Greeley — Rafael Mendoza, the first-string punter for the University of Northern Colorado football team, testified today his scars have healed but the emotional and physical pain of the attack lingers.
“I kept thinking ‘Why would anybody do this?'” said Mendoza, who stifled tears from the witness stand in Weld County District Court.
Prosecutors claim Mitch Cozad wanted Mendoza’s starting job on the team and tried to kill him Sept. 11. Cozad is on trial for first-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault for the and faces over 40 years .
Earlier today, a former teammate of Cozad testified that Cozad became more obsessed about becoming the starting punter for the University of Northern Colorado football team as the Fall 2006 season went on.
Former UNC placekicker David Dyches testified that at one point, Cozad said, “What it Rafael got hurt? Would I get to be the starter?”
UNC football coach Scott Downing also testified today, saying he was disappointed with Cozad’s performances in practices.
The trial, estimated to last two weeks, started Monday morning.
