The #2 Boise State wrestling team could not have picked a better way to salute the eight seniors who performed for the final time in front of their home crowd. The Broncos won eight of 10 matches over Utah Valley to record a 32-6 win last night in front of a splendid crowd of 3,396 fans in Taco Bell Arena.
Boise State advanced their record to 10-2-1 (5-0-1 in the Pac-10) and more importantly, continue their push towards perhaps another Pac-10 Championship and a top-notch performance at the Nationals in Philadelphia. Eight seniors responsible for the most accomplished wrestling team in school history were honored prior to the competition: Alan Bartelli, Matt Casperson, Adam Hall, Andrew Hochstrasser, Eli Hutchison, Levi Jones, Kirk Smith and Kurt Swartz all bid adieu to the Bronco faithful that made up one of the largest wrestling crowds ever at Boise State.
The eight wrestlers mentioned above have a combined record of 586-219 over the last four years, a winning percentage of 72.8%. But enough for accolades. The road ahead is daunting for this group if they are to reach their goal of a Top 5 finish at Nationals.
#15 Jones opened the match and was upset by Justin Morrill. Morrill scored a take down in the third period for a 4-2 lead. Jones was able to escape and his riding time advantage allowed him to get into overtime. However, an escape by Morrill in the second OT allowed the Utah Valley wrestler to pull of the 4-3 shocker. A similar result at the upcoming Pac-10 Championships could open the door for Oregon State to once again walk away with the conference title.
Jason Chamberlain did not suffer a similar fate. He put away Josh Wilson 8-3 at 149 pounds to even the match at 3-3. UVU forfeited at 157 pounds rather than put someone in to face Hall, who unfortunately did not get to wrestle on senior night. Kurt Swartz is wrestling well right now for the Broncos and his 5-2 win at 165 pounds enabled Coach Greg Randall’s team to go ahead 12-3. Kurt’s brother (#14 Jake) followed with a 6-4 decision over Brad Darrington. It didn’t come easy however, as Jake trailed 4-3 with just seconds remaining. Swartz tied his match at 4-4 with an escape with 44 seconds left and then scored a thrilling take down in the final three seconds as the crowd erupted.
Smith, the nation’s #1-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, left no question as he scored a 22-8 major to push the Bronco lead to 19-3. Casperson, who recently entered the national rankings at #20, continued his hot streak with a 3-2 decision over Trevor Rupp at 197 pounds. Another Utah Valley forfeit at heavyweight followed to set up one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches of the night.
#14 Bartelli went against #13 Ben Kjar at 125 pounds. Bartelli held a 1-0 lead after the first two periods, but a Kjar escape and take down reversed the outcome. Bartelli did manage an escape with 1:10 left but could not get the necessary takedown to earn the win. #2 Hochstrasser put his opponent away to finish the match with a 19-5 major decision.
Now, a match that will tell us if this Boise State team is for real. They take on #5 Oklahoma State next Friday in Stillwater. This match will go a long ways in telling us if the Bronco team has what it takes to defeat the best in the nation. And, as I’ve been saying in this blog, it will take more than the Broncos’ “Big Four” that are ranked #1 or #2 in their weight classification. It will take a team effort and more than likely six Broncos that can win individually. A loss wouldn’t be the end of the world, while a win would be huge for their confidence as Boise State prepares for the postseason.
#9 Boise State 32, Utah Valley 6
141 - Justin Morrill (UVU) dec. #15 Levi Jones (BSU) 4-3
149 - #2 Jason Chamberlain (BSU) dec. Josh Wilson (UVU) 8-3
157 - #2 Adam Hall (BSU) win by forfeit
165 - Kurt Swartz (BSU) dec. Jeb Clark (UVU) 5-2
174 - #14 Jake Swartz (BSU) dec. Brad Darrington (UVU) 6-4
184 - #1 Kirk Smith (BSU) major dec. Casen Eldredge (UVU) 22-8
197 - #20 Matt Casperson (BSU) dec. Trevor Rupp (UVU) 3-2
HWT - J.T. Felix win by forfeit
125 - #13 Ben Kjar (UVU) dec. #14 Alan Bartelli (BSU) 3-2
133 - #2 Andrew Hochstrasser (BSU) major dec. #13 Flint Ray (UVU) 19-5
Exhibition
149 - Avery Garner (UVU) dec. Eli Hutchison (BSU) 5-4
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bronco Gymnasts Win in Commanding Fashion
#15 Boise State has finally made a bit of a move on the national scene. With a convincing 196.176-189.175 victory over Cal State Fullerton last night in Taco Bell Arena, the Bronco gymnasts evened their season record at 3-3. Although they have ambitiously gone through a vigorous non-conference schedule, teams hoping to qualify for NCAA Nationals sure better have a winning record on the season.
Coaches Tina Bird and Neil Resnick have assembled on paper what could be the school's top team in history. What is yet unseen if this senior-laden group can make the push necessary to be able to compete with the nation's elite teams. Last night went a long way towards taking that step. That said, it was a home meet. To be an elite team (and the Bronco football and wrestling teams know this) you have to get it done on the road, even against other elite teams.
Last night's heroics were part of the annual Beauty and the Beast promotion, in which the Bronco wrestling team also won convincingly. For
As one might expect with a lopsided score, Boise State won all four events and the good news is that they recorded seasonal bests on all four apparatuses. The Broncos compiled a 49.150 on bars, 49.075 on floor,
49.025 on vault and 48.925 on beam.
"We were strong from the top of our lineup to the bottom tonight," said co-head coach Tina Bird. "Each Bronco stepped up and had a great performance. Hannah Redmon had a stellar night, as did Amy Glass. It was great to add Hailey Gaspar back in the lineup, she had a great night as well."
Boise State's Glass and Redmon were terrific. Glass set a career-high of 39.40 in the all-around (40.00 is perfect.) She also performed her beam routine with brilliant precision, setting a career-best of 9.925 there to win that event. What Glass did not do, Redmon was there to win the other three events. Redmon tied her career-best of 9.925 on the floor, tying her uneven bars best of 9.90 and catapulted off the vault for a season-best 9.875.
With her win last night, Redmon broke Julie Wagner's record for all-time career floor wins with 18. Hannah's vault win now gives her 17, tying her for second, and her eight bar wins is now tied for #6 all-time.
Glass improves to nine career all-around wins, good for No. 5 on
Glass and Hailey Gaspar were right behind Redmon on the floor with 9.850 each. Potvin-Green scored a new career-best of 9.850 to place second on bar, while Glass claimed third with a 9.825. Katie Tuller tied a career-best of 9.80 to place fourth, Kelsey Lang placed second on the beam with a 9.825. Black placed second on vault with a career-best 9.825. Glass tied with CSUF's Alaina Baker for third, scoring a 9.80.
Glass captured the all-around title, while CSUF's Baker placed second with a 38.850. The Titan's Shelly Cooper was the only other all-around competitor, scoring a 38.025 for a third-place finish.
Now more on what matters. As good as last night's performance was, it still is a full half a point away from the top scores of both # Team Average Region Conference High 1. 196.906 SE SEC 197.500 2. Stanford 196.550 W Pac-10 196.825 3. 196.075 NC None 196.725 4. 196.060 SE SEC 196.725 5. 195.860 SC Big 196.175 6. 195.850 C SEC 196.825 7. 195.595 W Pac-10 196.625 8. UCLA 195.430 W Pac-10 196.675 9. 195.344 NE Big 195.875 10. 195.188 SC Big 195.600 11. 195.031 SC SEC 195.325 12. 194.925 C MAC 195.475 13. 194.819 NC Big 195.575 14. 194.769 W Pac-10 195.475 15. 194.658 W WAC 195.000 16. 194.658 C Big 195.450 17. 194.594 NC Big 195.250 18. 194.592 SE EAGL 195.150 19. Illinois-Champaign 194.563 SC Big 195.350 19. 194.563 NC WAC 195.750 The Broncos now must take their act on the road and defeat a hard-charging San Jose State team that is mounting a challenge for the best in the Western Athletic Conference. The Broncos will also compete against UC Davis and Seattle Pacific in the quadrangular meet next Friday night.
Thus, the time for Boise State is now. The Broncos must prove to themselves, the judges and the national gymnastics powers that they are good enough to deserve a national berth. To do that, they need to make their move on Oregon State and UCLA right now. You can also see that fellow Western Regional competitor Washington is also ahead of Boise State and in fact the Huskies defeated the Broncos earlier this year in an important dual meet. When the first RQS scores come out, the Broncos must be either ahead or very near OSU and UCLA. I have included the current Top 20 national rankings for review.
Score
12
10
12
10
10
12
10
Friday, February 4, 2011
Two Games, Two Losses for Bronco Basketball
Boise State's basketball teams took it on the chin once again, and it didn't matter what the location was.
The Bronco men's team, a 12-point favorite at home against Hawai'i, fell 73-66 last night in Taco Bell Arena. The women got their turn several hours later on the island and lost 69-53.
The good news is that now all Bronco fans can get behind the outstanding #2-ranked Boise State wrestling team, which has its last home match of the season against Utah Valley tonight. It is part of the popular "Beauty and the Beast" promotion that also features the #15 Boise State gymnastics team. Eight seniors who have helped form the most accomplished wrestling team in school history will be saluted prior to the event. Be there early for that.
Action gets underway tonight at 7 in Taco Bell Arena.
The Bronco men's team, a 12-point favorite at home against Hawai'i, fell 73-66 last night in Taco Bell Arena. The women got their turn several hours later on the island and lost 69-53.
The good news is that now all Bronco fans can get behind the outstanding #2-ranked Boise State wrestling team, which has its last home match of the season against Utah Valley tonight. It is part of the popular "Beauty and the Beast" promotion that also features the #15 Boise State gymnastics team. Eight seniors who have helped form the most accomplished wrestling team in school history will be saluted prior to the event. Be there early for that.
Action gets underway tonight at 7 in Taco Bell Arena.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Marcus Henry
Washington tried to steal this kid from Boise State late and the word I hear is that he basically told them "Thanks but no thanks". He made a commitment and stuck with it. This guy has the nasty mentality needed in a lineman. He will keep after his guy until he gets him knocked down, and then looks for someone else to knock down. Boise State has had some amazing offensive linemen in the past (Hill, Vian, Huff, Colledge, Clady, Potter). This guy has the capability to join that group. Word from the coaches is that they want him to be center.
Jay Ajayi
Ajayi was the only running back in the 2011 Boise State recruiting class. He is an amazing recruit for several reasons. He averaged over 8 yards a carry in the state of Texas and gained 2,200 yards with 35 touchdowns. He can fake guys out of their shorts and yet still isn't afraid of contact; I loved his comment "I love to stiff-arm people!" Even more impressive than sheer stats alone--he said he is trying to get better and make himself a better player. He has the drive and the intangibles to be a Bronco. I would be shocked if he isn't a huge star.
Some of Jay's greatest runs can be seen by clicking on the story title, which takes you to YouTube.
Jimmy Laughrea
Boise State's newest quarterback is 6-2, taller than most former Broncos at that position. What impresses me most about him is his footwork--the Boise State coaches said the same thing tonight at the LOI Day show at the Stueckle Center. He also has a nice touch. On one throw in his highlight reel, he floated the ball softly over the defender to his receiver who caught it in stride. Many so-called experts look at zip on the ball and certainly that is important. But on many throws, you have to have "touch" rather than "zip". Only the best can do that and Laughrea has it.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Boise State LOI Day Show Sold Out
Due to limits on the room capacity, tickets to Boise State's National Letter of Intent Show are SOLD OUT and there will be no day of event ticket sales to this year's show.
Head Bronco Coach Chris Petersen will discuss this year's recruiting class with the Boise State's play-by-play voice of the Broncos Bob Behler. Assistant coaches will also talk about the recruiting class, along with live phone interviews with several of the new signees, plus fans can see exclusive video highlights of the recruits that they can't see anywhere else.
Head Bronco Coach Chris Petersen will discuss this year's recruiting class with the Boise State's play-by-play voice of the Broncos Bob Behler. Assistant coaches will also talk about the recruiting class, along with live phone interviews with several of the new signees, plus fans can see exclusive video highlights of the recruits that they can't see anywhere else.
Bronco Gymnasts May Need to Look in Rear View Mirror
In all the hype about Boise State trying to get to the NCAA National Gymnastics Championships, there's a development that they certainly should be aware of. Don't look now, but WAC member San Jose State is right behind the Broncos. Not only will the Bronco gals need to improve rapidly if they are to reach the top two in the West, but they are likely to get a good challenge from their own conference.
In fact, San Jose State is closer to Boise State (195-194.7) than the Broncos are to #4 Washington, which has a high score of 195.475.
Boise State must beat every Western team but one to reach Nationals. The top two from each Regional qualify for the 12-team finals. Right now, Stanford is out in front with a high of 196.825, UCLA has a 196.675 and Oregon State 196.625. Using the averages so far this year, Boise State is a full point per meet behind #2 Oregon State (195.595 to 194.658 for the Broncos).
But with the Spartan women breathing down their necks, best now to just think about winning the WAC.
In fact, San Jose State is closer to Boise State (195-194.7) than the Broncos are to #4 Washington, which has a high score of 195.475.
Boise State must beat every Western team but one to reach Nationals. The top two from each Regional qualify for the 12-team finals. Right now, Stanford is out in front with a high of 196.825, UCLA has a 196.675 and Oregon State 196.625. Using the averages so far this year, Boise State is a full point per meet behind #2 Oregon State (195.595 to 194.658 for the Broncos).
But with the Spartan women breathing down their necks, best now to just think about winning the WAC.
Boise State Blanks #30 Wisconsin
Boise State's tennis team came back from a disappointing loss to Kentucky to score a 4-0 win over #30 Wisconsin at the ITA Tennis Championships. The fact that the Broncos could bounce back to quickly from the thumping at the hands of Kentucky Saturday is a testament not only to the Boise State players but to one Coach Greg Patton
"[Today] was a test," Boise State head coach Greg Patton said Sunday. "We had a knife up against our throat and we were able to wiggle away from it."
Boise State won the doubles point and coasted to the surprisingly easy win.
The Broncos take on two more nationally-ranked opponents this week. Coach Patton's team challenges #25 Virginia Tech Saturday before meeting #33 Minnesota Sunday.
#42 Boise State 4, #30 Wisconsin 0
SINGLES
1. No. 62 Damian Hume (BSU) def. Marek Michalicka (Wisc.) 6-4, 7-6 (5)
2. No. 85 Filipp Pogotskin (BSU) def. Billy Bertha (Wisc.) 6-3, 6-3
3. Scott Sears (BSU) vs. Petr Satral (Wisc.) 7-5, 4-6, 5-5 DNF
4. Jeff Mullen (BSU) def. Alex Robles (Wisc.) 6-3, 7-5
5. Rod Carey (Wisc.) led Andrew Bettles (BSU) 6-3, DNF
6. Nathan Sereke (BSU) led Alexander Teppert (Wisc.) 6-0, 2-0 DNF
DOUBLES
1. Marek Michalicka/Billy Bertha (Wisc.) def. Damian Hume/Scott Sears (BSU) 8-3
2. Jeff Mullen/Nathan Sereke (BSU) def. Rod Carey/Ricardo Martin (Wisc.) 8-4
3. Andrew Bettles/Filipp Pogotskin (BSU) def. Petr Satral/Alexander Teppert (Wisc.) 8-3
Order of Finish:
Singles - 2, 4, 1*
Doubles - 1, 2, 3*
"[Today] was a test," Boise State head coach Greg Patton said Sunday. "We had a knife up against our throat and we were able to wiggle away from it."
Boise State won the doubles point and coasted to the surprisingly easy win.
The Broncos take on two more nationally-ranked opponents this week. Coach Patton's team challenges #25 Virginia Tech Saturday before meeting #33 Minnesota Sunday.
#42 Boise State 4, #30 Wisconsin 0
SINGLES
1. No. 62 Damian Hume (BSU) def. Marek Michalicka (Wisc.) 6-4, 7-6 (5)
2. No. 85 Filipp Pogotskin (BSU) def. Billy Bertha (Wisc.) 6-3, 6-3
3. Scott Sears (BSU) vs. Petr Satral (Wisc.) 7-5, 4-6, 5-5 DNF
4. Jeff Mullen (BSU) def. Alex Robles (Wisc.) 6-3, 7-5
5. Rod Carey (Wisc.) led Andrew Bettles (BSU) 6-3, DNF
6. Nathan Sereke (BSU) led Alexander Teppert (Wisc.) 6-0, 2-0 DNF
DOUBLES
1. Marek Michalicka/Billy Bertha (Wisc.) def. Damian Hume/Scott Sears (BSU) 8-3
2. Jeff Mullen/Nathan Sereke (BSU) def. Rod Carey/Ricardo Martin (Wisc.) 8-4
3. Andrew Bettles/Filipp Pogotskin (BSU) def. Petr Satral/Alexander Teppert (Wisc.) 8-3
Order of Finish:
Singles - 2, 4, 1*
Doubles - 1, 2, 3*
Boise State Wrestlers Now #2 in Intermat Rankings
The Boise State wrestlers are now #2. When you have four individuals as good as Kirk Smith, Andrew Hochstrasser, Adam Hall and Jason Chamberlain (all undefeated), you can either do really, really well at Nationals or slip up badly. The reason is because Boise State's projected points from those four are so high that a loss by two of them (and especially two losses by one) is going to leave the team far short.
While those four appear to be headed for All-America status, I've been saying the success of the team is going to rely on the rest of the team. Four wrestlers does not a team make, and if Boise State is to have a really good chance at the top five, they need contributions from the other six in the starting lineup. Matt Casperson has been wrestling well and it's that kind of effort that is needed in Philadelphia. Casperson knocked off two ranked wrestlers last week. So the key is getting the other six Boise State wrestlers involved. One of those six needs to make some major noise at Nationals. I don't feel Boise State can reach the top five otherwise.
(Click on the story title to see this week's rankings.)
While those four appear to be headed for All-America status, I've been saying the success of the team is going to rely on the rest of the team. Four wrestlers does not a team make, and if Boise State is to have a really good chance at the top five, they need contributions from the other six in the starting lineup. Matt Casperson has been wrestling well and it's that kind of effort that is needed in Philadelphia. Casperson knocked off two ranked wrestlers last week. So the key is getting the other six Boise State wrestlers involved. One of those six needs to make some major noise at Nationals. I don't feel Boise State can reach the top five otherwise.
(Click on the story title to see this week's rankings.)
Boise State's Daryn Colledge vs. BYU's Brett Keisel in Super Bowl XLV
Aw, this should be fun.
Former Boise State star offensive lineman Daryn Colledge gets to the Super Bowl this Sunday after five years in the NFL. Colledge started every game of his Boise State career (52 straight games) and he has started nearly every game of his professional career.
This Sunday, Colledge will line up at left guard. Opposite him will be former BYU player Brett Keisel. While the two never played against each other (Keisel is in his ninth NFL season), their alma mater's have a history. Colledge helped the Broncos pulverize BYU 50-12 in 2003 in Provo and then defeat them 28-27 in Bronco Stadium.
Boise State was set to join BYU in the Mountain West Conference next season but the Cougars left the conference right after the announcement was made that the Broncos were invited. BYU is scheduled to appear in Bronco Stadium again in 2012 and Boise State will travel to Provo in 2013.
Keisel (6-5, 285) has similar size to Colledge so there's no advantage there. Keisel has played his entire career in Pittsburgh and has 167 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 24 pass deflections, an interception and four forced fumbles in his career. This season, Keisel has been a force with 33 tackles, three sacks, seven pass deflections, an interception that he took 79 yards for a touchdown and two forced fumbles.
I took note of the seven pass deflections. That is something Colledge will have to be wary of. For Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to hit his receivers downfield, Daryn will have to keep Keisel from getting elevated and getting those mitts up in the air. Keisel, nicknamed "Diesel", is, like Colledge, a great athlete. In a 2009 game against Minnesota, the Vikings called a screen pass to Chester Taylor. Keisel immediately diagnosed the play. He moved down the line, creating a traffic jam around Taylor. Favre threw it anyway. Just as the ball gets there, Keisel hits Taylor and the ball sails through Taylor's fingers into the arms of Pittsburgh's Keyaron Fox, who finds the end zone.
The second thing I want to note is Keisel's pass rush. Later in that 2009 Minnesota game, Keisel beat one of the top offensive linemen in football, Steve Hutchinson, to knock the ball loose from Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre and set up the Steelers' defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
So Daryn will have his hands full, and it will be a matchup to watch on several levels.
Former Boise State star offensive lineman Daryn Colledge gets to the Super Bowl this Sunday after five years in the NFL. Colledge started every game of his Boise State career (52 straight games) and he has started nearly every game of his professional career.
This Sunday, Colledge will line up at left guard. Opposite him will be former BYU player Brett Keisel. While the two never played against each other (Keisel is in his ninth NFL season), their alma mater's have a history. Colledge helped the Broncos pulverize BYU 50-12 in 2003 in Provo and then defeat them 28-27 in Bronco Stadium.
Boise State was set to join BYU in the Mountain West Conference next season but the Cougars left the conference right after the announcement was made that the Broncos were invited. BYU is scheduled to appear in Bronco Stadium again in 2012 and Boise State will travel to Provo in 2013.
Keisel (6-5, 285) has similar size to Colledge so there's no advantage there. Keisel has played his entire career in Pittsburgh and has 167 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 24 pass deflections, an interception and four forced fumbles in his career. This season, Keisel has been a force with 33 tackles, three sacks, seven pass deflections, an interception that he took 79 yards for a touchdown and two forced fumbles.
I took note of the seven pass deflections. That is something Colledge will have to be wary of. For Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to hit his receivers downfield, Daryn will have to keep Keisel from getting elevated and getting those mitts up in the air. Keisel, nicknamed "Diesel", is, like Colledge, a great athlete. In a 2009 game against Minnesota, the Vikings called a screen pass to Chester Taylor. Keisel immediately diagnosed the play. He moved down the line, creating a traffic jam around Taylor. Favre threw it anyway. Just as the ball gets there, Keisel hits Taylor and the ball sails through Taylor's fingers into the arms of Pittsburgh's Keyaron Fox, who finds the end zone.
The second thing I want to note is Keisel's pass rush. Later in that 2009 Minnesota game, Keisel beat one of the top offensive linemen in football, Steve Hutchinson, to knock the ball loose from Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre and set up the Steelers' defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
So Daryn will have his hands full, and it will be a matchup to watch on several levels.
Felix Paces Boise State at Bronco Invitational
Boise State junior Kurt Felix shattered his own school record in the heptathlon to lead the Broncos at their Invitational at Jackson’s Track over the weekend. Felix broke his mark of 5,348 points by 321 points in winning the event. Kurt missed automatic NCAA qualifying by six points.
Felix led after the first day with 3,358 points after winning the long jump with a career-best 24-5.75, taking the high jump (6-11) and winning the shot put (44-3.25). He came back Saturday to win the 60-meter hurdles with a career-best of 8.38.
Jeff Daw was named Western Athletic Conference Track Athlete of the Week following his third-straight win in the 400 (48.51). Sophomore Rolando Trammel captured second with a time of 48.53 and also won the 60-meter hurdles with a career-best of 8.34. Newcomer Justin Maines followed Trammel to the finish line in the hurdles with a time of 8:30. Brian Pierre won the 3,000 meters in 8:38.81 and teammate Drew O’donoghue-McDonald was second (8:39.81).
Trevor Kraychir and Alex Nelson also recorded career-bests of 65-9 and 61-2.25, respectively in the weight throw to take second and third. Chase Sexton was runner-up in the shot put with his throw of 54-10.25. Dusty Klein (1:54.84) and Austin Edwards (1:55.19) went 2-3 in the 800. Joshua Butler was third in the high jump (6-4.25)
Veteran Mele Vaisima continues to pace the Bronco women, as she won her fourth straight weight throw with a season best of 61-feet, 10.50 inches and also finished second in the shot put with a career best of 45-2.25. Nadine Russell and Alyssa Osai helped the Broncos complete a sweep in the event with marks of 55-1 and 52-2.75, respectively. Promising Racquel Jones paced the long jumpers with a mark of 18-5.75. Alexi Morton set two career bests and finished second in the pentathlon with 3,412 points. Morton ran 8.92 in the 60-meter hurdles and recorded a 34-0.75 shot put.
The Broncos host two more meets prior to the WAC Championships. Boise State hits the track this Saturday at 9 a.m. (Mountain) for the Bronco Open.
Felix led after the first day with 3,358 points after winning the long jump with a career-best 24-5.75, taking the high jump (6-11) and winning the shot put (44-3.25). He came back Saturday to win the 60-meter hurdles with a career-best of 8.38.
Jeff Daw was named Western Athletic Conference Track Athlete of the Week following his third-straight win in the 400 (48.51). Sophomore Rolando Trammel captured second with a time of 48.53 and also won the 60-meter hurdles with a career-best of 8.34. Newcomer Justin Maines followed Trammel to the finish line in the hurdles with a time of 8:30. Brian Pierre won the 3,000 meters in 8:38.81 and teammate Drew O’donoghue-McDonald was second (8:39.81).
Trevor Kraychir and Alex Nelson also recorded career-bests of 65-9 and 61-2.25, respectively in the weight throw to take second and third. Chase Sexton was runner-up in the shot put with his throw of 54-10.25. Dusty Klein (1:54.84) and Austin Edwards (1:55.19) went 2-3 in the 800. Joshua Butler was third in the high jump (6-4.25)
Veteran Mele Vaisima continues to pace the Bronco women, as she won her fourth straight weight throw with a season best of 61-feet, 10.50 inches and also finished second in the shot put with a career best of 45-2.25. Nadine Russell and Alyssa Osai helped the Broncos complete a sweep in the event with marks of 55-1 and 52-2.75, respectively. Promising Racquel Jones paced the long jumpers with a mark of 18-5.75. Alexi Morton set two career bests and finished second in the pentathlon with 3,412 points. Morton ran 8.92 in the 60-meter hurdles and recorded a 34-0.75 shot put.
The Broncos host two more meets prior to the WAC Championships. Boise State hits the track this Saturday at 9 a.m. (Mountain) for the Bronco Open.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Bookmarking Blue Through and Through
Make sure you bookmark this page. The URL is a little long (getting a unique domain is a possibility in the future), so it's much easier to find quickly if it is bookmarked or saved as a "Favorite Place".
Boise State Smothers #20 Oregon State 31-6 in Corvallis
Boise State came out and authoritatively demolished host Oregon State 31-6 today in Corvallis. It was a surprisingly easy win over the team that dethroned the Broncos of their two-time Pac-10 Championship streak and established Coach Greg Randall’s team as the favorites in this year’s Pac-10 Championships February 27 at Corvallis.
Matt Casperson deserves Pac-10 Athlete of the Week. After beating his ranked opponent from Stanford Friday night, Casp took on #18 Chad Hanke of Oregon State at 197 pounds and sent him reeling with a 10-5 loss. That was certainly one of the big moments of today’s match. Another key to the Broncos’ win was when #18 Levi Jones defeated #11 Mike Mangrum 9-2 at 141 pounds.
The Broncos rolled out to an early 14-0 lead of the #20 Beavers and won eight matches on the afternoon, two by major decision, one by fall and one by technical fall. #3 Jason Chamberlain beat back #20 Scott Sakaguchi 6-3 at 149 pounds. Adam Hall followed with a 26-8 technical fall over Alex Elder at 157 pounds. Kurt Swartz made it three wins in a row with a dramatic 3-2 win over Jonathan Brascetta of OSU.
A loss at 174 pounds temporarily slowed down the Broncos’ momentum, but senior Kirk Smith scored a 9-0 major over Brice Arand to put Boise State out in front 18-3. Casperson was up next, and his second superb upset of a ranked opponent essentially ended the Beavers’ hopes on this day. #15 Alan Bartelli and #2 Andrew Hochstrasser both won to close out the match.
The Broncos have two more home matches this season. Next Wednesday, Cal State Bakersfield comes to town for a 7 p.m. contest. Next Friday, the Broncos meet Utah Valley as part of the popular Beauty & the Beast promotion. That dual is also set for 7 p.m. in Taco Bell Arena.
Come out and support this highly-ranked Bronco team!
#3 Boise State 31, #20 Oregon State 6
141 - #18 Levi Jones (Boise State dec. #11 Mike Mangrum (OSU) 9-2
149 - #3 Jason Chamberlain (Boise State) dec. #20 Scott Sakaguchi (OSU) 6-3
157 - #2 Adam Hall (Boise State) tech. fall Alex Elder (OSU) 26-8
165 - Kurt Swartz (Boise State) dec. Jonathan Brascetta (OSU) 3-2
174 - #6 Colby Covington (OSU) dec. #11 Jacob Swartz (Boise State (12-6
184 - #1 Kirk Smith (Boise State) major dec. Brice Arand
197 - Matt Casperson (Boise State) dec. #18 Chad Hanke (OSU) 10-5
HWT - #16 Clayton Jack (OSU) dec. J.T. Felix (Boise State) 10-5
125 - #15 Alan Bartelli (Boise State) fall Christian Strahl (OSU) 4:08
133 - #2 Andrew Hochstrasser (Boise State) major dec. #15 Garrett Drucker (OSU) 12-3
Matt Casperson deserves Pac-10 Athlete of the Week. After beating his ranked opponent from Stanford Friday night, Casp took on #18 Chad Hanke of Oregon State at 197 pounds and sent him reeling with a 10-5 loss. That was certainly one of the big moments of today’s match. Another key to the Broncos’ win was when #18 Levi Jones defeated #11 Mike Mangrum 9-2 at 141 pounds.
The Broncos rolled out to an early 14-0 lead of the #20 Beavers and won eight matches on the afternoon, two by major decision, one by fall and one by technical fall. #3 Jason Chamberlain beat back #20 Scott Sakaguchi 6-3 at 149 pounds. Adam Hall followed with a 26-8 technical fall over Alex Elder at 157 pounds. Kurt Swartz made it three wins in a row with a dramatic 3-2 win over Jonathan Brascetta of OSU.
A loss at 174 pounds temporarily slowed down the Broncos’ momentum, but senior Kirk Smith scored a 9-0 major over Brice Arand to put Boise State out in front 18-3. Casperson was up next, and his second superb upset of a ranked opponent essentially ended the Beavers’ hopes on this day. #15 Alan Bartelli and #2 Andrew Hochstrasser both won to close out the match.
The Broncos have two more home matches this season. Next Wednesday, Cal State Bakersfield comes to town for a 7 p.m. contest. Next Friday, the Broncos meet Utah Valley as part of the popular Beauty & the Beast promotion. That dual is also set for 7 p.m. in Taco Bell Arena.
Come out and support this highly-ranked Bronco team!
#3 Boise State 31, #20 Oregon State 6
141 - #18 Levi Jones (Boise State dec. #11 Mike Mangrum (OSU) 9-2
149 - #3 Jason Chamberlain (Boise State) dec. #20 Scott Sakaguchi (OSU) 6-3
157 - #2 Adam Hall (Boise State) tech. fall Alex Elder (OSU) 26-8
165 - Kurt Swartz (Boise State) dec. Jonathan Brascetta (OSU) 3-2
174 - #6 Colby Covington (OSU) dec. #11 Jacob Swartz (Boise State (12-6
184 - #1 Kirk Smith (Boise State) major dec. Brice Arand
197 - Matt Casperson (Boise State) dec. #18 Chad Hanke (OSU) 10-5
HWT - #16 Clayton Jack (OSU) dec. J.T. Felix (Boise State) 10-5
125 - #15 Alan Bartelli (Boise State) fall Christian Strahl (OSU) 4:08
133 - #2 Andrew Hochstrasser (Boise State) major dec. #15 Garrett Drucker (OSU) 12-3
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Pettis, Young to Play in Today's Senior Bowl
Bronco record-breaking receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, who helped Boise State to a 48-5 record over the last four years, have been wowing scouts and spectators all week in practices for the Senior Bowl. The two are set to take the field for the North in the annual college all-star game.
#2 Wide Receiver Austin Pettis
Together with fellow senior Titus Young, Pettis formed the best receiving duo in Bronco history and one of the best in the nation. He was the “go-to” guy when Boise State needed a first down, and became famous for clutch catches and jump balls where he would sail high above his defender for a miraculous catch. Pettis obliterated the Bronco record books with his outstanding four-year achievements.
Austin was one of five true freshman to play in 2007. He finished second on the team with 46 catches (for 465 yards) and second with six touchdown receptions. Pettis had nine receptions for 89 yards against East Carolina in the Hawai’i Bowl and eight in back-to-back games against Utah State and Idaho . He recorded his first 100-yard receiving game with 139 yards and three TD’s against Idaho .
Pettis earned second-team All-WAC honors in 2008 with 49 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. Austin grabbed nine passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Nevada . He was named to the All-WAC academic team.
Last season, Pettis was All-WAC with 63 catches (9th all-time) in 12 games. He broke the school record with 14 receiving touchdowns and tied another mark with four TD catches against Idaho . Austin also broke the record for consecutive games with a TD catch by hauling in one per game in the first 10 games. Austin had six catches against Top 10 Oregon and burned Miami of Ohio for 115 yards on four catches. He had 10 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns vs. UC-Davis and nine catches for 105 yards and a score vs. Louisiana Tech.
Pettis has continued his steady play in 2010. He has 55 receptions for 753 yards and 8 touchdowns. Austin broke Don Hutt’s (1970-1973) 37 year-old record of 189 career receptions earlier this year and continues to add to his total. He is now just 111 yards shy of passing Ryan Ikebe for career receiving yards.
In his career, Pettis has 213 receptions for 2,640 yards and 37 touchdowns. Austin is a Communication Major at Boise State.
#1 Wide Receiver Titus Young
Growth. What growth. Lest any potential recruit wonder about what Coach Chris Petersen and the Bronco coaching staff can do to help a young man, they need only look at the quality man that Titus Young has become. He has matured by leaps and bounds, both personally and talent-wise. This speed merchant will go down as one of the greatest receivers ever to play for the Broncos. He had raw talent and speed when he came to Boise; he leaves as a complete receiver who runs great routes, shows incredible hustle (no one will ever forget his fumble recovery in the end zone against Fresno State after he trailed the play all the way downfield), has amazing hands and makes acrobatic catches.
In 2007, Young caught a pass in all 13 games. He finished third on the team with 44 receptions for 639 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Young had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving vs. Utah State and was on the receiving end of seven passes against East Carolina . He also had six catches against San Jose State .
In 2008, Young played in three games, getting 10 receptions for 168 yards and a TD and rushing five times for 52 yard and two touchdowns.
Titus earned All-WAC both as wide receiver and kick return specialist last season. He became the first player in school history to bring two kickoffs back for touchdowns in a season and in a career. He returned the opening kickoff 95 yards against Nevada and “officially” returned one 100 yards against Idaho , even though we all know it was more like 108. Young had 79 receptions (2nd in school history) for 1,041 yards (#6 all-time) and 10 touchdowns (7th all-time), becoming just the eighth Bronco to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Titus was second in the WAC with 143.7 all-purpose yards per game, second in kickoff returns (26.9), third in receiving yards (74.4 per game) and seventh in scoring). Young also rushed 15 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Young’s 2,012 all-purpose yards was second only to Brock Forsey’s 2,127 in 2002. He helped to stretch TCU’s secondary with eight catches for 72 yards despite the Horned Frog defense converging on him due to the injury of Austin Pettis. Young had two touchdowns (one on the fumble recovery, one receiving) and had 174 all-purpose yards against Fresno State . He scored two touchdowns at Bowling Green and caught six passes for 83 yards and a TD vs. UC-Davis. TY had eight receptions for 115 yards and three TD’s against Hawai’i and eight catches for 110 yards and a score vs. Louisiana Tech. He also went over the 100-yard mark against Idaho and Utah State .
Young leads Boise State with 61 receptions this season (#13 all-time) for 1,117 yards (third in the record books) and nine touchdowns (9th all-time). Young shattered Ryan Ikebe’s (1993-1996) record of 2,751 career receiving yards earlier this season and could become Boise State ’s first 3,000-yard man tomorrow afternoon! TY passed Don Hutt against Nevada and is second all-time to teammate Austin Pettis for career receptions. Titus has 1,684 yards of all-purpose offense this year already (8th all-time). He has nine carries for 45 yards and a touchdown and 20 kickoff returns for 512 yards. He had six receptions for 80 yards in the season opening win over Virginia Tech, five catches for 136 yards and a TD against Oregon State, seven receptions for 105 yards and a score against San Jose State, six catches for 129 yards and a TD against Nevada and four catches for 94 yards and a touchdown against Wyoming.
In Young’s spectacular career, he has 194 receptions for 2,965 yards and 25 TD’s (4th all-time), 42 rushes for 314 yards and eight touchdowns, and 51 kickoff returns for 1,345 yards (26.4 avg.) and two scores. Young has 4,624 yards of all-purpose yards and counting, good for sixth in Boise State history. Titus majors in Communication.
Best of luck to Austin and Titus today!
#2 Wide Receiver Austin Pettis
Together with fellow senior Titus Young, Pettis formed the best receiving duo in Bronco history and one of the best in the nation. He was the “go-to” guy when Boise State needed a first down, and became famous for clutch catches and jump balls where he would sail high above his defender for a miraculous catch. Pettis obliterated the Bronco record books with his outstanding four-year achievements.
Austin was one of five true freshman to play in 2007. He finished second on the team with 46 catches (for 465 yards) and second with six touchdown receptions. Pettis had nine receptions for 89 yards against East Carolina in the Hawai’i Bowl and eight in back-to-back games against Utah State and Idaho . He recorded his first 100-yard receiving game with 139 yards and three TD’s against Idaho .
Pettis earned second-team All-WAC honors in 2008 with 49 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. Austin grabbed nine passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Nevada . He was named to the All-WAC academic team.
Last season, Pettis was All-WAC with 63 catches (9th all-time) in 12 games. He broke the school record with 14 receiving touchdowns and tied another mark with four TD catches against Idaho . Austin also broke the record for consecutive games with a TD catch by hauling in one per game in the first 10 games. Austin had six catches against Top 10 Oregon and burned Miami of Ohio for 115 yards on four catches. He had 10 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns vs. UC-Davis and nine catches for 105 yards and a score vs. Louisiana Tech.
Pettis has continued his steady play in 2010. He has 55 receptions for 753 yards and 8 touchdowns. Austin broke Don Hutt’s (1970-1973) 37 year-old record of 189 career receptions earlier this year and continues to add to his total. He is now just 111 yards shy of passing Ryan Ikebe for career receiving yards.
In his career, Pettis has 213 receptions for 2,640 yards and 37 touchdowns. Austin is a Communication Major at Boise State.
#1 Wide Receiver Titus Young
Growth. What growth. Lest any potential recruit wonder about what Coach Chris Petersen and the Bronco coaching staff can do to help a young man, they need only look at the quality man that Titus Young has become. He has matured by leaps and bounds, both personally and talent-wise. This speed merchant will go down as one of the greatest receivers ever to play for the Broncos. He had raw talent and speed when he came to Boise; he leaves as a complete receiver who runs great routes, shows incredible hustle (no one will ever forget his fumble recovery in the end zone against Fresno State after he trailed the play all the way downfield), has amazing hands and makes acrobatic catches.
In 2007, Young caught a pass in all 13 games. He finished third on the team with 44 receptions for 639 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Young had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving vs. Utah State and was on the receiving end of seven passes against East Carolina . He also had six catches against San Jose State .
In 2008, Young played in three games, getting 10 receptions for 168 yards and a TD and rushing five times for 52 yard and two touchdowns.
Titus earned All-WAC both as wide receiver and kick return specialist last season. He became the first player in school history to bring two kickoffs back for touchdowns in a season and in a career. He returned the opening kickoff 95 yards against Nevada and “officially” returned one 100 yards against Idaho , even though we all know it was more like 108. Young had 79 receptions (2nd in school history) for 1,041 yards (#6 all-time) and 10 touchdowns (7th all-time), becoming just the eighth Bronco to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Titus was second in the WAC with 143.7 all-purpose yards per game, second in kickoff returns (26.9), third in receiving yards (74.4 per game) and seventh in scoring). Young also rushed 15 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Young’s 2,012 all-purpose yards was second only to Brock Forsey’s 2,127 in 2002. He helped to stretch TCU’s secondary with eight catches for 72 yards despite the Horned Frog defense converging on him due to the injury of Austin Pettis. Young had two touchdowns (one on the fumble recovery, one receiving) and had 174 all-purpose yards against Fresno State . He scored two touchdowns at Bowling Green and caught six passes for 83 yards and a TD vs. UC-Davis. TY had eight receptions for 115 yards and three TD’s against Hawai’i and eight catches for 110 yards and a score vs. Louisiana Tech. He also went over the 100-yard mark against Idaho and Utah State .
Young leads Boise State with 61 receptions this season (#13 all-time) for 1,117 yards (third in the record books) and nine touchdowns (9th all-time). Young shattered Ryan Ikebe’s (1993-1996) record of 2,751 career receiving yards earlier this season and could become Boise State ’s first 3,000-yard man tomorrow afternoon! TY passed Don Hutt against Nevada and is second all-time to teammate Austin Pettis for career receptions. Titus has 1,684 yards of all-purpose offense this year already (8th all-time). He has nine carries for 45 yards and a touchdown and 20 kickoff returns for 512 yards. He had six receptions for 80 yards in the season opening win over Virginia Tech, five catches for 136 yards and a TD against Oregon State, seven receptions for 105 yards and a score against San Jose State, six catches for 129 yards and a TD against Nevada and four catches for 94 yards and a touchdown against Wyoming.
In Young’s spectacular career, he has 194 receptions for 2,965 yards and 25 TD’s (4th all-time), 42 rushes for 314 yards and eight touchdowns, and 51 kickoff returns for 1,345 yards (26.4 avg.) and two scores. Young has 4,624 yards of all-purpose yards and counting, good for sixth in Boise State history. Titus majors in Communication.
Best of luck to Austin and Titus today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)