Heisman runner-up says no regrets; Aberdeen residents less sanguine

(New York-AP) -- Josh Heupel took his loss in the Heisman Trophy race in stride, but folks back in his hometown of Aberdeen were less laid-back. <br><br>Heupel, quarterback at the University of Oklahoma,

Monday, December 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(New York-AP) -- Josh Heupel took his loss in the Heisman Trophy race in stride, but folks back in his hometown of Aberdeen were less laid-back.

Heupel, quarterback at the University of Oklahoma, finished second to quarterback Chris Weinke of Florida State in a close Heisman Trophy vote.

But the former Aberdeen Central High School star was not crushed last night at the Downtown Athletic Club.

He says his loss doesn't take away from what his team accomplished this year -- a 12-and-oh record and a chance to play for the national championship.

A crowd at Lager's Inn in Aberdeen reacted in stunned silence when Heupel wasn't the winner.

Bartender Loren Dayton says Heupel could have had as much success at Florida State as Heisman winner Chris Weinke had this year -- but that Weinke couldn't have done the same at Oklahoma.

Elaine Nold also watched in disbelief.

She says Heupel is still her Heisman Trophy winner.

Heupel's parents, Ken and Cindy, and his sister, Andrea, were in New York for the announcement.

Ken says in spite of Josh's loss it was -- quote -- ``a delight.''