An in-depth look at the Rice Owls, one of the eight teams competing in the College World Series, which starts Friday at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb. (coaches' record at current schools through Super Regionals):

Rice Owls
Record: 53-11
Coach: Wayne Graham (531-223, 12th year).

Road To Omaha: Won Houston Regional: beat McNeese State 3-2 in 10 innings; beat Wichita State 10-1; beat Wichita State 5-2. Won Houston Super Regional: lost to Houston 5-2; beat Houston 10-2; beat Houston 5-2.

2003 record vs. CWS teams: 1-0 (vs. Texas).

Last CWS appearance: 2002.

All-time record in CWS: 1-6 (three appearances).

Players to Watch: RHP David Aardsma (5-3, 11 saves), IF Enrique Cruz (.347, 10, 51), OF Austin Davis (.346, 5, 60), RHP Philip Humber (10-3, 3.28), OF Chris Kolkhorst (.350, 43 RBIs), RHP Jeff Niemann (16-0, 1.63, 142 Ks), 1B Vincent Sinisi (.355, 9, 57), RHP Wade Townsend (10-1, 1.90, 150 Ks).

Short Hops: Owls in CWS for fourth time in seven years. ... Only win in seven CWS games came against Oklahoma State in 1999. ... Had 30-game winning streak -- longest in school history -- and set school mark by starting 33-1. ... Graham played briefly under Casey Stengel with 1964 Mets. ... Pitching staff has 2.74 ERA, and set school records with 10 shutouts and 19 saves. ... Niemann, WAC pitcher of year, is 6-foot-9 and has won last 17 decisions, including 16 this season. ... Townsend is third in nation with 13.2 Ks per nine innings. ... Kolkhorst has reached base in 26 straight games. ... Aardsma, 22nd overall pick by San Francisco, is school's single-season and career leader in saves. ... Owls rank second in country with .980 fielding percentage. ... Cruz is son of former major leaguer Jose Cruz and brother of San Francisco Giants outfielder Jose Cruz Jr.