on the Warriors' 1999 Southern Section championship team. Miller is the school's career leader in receiving yards. But Cuppari's 1,484 yards in 1996 were the most in a season. He also holds the single-game mark with 210 yards.

``While he was playing here, Joey Cuppari was magic when the ball's in the air,'' Westlake coach Jim Benkert said. ``He's probably the best receiver I ever had when the ball was in the air. He had the ability to slow down, speed up and catch the ball at the highest point. He could deceive a defensive back like no one I've ever had.''

Current Westlake defensive coordinator Mike Leibin was a Warriors' teammate of Miller, who then starred at USC and played with Denver and now the expansion Houston Texans of the NFL.

``We were in the same class,'' Leibin said of Miller. ``But I think Cuppari is the best receiver to ever play here.''

Cuppari could be the premier pass catcher for a CSU team on the verge of making the BCS brass sweat. The Rams are a run-oriented team behind bruising Cecil Sapp and Van Pelt is at his best when he tucks the ball down and scrambles.

But Cuppari is ready to make some more magic when passing is a necessity.

``It's been nice to be one of the go-to guys,'' he said. ``Before, I had to sit in the back. I'm hoping I can keep doing it.''

CUPPARI FILE

Who: Joey Cuppari

School: Colorado State

Position: Wide receiver

Year: Senior

Local tie: Westlake High

--Career highlights: In 2002, has seven catches for 125 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown at Virginia, when he had four receptions for 65 yards. ... Established career highs for catches (31), yards (438) and touchdowns (five) as a sophomore in 2000. ... Was an all-state selection as a junior and senior at Westlake. ... Westlake's single-season leader in points scored (151) and receiving yards (1,484). ... Set Westlake school record with 96-yard interception return for a touchdown against Hart of Newhall in 1997.

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photo, box

Photo:

Colorado State's Joey Cuppari already has caught more passes (7) than he did last year.

Ed Andrieski/Associated Press

Box:

CUPPARI FILE (see text)