| Team | WAC | Pct.(%) | Overall | Pct.(%) |
| Fresno State | 6-0 | 1.000 | 22-8 | .733 |
| New Mexico State | 6-0 | 1.000 | 27-10 | .730 |
| Boise State | 5-1 | .833 | 21-13 | .618 |
| Hawai'i | 3-3 | .500 | 25-12 | .676 |
| Louisiana Tech | 2-4 | .333 | 11-25 | .306 |
| San Jose State | 1-5 | .167 | 14-23 | .378 |
| Nevada | 1-5 | .167 | 10-22 | .312 |
| Utah State | 0-6 | .000 | 5-30 | .143 |
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Bronco Softball Team Third in the WAC
Boise State was able to win two of three on the road at San Jose State this weekend, keeping the Broncos third in the conference standings. Fresno State and New Mexico State own perfect 6-0 records while nationally-ranked Hawai'i is now 3-3 in the WAC.
Boise State Dominates All-Idaho Cup
Boise State's track team did what it had to do yesterday--dominate the All-Idaho Cup. The Broncos won 12 events in Bronco Stadium, adding to the six they had won Friday. Unfortunately, the marks posted by Boise State fell far shy of what the rest of the teams in the Western Athletic Conference are posting.
Rolando Trammel ran a career-best 14.34 in the 110-meter hurdles, adding to his win in the 400-hurdles Friday. Speed is beginning to permeate the Bronco roster, as Eric Capelle led a 1-2-3-4 sweep of the 100. Capelle crossed the tape in 11.06 with Karrie Butler second at 11:09, followed by Edidiong Essien (11.10) and Justin Maines (11.11).
Coach J.W. Hardy has high hopes for his team's prospects in the 400 this year, and Jeff Daw (49.57), Manoah Wesson (49.65) and Dusty Klein (49.91) finished 1-2-3 yesterday. Austin Edwards won the 800 (1:57.44) with teammate Quinten Hennekam second in 1:47.58. Trevor Kraychir has his eyes on reaching the NCAA National Championships in the hammer, and he began that quest with a throw of 198-5. Boise State's Alex Nelson was second (188-5).
Sawyer Bosch and his mates weren't able to top Utah State at the WAC Indoor Championships, but he was able to easily beat the top runners in Idaho in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Bosch completed the distance in 9:27.6. Boise State also won both relays with a time of 43.10 in the 4 x 100 and a mark of 3:25.87 in the 4 x 400.
The Bronco women also dominated the 100 by earning the top six places. Destiny Gammage captured first in 12.09. Heidi Dorling won the pole vault, clearing 11-5.75, Alexi Morton took the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.34 and the Bronco 4 x 100 relay team broke the tape in 47.57.
Gammage takes first place
Of the Bronco marks, only those posted by Eetu Viitala in the long jump (25 feet, giving him the top mark in the WAC), Wesson's 200 time of 21.69 Friday, Trammel's time. of 14.34 and 52.47 in the two hurdles, Daniel Thompson (15-5) in the pole vault and the Bronco men's 1600-meter relay team rank in the top three in the WAC.
The competition level goes up considerably next weekend when Boise State goes to the Sun Angel Classic at Arizona State in Tempe. Some Bronco team members will compete at the Mesa Classic at Mesa Community College instead.
Rolando Trammel ran a career-best 14.34 in the 110-meter hurdles, adding to his win in the 400-hurdles Friday. Speed is beginning to permeate the Bronco roster, as Eric Capelle led a 1-2-3-4 sweep of the 100. Capelle crossed the tape in 11.06 with Karrie Butler second at 11:09, followed by Edidiong Essien (11.10) and Justin Maines (11.11).
Coach J.W. Hardy has high hopes for his team's prospects in the 400 this year, and Jeff Daw (49.57), Manoah Wesson (49.65) and Dusty Klein (49.91) finished 1-2-3 yesterday. Austin Edwards won the 800 (1:57.44) with teammate Quinten Hennekam second in 1:47.58. Trevor Kraychir has his eyes on reaching the NCAA National Championships in the hammer, and he began that quest with a throw of 198-5. Boise State's Alex Nelson was second (188-5).
Sawyer Bosch and his mates weren't able to top Utah State at the WAC Indoor Championships, but he was able to easily beat the top runners in Idaho in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Bosch completed the distance in 9:27.6. Boise State also won both relays with a time of 43.10 in the 4 x 100 and a mark of 3:25.87 in the 4 x 400.
The Bronco women also dominated the 100 by earning the top six places. Destiny Gammage captured first in 12.09. Heidi Dorling won the pole vault, clearing 11-5.75, Alexi Morton took the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.34 and the Bronco 4 x 100 relay team broke the tape in 47.57.
Gammage takes first place
Of the Bronco marks, only those posted by Eetu Viitala in the long jump (25 feet, giving him the top mark in the WAC), Wesson's 200 time of 21.69 Friday, Trammel's time. of 14.34 and 52.47 in the two hurdles, Daniel Thompson (15-5) in the pole vault and the Bronco men's 1600-meter relay team rank in the top three in the WAC.
The competition level goes up considerably next weekend when Boise State goes to the Sun Angel Classic at Arizona State in Tempe. Some Bronco team members will compete at the Mesa Classic at Mesa Community College instead.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Interesting Finish at the Regional Gymnastics Tonight
Everyone knew Boise State would fight Arkansas for second tonight. The two teams were tied after two rotations with #1 Florida quite a bit ahead. Arkansas got tremendous scores to actually pass the #1 team in the country, making it tougher for Boise State of course to get to second. That meant they had to beat Florida for a trip to Nationals, and the young Bronco ladies fell 25/thousand's of a point shy.
Boise State Gymnasts Fall 25/1000th's of a Point Shy of Reaching Nationals
You knew this was the place for the most up-to-date Boise State results. I'll keep tabs for you as the Boise State gymnastics team tries to get to Nationals. I have purchased the video rights.
Boise State needed a score of 49.05 on beam to tie #1 Florida for 2nd tonight. So far, it appears they got 49.025, just 25/1000th's of a point shy. BTW, that is 35/100th's of a point (or 350/1000th's of a point for comparison) better than the Broncos average on the beam. Another .025 would have done it. I was afraid they would need close to a 197 and I was right. The competition is just too fierce at this level.
Florida 196.425
Boise State 196.400
Denver 195.625
Arizona 195.400
BYU 194.650
Brittany Potvin-Green had the 5th highest vault score with a 9.850. Hannah Redmon had the third-best bars score with a 9.900 and Lindsay Kazandjian was sixth with a 9.850. Bekah Gher really came through when it mattered, scoring the 9.900 on beam to tie for #1 at the Regional. I believe Gher gets an automatic berth to Nationals for finishing first. Redmon was second on the floor with a 9.900. Amy Glass was fourth all-around with 39.275 and Amy gets to go to Nationals.
Gher's 9.9 routine earns a trip to Nationals
Here is the way it unfolded.
Performance Thus Far:
Florida averaged 49.261 on floor this year so they are 2/10 behind their average with a 49.050. Florida with a 49.300 on vault, slightly below average. Florida gets 49.475 on bars, 2/10 above average. After three rotations, Florida is just about on par with their average, which means they are way ahead.
BYU averaged 48.783 on vault so they are way over their heads right now, 2/10 above average with a 48.950. BYU with a 48.700 on bars, which is about average. The Cougars got 48.150 on beam, 3/10 below average. BYU slightly below average right now so they are just about out of the competition.
Denver averaged 48.773 on bars, they are slightly below that with 48.725. Denver scored 7/10 ahead of average on beam. Denver got 49.100 on beam, almost a full point above average. No home cooking there... Denver now 1.7 points ahead of schedule and will definitely be a factor.
Arkansas averaged 48.748 on beam so they are 2/10 ahead of average. Arkansas had a 49.300 on floor, a full quarter of a point above average and .125 ahead of Boise State on the floor. Arkansas got a 49.175 on vault, better than Boise State, which puts them in second with one rotation left for the Razorbacks. Arkansas now a full point ahead of average, which was already ahead of Boise State going in.
Boise State slightly less than 2/10 above average on floor. Boise State didn't get what they hoped for on vault but still about their average. Broncos get 49.125 on bars, about 2/10 better than average. So Boise State is 4/10 ahead going into their worst event, where they usually get 48.652.
Arizona 2/10 above average on vault with a 48.850. The Wildcats get 48.850 on bars, 3/10 above average. Arizona gets 48.350 on beam, about 2/10 below average. So Arizona is slightly ahead of average, and they will not finish in the top two.
First Rotation:
A 9.725 for BYU on vault. Another 9.725 for the Cougars. And now a 9.775 and a 9.8 and a 9.850. Already a very good 48.875 so far for BYU with another competitor set to go to improve that. She did with a 9.8 giving BYU a first-round score of 48.950
Florida opens on floor and also gets a 9.725 and a nice 9.850. Another 9.850 and a 9.900 gives Florida 49.050.
It's the score of the moment, another 9.725 for Arkansas on beam. And a 9.70 and a 9.825. Another 9.725 and a nice 9.850 48.825 so far for Arkansas. A 9.775 increases their score to 48.900 for the first round.
Host Denver finally puts a competitor up and gets 9.750. And a 9.650...and a 9.725 and another 9.650 and another 9.750. Denver has 48.525. The Pioneers get a 9.850 to increase to 48.725.
Boise State is about to go on floor. Florida got a 49.050 so that is the score Boise State needs to beat. BYU and Arkansas will have byes. The warmups for second round are nearly over.
Second Routine:
9.775 for Kelsey Lang, very nice routine. Super job on the second routine--Sarah Smith scores a 9.825. She finished with an interesting country song that she had some fun with. Boise State 19.6 after two gymnasts. Phenomenal routine so far for Hailey Gaspar (9.825). Boise State with 29.425 after three gymnasts. Kelsey Black, very rhythmic performance. Very stylistic, not a great degree of difficulty but very classy--the Bronco fans in the audience are going crazy. And she gets a 9.800. Boise State with 39.225, very good start so far. Glass with a 9.825 on an incredible routie. And Redmon just went--incredible routine! Redmon rings up a 9.900 and I thought it was better than that. Florida, the nation's #1 team, got a 49.050 on floor and Boise State just got a 49.175... WOO HOO! 2/10 ahead of average.
Denver on beam--9.725 and 9.825. 9.9 for Jorie Hall, and another 9.725 giving Denver 39.175. Denver got 48.950 on beam, that is an incredible 7/10 above average.
Arizona on bars, a 9.6 and a 9.675 and a 9.750--they have 29.025 after three. Add 9.775 and 9.850 and Arizona has a nice 48.850 with one gymnast to try and better that. They are already 2/10 above average.
Florida on vault and they pick up two 9.9's, an 9.850, a 9.8 and a 9.775. They already have a 49.300 and going for more. They didn't better that, so finish with 49.300, slightly below average.
Third Routine:
Boise State on vault for the second rotation. Florida got a 49.300 on vault, that is what Boise State needs to shoot for. Broncos are ready to go. They have an average of 49.089 but will need more to get to the next level. Amanda Otuafi didn't quite stick the landing but kept from falling back. 9.750 for Amanda. Kelsey Black gets a 9.750. The gals really need to step it up here, that's not the scores they need. That's the way to stick it! Brittany Potvin-Green gets a 9.850. Glass with a 9.825, she's better than that. Boise State with 39.175 and they need a 49.300 to match Florida. Redmon with a 9.825, again not enough. Still two rotations for Boise State but you don't want to fall behind by this much early. Boise State with an even 49.000. Gaspar also gets a 9.825 so the judges weren't kind to the Broncos in this rotation. Not one 9.9 given. Boise State gets a 49.075 when they needed 49.300.
Gaspar gets one of three 9.825's for the Broncos on vault
Arkansas on Floor, where they average a great 49.054. They have two 9.8's so far. Another 9.8 and a 9.85, putting the pressure on the Broncos. That's 39.250 after four. And then they add a 9.9 and a 9.950, the judges liking Arkansas' floor routines much more than Boise State's.
Arizona with an unfortunate fall on beam. 9.125 for her. They do better with a 9.750 but then get a 9.225. Arizona with a 28.1 so far. Then a 9.600, 9.675 and 9.775. Arizona gets 48.850 on bars.
BYU on bars with 9.750. A fall on the landing for the next gal, that gives her 9.075. Then, scores of 9.625, 9.800 and 9.775 giving BYU 48.025--they'll try to improve that with the last gymnast. And they do, getting a 48.7000.
Fourth Rotation:
Arkansas on Vault, Denver on Floor
Denver gets a 9.8 and a 9.75 on floor. Add a 9.850 and a 9.675--they have 39.075 so far. and a 9.850 giving them 48.925 with one gymnast to go. Denver finishes with 49.100 on floor.
Florida with a 9.850 on Bars.followed by a 9.900. #1 is looking good. A 9.475, the first crack in the armor. But a 9.950 makes up for that, and a 9.925 so even with that slip, the Gators still have 49.475 with one gymnast to go.
Arkansas nice start on first vault. 9.750. 2nd one didn't quite stick the landing but tried to act like she did. Boise State with 49.075 on vault, the score Arkansas needs. The second gal also got a 9.750. And a 9.85, wow the judges love them. That gives them 29.350 after three gymnasts. Arkansas averages 49.058 on beam. A 9.9 and a 9.875, better scores than what Boise State got. They have 49.125, already better than Boise State with one gymnast left to go. Boise State has fallen to third.. Arkansas finishes with 49.175, a full 1/10 better than Boise State.
BYU with a 9.475 on beam. BYU averages 48.410 on beam. 9.475 and 9.575 are the next two scores for the Cougars, and a 9.626 gives them 38.425 after four. 48.150 is their final score on beam.
Boise State and Arizona with byes.
Fifth Rotation:
Florida will finish on beam, I believe Boise State is on bars. A slip backward on the first landing. 9.750 for Katie Tuller. Not a great second landing either. 9.775 for Kelsey Black. C'mon ladies--need 9.9's and above. Super landing there--I think the best of the three thus far. Lindsay Kazandjian gets a 9.850. Better but still not where the team needs to be. 29.375 so far after 3. Sensational routine for Redmon. If that isn't a 9.5 there's something wrong. And they gave her a 9.90. Amy Glass follows with a 9.80. Boise State with 49.075, still short of what they needed. Potvin-Green with a 9.8, giving Boise State 49.125.
Kazandjian's brilliant routine earns her a 9.850
Florida with a 9.925 on beam. Add a 9.8 and 9.775 and they have a 28.8 after 3. Bad fall and a 8.475, opens the door for someone to win the Regional other than #1.
9.750 and 9.725 so far for Denver on Vault. 48.700 for Denver with one to go.
Arizona on Floor, getting a 9.8 and a 9.725.
Boise State needed a score of 49.05 on beam to tie #1 Florida for 2nd tonight. So far, it appears they got 49.025, just 25/1000th's of a point shy. BTW, that is 35/100th's of a point (or 350/1000th's of a point for comparison) better than the Broncos average on the beam. Another .025 would have done it. I was afraid they would need close to a 197 and I was right. The competition is just too fierce at this level.
Team Standings:
Arkansas 196.550Florida 196.425
Boise State 196.400
Denver 195.625
Arizona 195.400
BYU 194.650
Brittany Potvin-Green had the 5th highest vault score with a 9.850. Hannah Redmon had the third-best bars score with a 9.900 and Lindsay Kazandjian was sixth with a 9.850. Bekah Gher really came through when it mattered, scoring the 9.900 on beam to tie for #1 at the Regional. I believe Gher gets an automatic berth to Nationals for finishing first. Redmon was second on the floor with a 9.900. Amy Glass was fourth all-around with 39.275 and Amy gets to go to Nationals.
Gher's 9.9 routine earns a trip to Nationals
Here is the way it unfolded.
Performance Thus Far:
Florida averaged 49.261 on floor this year so they are 2/10 behind their average with a 49.050. Florida with a 49.300 on vault, slightly below average. Florida gets 49.475 on bars, 2/10 above average. After three rotations, Florida is just about on par with their average, which means they are way ahead.
BYU averaged 48.783 on vault so they are way over their heads right now, 2/10 above average with a 48.950. BYU with a 48.700 on bars, which is about average. The Cougars got 48.150 on beam, 3/10 below average. BYU slightly below average right now so they are just about out of the competition.
Denver averaged 48.773 on bars, they are slightly below that with 48.725. Denver scored 7/10 ahead of average on beam. Denver got 49.100 on beam, almost a full point above average. No home cooking there... Denver now 1.7 points ahead of schedule and will definitely be a factor.
Arkansas averaged 48.748 on beam so they are 2/10 ahead of average. Arkansas had a 49.300 on floor, a full quarter of a point above average and .125 ahead of Boise State on the floor. Arkansas got a 49.175 on vault, better than Boise State, which puts them in second with one rotation left for the Razorbacks. Arkansas now a full point ahead of average, which was already ahead of Boise State going in.
Boise State slightly less than 2/10 above average on floor. Boise State didn't get what they hoped for on vault but still about their average. Broncos get 49.125 on bars, about 2/10 better than average. So Boise State is 4/10 ahead going into their worst event, where they usually get 48.652.
Arizona 2/10 above average on vault with a 48.850. The Wildcats get 48.850 on bars, 3/10 above average. Arizona gets 48.350 on beam, about 2/10 below average. So Arizona is slightly ahead of average, and they will not finish in the top two.
First Rotation:
A 9.725 for BYU on vault. Another 9.725 for the Cougars. And now a 9.775 and a 9.8 and a 9.850. Already a very good 48.875 so far for BYU with another competitor set to go to improve that. She did with a 9.8 giving BYU a first-round score of 48.950
Florida opens on floor and also gets a 9.725 and a nice 9.850. Another 9.850 and a 9.900 gives Florida 49.050.
It's the score of the moment, another 9.725 for Arkansas on beam. And a 9.70 and a 9.825. Another 9.725 and a nice 9.850 48.825 so far for Arkansas. A 9.775 increases their score to 48.900 for the first round.
Host Denver finally puts a competitor up and gets 9.750. And a 9.650...and a 9.725 and another 9.650 and another 9.750. Denver has 48.525. The Pioneers get a 9.850 to increase to 48.725.
Boise State is about to go on floor. Florida got a 49.050 so that is the score Boise State needs to beat. BYU and Arkansas will have byes. The warmups for second round are nearly over.
Second Routine:
9.775 for Kelsey Lang, very nice routine. Super job on the second routine--Sarah Smith scores a 9.825. She finished with an interesting country song that she had some fun with. Boise State 19.6 after two gymnasts. Phenomenal routine so far for Hailey Gaspar (9.825). Boise State with 29.425 after three gymnasts. Kelsey Black, very rhythmic performance. Very stylistic, not a great degree of difficulty but very classy--the Bronco fans in the audience are going crazy. And she gets a 9.800. Boise State with 39.225, very good start so far. Glass with a 9.825 on an incredible routie. And Redmon just went--incredible routine! Redmon rings up a 9.900 and I thought it was better than that. Florida, the nation's #1 team, got a 49.050 on floor and Boise State just got a 49.175... WOO HOO! 2/10 ahead of average.
Denver on beam--9.725 and 9.825. 9.9 for Jorie Hall, and another 9.725 giving Denver 39.175. Denver got 48.950 on beam, that is an incredible 7/10 above average.
Arizona on bars, a 9.6 and a 9.675 and a 9.750--they have 29.025 after three. Add 9.775 and 9.850 and Arizona has a nice 48.850 with one gymnast to try and better that. They are already 2/10 above average.
Florida on vault and they pick up two 9.9's, an 9.850, a 9.8 and a 9.775. They already have a 49.300 and going for more. They didn't better that, so finish with 49.300, slightly below average.
Third Routine:
Boise State on vault for the second rotation. Florida got a 49.300 on vault, that is what Boise State needs to shoot for. Broncos are ready to go. They have an average of 49.089 but will need more to get to the next level. Amanda Otuafi didn't quite stick the landing but kept from falling back. 9.750 for Amanda. Kelsey Black gets a 9.750. The gals really need to step it up here, that's not the scores they need. That's the way to stick it! Brittany Potvin-Green gets a 9.850. Glass with a 9.825, she's better than that. Boise State with 39.175 and they need a 49.300 to match Florida. Redmon with a 9.825, again not enough. Still two rotations for Boise State but you don't want to fall behind by this much early. Boise State with an even 49.000. Gaspar also gets a 9.825 so the judges weren't kind to the Broncos in this rotation. Not one 9.9 given. Boise State gets a 49.075 when they needed 49.300.
Gaspar gets one of three 9.825's for the Broncos on vault
Arkansas on Floor, where they average a great 49.054. They have two 9.8's so far. Another 9.8 and a 9.85, putting the pressure on the Broncos. That's 39.250 after four. And then they add a 9.9 and a 9.950, the judges liking Arkansas' floor routines much more than Boise State's.
Arizona with an unfortunate fall on beam. 9.125 for her. They do better with a 9.750 but then get a 9.225. Arizona with a 28.1 so far. Then a 9.600, 9.675 and 9.775. Arizona gets 48.850 on bars.
BYU on bars with 9.750. A fall on the landing for the next gal, that gives her 9.075. Then, scores of 9.625, 9.800 and 9.775 giving BYU 48.025--they'll try to improve that with the last gymnast. And they do, getting a 48.7000.
Fourth Rotation:
Arkansas on Vault, Denver on Floor
Denver gets a 9.8 and a 9.75 on floor. Add a 9.850 and a 9.675--they have 39.075 so far. and a 9.850 giving them 48.925 with one gymnast to go. Denver finishes with 49.100 on floor.
Florida with a 9.850 on Bars.followed by a 9.900. #1 is looking good. A 9.475, the first crack in the armor. But a 9.950 makes up for that, and a 9.925 so even with that slip, the Gators still have 49.475 with one gymnast to go.
Arkansas nice start on first vault. 9.750. 2nd one didn't quite stick the landing but tried to act like she did. Boise State with 49.075 on vault, the score Arkansas needs. The second gal also got a 9.750. And a 9.85, wow the judges love them. That gives them 29.350 after three gymnasts. Arkansas averages 49.058 on beam. A 9.9 and a 9.875, better scores than what Boise State got. They have 49.125, already better than Boise State with one gymnast left to go. Boise State has fallen to third.. Arkansas finishes with 49.175, a full 1/10 better than Boise State.
BYU with a 9.475 on beam. BYU averages 48.410 on beam. 9.475 and 9.575 are the next two scores for the Cougars, and a 9.626 gives them 38.425 after four. 48.150 is their final score on beam.
Boise State and Arizona with byes.
Fifth Rotation:
Florida will finish on beam, I believe Boise State is on bars. A slip backward on the first landing. 9.750 for Katie Tuller. Not a great second landing either. 9.775 for Kelsey Black. C'mon ladies--need 9.9's and above. Super landing there--I think the best of the three thus far. Lindsay Kazandjian gets a 9.850. Better but still not where the team needs to be. 29.375 so far after 3. Sensational routine for Redmon. If that isn't a 9.5 there's something wrong. And they gave her a 9.90. Amy Glass follows with a 9.80. Boise State with 49.075, still short of what they needed. Potvin-Green with a 9.8, giving Boise State 49.125.
Kazandjian's brilliant routine earns her a 9.850
Florida with a 9.925 on beam. Add a 9.8 and 9.775 and they have a 28.8 after 3. Bad fall and a 8.475, opens the door for someone to win the Regional other than #1.
9.750 and 9.725 so far for Denver on Vault. 48.700 for Denver with one to go.
Arizona on Floor, getting a 9.8 and a 9.725.
Sixth Rotation:
Boise State Lacee Lang with a 9.700. Nice jump and turn on the thin beam and a fantastic landing for the second gal. 9.9 for Bekah Gher that's what we're talking about. 9.825 for Gaspar. Good start but they might need more since Arkansas did so well on bars. 9.775 for Kazandjian. Unless the Broncos finish with a flurry--9.9's, I'm afraid it's not enough. Arkansas is #1 right now. Florida is the team Boise State is shooting for. Kelsey Lang with an even 9.0 after a slip. Amy Glass was the last competitor, needing a 9.85. She got a 9.825. Still a nice 49.025 in the beam, which I think is close to their top score of the year.
Arkansas on Bars. Scores of 9.825, 9.850. 9.725 and 9.750 already. And a 9.850. They wanted to finish fast. 49 even so far for Arkansas, half a point better than average. They are on fire with a 49.175. That is 6/10th's better than they usually do in this event.
Boise State Clobbers San Jose State 12-1
Kelly Sweeney's two-run homer helped Boise State to a 2-0 lead with the Spartans and they had to put the six-inning rule in effect as the Broncos batted San Jose 12-1.
Aubray Zell (7-1) pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits, to get the win. She got support from throughout the lineup as Megan Harvey and Holly Bourke each had three hits. Bourke and Mackenzie Whyte each doubled in the third and Allie Crump followed with a single. Whyte scored on a Spartan error and Crump touched home thanks to a groundout by Christina Capobianco. Boise State held a 6-0 lead going into the sixth and tacked on another run after consecutive singles by Harvey, Tazz Weatherly and Caplan. Two walks and run-producing singles by Caplan and Bourke finished off the Spartans and the six-inning rule had to be put into effect.
The two teams are playing the nightcap right now as Boise State has gone out in front 3-0.
Aubray Zell (7-1) pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits, to get the win. She got support from throughout the lineup as Megan Harvey and Holly Bourke each had three hits. Bourke and Mackenzie Whyte each doubled in the third and Allie Crump followed with a single. Whyte scored on a Spartan error and Crump touched home thanks to a groundout by Christina Capobianco. Boise State held a 6-0 lead going into the sixth and tacked on another run after consecutive singles by Harvey, Tazz Weatherly and Caplan. Two walks and run-producing singles by Caplan and Bourke finished off the Spartans and the six-inning rule had to be put into effect.
The two teams are playing the nightcap right now as Boise State has gone out in front 3-0.
20 Years Ago
Boise State's track team finished third in the Big Sky Conference. Two Broncos qualified for the NCAA Championships, Pat Gallagher and Eugene Green. Gallagher finished 11th in the high jump while Greene won the national championship in the triple jump.
30 Years Ago Today...
Jackie Carringer took over as head coach of the Boise State gymnastics team. Mary Howard recorded the first nine-point scores in school history with a 9.05 in the balance beam and uneven bars.
Boise State won their third straight Northwest championships and trip to the AIAW Division II National Gymnastics Championships, where the Broncos finished 9th.
A Long Mountain to Climb
The Boise State track team has its work cut out for them.
Competing in the All-Idaho Cup in which their top competition, Idaho of the Western Athletic Conference, was not even there, the Broncos could only manage six wins in Bronco Stadium in the first day of competition. No offense to Idaho State, College of Idaho or Northwest Nazarene but Boise State will be facing much tougher competition not only from the WAC this year, but they will soon be entering an even tougher Mountain West Conference next year.
One event in which Coach J.W. Hardy's team showed good depth was the men's 200-meter dash, where the Broncos took first, third, fourth and fifth. Manoah Wesson has showed the kind of improvement that the entire team will need to achieve if they are to compete in the Mountain West. Wesson was timed in 21.69, ahead of teammates Karrie Butler (21.98), Dusty Klein (22.24) and Paul Robertson (22.32).
The surging Bronco hurdles program continued to make strides as Rolando Trammel (52.47) and Anthony Belcher (53.81) went 1-2 in the 400-meter hurdles. Belcher set a personal best in pushing his teammate to the finish line. Eetu Viitala also broke a personal best with a 25-foot long jump to win that title.
Up until this year, the Bronco women have been unable to compete with Louisiana Tech in the sprints--that could change. Boise State owned the top five spots in the 200 yesterday, led by Mackenzie Flannagan (24.95).
Cyntrail Pierce (24.96), Taryn Campos (25.01), Destiny Gammage (25.05) and Yvonne Bennett (25.61) led a sea of blue and orange on the podium. That said, those five won't be able to waltz to a similar finish at the WAC Championships, which is why Boise State needed similar finishes yesterday in all 14 events.
Emily Funkhouser took the 400-meter hurdles title with a 1:02.81 time and Racquel Jones (18'9"), Shannon Jacobs (18-8.5) and Alexi Morton (17-11.75) took the top three places in the long jump.
Boise State did not place a runner in the top five in either 5,000-meter run, did not finish in the top three of the men's 1,500-meter or the top nine of the women's 1,500 meters.
Field events get underway this morning at 10 with the final track events beginning at 1 this afternoon in Bronco Stadium.
Competing in the All-Idaho Cup in which their top competition, Idaho of the Western Athletic Conference, was not even there, the Broncos could only manage six wins in Bronco Stadium in the first day of competition. No offense to Idaho State, College of Idaho or Northwest Nazarene but Boise State will be facing much tougher competition not only from the WAC this year, but they will soon be entering an even tougher Mountain West Conference next year.
One event in which Coach J.W. Hardy's team showed good depth was the men's 200-meter dash, where the Broncos took first, third, fourth and fifth. Manoah Wesson has showed the kind of improvement that the entire team will need to achieve if they are to compete in the Mountain West. Wesson was timed in 21.69, ahead of teammates Karrie Butler (21.98), Dusty Klein (22.24) and Paul Robertson (22.32).
The surging Bronco hurdles program continued to make strides as Rolando Trammel (52.47) and Anthony Belcher (53.81) went 1-2 in the 400-meter hurdles. Belcher set a personal best in pushing his teammate to the finish line. Eetu Viitala also broke a personal best with a 25-foot long jump to win that title.
Up until this year, the Bronco women have been unable to compete with Louisiana Tech in the sprints--that could change. Boise State owned the top five spots in the 200 yesterday, led by Mackenzie Flannagan (24.95).
Cyntrail Pierce (24.96), Taryn Campos (25.01), Destiny Gammage (25.05) and Yvonne Bennett (25.61) led a sea of blue and orange on the podium. That said, those five won't be able to waltz to a similar finish at the WAC Championships, which is why Boise State needed similar finishes yesterday in all 14 events.Emily Funkhouser took the 400-meter hurdles title with a 1:02.81 time and Racquel Jones (18'9"), Shannon Jacobs (18-8.5) and Alexi Morton (17-11.75) took the top three places in the long jump.
Boise State did not place a runner in the top five in either 5,000-meter run, did not finish in the top three of the men's 1,500-meter or the top nine of the women's 1,500 meters.
Field events get underway this morning at 10 with the final track events beginning at 1 this afternoon in Bronco Stadium.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Two Evenly-Matched Teams Go For Nationals Tomorrow
The long-stated goal of the Boise State
If you look at the six Regionals that are spread across the country, you couldn’t ask for a better scenario if you areBoise State
Arkansas Boise State Denver Fayetteville West Virginia Arkansas Illinois Florida
After that emotional win, there was a letdown in a loss to #25 BYU (who will also be inDenver Arkansas
Arkansas Denver Denver , Florida
Boise State Arkansas Boise State
The Razorbacks recorded their best finish ever at the SEC Championship a few weeks back, placing fourth with a score of 195.800.Florida Alabama
"This is the best finish we've ever had at the SEC meet," co-head coach Mark Cook said. "Our best finish before was fifth. We thought we were a little ahead ofGeorgia
Jaime Pisani tied for second on vault at the SEC Championship, Mariah Howdeshell tied for seventh on bars, Katherine Grable tied for seventh on beam and Pisani tied for third on floor. In the all-around, Grable was fifth, Jordan Salsberg 13th and Grable 14th.
Arkansas
Boise State San Jose , California 1-2-3 in the vault with scores of 9.900, 9.875 and 9.85, respectively. Redmon won the WAC title on the uneven bars with a 9.850. Boise State
Arkansas Boise State
Championships are not decided on statistics but on actual performance. I mentioned yesterday that Boise State has to go into the Regional with their eyes on winning the meet, not trying trying to get one of the top two scores. That's a mental attitude, and I believe it to be essential to Boise State's chances tomorrow afternoon. Nerves will play a huge part in a sport in which tenths of points decide the final team standings.
Boise State was selected to start the six-rotation meet on the bye before floor, meaning they will have a bye in the first rotation and actually begin their competition in rotation two on floor. They will then continue on to vault, then a bye, then bars and end the meet on beam.
The Denver Regional gets underway at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) night Mountain Time.
Boise State
MEET RESULTS
WAC Championship
San Jose , California
Saturday, March 19
Boise State
Floor: 48.950
Hailey Gaspar 9.825, Hannah Redmon 9.825, Sarah Smith 9.800, Kelsey Lang 9.750, Amy Glass 9.750, Kelsey Black 9.575
Vault: 49.175
Amy Glass 9.900, Hannah Redmon 9.875, Hailey Gaspar 9.850, Brittany Potvin-Green 9.800, Amanda Otuafi 9.750, Sarah Smith 9.750
Bars: 48.825
Hannah Redmon 9.850, Katie Tuller 9.750, Lindsay Kazandjian 9.750, Brittany Potvin-Green 9.750, Kelsey Black 9.725, Amy Glass 9.120
Beam: 48.750
Kelsey Lang 9.875, Lindsay Kazandjian 9.825, Amy Glass 9.825, Bekah Gher 9.675, Lacee Lang 9.550, Hannah Redmon 9.170
Arkansas
MEET RESULTS
SEC Championship
Birmingham , Alabama
Saturday, March 19
Arkansas
Floor: 48.975
Amanda Siebert 9.625, Jordan Salsberg 9.65, Amy Borsellino 9.775, Kelci Lewis 9.80, Katherine Grable 9.85, Jaime Pisani 9.90
Vault: 49.325
Amanda Siebert 9.725, Jordan Salsberg 9.875, Amy Borsellino 9.825, Katherine Grable 9.875, Jaime Pisani 9.90, Michelle Stout 9.85
Bars: 48.675
Jordan Salsberg 9.55, Katherine Grable 9.75, Genny Salvatore 9.70, Jaime Pisani 9.175, Michelle Stout 9.825, Mariah Howdeshell 9.85
Beam: 48.825
Scarlett Williams 9.725, Jaime Pisani 9.80, Jordan Salsberg 9.725, Shelby Salmon 9.65,Katherine Grable 9.85, Stacy Bartlett 9.725
If you look at the six Regionals that are spread across the country, you couldn’t ask for a better scenario if you are
After that emotional win, there was a letdown in a loss to #25 BYU (who will also be in
The Razorbacks recorded their best finish ever at the SEC Championship a few weeks back, placing fourth with a score of 195.800.
"This is the best finish we've ever had at the SEC meet," co-head coach Mark Cook said. "Our best finish before was fifth. We thought we were a little ahead of
Jaime Pisani tied for second on vault at the SEC Championship, Mariah Howdeshell tied for seventh on bars, Katherine Grable tied for seventh on beam and Pisani tied for third on floor. In the all-around, Grable was fifth, Jordan Salsberg 13th and Grable 14th.
Championships are not decided on statistics but on actual performance. I mentioned yesterday that Boise State has to go into the Regional with their eyes on winning the meet, not trying trying to get one of the top two scores. That's a mental attitude, and I believe it to be essential to Boise State's chances tomorrow afternoon. Nerves will play a huge part in a sport in which tenths of points decide the final team standings.
Boise State was selected to start the six-rotation meet on the bye before floor, meaning they will have a bye in the first rotation and actually begin their competition in rotation two on floor. They will then continue on to vault, then a bye, then bars and end the meet on beam.
The Denver Regional gets underway at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) night Mountain Time.
MEET RESULTS
WAC Championship
Saturday, March 19
Floor: 48.950
Hailey Gaspar 9.825, Hannah Redmon 9.825, Sarah Smith 9.800, Kelsey Lang 9.750, Amy Glass 9.750, Kelsey Black 9.575
Vault: 49.175
Amy Glass 9.900, Hannah Redmon 9.875, Hailey Gaspar 9.850, Brittany Potvin-Green 9.800, Amanda Otuafi 9.750, Sarah Smith 9.750
Bars: 48.825
Hannah Redmon 9.850, Katie Tuller 9.750, Lindsay Kazandjian 9.750, Brittany Potvin-Green 9.750, Kelsey Black 9.725, Amy Glass 9.120
Beam: 48.750
Kelsey Lang 9.875, Lindsay Kazandjian 9.825, Amy Glass 9.825, Bekah Gher 9.675, Lacee Lang 9.550, Hannah Redmon 9.170
MEET RESULTS
SEC Championship
Saturday, March 19
Floor: 48.975
Amanda Siebert 9.625, Jordan Salsberg 9.65, Amy Borsellino 9.775, Kelci Lewis 9.80, Katherine Grable 9.85, Jaime Pisani 9.90
Vault: 49.325
Amanda Siebert 9.725, Jordan Salsberg 9.875, Amy Borsellino 9.825, Katherine Grable 9.875, Jaime Pisani 9.90, Michelle Stout 9.85
Bars: 48.675
Jordan Salsberg 9.55, Katherine Grable 9.75, Genny Salvatore 9.70, Jaime Pisani 9.175, Michelle Stout 9.825, Mariah Howdeshell 9.85
Beam: 48.825
Scarlett Williams 9.725, Jaime Pisani 9.80, Jordan Salsberg 9.725, Shelby Salmon 9.65,Katherine Grable 9.85, Stacy Bartlett 9.725
Thursday, March 31, 2011
WAC Softball Statistics
TEAM BATTING G Avg AB R H 2B 3B HR BB SO SB-ATT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico State.... 34 .338 920 242 311 52 6 43 148 170 57-62 Boise State......... 31 .308 818 170 252 28 2 28 100 123 27-33 Nevada.............. 29 .286 767 137 219 39 4 25 87 188 21-24 Hawai`i............. 34 .264 856 166 226 33 3 40 113 194 20-24 San Jose State...... 34 .261 905 140 236 39 1 17 115 167 28-36 Fresno State........ 27 .245 691 93 169 25 7 17 63 158 30-35 Utah State.......... 32 .228 778 84 177 30 1 14 65 196 10-15 Louisiana Tech...... 33 .214 836 93 179 20 2 10 85 182 35-42 Totals.............. 127 .269 6571 1125 1769 266 26 194 776 1378 228-271 TEAM PITCHING G ERA W L Sv IP H R ER BB SO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hawai`i............. 34 1.34 25 9 0 225.0 147 65 43 54 261 Fresno State........ 27 2.25 19 8 1 192.2 165 78 62 67 160 Boise State......... 31 3.59 19 12 5 200.2 209 129 103 91 194 San Jose State...... 34 4.55 13 21 2 217.0 310 198 141 97 106 Louisiana Tech...... 33 4.68 8 24 2 221.1 265 182 148 100 188 New Mexico State.... 34 5.01 23 10 4 215.0 291 189 154 76 134 Nevada.............. 29 5.91 9 20 1 177.2 231 209 150 116 141 Utah State.......... 32 6.58 5 27 0 192.2 286 208 181 118 106 Totals.............. 127 4.19 121 131 15 1642.0 1904 1258 982 719 1290 TEAM FIELDING G PO A E Pct DP PB SBA-ATT --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fresno State........ 27 578 249 28 .967 11 2 19-22 Hawai`i............. 34 675 253 35 .964 10 5 14-18 Boise State......... 31 602 235 37 .958 6 13 38-48 Louisiana Tech...... 33 664 264 43 .956 4 8 54-65 Utah State.......... 32 578 260 39 .956 11 3 32-42 Nevada.............. 29 533 201 39 .950 4 13 32-44 New Mexico State.... 34 645 286 51 .948 4 4 31-38 San Jose State...... 34 651 286 52 .947 10 3 17-36 Totals.............. 127 4926 2034 324 .956 60 51 237-313 INDIVIDUAL BATTING Min 2.0 AB/Team game G Avg AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 34 .453 86 29 39 55 5 1 19 36 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 33 .438 112 36 49 26 9 1 0 9 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 31 .410 78 20 32 31 4 0 8 15 Bourke, Holly-Boise State. 31 .390 100 24 39 19 5 1 3 10 Crump, Allie-Boise State.. 30 .373 83 16 31 17 3 0 7 12 Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 29 .371 105 23 39 10 12 1 2 6 Caplan, Kellie-Boise State 31 .370 108 23 40 10 3 0 1 3 Murdock, Britton-NEV...... 29 .364 88 14 32 15 7 1 2 7 Coenen, Sadie-SJSU........ 29 .356 73 20 26 1 6 1 0 15 Jennings, Tiare-NMSU...... 34 .351 94 30 33 27 5 0 4 28 Maroda, Ashley-NMSU....... 31 .351 94 19 33 20 9 0 4 10 Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 34 .337 101 34 34 7 3 1 1 20 Stange, Alex-SJSU......... 33 .333 96 14 32 17 5 0 2 8 Jones, Erin-NEV........... 19 .333 63 12 21 11 2 0 3 5 Patrick, Danielle-NEV..... 28 .330 88 14 29 28 6 0 6 12 Wolfe, Annica-SJSU........ 32 .330 88 10 29 19 5 0 2 9 Rodriguez, Jenna-UH....... 34 .327 104 6 34 20 4 0 2 4 Conrad, Teresa-NMSU....... 30 .325 83 22 27 27 4 1 7 11 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 28 .325 77 15 25 22 8 2 4 5 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 34 .324 105 31 34 22 3 1 11 17 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING Min 1.0 IP/Team game App ERA W-L Sv IP H R ER BB SO ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Parnaby, Kaia-UH.......... 11 1.10 9-2 0 70.0 45 16 11 15 87 Ricketts, Stephani-UH..... 24 1.30 15-7 0 151.0 92 44 28 39 171 Oakes, Mackenzie-FS....... 17 1.61 12-2 1 91.1 75 30 21 23 50 Zell, Aubray-Boise State.. 12 2.12 6-1 0 56.0 51 19 17 10 56 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 16 3.00 6-6 0 86.1 75 43 37 35 102 Krieg, Meghan-LATEC....... 21 3.19 5-13 1 120.2 108 67 55 57 149 Ames, Jennifer-SJSU....... 18 3.37 5-9 2 97.2 132 65 47 37 39 Newman, Alex-NMSU......... 25 3.38 15-2 0 89.0 87 48 43 31 55 Work, Lela-Boise State.... 17 3.47 3-4 5 42.1 42 22 21 6 43 Crump, Allie-Boise State.. 16 4.02 9-5 0 85.1 96 67 49 44 86 Darby, Mallary-NEV........ 24 4.69 9-13 0 125.1 138 119 84 67 104 Fox, Elyssa-SJSU.......... 16 4.97 3-10 0 62.0 82 56 44 29 44 Kipp, Erin-LATEC.......... 13 5.28 0-6 1 59.2 87 56 45 20 25 Harmon, Mandy-USU......... 24 5.54 4-17 0 107.1 138 98 85 62 70 Gutierrez, Janessa-SJSU... 17 5.75 3-2 0 35.1 62 47 29 15 15 HITS ---- Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 49 Caplan, Kellie-Boise State 40 Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 39 Bourke, Holly-Boise State. 39 Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 39 RUNS SCORED ----------- Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 36 Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 34 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 31 Jennings, Tiare-NMSU...... 30 Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 29 RUNS BATTED IN -------------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 55 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 31 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 30 Patrick, Danielle-NEV..... 28 2 tied with 27 RBI(s) DOUBLES ------- Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 12 Maroda, Ashley-NMSU....... 9 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 9 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 8 2 tied with 7 double(s) TRIPLES ------- Gilleland, Haley-FS....... 2 Ortiz, Brooke-FS.......... 2 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 2 20 tied with 1 triple(s) HOME RUNS --------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 19 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 11 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 10 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 8 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 8 TOTAL BASES ----------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 103 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 72 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 65 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 60 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 60 STOLEN BASES SB-ATT ---------------------------------- Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 23-24 Gilleland, Haley-FS....... 12-13 Murdock, Britton-NEV...... 9-9 3 tied with 8 stolen base(s) STRIKEOUTS IP SO ------------------------------------- Ricketts, Stephani-UH..... 151.0 171 Krieg, Meghan-LATEC....... 120.2 149 Darby, Mallary-NEV........ 125.1 104 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 86.1 102 Parnaby, Kaia-UH.......... 70.0 87
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Broncos Go After Florida at Denver Regional Gymnastics Championships
Boise State goes after history this weekend at the NCAA Regional Gymnastics Championships. In the next few days, I'll be looking at the field at the Denver Regional.
One team at Boise State's Denver Regional is #1 Florida. I'll say it--if Boise State doesn't think they can beat Florida, they aren't going to do well this weekend. They will be intimidated and perform badly.
Here's the reason I say this. Most people would look at the teams in this regional and say, well, Florida's going to be the top team, but Boise State has a chance at topping Arkansas. Do you feel that way? If so, try this on for size. Arkansas beat Florida earlier this year. Yep, knocked 'em off in one of the stunning results of the season. So if Boise State doesn't go into the meet trying to beat Florida, they're likely not going to beat Arkansas either.
At this point, it's mental, and it's all about confidence. Most of the teams in the Regional Championships are fairly close in ability. But if you go in perceiving you're not as good....bingo--you're not going to be as good. What I would tell the team is that this is the year you prove yourself. I don't want you finishing second, I want you finishing first. Go after Florida. Whatever score Florida gets, you go one better.
If you can have that attitude and give the Gators a fight, you're going to be right there with them at the end and probably finish second. At that point, it will be up to Arkansas to keep up. The Broncos have the talent, they have the experience, and they have the coaches.
Now all they have to do is go out and perform.
One team at Boise State's Denver Regional is #1 Florida. I'll say it--if Boise State doesn't think they can beat Florida, they aren't going to do well this weekend. They will be intimidated and perform badly.
Here's the reason I say this. Most people would look at the teams in this regional and say, well, Florida's going to be the top team, but Boise State has a chance at topping Arkansas. Do you feel that way? If so, try this on for size. Arkansas beat Florida earlier this year. Yep, knocked 'em off in one of the stunning results of the season. So if Boise State doesn't go into the meet trying to beat Florida, they're likely not going to beat Arkansas either.
At this point, it's mental, and it's all about confidence. Most of the teams in the Regional Championships are fairly close in ability. But if you go in perceiving you're not as good....bingo--you're not going to be as good. What I would tell the team is that this is the year you prove yourself. I don't want you finishing second, I want you finishing first. Go after Florida. Whatever score Florida gets, you go one better.
If you can have that attitude and give the Gators a fight, you're going to be right there with them at the end and probably finish second. At that point, it will be up to Arkansas to keep up. The Broncos have the talent, they have the experience, and they have the coaches.
Now all they have to do is go out and perform.
Bronco Track Team Hosts All-Idaho Cup
With the weather turning nicer, Boise State's track team is set to host the All-Idaho Cup this weekend in Bronco Stadium. Action gets underway at noon Friday in the field events while the track events begin at 4. Field events begin Saturday morning at 10 and the running events start at 1 p.m.
The meet was formed to allow all Idaho teams the chance to compete against each other but Idaho was not able to bring their team down.
The meet was formed to allow all Idaho teams the chance to compete against each other but Idaho was not able to bring their team down.
Boise State Edges Utah 9-8 in Game One
Boise State pulled magic out of the hat in the seventh inning as Tazz Weatherly rocketed a roundtripper to lead Boise State to a 9-8 over Utah in Salt Lake City. Weatherly's blow brought her out of a 4-33 slump in game one of a scheduled doubleheader. Lela Work pitched six innings in relief to earn the win.
The Broncos had taken an 8-6 lead in the previous inning, only to see Utah's Whitney Holm hit a two-run homer to tie.
Utah grabbed the early lead off Bronco starter Aubray Zell 2-0 but Allie Crump's homer and Mackenzie Whyte's two-out two-RBI single in the second gave Boise State a 3-2 lead. But the Utes banged out five consecutive hits in the bottom half of the inning to send Zell to the dugout, with the big blast being Holm's first home run of the game. Bronco catcher Megan Harvey helped the Bronco cause by throwing out two Utes trying to steal.
Facing a 6-3 deficit, Boise State battled back. Whyte drove in Kelly Sweeney and Holly Bourke's sac fly scored Weatherly in the fourth to make it a 6-5 contest and set the stage for the wild finish.
Whyte had three hits and three RBI's, a run and a stolen base to lead the Bronco cause. The Utah pitching staff pitched around freshman Devon Bridges, fearing the freshman slugger's ability to leave the yard.
Utah dropped to 15-16 with the loss.
The Broncos had taken an 8-6 lead in the previous inning, only to see Utah's Whitney Holm hit a two-run homer to tie.
Utah grabbed the early lead off Bronco starter Aubray Zell 2-0 but Allie Crump's homer and Mackenzie Whyte's two-out two-RBI single in the second gave Boise State a 3-2 lead. But the Utes banged out five consecutive hits in the bottom half of the inning to send Zell to the dugout, with the big blast being Holm's first home run of the game. Bronco catcher Megan Harvey helped the Bronco cause by throwing out two Utes trying to steal.
Facing a 6-3 deficit, Boise State battled back. Whyte drove in Kelly Sweeney and Holly Bourke's sac fly scored Weatherly in the fourth to make it a 6-5 contest and set the stage for the wild finish.
Whyte had three hits and three RBI's, a run and a stolen base to lead the Bronco cause. The Utah pitching staff pitched around freshman Devon Bridges, fearing the freshman slugger's ability to leave the yard.
Utah dropped to 15-16 with the loss.
The Sporting News Selects Boise State's Kellen Moore As the Top Collegiate Player
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore has been chosen by The Sporting News as the #1 player in the nation in college football.
Senior writer Matt Hayes chose Moore to top the list of 25 players to watch next fall. "He's a season away from becoming one of the game's all-time greats, from setting records that may never be reached and leading his team where no other non-BCS school has been," Hayes said.
Most people did not realize it at the time, but Moore beat out eventual Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton of Auburn as the nation's top passer last year with a 182.63 rating. Moore has already set an all-time record for the lowest interception ratio (in 2009) and is in position to set at least two more NCAA records. Kellen is 38-2 and is just seven wins away from tying Colt McCoy of Texas for the most wins by a college quarterback. He is 35 touchdown passes away from the all-time mark held by Graham Harrell of Texas Tech.
Moore's teammate, defensive tackle Billy Winn, is #15 on Hayes' list and is the second-highest defensive tackle. Winn had four sacks and 9.5 tackles last season. It's ironic that Winn is so well thought of on the national scene when the Western Athletic Conference never saw fit to name him even All-Conference.
Boise State has this week off for spring break but then will resume spring drills next week leading up to the annual Spring Game Saturday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
Senior writer Matt Hayes chose Moore to top the list of 25 players to watch next fall. "He's a season away from becoming one of the game's all-time greats, from setting records that may never be reached and leading his team where no other non-BCS school has been," Hayes said.
Most people did not realize it at the time, but Moore beat out eventual Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton of Auburn as the nation's top passer last year with a 182.63 rating. Moore has already set an all-time record for the lowest interception ratio (in 2009) and is in position to set at least two more NCAA records. Kellen is 38-2 and is just seven wins away from tying Colt McCoy of Texas for the most wins by a college quarterback. He is 35 touchdown passes away from the all-time mark held by Graham Harrell of Texas Tech.
Moore's teammate, defensive tackle Billy Winn, is #15 on Hayes' list and is the second-highest defensive tackle. Winn had four sacks and 9.5 tackles last season. It's ironic that Winn is so well thought of on the national scene when the Western Athletic Conference never saw fit to name him even All-Conference.
Boise State has this week off for spring break but then will resume spring drills next week leading up to the annual Spring Game Saturday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Boise State Wins Seventh National Championship
The Boise State debate and speech team has won its second national championship in the last six years, as the Broncos are coming home with hardware from the Pi Kappa Delta National Championship Tournament in Portland, Oregon.
These championships seem to be coming in pairs--the teams that have won championships have won more than one. The football team has won two (one each in junior college and I-AA), the cheerleaders have won three national championships and now the debate team has won two national titles.
Boise State's intellect and debating skills were in top form as the Broncos beat Oregon State, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Arkansas and dozens of other schools in head-to-head competition on an even playing field. In addition to the two National Championships, the Talkin' Broncos have also captured two runner-up trophies.
This win was not the result of a few good performances. Throughout the competition, the Bronco team was at the top of the standings in each individual segment. Nowhere was this more demonstrated than in the Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Informative Speaking categories in which Boise State dominated the podium. The Boise State student group received one Superior Award (Jon Agnew) and six Excellent Awards (Taylor Bruun, Debra Groberg, Sam Pagano, Mallory Pouraghi, freshman Cassandra Sullivan and sophomore Josh Watkins) in Impromptu Speaking. Two Broncos (Agnew and Mike Fitzgerald) were honored with Superior Awards and two more (Pagano and Sullivan) captured Excellent honors in Extemporaneous Speaking. In Informative Speaking, Josh Watkins was Superior, while Monica Cutler, junior Sabonn Dammarell, Debra Groberg and Cassandra Sullivan all received Excellent marks from the Championship judges.
Groberg also received a Superior mark in Dramatic Interpretation. Sam Pagano received Superior marks in Poetry, Discussion and Oral Interpretation. Sadonn Dammerell was judged Excellent in After Dinner Speaking and To Honor Immigrants and Superior in Prose. Watkins also received an Excellent grading from the judges in Dramatic Interpretation and another Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Mallory Douraghi won an Excellent Award in the category To Honor Immigrants. Lauren Bramwell received an Excellent Award in Oral Interpretation. Fitzgerald received an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Jessica Gresl was given Excellent in both Prose and Broadcast Journalism. Ben Larsen captured Superior Awards in both Prose and Oral Interpretation and an Excellent mark in Communication Analysis. Jon Agnew was judged Superior in the Editorial Impromptu category. Taylor Bruun won an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Taylor Brook also received Superior in Editorial Impromptu and Howie Long captured an Excellent trophy in Broadcast Journalism.
Watkins and Larsen received an Excellent Award in the Dramatic Duo competition. Lauren Bramwell and Tanya Medukha received Excellent Awards in the NPDA competition and Taylor Bruun and John Agnew were awarded Excellent trophies in the Open competition.
They Are the Champions!!!!!!
I give my highest salute to this group of Broncos--super job!
These championships seem to be coming in pairs--the teams that have won championships have won more than one. The football team has won two (one each in junior college and I-AA), the cheerleaders have won three national championships and now the debate team has won two national titles.
Boise State's intellect and debating skills were in top form as the Broncos beat Oregon State, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Arkansas and dozens of other schools in head-to-head competition on an even playing field. In addition to the two National Championships, the Talkin' Broncos have also captured two runner-up trophies.
This win was not the result of a few good performances. Throughout the competition, the Bronco team was at the top of the standings in each individual segment. Nowhere was this more demonstrated than in the Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Informative Speaking categories in which Boise State dominated the podium. The Boise State student group received one Superior Award (Jon Agnew) and six Excellent Awards (Taylor Bruun, Debra Groberg, Sam Pagano, Mallory Pouraghi, freshman Cassandra Sullivan and sophomore Josh Watkins) in Impromptu Speaking. Two Broncos (Agnew and Mike Fitzgerald) were honored with Superior Awards and two more (Pagano and Sullivan) captured Excellent honors in Extemporaneous Speaking. In Informative Speaking, Josh Watkins was Superior, while Monica Cutler, junior Sabonn Dammarell, Debra Groberg and Cassandra Sullivan all received Excellent marks from the Championship judges.
Groberg also received a Superior mark in Dramatic Interpretation. Sam Pagano received Superior marks in Poetry, Discussion and Oral Interpretation. Sadonn Dammerell was judged Excellent in After Dinner Speaking and To Honor Immigrants and Superior in Prose. Watkins also received an Excellent grading from the judges in Dramatic Interpretation and another Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Mallory Douraghi won an Excellent Award in the category To Honor Immigrants. Lauren Bramwell received an Excellent Award in Oral Interpretation. Fitzgerald received an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Jessica Gresl was given Excellent in both Prose and Broadcast Journalism. Ben Larsen captured Superior Awards in both Prose and Oral Interpretation and an Excellent mark in Communication Analysis. Jon Agnew was judged Superior in the Editorial Impromptu category. Taylor Bruun won an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Taylor Brook also received Superior in Editorial Impromptu and Howie Long captured an Excellent trophy in Broadcast Journalism.
Watkins and Larsen received an Excellent Award in the Dramatic Duo competition. Lauren Bramwell and Tanya Medukha received Excellent Awards in the NPDA competition and Taylor Bruun and John Agnew were awarded Excellent trophies in the Open competition.
They Are the Champions!!!!!!
I give my highest salute to this group of Broncos--super job!
Well-Deserved Award for Bridges
Boise State freshman sensation Devon Bridges has been named the Western Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week, the league office announced yesterday.
Bridges blasted four home runs over the weekend and knocked in 10 in a three-game sweet of Nevada. Bridges hit .714 (5-7) with an .800 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 2.429. Bridges set school records of six RBI's in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader and two grand slams in a season, hitting her second of the year in that game.
And the season is barely getting started.
Bridges now has eight homers on the year and leads the Broncos with 30 RBI's. Boise State plays seven road games this week.
Bridges blasted four home runs over the weekend and knocked in 10 in a three-game sweet of Nevada. Bridges hit .714 (5-7) with an .800 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 2.429. Bridges set school records of six RBI's in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader and two grand slams in a season, hitting her second of the year in that game.
And the season is barely getting started.
Bridges now has eight homers on the year and leads the Broncos with 30 RBI's. Boise State plays seven road games this week.
Geraldo Hiwat Poised for Banner Year
You've all heard the phrase "The game is slowing down for ________."
The college game (especially at Boise State's level) is played at a fast pace and the difference from high school is considerable. Once players put in the work, study the plays and study the film, the awareness hits them. That appears to be the case this spring for Boise State wide receiver Geraldo Hiwat. Consider that the learning curve for a guy who just started football in high school in the Netherlands is pretty steep and one would have to say he's made considerable progress.
Hiwat has both the size (6-4, 200) and the speed (timed at 4.57 in the Netherlands and he's faster now); the raw package the Broncos got when he committed to Boise State had tremendous upside. It seemed like a match made in heaven--Geraldo wanted to learn and he had some of the best teachers in the game in the Bronco coaches. Now, word out of Boise State spring camp is that Hiwat is running the routes, making the cuts, and using his body the way the coaches want him to. This is extremely good news for Boise State's prospects this fall. If Hiwat and a few other receivers (Aaron Burks, Kirby Moore and Matt Miller to name a few) can close the gap between them and departing seniors Titus Young and Austin Pettis, it would certainly take pressure off of Doug Martin and the Bronco ground game.
The college game (especially at Boise State's level) is played at a fast pace and the difference from high school is considerable. Once players put in the work, study the plays and study the film, the awareness hits them. That appears to be the case this spring for Boise State wide receiver Geraldo Hiwat. Consider that the learning curve for a guy who just started football in high school in the Netherlands is pretty steep and one would have to say he's made considerable progress.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bridges Blasts Boise State to Doubleheader Sweep of Nevada
The Bronco softball team completed a three-game sweep of Nevada yesterday with 8-3 and 11-10 wins at Mountain Cove Field, showing they are going to be a force in the Western Athletic Conference this season.
Freshman Devon Bridges launched three homers and was 4-5 on the afternoon with eight RBI's. Bridges homered in all three Bronco wins over the Wolf Pack.
Lela Work was credited with both victories. In the opener, Work came in relief of starter Aubray Zell with the Broncos trailing 2-0 in the first inning and only allowed one Pack run after that. Holly Bourke's solo homer to center, Bridges' two-run shot and a solo homer by Vanessa Alvarez gave Boise State a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish. After Nevada closed to 4-3 in the fifth, Boise State scored four in their half of the inning, punctuated by the 100th career hit of Christina Capobianco, a pinch-hit double that drove in three. Capobianco became the third Bronco to reach the 100-hit milestone.
Work finished with 11 strikeouts and allowed just five hits. Mallary Darby suffered her second loss to the Broncos in as many games for Nevada.
The second game was more dramatic. After Nevada had taken a 10-9 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Work ripped a shot into right field in the Broncos' half to score the winning runs. Nevada jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning but Boise State responded with an RBI double from Allie Crump and another homer from Bridges.
Nevada scored another run in the second and three more in the third off starter Crump to go ahead 7-3. Nevada scored another run in the fourth after Work had taken over to build an 8-3 lead. But in the bottom of the fourth, Bourke's two-run double down the line ignited a Bronco rally. Darby contributed to her own downfall with two walks and two hit batters in the inning. That loaded the bases for Bridges, and the red-hot freshman promptly cleared them with her second grand slam of the season. Bridges' blast gave Boise State their first lead of the game 9-8 and set a school record of six RBI's for the game.
Work was able to retire the side in order in the fifth and sixth innings and got the first two batters out in the seventh.
But Megan Fincher drew a walk and Chelsea Venable followed with a home run to give Nevada the lead again 10-9. Boise State, playing like a championship team, was not to be denied. Tazz Weatherly and Mackenzie Whyte drew walks to start the Bronco seventh. Kellie Caplan laid down a perfect bunt to move the runners and Bourke walked to load the bases. Capobianco's fly ball wasn't deep enough to score the tying run, leaving it up to Work with two outs. Her single scored Weatherly and Whyte's head-first slide beat the tag to give the Broncos the win.
Boise State will play seven games on the road against Utah Valley, Utah, San Jose State and Saint Mary's next week.
The Broncos, now 18-10 on the season, look to carry the momentum of a conference series sweep into a busy week. Boise State will play seven games in the next week, beginning Tuesday, against Utah Valley in Provo, Utah. The team also has a doubleheader scheduled against Utah, Wednesday, before resuming conference action Friday and Saturday, at San Jose State. The week will wrap up with a single game Sunday, at Saint Mary's.
Freshman Devon Bridges launched three homers and was 4-5 on the afternoon with eight RBI's. Bridges homered in all three Bronco wins over the Wolf Pack.
Lela Work was credited with both victories. In the opener, Work came in relief of starter Aubray Zell with the Broncos trailing 2-0 in the first inning and only allowed one Pack run after that. Holly Bourke's solo homer to center, Bridges' two-run shot and a solo homer by Vanessa Alvarez gave Boise State a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish. After Nevada closed to 4-3 in the fifth, Boise State scored four in their half of the inning, punctuated by the 100th career hit of Christina Capobianco, a pinch-hit double that drove in three. Capobianco became the third Bronco to reach the 100-hit milestone.
Work finished with 11 strikeouts and allowed just five hits. Mallary Darby suffered her second loss to the Broncos in as many games for Nevada.
The second game was more dramatic. After Nevada had taken a 10-9 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Work ripped a shot into right field in the Broncos' half to score the winning runs. Nevada jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning but Boise State responded with an RBI double from Allie Crump and another homer from Bridges.
Nevada scored another run in the second and three more in the third off starter Crump to go ahead 7-3. Nevada scored another run in the fourth after Work had taken over to build an 8-3 lead. But in the bottom of the fourth, Bourke's two-run double down the line ignited a Bronco rally. Darby contributed to her own downfall with two walks and two hit batters in the inning. That loaded the bases for Bridges, and the red-hot freshman promptly cleared them with her second grand slam of the season. Bridges' blast gave Boise State their first lead of the game 9-8 and set a school record of six RBI's for the game.
Work was able to retire the side in order in the fifth and sixth innings and got the first two batters out in the seventh.
But Megan Fincher drew a walk and Chelsea Venable followed with a home run to give Nevada the lead again 10-9. Boise State, playing like a championship team, was not to be denied. Tazz Weatherly and Mackenzie Whyte drew walks to start the Bronco seventh. Kellie Caplan laid down a perfect bunt to move the runners and Bourke walked to load the bases. Capobianco's fly ball wasn't deep enough to score the tying run, leaving it up to Work with two outs. Her single scored Weatherly and Whyte's head-first slide beat the tag to give the Broncos the win.
Boise State will play seven games on the road against Utah Valley, Utah, San Jose State and Saint Mary's next week.
The Broncos, now 18-10 on the season, look to carry the momentum of a conference series sweep into a busy week. Boise State will play seven games in the next week, beginning Tuesday, against Utah Valley in Provo, Utah. The team also has a doubleheader scheduled against Utah, Wednesday, before resuming conference action Friday and Saturday, at San Jose State. The week will wrap up with a single game Sunday, at Saint Mary's.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Boise State Environmental Research Building Nears Completion
That flurry of activity you see all around the Boise State campus these days is a metropolitan research univeristy of distinction growing up before our eyes.
Last month I did an initial story on the foundation being laid for the new Micron Business Building and will have updates soon on the progress there. The Environmental Research Building (next to the engineering complex) is set to open this summer.
The five-story, 97,000-square-foot structure is dedicated to creating a dynamic new focus on issues central to the region and the state’s future vibrancy. It is Boise State’s first dedicated research building and will support a Western agenda on the environment, transportation, water, land use and community and regional planning.
The departments of Geosciences, Civil Engineering, Public Policy and Administration and Political Science will begin moving into the building near the end of the semester.
Numerous energy-saving strategies have been incorporated into the project, including a variable-air volume HVAC system with high efficiency condensing hot-water boilers, increased wall and roof insulation, high-efficiency windows, and a low window-wall ratio.
Last month I did an initial story on the foundation being laid for the new Micron Business Building and will have updates soon on the progress there. The Environmental Research Building (next to the engineering complex) is set to open this summer.
The five-story, 97,000-square-foot structure is dedicated to creating a dynamic new focus on issues central to the region and the state’s future vibrancy. It is Boise State’s first dedicated research building and will support a Western agenda on the environment, transportation, water, land use and community and regional planning.
The departments of Geosciences, Civil Engineering, Public Policy and Administration and Political Science will begin moving into the building near the end of the semester.
Numerous energy-saving strategies have been incorporated into the project, including a variable-air volume HVAC system with high efficiency condensing hot-water boilers, increased wall and roof insulation, high-efficiency windows, and a low window-wall ratio.
Boise State's Symphonic Winds Blow Across National Stage
The Boise State Symphonic Winds performed two original works Thursday for the 2011 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association in Seattle. The 65-member Bronco group was one of eight from across the nation selected to perform. The Association is the leading professional organization for college band programs in the United States--no band from Idaho had ever been invited previously.
The Symphonic Winds has been recognized at regional competitions as one of the top concert groups in the Northwest and has performed at numerous state and regional conventions.
"It is an honor and a significant accomplishment to be selected to perform at a national conference and it is a true barometer of the growth and quality of teaching at Boise State,” said Marcellus Brown, band director and professor of music at Boise State.
The 65-member Symphonic Winds performed five works during a 50-minute program. They included two original commissioned works: “This is Africa” by Shawn Okpebholo, a freelance composer and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio; and “Reminiscences” by Mark D. Camphouse, professor in the School of Music at George Mason University. Both composers visited Boise State earlier this month to work with the Symphonic Winds on their pieces, offering ideas and insights to help the band perform their works as they had envisioned them.
This national performance featured Brown as conductor, along with fellow music professors Eric Smedley as guest conductor and Leslie Moreau as clarinet soloist.
The Symphonic Winds has been recognized at regional competitions as one of the top concert groups in the Northwest and has performed at numerous state and regional conventions.
"It is an honor and a significant accomplishment to be selected to perform at a national conference and it is a true barometer of the growth and quality of teaching at Boise State,” said Marcellus Brown, band director and professor of music at Boise State.
The 65-member Symphonic Winds performed five works during a 50-minute program. They included two original commissioned works: “This is Africa” by Shawn Okpebholo, a freelance composer and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio; and “Reminiscences” by Mark D. Camphouse, professor in the School of Music at George Mason University. Both composers visited Boise State earlier this month to work with the Symphonic Winds on their pieces, offering ideas and insights to help the band perform their works as they had envisioned them.
Marcellus Brown
Friday, March 25, 2011
Introducing My New Music Blog
I have two burning passions that have kept me both busy and happy my entire life--Boise State sports and music. Now, both are fulfilled by blogs! If you are a fan of music in the rock era, I invite you to check out Inside the Rock Era (I know, I'm working on a catchier title...!)
Broncos High on Garnett
With stars like Denver's Ryan Clady and Super Bowl Champion Green Bay's Daryn Colledge and tackle Nate Potter appearing to be the next (after a pre-season All-America selection), Boise State is establishing quite a track record for developing offensive lineman for the National Football League.
The Broncos of the future want to make room for another--Puyallup, Washington's Joshua Garnett. Boise State is one of 12 schools who have offered the 6-5, 280 Garnett (USC, California, Stanford, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn and Oregon being the others).
Garnett has good footwork, which would seem to fit beautifully in Boise State's high-powered offense. He also carries a 3.85 G.P.A., another thing Coach Chris Petersen and his Boise State staff looks at. I saw one highlight in which Garnett blocks his man 15 yards downfield before flattening him.
Catch this star of the future in this video:
The Broncos of the future want to make room for another--Puyallup, Washington's Joshua Garnett. Boise State is one of 12 schools who have offered the 6-5, 280 Garnett (USC, California, Stanford, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn and Oregon being the others).
Garnett has good footwork, which would seem to fit beautifully in Boise State's high-powered offense. He also carries a 3.85 G.P.A., another thing Coach Chris Petersen and his Boise State staff looks at. I saw one highlight in which Garnett blocks his man 15 yards downfield before flattening him.
Catch this star of the future in this video:
Connor Crane Draws Boise State's Offer
Boise State has reached deep into the heart of Texas many times before, and they are hoping to do so once again. According to numerous sources, Boise State has offered receiver Connor Crane of Denton Guyer a scholarship.
The Broncos will have to lure Crane away from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Wake Forest, others who have already offered the talented receiver.
Crane (6-4, 185) runs a 4.5 40 and is expected to be Guyer's top target this fall. Crane has speed enough to outrun some of Texas's top defensive backs and runs a crisp route. Last year, Crane had 35 receptions of 854 yards (24.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in helping his team to the 5A Division II state championship game.
Here is what you can expect from Crane:
The Broncos will have to lure Crane away from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Wake Forest, others who have already offered the talented receiver.
Crane (6-4, 185) runs a 4.5 40 and is expected to be Guyer's top target this fall. Crane has speed enough to outrun some of Texas's top defensive backs and runs a crisp route. Last year, Crane had 35 receptions of 854 yards (24.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in helping his team to the 5A Division II state championship game.
Here is what you can expect from Crane:
Broncos Open WAC Softball Season With 13-0 Win over Nevada
Boise State became the 26th team in NCAA history to score 12 runs in an inning as the Broncos raced past the startled Nevada Wolf Pack today in Boise. It was the Western Athletic Conference softball opener for both teams.
Boise State (16-10) scored in the first with a walk, a hit and two Pack errors. That 1-0 lead held up through 3 1/2 innings until the Blue Thundercloud burst from above. Junior Allie Crump started off the historic inning with a ground ball that resulted in a wide throw by the Nevada shortstop. Freshman Devon Bridges blasted her fifth home run of the year inside the left-field foul pole. The Broncos went on to get five more hits--two from Kelly Sweeney and drew five walks to put up the "12 spot" in the inning. Freshman Mackenzie Whyte closed out the inning with a three-run double, as the final 10 runs of the inning came with two out.
Aubray Zell shut down the Nevada offense, scattering three hits and a walk over four innings to extend her scoreless innings streak to 34. Lela Work, the national leader in saves, then came in to close out the game in the fifth to preserve Boise State's eighth shutout of the year. Zell is now 6-1 on the year while Mallary Darby, Nevada's top pitcher, is now 9-11.
The Broncos and Pack meet again Saturday for a doubleheader with games scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. at Mountain Cove Field.
Boise State (16-10) scored in the first with a walk, a hit and two Pack errors. That 1-0 lead held up through 3 1/2 innings until the Blue Thundercloud burst from above. Junior Allie Crump started off the historic inning with a ground ball that resulted in a wide throw by the Nevada shortstop. Freshman Devon Bridges blasted her fifth home run of the year inside the left-field foul pole. The Broncos went on to get five more hits--two from Kelly Sweeney and drew five walks to put up the "12 spot" in the inning. Freshman Mackenzie Whyte closed out the inning with a three-run double, as the final 10 runs of the inning came with two out.
Aubray Zell shut down the Nevada offense, scattering three hits and a walk over four innings to extend her scoreless innings streak to 34. Lela Work, the national leader in saves, then came in to close out the game in the fifth to preserve Boise State's eighth shutout of the year. Zell is now 6-1 on the year while Mallary Darby, Nevada's top pitcher, is now 9-11.
The Broncos and Pack meet again Saturday for a doubleheader with games scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. at Mountain Cove Field.
Five Broncos Chosen for NationalChamps.net All-America Team
For the first time in school history, five Boise State football players have been chosen for a preseason All-America team.
NationalChamps.net has released their preseason team and five Broncos are on the list, more than any other team. Tackle Nate Potter was selected to be on the First Team, quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn were on the second squad and center Thomas Byrd and defensive end Shea McClellin are Third Team members. Running back Doug Martin was chosen as "Honorable Mention".
Boise State is in the midst of spring drills and will open the 2011 season in the Georgia Dome against Georgia.
NationalChamps.net has released their preseason team and five Broncos are on the list, more than any other team. Tackle Nate Potter was selected to be on the First Team, quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn were on the second squad and center Thomas Byrd and defensive end Shea McClellin are Third Team members. Running back Doug Martin was chosen as "Honorable Mention".
Boise State is in the midst of spring drills and will open the 2011 season in the Georgia Dome against Georgia.
FB Lineups Page Now Complete Through 1975
The tabbed page "FB Lineups" is already the most complete source for past Boise State starting lineups anywhere in print or on the internet (I've already checked hundreds of times.). It is now complete back to 1975. In the next few months, this site will be the best place to find out how many years Rick Woods started, who was the center in 1971, who was the quarterback in 1960 and how many yards Fred Goode rushed for in 1976.
Bookmark the site, become a "Follower of Blue Through and Through" and come back anytime!
Bookmark the site, become a "Follower of Blue Through and Through" and come back anytime!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Boise State #58 in Learfield Cup Standings
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/auto_pdf/DIMarch24.pdfAs revealed on this board last week, Boise State made a jump in the Learfield Cup Standings, which measures the top athletic programs in the country. The Broncos were helped by the ninth-place finish at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships and the 39th-place finish at the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships.
Even so, Boise State is behind last year's pace, largely because the football team did not do as well in 2010 as they did the year before. Boise State currently has 169 points, just behind Arizona State, Iowa State and Purdue but ahead of Georgia, Miami of Florida, Clemson and Pac-10 bound Utah. Hawai'i is the second-highest school from the Western Athletic Conference at #86.
The Broncos hope to pick up points in gymnastics, and the men's and women's tennis teams will also need to score points if Boise State is to match last year's Learfield Cup success.
Complete standings can be found here:
Even so, Boise State is behind last year's pace, largely because the football team did not do as well in 2010 as they did the year before. Boise State currently has 169 points, just behind Arizona State, Iowa State and Purdue but ahead of Georgia, Miami of Florida, Clemson and Pac-10 bound Utah. Hawai'i is the second-highest school from the Western Athletic Conference at #86.
The Broncos hope to pick up points in gymnastics, and the men's and women's tennis teams will also need to score points if Boise State is to match last year's Learfield Cup success.
Complete standings can be found here:
Young, Avery Excel at Boise State Pro Day
NFL scouts, not being good enough at what they do to be able to evaluate talent based on actual football games, were on-hand for Boise State's Pro Day today and reports are the Titus Young and Jeremy Avery improved their stock.
Young, who ran a 4.47 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, topped that with a 4.35 in the 40 today. Avery, who wasn't invited to the Combine, recorded a 38-inch vertical. The scouts wanted to try Winston Venable at safety and Ryan Winterswyk at tight end and had that pair work out at unfamiliar positions. 14 of the Bronco seniors took part in the drills, but reportedly Austin Pettis was not included in the group. Pettis is comfortable with the numbers he posted at the Combine.
Young, who ran a 4.47 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, topped that with a 4.35 in the 40 today. Avery, who wasn't invited to the Combine, recorded a 38-inch vertical. The scouts wanted to try Winston Venable at safety and Ryan Winterswyk at tight end and had that pair work out at unfamiliar positions. 14 of the Bronco seniors took part in the drills, but reportedly Austin Pettis was not included in the group. Pettis is comfortable with the numbers he posted at the Combine.
I Expect a Big Season from Doug Martin
In his career thus far, Boise State running back Doug Martin has proven to be the go-to guy when Boise State needed a goal-line touchdown (Fiesta Bowl 2009) and a breakaway touchdown to spur the team to victory (2010 Las Vegas Bowl). Martin has that rare combination of innate toughness and blazing speed that few running backs have. That is one of several reasons why I look for Martin to have a sensational senior year.
Martin is a back you can count on in short-yardage situations and a guy that can also get you the 80-yard touchdown to break the game open. From the time he was Boise State Scout Player of the Year, the Bronco coaches knew they had to find a way to get him on the field. Originally thought to be a strong competitor for Boise State's all-important "nickle" position on defense, Martin switched to running back when Winston Venable stepped up out of junior college to become a stud at that position.
Martin has excelled since moving back to offense. Despite not being a starter, Martin led the Broncos with 15 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards a pop in 2009. Martin played considerably more last year and ran for 1,260 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 6.3 average. So we know the guy has the talent to put forth a monster year.
He'll need to. Boise State lost star tailback Jeremy Avery to graduation and Matt Kaiserman to too many concussions. And one can not begin to predict what D.J. Harper will do. Harper was granted another year of eligibility because of injuries each of the past two seasons. Behind those two are a couple of walk-ons and a freshman. While each of those backs can get the job done, Martin has far and away the most carries, the most experience and the most durability. I don't question at all that Martin could handle 25-30 carries a game.
Talent, durability, depth--those are three reasons why Martin should have an amazing year. Another has to do with the loss of Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Those two by all rights should both be drafted in the first round if NFL scouts have a clue (I'm not in the camp that thinks they do.) Nevertheless, both are huge losses to the receiving corps. Let me start off this part by saying that if I was out on the field, Kellen Moore would find a way to get me the ball; in other words, I don't think you have to be a great talent to catch some footballs this fall. So I'm not worried in the least about the Boise State passing game. But let's face it--you do have some drop-off at receiver when you lose Austin Pettis and Titus Young. The younger receivers (Hiwat, Burks, Potter, perhaps Miller) will eventually grow into their new roles.
But in the meantime, you want yards you can count on from the get-go, especially in the season opener against Georgia. The same is true for the rest of the early part of the schedule, until the receivers named above can "get in their groove". Again, that is not to say that the Bronco passing game will suffer--it won't. But with Martin, you have the proven, known commodity who you know can get it done in the clutch and get the tough yards.
It's never good to put a number out there as to what I think he'll rush for so I won't do that. Just suffice it to say that Martin should explode for his best season as a Bronco.
It's never good to put a number out there as to what I think he'll rush for so I won't do that. Just suffice it to say that Martin should explode for his best season as a Bronco.
The Boise State All-WAC Football Team 2001-2010
As the Boise State football team prepares to enter a new era, I thought it would be fun to name a Boise State All-WAC team, the top players at each position from 2001-2010 (The WAC years).
QB: Kellen Moore
RB: Brock Forsey
RB: Ian Johnson
WR: Austin Pettis
WR: Titus Young
WR: Jeremy Childs
TE: Derek Schouman
TE: Kyle Efaw
T: Ryan Clady
G: Tad Miller
C: Scott Huff
G: Andrew Woodruff
T: Daryn Colledge
DE: Ryan Winterswyk
DT: Billy Winn
DT: Andrew Browning
DE: Shea McClellin
LB: Andy Avalos
LB: Korey Hall
LB: Colt Brooks
CB: Gabe Franklin
CB: Kyle Wilson
S: Quintin Mikell
S: Jeron Johnson
P: Kyle Stringer
PK: Tyler Jones
That's a pretty potent lineup! Agree? Disagree? Name your own team in the comments below.
QB: Kellen Moore
RB: Brock Forsey
RB: Ian Johnson
WR: Austin Pettis
WR: Titus Young
WR: Jeremy Childs
TE: Derek Schouman
TE: Kyle Efaw
T: Ryan Clady
G: Tad Miller
C: Scott Huff
G: Andrew Woodruff
T: Daryn Colledge
DE: Ryan Winterswyk
DT: Billy Winn
DT: Andrew Browning
DE: Shea McClellin
LB: Andy Avalos
LB: Korey Hall
LB: Colt Brooks
CB: Gabe Franklin
CB: Kyle Wilson
S: Quintin Mikell
S: Jeron Johnson
P: Kyle Stringer
PK: Tyler Jones
That's a pretty potent lineup! Agree? Disagree? Name your own team in the comments below.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Boise State Offers Legace
Arcadia Head Coach Jon Dimalante has confirmed that Taylor Legace has been offered a scholarship at Boise State.
Legace played receiver and safety and returned punts and kicks last year for Arcadia, accounting for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns and also making four interceptions. As a sophomore, Legace had 74 receptions for 895 yards and 12 touchdowns. Legace, 6-2, 190, runs a 4.5 40.
Legace has received interest from UCLA, Stanford, Washington, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Colorado State. He is a possession receiver with deceptive speed.
Legace has received interest from UCLA, Stanford, Washington, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Colorado State. He is a possession receiver with deceptive speed.
Blue Through and Through will have more information soon on Legace.
Oregon Might Get First Win Over Boise State in 13 Years
Oregon had not defeated Boise State in a major sport (football or basketball) in 13 years. The Ducks finally broke that long dry spell with a 79-71 win in Eugene tonight over the Broncos in the semifinals of the CBI Tournament.
Kudos to Boise State, though, down by 20 in the second half, cut the lead to six in the waning moments.
Kudos to Boise State, though, down by 20 in the second half, cut the lead to six in the waning moments.
Broncos Open WAC Season by Hosting Nevada
Boise State's softball team dives into the conference season with three home games against Nevada. It is important for the Broncos to take advantage of the home field since these are the only games scheduled against the Wolf Pack this season.
Nevada can score runs in bunches when they're on. The Pack is right behind Boise State (.304) for third in the Western Athletic Conference (.285) in hitting. There are four main contributors to the Nevada offense. Karley Hopkins is fifth in the WAC (.383) and leads the conference in doubles with 11. Britton Murdock is hitting .354 and is third in the league with a perfect 8-for-8 stolen bases. Erin Jones bats .340 while Daniell Patrick is third in the WAC with 25 RBI's. However, only five Nevada hitters bat over .220 on the season. Thus, the task is pretty clear--shut down those four and you have a good chance to win.
Mallory Darby (9-10, 4.24 ERA) is the top hurler for Nevada; Darby is thrd in the conference with 95 strikeouts. The question is depth, as Nevada's team ERA is 5.74. The Bronco bats were quiet at the beginning of the year, but as new faces began to hit on a consistent basis, the Boise State offensive attack has come alive during their winning streak. They will need to continue to hit and move teammates along the basepaths and take advantage of the fat ERA's on the Nevada staff.
Boise State's Kellie Caplan is enjoying a fantastic year, hitting over .400 (.407), third in the WAC. The surprise in the conference is freshman Devon Bridges. Bridges is not only hitting well (.385) which is fourth in the WAC, but she seems to be a part of nearly every Bronco rally.
Boise State and Nevada take the field at Mountain Cover for a Friday game beginning at 3. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday with games scheduled at 1 and 3 p.m.
Nevada can score runs in bunches when they're on. The Pack is right behind Boise State (.304) for third in the Western Athletic Conference (.285) in hitting. There are four main contributors to the Nevada offense. Karley Hopkins is fifth in the WAC (.383) and leads the conference in doubles with 11. Britton Murdock is hitting .354 and is third in the league with a perfect 8-for-8 stolen bases. Erin Jones bats .340 while Daniell Patrick is third in the WAC with 25 RBI's. However, only five Nevada hitters bat over .220 on the season. Thus, the task is pretty clear--shut down those four and you have a good chance to win.
Mallory Darby (9-10, 4.24 ERA) is the top hurler for Nevada; Darby is thrd in the conference with 95 strikeouts. The question is depth, as Nevada's team ERA is 5.74. The Bronco bats were quiet at the beginning of the year, but as new faces began to hit on a consistent basis, the Boise State offensive attack has come alive during their winning streak. They will need to continue to hit and move teammates along the basepaths and take advantage of the fat ERA's on the Nevada staff.
Boise State's Kellie Caplan is enjoying a fantastic year, hitting over .400 (.407), third in the WAC. The surprise in the conference is freshman Devon Bridges. Bridges is not only hitting well (.385) which is fourth in the WAC, but she seems to be a part of nearly every Bronco rally.
Boise State and Nevada take the field at Mountain Cover for a Friday game beginning at 3. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday with games scheduled at 1 and 3 p.m.
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