Ouch. The talented, experienced Boise State gymnastics team took on a lesser opponent tonight and lost. It wasn't even particularly close, with the Wildcats of Arizona winning 195.375 to 194.400.
Now you can say that winning individual meets don't matter, but inside, if you don't think you are as good as the #32 team in the nation, you're certainly not going to get to #12, which has been the stated goal of Boise State for over a decade. In this sport in which stress is high and meets are decided by tenths of a point, confidence is everything. I'll be updating this with complete results, and I have a feature story planned on Boise State's quest for the Nationals.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Great Start for Broncos in Multi-Events
Boise State Head Track and Field Coach J.W. Hardy could not have asked for a better start in the Jackson's Invitational, which kicked off today in Nampa. Kurt Felix had a great first day in the heptathlon as he jumped out to the early lead. Alexi Morton captured second place in the pentathlon, just edged out by BYU's Mindy Robins.
Felix won the long jump with a leap of 7.46 meters, took first in the shot (13.49m) and finished second in the 60-meters. Felix has accumulated 2,452 points in three events. BYU's Phillip Bettis is a distant second with 2,225 points while Eastern Washington's THomas Kassa has 2,175.
Morton scored 927 points in the 60-meter hurdles, running a solid 8.92. She followed that with a 1.56-meter high jump, good for 689 points and scored 554 in the shot put when she heaved it 10.38 meters. Morton recorded a long jump of 5.26 (631 points) and closed out the day with a 2:36.72 in the 800-meters (611 points). BYU's Mindy Robins won the event with 3,573 points while Kathryn Barnitz of Eastern Washington scored 2,995.
The student-athletes hit the track bright and early tomorrow, with the second day of competition beginning at 9 a.m. at Jackson's Track. A full slate of action is on tap, including high schools as well.
Felix won the long jump with a leap of 7.46 meters, took first in the shot (13.49m) and finished second in the 60-meters. Felix has accumulated 2,452 points in three events. BYU's Phillip Bettis is a distant second with 2,225 points while Eastern Washington's THomas Kassa has 2,175.
Morton scored 927 points in the 60-meter hurdles, running a solid 8.92. She followed that with a 1.56-meter high jump, good for 689 points and scored 554 in the shot put when she heaved it 10.38 meters. Morton recorded a long jump of 5.26 (631 points) and closed out the day with a 2:36.72 in the 800-meters (611 points). BYU's Mindy Robins won the event with 3,573 points while Kathryn Barnitz of Eastern Washington scored 2,995.
The student-athletes hit the track bright and early tomorrow, with the second day of competition beginning at 9 a.m. at Jackson's Track. A full slate of action is on tap, including high schools as well.
Big Weekend Ahead for Broncos
As is usually the case this time of year, it's a busy sports weekend for Boise State. Several teams will be in action jockeying for position in the WAC as well as the national rankings.
The Bronco track team is already in action at Jackson's Track. Take off early and go support the team in the Jackson's Invitational. Action continues through tonight and tomorrow. The first event tomorrow is at 9 a.m.
The Boise State gymnastics team needs to make a road statement, and they'll have an opportunity to do that tonight against #32 Arizona. The #3 Bronco wrestling team takes on Stanford in Palo Alto tonight at 7 and then meets up with #20 Oregon State Sunday. Oregon State is the team that dethroned Boise State by two points in last year's Pac-10 Championships.
The men's tennis team faces #12 Kentucky in the Indoor Tennis Championships. It isn't often that you get such an opportunity to prove the experts wrong. I remember back in 2001, the Boise State football team saw Fresno State's #8 national ranking, didn't let that affect them, and came away with a landmark win. We all know what has happened since. If the men's tennis team has any ambitions of matching the success of the football team, it starts with a win over Kentucky.
The women's tennis team also is in action in the Indoor Tennis Championships facing Nebraska in the opening match.
Plus, the women's basketball team hosts perennial power Louisiana Tech Saturday night at Taco Bell Arena, while the men's teak is on the road in Ruston to face the Bulldogs.
The Bronco track team is already in action at Jackson's Track. Take off early and go support the team in the Jackson's Invitational. Action continues through tonight and tomorrow. The first event tomorrow is at 9 a.m.
The Boise State gymnastics team needs to make a road statement, and they'll have an opportunity to do that tonight against #32 Arizona. The #3 Bronco wrestling team takes on Stanford in Palo Alto tonight at 7 and then meets up with #20 Oregon State Sunday. Oregon State is the team that dethroned Boise State by two points in last year's Pac-10 Championships.
The men's tennis team faces #12 Kentucky in the Indoor Tennis Championships. It isn't often that you get such an opportunity to prove the experts wrong. I remember back in 2001, the Boise State football team saw Fresno State's #8 national ranking, didn't let that affect them, and came away with a landmark win. We all know what has happened since. If the men's tennis team has any ambitions of matching the success of the football team, it starts with a win over Kentucky.
The women's tennis team also is in action in the Indoor Tennis Championships facing Nebraska in the opening match.
Plus, the women's basketball team hosts perennial power Louisiana Tech Saturday night at Taco Bell Arena, while the men's teak is on the road in Ruston to face the Bulldogs.
Paging Paul Noonan, Mr. Paul Noonan to the Free-Throw Line, Please
We've all seen those players on opposing teams that drive the lane, go up for a shot, get fouled and make free throw after free throw. Often they'll go 12-15 or some like number from the line. That kind of free-throw shooting can devastate an opponent. The player, knowing he can shoot free throws with the best of them, intentionally tries to draw contact so that they can earn points for the team and win the game.
Boise State has one of those players currently on the Bronco roster. In fact, he very well could be the best free-throw shooter in the 43-year history of Boise State basketball. Few realize it, because there is this slight problem. He never shoots free throws!
Unlike the players mentioned above that drive us crazy if they are on the other team, this player hits over 84 percent of his shots, and yet, alas, is probably not going to have enough attempts to qualify for the school record. Noonan's career percentage would obliterate the existing 81.8% mark of former great Chris Childs, a record that has stood for 22 years.
The opposition, of course, loves this. If you can keep a weapon like that off the free-throw line, you have a much better chance to win. The player who has a career free-throw percentage better than any other is Paul Noonan. While Noonan is a good three-point shooter, teams will give him that shot all night rather than put him on the line where they know he's most likely to score two points. Even the best three-point shooters hit a little better than 1/3 of their shots. Those odds are far preferable to an 84% shooter on the free-throw line.
Most highly accurate free-throw shooters try to get to the line to take advantage of their abilities. It appears that Noonan's great talent will go largely unnoticed, because he averages under two attempts per game, the minimum required to break the school record. That's unfortunate, not only for Noonan but more important for the Boise State team, because they do not get to receive the benefits of this talented free-throw shooter.
Boise State has one of those players currently on the Bronco roster. In fact, he very well could be the best free-throw shooter in the 43-year history of Boise State basketball. Few realize it, because there is this slight problem. He never shoots free throws!
Unlike the players mentioned above that drive us crazy if they are on the other team, this player hits over 84 percent of his shots, and yet, alas, is probably not going to have enough attempts to qualify for the school record. Noonan's career percentage would obliterate the existing 81.8% mark of former great Chris Childs, a record that has stood for 22 years.
The opposition, of course, loves this. If you can keep a weapon like that off the free-throw line, you have a much better chance to win. The player who has a career free-throw percentage better than any other is Paul Noonan. While Noonan is a good three-point shooter, teams will give him that shot all night rather than put him on the line where they know he's most likely to score two points. Even the best three-point shooters hit a little better than 1/3 of their shots. Those odds are far preferable to an 84% shooter on the free-throw line.
Most highly accurate free-throw shooters try to get to the line to take advantage of their abilities. It appears that Noonan's great talent will go largely unnoticed, because he averages under two attempts per game, the minimum required to break the school record. That's unfortunate, not only for Noonan but more important for the Boise State team, because they do not get to receive the benefits of this talented free-throw shooter.
2 Losses for Bronco Basketball Teams
The consistency still isn't there for Boise State basketball in either gender. The Bronco men's team fell to New Mexico State 96-87 in overtime while the women lost on their home court 87-71 to the Aggies.
Information on Blue Through and Through
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
Boise State #8 All-Time For Consecutive Nine-Win Seasons
Boise State is now eighth in NCAA history with nine consecutive years of nine or more victories. The Broncos are behind just six teams since 1898 that have been more consistent. Boise State also now has the highest active streak, meaning that the school will move up with each successive year they put together.
One more season will put Boise State in a tie with Oklahoma (1971-1980) and Miami's greatest teams (1985-1994) for sixth place all-time.
Boise State became one of just seven schools since 1920 that have won nine or more games in at least 9 consecutive seasons. Another three did in prior to 1920. USC was poised to join that group and won eight games in the regular season, but last year’s NCAA probation prohibited the Trojans from playing in a bowl game. Thus, USC’s eight-year streak of nine or more wins comes to an end this season.
Nebraska put together an incredible streak of 33 straight years (1969-2001) of winning at least nine games. No one else is close. Florida State (1987-2000) sits in second, followed by the great Yale teams from 1886-1898. Texas ended a great streak of 12 seasons with nine or more wins this year when they finished 5-7. The Longhorns land in a tie for fourth place all-time with Florida (1990-2001).
2010 also saw the end of streaks by USC (eight) and Florida and Penn State (five seasons each).
The leaders of the all-time marks for consecutive seasons of nine or more wins appear below.
1. Nebraska....................33 (1969-2001)
2. Florida State..............14 (1987-2000)
3. Yale.............................13 (1886-1898)
4. Florida........................12 (1990-2001)
4. Texas..........................12 (1998-2009)
6. Oklahoma...................10 (1971-1980)
6. Miami of Florida.........10 (1985-1994)
8. Boise State....................9 (2002-2010)
8. Harvard.........................9 (1886-1894)
8. Pennsylvania.................9 (1890-1898)
11. Yale.............................8 (1900-1907)
11. Ohio State....................8 (1979-1986)
11. Kansas State................8 (1993-2000)
11. Miami of Florida.........8 (1998-2005)
11. USC……………..........….8 (2002-2009)
16. Georgia……........………7 (2002-2008)
16. Harvard.......................7 (1897-1903)
16. Penn State....................7 (1993-1999)
16. Virginia Tech…….........7 (2004-2010)
20. Alabama.......................6 (1961-1966)
20. BYU.............................6 (1976-1981)
20. Carlisle........................6 (1903-1908)
20. Minnesota...................6 (1900-1905)
20. Mississippi...................6 (1957-1962)
20. Notre Dame.................6 (1988-1993)
20. Ohio State...................6 (1972-1977)
20. Ohio State...................6 (1993-1998)
20. Ohio State……….......…6 (2005-2010)
20. Oklahoma....................6 (1953-1958)
20. Princeton......................6 (1888-1893)
20. Texas A & M.................6 (1990-1995)
20. West Virginia…….........6 (2005-2010)
One more season will put Boise State in a tie with Oklahoma (1971-1980) and Miami's greatest teams (1985-1994) for sixth place all-time.
Boise State became one of just seven schools since 1920 that have won nine or more games in at least 9 consecutive seasons. Another three did in prior to 1920. USC was poised to join that group and won eight games in the regular season, but last year’s NCAA probation prohibited the Trojans from playing in a bowl game. Thus, USC’s eight-year streak of nine or more wins comes to an end this season.
Nebraska put together an incredible streak of 33 straight years (1969-2001) of winning at least nine games. No one else is close. Florida State (1987-2000) sits in second, followed by the great Yale teams from 1886-1898. Texas ended a great streak of 12 seasons with nine or more wins this year when they finished 5-7. The Longhorns land in a tie for fourth place all-time with Florida (1990-2001).
2010 also saw the end of streaks by USC (eight) and Florida and Penn State (five seasons each).
The leaders of the all-time marks for consecutive seasons of nine or more wins appear below.
1. Nebraska....................33 (1969-2001)
2. Florida State..............14 (1987-2000)
3. Yale.............................13 (1886-1898)
4. Florida........................12 (1990-2001)
4. Texas..........................12 (1998-2009)
6. Oklahoma...................10 (1971-1980)
6. Miami of Florida.........10 (1985-1994)
8. Boise State....................9 (2002-2010)
8. Harvard.........................9 (1886-1894)
8. Pennsylvania.................9 (1890-1898)
11. Yale.............................8 (1900-1907)
11. Ohio State....................8 (1979-1986)
11. Kansas State................8 (1993-2000)
11. Miami of Florida.........8 (1998-2005)
11. USC……………..........….8 (2002-2009)
16. Georgia……........………7 (2002-2008)
16. Harvard.......................7 (1897-1903)
16. Penn State....................7 (1993-1999)
16. Virginia Tech…….........7 (2004-2010)
20. Alabama.......................6 (1961-1966)
20. BYU.............................6 (1976-1981)
20. Carlisle........................6 (1903-1908)
20. Minnesota...................6 (1900-1905)
20. Mississippi...................6 (1957-1962)
20. Notre Dame.................6 (1988-1993)
20. Ohio State...................6 (1972-1977)
20. Ohio State...................6 (1993-1998)
20. Ohio State……….......…6 (2005-2010)
20. Oklahoma....................6 (1953-1958)
20. Princeton......................6 (1888-1893)
20. Texas A & M.................6 (1990-1995)
20. West Virginia…….........6 (2005-2010)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Boise State #14 With 12 Straight Seasons of Eight or More Wins
Boise State now owns the 14th longest streak of winning eight or more football games in a season. The Broncos are 11th in the last 104 years with 12 straight years of eight or more victories.
Nebraska is the runaway record holder with 33 consecutive seasons of eight or more wins. The Cornhuskers accomplished their amazing run from 1969-2001. Michigan recorded eight or more wins from 1985-2004 for 20 straight seasons, while Princeton (1888-1906) and Florida State (1987-2005) are tied with 19 straight years.
Oklahoma tied a school record with its 11th straight year of eight or more victories this season and Ohio State broke a school record this year with its 8th consecutive season of eight or more wins—congratulations to the Sooners and Buckeyes!
Georgia and Texas ended great streaks of 13 and 12 consecutive seasons, respectively this season. Texas finished the season 5-7 while Georgia is 6-6 but even with a bowl win cannot extend its streak. Seven schools saw their streaks end at four seasons this year by not winning at least eight games: BYU, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Houston, Oregon State and Rutgers. Florida, Penn State and Texas Tech must all win bowl games to keep their streaks alive.
Boise State can move into the all-time top 10 with four more seasons of eight or more wins.
Here are the all-time leaders in consecutive eight-win seasons:
1. Nebraska…33 (1969-2001)
2. Michigan…20 (1985-2004)
3. Princeton…19 (1888-1906)
3. Florida State…19 (1987-2005)
5. BYU…17 (1976-1992)
6. Pennsylvania…16 (1890-1905)
6. Michigan…16 (1968-1983)
6. Tennessee…16 (1989-2004)
9. Miami of Florida…14 (1983-1996)
10. Yale…13 (1886-1898)
10. Alabama…13 (1971-1983)
10. Georgia…13 (1997-2009)
10. Virginia Tech…13 (1998-2010)
14. Boise State…12 (1999-2010)
14. Carlisle…12 (1902-1913)
14. Florida…12 (1990-2001)
14. Texas 1998-2009 (12)
18. LSU….11 (2000-2010)
18. Oklahoma…11 (1948-1958)
18. Oklahoma…11 (2000-2010)
18. USC…11 (1972-1982)
18. Penn State…11 (1989-1999)
23. USC…10 (1924-1933)
23. Notre Dame…10 (1969-1978)
23. Oklahoma…10 (1971-1980)
Nebraska is the runaway record holder with 33 consecutive seasons of eight or more wins. The Cornhuskers accomplished their amazing run from 1969-2001. Michigan recorded eight or more wins from 1985-2004 for 20 straight seasons, while Princeton (1888-1906) and Florida State (1987-2005) are tied with 19 straight years.
Oklahoma tied a school record with its 11th straight year of eight or more victories this season and Ohio State broke a school record this year with its 8th consecutive season of eight or more wins—congratulations to the Sooners and Buckeyes!
Georgia and Texas ended great streaks of 13 and 12 consecutive seasons, respectively this season. Texas finished the season 5-7 while Georgia is 6-6 but even with a bowl win cannot extend its streak. Seven schools saw their streaks end at four seasons this year by not winning at least eight games: BYU, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Houston, Oregon State and Rutgers. Florida, Penn State and Texas Tech must all win bowl games to keep their streaks alive.
Boise State can move into the all-time top 10 with four more seasons of eight or more wins.
Here are the all-time leaders in consecutive eight-win seasons:
1. Nebraska…33 (1969-2001)
2. Michigan…20 (1985-2004)
3. Princeton…19 (1888-1906)
3. Florida State…19 (1987-2005)
5. BYU…17 (1976-1992)
6. Pennsylvania…16 (1890-1905)
6. Michigan…16 (1968-1983)
6. Tennessee…16 (1989-2004)
9. Miami of Florida…14 (1983-1996)
10. Yale…13 (1886-1898)
10. Alabama…13 (1971-1983)
10. Georgia…13 (1997-2009)
10. Virginia Tech…13 (1998-2010)
14. Boise State…12 (1999-2010)
14. Carlisle…12 (1902-1913)
14. Florida…12 (1990-2001)
14. Texas 1998-2009 (12)
18. LSU….11 (2000-2010)
18. Oklahoma…11 (1948-1958)
18. Oklahoma…11 (2000-2010)
18. USC…11 (1972-1982)
18. Penn State…11 (1989-1999)
23. USC…10 (1924-1933)
23. Notre Dame…10 (1969-1978)
23. Oklahoma…10 (1971-1980)
Randall Building a Powerhouse at Boise State
Coach Greg Randall inherited one of the top wrestling squads in the country. He is beginning to turn it into a powerhouse.
Randall has this year’s squad ranked anywhere from #3 to #9 depending on who you talk to.
Wrestling Report has Boise State #3 with 78 points, behind #1 Cornell (103) and Penn State (89). Andrew Hochstrasser is the #2-rated wrestler at 133 pounds, Kirk Smith is also #2 at 184 pounds, junior Jason Chamberlain is #3 at 149 pounds, Adam Hall is #3 in the 157-pound classification, freshman Jake Swartz has worked his way up to #11 at 174 pounds, Levi Jones is #17 at 141 pounds while Alan Bartelli is rated #22 at 125 pounds and Matt Casperson is #24 at 197 pounds. Boise State has no wrestlers in the top 33 at 165 pounds or in the 285-pound group.
Intermat also ranks Boise State #3 with 76 points, behind only Cornell and Penn State, who each have 87.5 points. Intermat has Smith #1 and Bartelli ranked 16th, with the other rankings fairly in line with Wrestling Report.
The rankings posted on the official NCAA site have Boise State #9, trailing #1 Cornell, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Iowa.
Most wrestling rankings attempt to predict the results of the NCAA National Wrestling Championships; the NCAA site reflects votes of the nation’s wrestling coaches.
Coach Randall has led Boise State to seven Top 3 finishes at the Pac-10 Conference Championships in the last eight years. The Broncos won two straight Pac-10 titles in 2008 and 2009 and fell to Oregon State by two points last season. In 2009, Boise State was 17-3 in dual matches and shattered the all-time Pac-10 Championship scoring record with 172.5 points. Six Broncos captured individual conference titles that year: Andrew Hochstrasser at 133 pounds, Jason Chamberlain in the 149-pound classification, Tyler Sherfey at 165, Nate Lee at 174 pounds, Kirk Smith at 184 pounds and Brent Chriswell at 197 pounds. Nine wrestlers qualified for the Nationals, to tie the school record set in 2003 and matched in 2008. Three of those—Hochstrasser, Sherfey and Chriswell earned All-America honors with top-eight finishes. Boise State finished 12th in the nation in 2009, 11th last year, and Randall also led the Broncos to a 12th-place finish in 2003.
All those accomplishments aside, Randall and Boise State are attempting to finally crack the Top 10 in the nation, something Randall’s predecessor, Mike Young, did at Boise State. With new prized recruits arriving on campus each year, Randall is well on the way to building the Broncos into a national power.
Randall has this year’s squad ranked anywhere from #3 to #9 depending on who you talk to.
Wrestling Report has Boise State #3 with 78 points, behind #1 Cornell (103) and Penn State (89). Andrew Hochstrasser is the #2-rated wrestler at 133 pounds, Kirk Smith is also #2 at 184 pounds, junior Jason Chamberlain is #3 at 149 pounds, Adam Hall is #3 in the 157-pound classification, freshman Jake Swartz has worked his way up to #11 at 174 pounds, Levi Jones is #17 at 141 pounds while Alan Bartelli is rated #22 at 125 pounds and Matt Casperson is #24 at 197 pounds. Boise State has no wrestlers in the top 33 at 165 pounds or in the 285-pound group.
Intermat also ranks Boise State #3 with 76 points, behind only Cornell and Penn State, who each have 87.5 points. Intermat has Smith #1 and Bartelli ranked 16th, with the other rankings fairly in line with Wrestling Report.
The rankings posted on the official NCAA site have Boise State #9, trailing #1 Cornell, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Iowa.
Most wrestling rankings attempt to predict the results of the NCAA National Wrestling Championships; the NCAA site reflects votes of the nation’s wrestling coaches.
Coach Randall has led Boise State to seven Top 3 finishes at the Pac-10 Conference Championships in the last eight years. The Broncos won two straight Pac-10 titles in 2008 and 2009 and fell to Oregon State by two points last season. In 2009, Boise State was 17-3 in dual matches and shattered the all-time Pac-10 Championship scoring record with 172.5 points. Six Broncos captured individual conference titles that year: Andrew Hochstrasser at 133 pounds, Jason Chamberlain in the 149-pound classification, Tyler Sherfey at 165, Nate Lee at 174 pounds, Kirk Smith at 184 pounds and Brent Chriswell at 197 pounds. Nine wrestlers qualified for the Nationals, to tie the school record set in 2003 and matched in 2008. Three of those—Hochstrasser, Sherfey and Chriswell earned All-America honors with top-eight finishes. Boise State finished 12th in the nation in 2009, 11th last year, and Randall also led the Broncos to a 12th-place finish in 2003.
All those accomplishments aside, Randall and Boise State are attempting to finally crack the Top 10 in the nation, something Randall’s predecessor, Mike Young, did at Boise State. With new prized recruits arriving on campus each year, Randall is well on the way to building the Broncos into a national power.
Boise State Will Play Eight Bowl Teams in 2011
The football schedule just keeps getting better for Boise State. With the addition of #2 TCU next season, the Broncos will play eight bowl teams: Georgia, Tulsa, Toledo, Fresno State, #13 Nevada, #2 TCU, San Diego State and Air Force.
Nevada has hinted that it is trying to get out of the game with Boise State but no official announcement has been made at this time.
The eight teams mentioned above were a combined 76-29 last season.
Nevada has hinted that it is trying to get out of the game with Boise State but no official announcement has been made at this time.
The eight teams mentioned above were a combined 76-29 last season.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bronco Men Will Battle Utah State for WAC Indoor Track Crown
In the early part of the season, the Boise State men's indoor track team is neck-and-neck with Utah State in the battle for projected points in the upcoming WAC Indoor Championships. Utah State is currently projected at 146 to 144 for Boise State, 110 for Louisiana Tech and 81 for Idaho.
The women have made good strides in recent years and it would be nice to see the Bronco women continue to push their way to the top. Currently, perennial champion Tech is favored with 149 points to 106 for Utah State, 88 for surprising New Mexico State, Boise State and Nevada have 79 projected points each, with Idaho set for 38 and Hawai'i 35.
The women have made good strides in recent years and it would be nice to see the Bronco women continue to push their way to the top. Currently, perennial champion Tech is favored with 149 points to 106 for Utah State, 88 for surprising New Mexico State, Boise State and Nevada have 79 projected points each, with Idaho set for 38 and Hawai'i 35.
Boise State will Host TCU, play SD State on the Road in 2011
Speculation has been confirmed. TCU will visit Boise State this fall, according to Mountain West Conference sources. Boise State will play San Diego State on the road, and then host the Aztecs in 2012.
Boise State has played TCU three times, winning two of them. Two of them (the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl and the 2010 Fiesta Bowl) were played at neutral sites, while the 2003 Fort Worth Bowl was played on TCU's home field. The two powerhouses have never played in Boise.
Boise State has played TCU three times, winning two of them. Two of them (the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl and the 2010 Fiesta Bowl) were played at neutral sites, while the 2003 Fort Worth Bowl was played on TCU's home field. The two powerhouses have never played in Boise.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bronco Wrestlers Down #24 Cal Poly 29-6 in Pac-10
It was home sweet home for the #3 Boise State wrestling team as the Broncos disposed of #24 Cal Poly 29-6 yesterday at Taco Bell Arena.
Coach Greg Randall’s team won eight matches, three of them by major decision and one by a technical fall. This is the kind of depth the team will need if it hopes to finish in the top five at the NCAA National Championships.
#11 Jake Swartz gotBoise State
Freshman J.T. Felix earned a win at heavyweight over Atticus Disney 7-3. #16 Alan Bartelli gave the Broncos their fifth straight individual win with a 2-0 win over Brandan Rocha at 125 pounds and #2 Andrew Hochstrasser defeated #14 Filip Novachkov at 133 pounds to complete a 20-0 run for Boise State.
#18 Levi Jones proved his potential in a near-upset of #4 Boris Novachkov of Cal Poly. The two nationally-ranked wrestlers battled to a 2-2 tie late in the match. Novachkov scored a take down with 20 seconds left in the match to earn the hard-fought victory. That made the score 20-6, but #3 Jason Chamberlain recorded a technical fall 22-7 over Stephen Thalin at 149 pounds and #2 Adam Hall scored a 14-6 major over Barrett Abel at 157.
The Broncos, now6-2-1 on the season, continue the Pac-10 season by hosting Stanford this Friday.
#9Boise State Cal
165 - #17 Ryan DesRoches (CP) dec. Kurt Swartz (BSU) 6-0
174 - #11 Jake Swartz (BSU) dec. Steven Vasquez (CP) 6-2
184 - #1 Kirk Smith (BSU) major dec. Kelan Bragg (CP) 14-3
197 – Matt Casperson (BSU) dec. Ryan Smith (CP) 10-5
HWT – J.T. Felix (BSU) dec. Atticus Disney (CP) 7-3
125 - #16 Alan Bartelli (BSU) dec. Brandan Rocha (CP) 2-0
133 - #2 Andrew Hochstrasser (BSU) major dec. #14 Filip Novachkov (CP) 16-2
141 - #4 Boris Novachkov (CP) dec. #18 Levi Jones (BSU) 4-2
149 - #3 Jason Chamberlain (BSU) tech fall Stephen Thalin (CP) 22-7 ()
157 - #2 Adam Hall (BSU) major dec. Barrett Abel (CP) 14-6
Coach Greg Randall’s team won eight matches, three of them by major decision and one by a technical fall. This is the kind of depth the team will need if it hopes to finish in the top five at the NCAA National Championships.
#11 Jake Swartz got
Freshman J.T. Felix earned a win at heavyweight over Atticus Disney 7-3. #16 Alan Bartelli gave the Broncos their fifth straight individual win with a 2-0 win over Brandan Rocha at 125 pounds and #2 Andrew Hochstrasser defeated #14 Filip Novachkov at 133 pounds to complete a 20-0 run for Boise State.
#18 Levi Jones proved his potential in a near-upset of #4 Boris Novachkov of Cal Poly. The two nationally-ranked wrestlers battled to a 2-2 tie late in the match. Novachkov scored a take down with 20 seconds left in the match to earn the hard-fought victory. That made the score 20-6, but #3 Jason Chamberlain recorded a technical fall 22-7 over Stephen Thalin at 149 pounds and #2 Adam Hall scored a 14-6 major over Barrett Abel at 157.
The Broncos, now
#9
165 - #17 Ryan DesRoches (CP) dec. Kurt Swartz (BSU) 6-0
174 - #11 Jake Swartz (BSU) dec. Steven Vasquez (CP) 6-2
184 - #1 Kirk Smith (BSU) major dec. Kelan Bragg (CP) 14-3
197 – Matt Casperson (BSU) dec. Ryan Smith (CP) 10-5
HWT – J.T. Felix (BSU) dec. Atticus Disney (CP) 7-3
125 - #16 Alan Bartelli (BSU) dec. Brandan Rocha (CP) 2-0
133 - #2 Andrew Hochstrasser (BSU) major dec. #14 Filip Novachkov (CP) 16-2
141 - #4 Boris Novachkov (CP) dec. #18 Levi Jones (BSU) 4-2
149 - #3 Jason Chamberlain (BSU) tech fall Stephen Thalin (CP) 22-7 ()
157 - #2 Adam Hall (BSU) major dec. Barrett Abel (CP) 14-6
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bronco Tennis Team Off to Good Start
Coach Patton continues to work magic. With practically an entire new team, Boise State has had to basically rebuild. Yet Boise State downed Pacific yesterday 5-2 to open their season.
Patton is redshirting James Meredith to prepare for the future and get his class breakdown the way he wants it. That means some younger talent will get valuable experience this year, and the Broncos will be all the better for it when Meredith rejoins the lineup next year.
The real test will be today against #26 Washington. That match is underway in Seattle.
Patton is redshirting James Meredith to prepare for the future and get his class breakdown the way he wants it. That means some younger talent will get valuable experience this year, and the Broncos will be all the better for it when Meredith rejoins the lineup next year.
The real test will be today against #26 Washington. That match is underway in Seattle.
Boise State Wins Seven Events at Bronco Invitational
The young Boise State Jackson Nampa
Three Bronco juniors remain unbeaten on the season. Eetu Viitala had a lifetime best of 25-4 in the long jump, bettering his previous high by eight inches. Viitala was just ¾ of an inch short of an all-time #3 jump in school history. Mele Vaisima won the weight throw (61-4.25) for her third consecutive victory of the young season. Trevor Kraychir, the reigning Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week, heaved the weight 64-7 to win his third straight title as well. Jeff Daw, Karrie Butler, Rolando Trammel and Paul Robertson are also 3-0 with a victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay (3:15.77).
Redshirt sophomore Chase Sexton captured the shot put title with a throw of 53-8.50, junior Brian Pierre ran a great mile (4:15.25) and sophomore Jeff Daw broke the tape in the 400 with a career best of 48.01.
Winning the WAC and doing well in the NCAA Nationals, however, requires more than individual efforts and event titles. It is the points a team gets from other contributors that separates the teams with a few good individuals from those that get to take the hardware home. We’ll watch that on this blog and chart their progress. Yesterday, Alyssa Osai and Nadine Russell had career-bests of 54-10.75 and 53-4.25, respectively, in the weight throw to provide backup for Viitala and finish second and third. Alex Nelson finished second to Kraychir in the men’s throw with a 59-10.25 effort.
The well-balanced Bronco quartet could pay dividends in the WAC Championships next month. Coach J.W. Hardy’s group went 1-2-3-4 led by Daw. Manoah Wesson ran a career-best 48.17 to take second, Karrie Butler finished in 48.82, also a career best, and Paul Robertson was timed in 49.23. Eric Capelle was just edged at the finish in the 60-meter dash (6.96) while freshman Justin Maines sported a lifetime best of 8.27 in the 60-meter hurdles to take second. Promising sophomore Destiny Gammage was second in the 200-hurdles (25.01) while senior BreAnna Craig took second in the pole vault (12-5.50).
Daniel Thompson still has work to do to join the top WAC pole vaulters, but he cleared a career-best 15-11 to take third yesterday. Mathew Moyer ran third in the 800 with his lifetime best of 1:55.01. Racquel Jones is another key to the Broncos’ hopes in the conference championships; she was able to take third in the long jump (18-2.25).
Boise State Jackson Nampa 11:30 a.m. Friday with action getting underway Saturday at 9 a.m.
Three Bronco juniors remain unbeaten on the season. Eetu Viitala had a lifetime best of 25-4 in the long jump, bettering his previous high by eight inches. Viitala was just ¾ of an inch short of an all-time #3 jump in school history. Mele Vaisima won the weight throw (61-4.25) for her third consecutive victory of the young season. Trevor Kraychir, the reigning Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week, heaved the weight 64-7 to win his third straight title as well. Jeff Daw, Karrie Butler, Rolando Trammel and Paul Robertson are also 3-0 with a victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay (3:15.77).
Redshirt sophomore Chase Sexton captured the shot put title with a throw of 53-8.50, junior Brian Pierre ran a great mile (4:15.25) and sophomore Jeff Daw broke the tape in the 400 with a career best of 48.01.
Winning the WAC and doing well in the NCAA Nationals, however, requires more than individual efforts and event titles. It is the points a team gets from other contributors that separates the teams with a few good individuals from those that get to take the hardware home. We’ll watch that on this blog and chart their progress. Yesterday, Alyssa Osai and Nadine Russell had career-bests of 54-10.75 and 53-4.25, respectively, in the weight throw to provide backup for Viitala and finish second and third. Alex Nelson finished second to Kraychir in the men’s throw with a 59-10.25 effort.
The well-balanced Bronco quartet could pay dividends in the WAC Championships next month. Coach J.W. Hardy’s group went 1-2-3-4 led by Daw. Manoah Wesson ran a career-best 48.17 to take second, Karrie Butler finished in 48.82, also a career best, and Paul Robertson was timed in 49.23. Eric Capelle was just edged at the finish in the 60-meter dash (6.96) while freshman Justin Maines sported a lifetime best of 8.27 in the 60-meter hurdles to take second. Promising sophomore Destiny Gammage was second in the 200-hurdles (25.01) while senior BreAnna Craig took second in the pole vault (12-5.50).
Daniel Thompson still has work to do to join the top WAC pole vaulters, but he cleared a career-best 15-11 to take third yesterday. Mathew Moyer ran third in the 800 with his lifetime best of 1:55.01. Racquel Jones is another key to the Broncos’ hopes in the conference championships; she was able to take third in the long jump (18-2.25).
The Conspiracy of the Idiocy of America
People from outside the Boise State circle claim there is no conspiracy against Boise State. Maybe not in the Watergate tradition, but it is more like the collective conspiracy of the idiocy in this country.
The mindset of our country is screwed up. We are blessed to be able to speak our opinions and we should all be thankful for that. What we are not thankful for are when idiots get paid to be television announcers. Case in point--yesterday in the East-West Shrine Game on the NFL Network, Mike Mayock said the following:
"You look at the Boise State kids individually and you think, how in the world did Boise State win so many games?"
and
"None of these four Boise State players are great athletes. But they're well-coached and they know what to do."
Really?
Mayock wouldn't know a great athlete if he came out of nowhere and knocked him back 10 yards on his can. Too bad it didn't happen.
I know the above comments are so ludicrous that any knowledgeable football fan sees right through them, but it still should be ripped apart. Ryan Winterswyk was a three-time All-WAC player and is fourth in Boise State history in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. He was a menacing force in opposing backfields, impossible to deny over the course of any game against any team in the land. I guarantee you that I and most of this blog's readers could be coached by the great Boise State staff and not come up with those numbers. By the way, in the Shrine Game, Winterswyk, despite being held most of the game, was the West's leading tackler with 7.
Jeron Johnson was one of the fiercest hitters in college football over the last four years. JJ has a motor that won't quit, has tremendous instincts and knows how to finish a play. He may have been well taught at Boise State, but you have to have tremendous athleticism to be in position and then make the kind of plays he has made. Johnson finished his career as one of the top tacklers in school history. Johnson had three tackles yesterday.
Brandyn Thompson finished his Boise State career with 13 interceptions, including a pick six early in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl that helped Boise State beat #3 TCU. Thompson wasn't merely in position to make that interception as his coaches taught, he made the play and sprinted into the end zone untouched. It takes a tremendous athlete to make that kind of play, which Thompson of course is. Thompson had four tackles in the Shrine Game.
Mayock obviously hasn't watched Winston Venable either. He made highlight reel play after highlight reel play in his two years at Boise State. His outstanding play at the nickelback position allowed Doug Martin to switch to tailback and help the Broncos there. It wasn't outstanding coaching that allowed Martin to move from defense to offense. It was an outstanding athlete (Venable) who also has an amazing motor and great football ability. Only a fool like Mayock would be unable to recognize this.
Oh and by the way, Venable made four tackles yesterday, one for loss, and had an interception that he returned through the East team for 24 yards to the East eight-yard line. I suppose when Coach Petersen talked to Venable he said, "If you get an interception, Winston, cut to your left a bit, then to your right. There should then be a bit of an opening. There will be a couple of guys straight ahead but you can just break through their tackles. Cut again to the right, plow ahead, and it will get you 24 yards." Wow that would be amazing coaching if he did everything from memory of what he was taught and nothing at all by instinct or...umm...dare I say it...by athleticism. Har-de-har-har.
No, there may not be a Watergate-type conspiracy against Boise State. Rather, the Broncos are the victim of just plain dumb people that happen to be in positions of influence in college football. They have preconceived biases and spout uninformed nonsense to the masses.
That is where the conspiracy lies.
The mindset of our country is screwed up. We are blessed to be able to speak our opinions and we should all be thankful for that. What we are not thankful for are when idiots get paid to be television announcers. Case in point--yesterday in the East-West Shrine Game on the NFL Network, Mike Mayock said the following:
"You look at the Boise State kids individually and you think, how in the world did Boise State win so many games?"
and
"None of these four Boise State players are great athletes. But they're well-coached and they know what to do."
Really?
Mayock wouldn't know a great athlete if he came out of nowhere and knocked him back 10 yards on his can. Too bad it didn't happen.
I know the above comments are so ludicrous that any knowledgeable football fan sees right through them, but it still should be ripped apart. Ryan Winterswyk was a three-time All-WAC player and is fourth in Boise State history in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. He was a menacing force in opposing backfields, impossible to deny over the course of any game against any team in the land. I guarantee you that I and most of this blog's readers could be coached by the great Boise State staff and not come up with those numbers. By the way, in the Shrine Game, Winterswyk, despite being held most of the game, was the West's leading tackler with 7.
Jeron Johnson was one of the fiercest hitters in college football over the last four years. JJ has a motor that won't quit, has tremendous instincts and knows how to finish a play. He may have been well taught at Boise State, but you have to have tremendous athleticism to be in position and then make the kind of plays he has made. Johnson finished his career as one of the top tacklers in school history. Johnson had three tackles yesterday.
Brandyn Thompson finished his Boise State career with 13 interceptions, including a pick six early in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl that helped Boise State beat #3 TCU. Thompson wasn't merely in position to make that interception as his coaches taught, he made the play and sprinted into the end zone untouched. It takes a tremendous athlete to make that kind of play, which Thompson of course is. Thompson had four tackles in the Shrine Game.
Mayock obviously hasn't watched Winston Venable either. He made highlight reel play after highlight reel play in his two years at Boise State. His outstanding play at the nickelback position allowed Doug Martin to switch to tailback and help the Broncos there. It wasn't outstanding coaching that allowed Martin to move from defense to offense. It was an outstanding athlete (Venable) who also has an amazing motor and great football ability. Only a fool like Mayock would be unable to recognize this.
Oh and by the way, Venable made four tackles yesterday, one for loss, and had an interception that he returned through the East team for 24 yards to the East eight-yard line. I suppose when Coach Petersen talked to Venable he said, "If you get an interception, Winston, cut to your left a bit, then to your right. There should then be a bit of an opening. There will be a couple of guys straight ahead but you can just break through their tackles. Cut again to the right, plow ahead, and it will get you 24 yards." Wow that would be amazing coaching if he did everything from memory of what he was taught and nothing at all by instinct or...umm...dare I say it...by athleticism. Har-de-har-har.
No, there may not be a Watergate-type conspiracy against Boise State. Rather, the Broncos are the victim of just plain dumb people that happen to be in positions of influence in college football. They have preconceived biases and spout uninformed nonsense to the masses.
That is where the conspiracy lies.
Broncos One Win Away From Being Premier Swim Team in the Northwest
With a convincing 160-83 win over Idaho yesterday, the Boise State swim team is on the verge of accomplishing something Coach Kristin Hill has publicly stated is a goal of hers. Coach Hill's Broncos have now beaten every Division I swimming team in the Northwest except Oregon State.
And guess what? Next up on the Boise State schedule is none other than those very Beavers. Now normally, you would say that beavers are much more natural swimmers than broncos, but you never know. These Broncos are different and I wouldn't count Hill's team out.
And guess what? Next up on the Boise State schedule is none other than those very Beavers. Now normally, you would say that beavers are much more natural swimmers than broncos, but you never know. These Broncos are different and I wouldn't count Hill's team out.
Broncos Score Another Road Win
You get the feeling that Bronco senior La'Shard Anderson wants to go out a winner.
Several times this year, Anderson has carried the Broncos to wins. He did it again last night, scoring 12 of the final 16 points to help Boise State come back to take a 70-67 win at Idaho. Anderson netted 21 points and has five rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a complete effort. Paul Noonan, Daequon Montreal and freshman Ryan Watkins also hit in double figures.
Speaking of Noonan, the young man has to find a way to get to the free throw line. He is money, but averages less than two attempts per game. When you have a guy that can consistently go to the line and rack up points for you, you want that guy at the line 8-10 times a game, not 2. Noonan is hitting 84% of his free throw attempts in his career, which would break Chris Childs' all-time record. But Noonan doesn't have enough attempts. That's a tragedy.
If Boise State is to get to 20 wins, they can take a major step next week. The Broncos face New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech on the road. Coach Leon Rice's team notched their third consecutive road win last night and seem to play better away from home. If the Broncos can get a split next week and somehow turn those big crowds into an advantage at home, they'll get to 20.
Several times this year, Anderson has carried the Broncos to wins. He did it again last night, scoring 12 of the final 16 points to help Boise State come back to take a 70-67 win at Idaho. Anderson netted 21 points and has five rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a complete effort. Paul Noonan, Daequon Montreal and freshman Ryan Watkins also hit in double figures.
Speaking of Noonan, the young man has to find a way to get to the free throw line. He is money, but averages less than two attempts per game. When you have a guy that can consistently go to the line and rack up points for you, you want that guy at the line 8-10 times a game, not 2. Noonan is hitting 84% of his free throw attempts in his career, which would break Chris Childs' all-time record. But Noonan doesn't have enough attempts. That's a tragedy.
If Boise State is to get to 20 wins, they can take a major step next week. The Broncos face New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech on the road. Coach Leon Rice's team notched their third consecutive road win last night and seem to play better away from home. If the Broncos can get a split next week and somehow turn those big crowds into an advantage at home, they'll get to 20.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Bronco Swimmers Top Washington State
I'll say it. The Boise State swimming team has reloaded.
The defending Western Athletic Conference champions lost several stars to graduation, but seem just as strong this season in the early going. The Broncos went into Pullman and came away a 143-119 winner in the Washington State water.
Boise State got a 1-2-3 sweep in the 1000-yard freestyle to get started and never looked back. Who achieved this for Kristin Hill's team? A sophomore (Jennifer Cahill, with the win) and two freshmen (Rachel Heaney and Brooke Balogh). Another sophomore, Christine Raininger, won the 400 individual medley. Where does Hill get these gals? It really speaks volumes about her ability to come in, start a brand new program from scratch, and recruit top student-athletes to Boise State. The Broncos have begun to turn heads in the sport, getting votes earlier this year in the national rankings.
Good that Amber Boucher has two more years. The junior who helped the Broncos win the WAC last year won two individual events and helped win both relays. Boucher's 100 butterfly time was 54.88 to set a Pullman pool record. Boucher now has every one of the top 10 times in Boise State history! Stephanie North also won in the 100 and 200 free races and anchored both relay teams.
The Broncos took on Idaho this morning in Moscow. Results are not yet available.
The defending Western Athletic Conference champions lost several stars to graduation, but seem just as strong this season in the early going. The Broncos went into Pullman and came away a 143-119 winner in the Washington State water.
Boise State got a 1-2-3 sweep in the 1000-yard freestyle to get started and never looked back. Who achieved this for Kristin Hill's team? A sophomore (Jennifer Cahill, with the win) and two freshmen (Rachel Heaney and Brooke Balogh). Another sophomore, Christine Raininger, won the 400 individual medley. Where does Hill get these gals? It really speaks volumes about her ability to come in, start a brand new program from scratch, and recruit top student-athletes to Boise State. The Broncos have begun to turn heads in the sport, getting votes earlier this year in the national rankings.
Good that Amber Boucher has two more years. The junior who helped the Broncos win the WAC last year won two individual events and helped win both relays. Boucher's 100 butterfly time was 54.88 to set a Pullman pool record. Boucher now has every one of the top 10 times in Boise State history! Stephanie North also won in the 100 and 200 free races and anchored both relay teams.
The Broncos took on Idaho this morning in Moscow. Results are not yet available.
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