TEAM BATTING G Avg AB R H 2B 3B HR BB SO SB-ATT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico State.... 34 .338 920 242 311 52 6 43 148 170 57-62 Boise State......... 31 .308 818 170 252 28 2 28 100 123 27-33 Nevada.............. 29 .286 767 137 219 39 4 25 87 188 21-24 Hawai`i............. 34 .264 856 166 226 33 3 40 113 194 20-24 San Jose State...... 34 .261 905 140 236 39 1 17 115 167 28-36 Fresno State........ 27 .245 691 93 169 25 7 17 63 158 30-35 Utah State.......... 32 .228 778 84 177 30 1 14 65 196 10-15 Louisiana Tech...... 33 .214 836 93 179 20 2 10 85 182 35-42 Totals.............. 127 .269 6571 1125 1769 266 26 194 776 1378 228-271 TEAM PITCHING G ERA W L Sv IP H R ER BB SO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hawai`i............. 34 1.34 25 9 0 225.0 147 65 43 54 261 Fresno State........ 27 2.25 19 8 1 192.2 165 78 62 67 160 Boise State......... 31 3.59 19 12 5 200.2 209 129 103 91 194 San Jose State...... 34 4.55 13 21 2 217.0 310 198 141 97 106 Louisiana Tech...... 33 4.68 8 24 2 221.1 265 182 148 100 188 New Mexico State.... 34 5.01 23 10 4 215.0 291 189 154 76 134 Nevada.............. 29 5.91 9 20 1 177.2 231 209 150 116 141 Utah State.......... 32 6.58 5 27 0 192.2 286 208 181 118 106 Totals.............. 127 4.19 121 131 15 1642.0 1904 1258 982 719 1290 TEAM FIELDING G PO A E Pct DP PB SBA-ATT --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fresno State........ 27 578 249 28 .967 11 2 19-22 Hawai`i............. 34 675 253 35 .964 10 5 14-18 Boise State......... 31 602 235 37 .958 6 13 38-48 Louisiana Tech...... 33 664 264 43 .956 4 8 54-65 Utah State.......... 32 578 260 39 .956 11 3 32-42 Nevada.............. 29 533 201 39 .950 4 13 32-44 New Mexico State.... 34 645 286 51 .948 4 4 31-38 San Jose State...... 34 651 286 52 .947 10 3 17-36 Totals.............. 127 4926 2034 324 .956 60 51 237-313 INDIVIDUAL BATTING Min 2.0 AB/Team game G Avg AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR BB --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 34 .453 86 29 39 55 5 1 19 36 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 33 .438 112 36 49 26 9 1 0 9 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 31 .410 78 20 32 31 4 0 8 15 Bourke, Holly-Boise State. 31 .390 100 24 39 19 5 1 3 10 Crump, Allie-Boise State.. 30 .373 83 16 31 17 3 0 7 12 Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 29 .371 105 23 39 10 12 1 2 6 Caplan, Kellie-Boise State 31 .370 108 23 40 10 3 0 1 3 Murdock, Britton-NEV...... 29 .364 88 14 32 15 7 1 2 7 Coenen, Sadie-SJSU........ 29 .356 73 20 26 1 6 1 0 15 Jennings, Tiare-NMSU...... 34 .351 94 30 33 27 5 0 4 28 Maroda, Ashley-NMSU....... 31 .351 94 19 33 20 9 0 4 10 Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 34 .337 101 34 34 7 3 1 1 20 Stange, Alex-SJSU......... 33 .333 96 14 32 17 5 0 2 8 Jones, Erin-NEV........... 19 .333 63 12 21 11 2 0 3 5 Patrick, Danielle-NEV..... 28 .330 88 14 29 28 6 0 6 12 Wolfe, Annica-SJSU........ 32 .330 88 10 29 19 5 0 2 9 Rodriguez, Jenna-UH....... 34 .327 104 6 34 20 4 0 2 4 Conrad, Teresa-NMSU....... 30 .325 83 22 27 27 4 1 7 11 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 28 .325 77 15 25 22 8 2 4 5 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 34 .324 105 31 34 22 3 1 11 17 INDIVIDUAL PITCHING Min 1.0 IP/Team game App ERA W-L Sv IP H R ER BB SO ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Parnaby, Kaia-UH.......... 11 1.10 9-2 0 70.0 45 16 11 15 87 Ricketts, Stephani-UH..... 24 1.30 15-7 0 151.0 92 44 28 39 171 Oakes, Mackenzie-FS....... 17 1.61 12-2 1 91.1 75 30 21 23 50 Zell, Aubray-Boise State.. 12 2.12 6-1 0 56.0 51 19 17 10 56 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 16 3.00 6-6 0 86.1 75 43 37 35 102 Krieg, Meghan-LATEC....... 21 3.19 5-13 1 120.2 108 67 55 57 149 Ames, Jennifer-SJSU....... 18 3.37 5-9 2 97.2 132 65 47 37 39 Newman, Alex-NMSU......... 25 3.38 15-2 0 89.0 87 48 43 31 55 Work, Lela-Boise State.... 17 3.47 3-4 5 42.1 42 22 21 6 43 Crump, Allie-Boise State.. 16 4.02 9-5 0 85.1 96 67 49 44 86 Darby, Mallary-NEV........ 24 4.69 9-13 0 125.1 138 119 84 67 104 Fox, Elyssa-SJSU.......... 16 4.97 3-10 0 62.0 82 56 44 29 44 Kipp, Erin-LATEC.......... 13 5.28 0-6 1 59.2 87 56 45 20 25 Harmon, Mandy-USU......... 24 5.54 4-17 0 107.1 138 98 85 62 70 Gutierrez, Janessa-SJSU... 17 5.75 3-2 0 35.1 62 47 29 15 15 HITS ---- Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 49 Caplan, Kellie-Boise State 40 Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 39 Bourke, Holly-Boise State. 39 Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 39 RUNS SCORED ----------- Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 36 Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 34 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 31 Jennings, Tiare-NMSU...... 30 Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 29 RUNS BATTED IN -------------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 55 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 31 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 30 Patrick, Danielle-NEV..... 28 2 tied with 27 RBI(s) DOUBLES ------- Hopkins, Karley-NEV....... 12 Maroda, Ashley-NMSU....... 9 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 9 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 8 2 tied with 7 double(s) TRIPLES ------- Gilleland, Haley-FS....... 2 Ortiz, Brooke-FS.......... 2 Swedberg, Valerie-NMSU.... 2 20 tied with 1 triple(s) HOME RUNS --------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 19 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 11 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 10 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 8 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 8 TOTAL BASES ----------- Nohara, Hoku-NMSU......... 103 Iwata, Jessica-UH......... 72 Kliebenstein, Shar-UH..... 65 Jones, Kandis-NMSU........ 60 Bridges, Devon-Boise State 60 STOLEN BASES SB-ATT ---------------------------------- Randall, Kylie-NMSU....... 23-24 Gilleland, Haley-FS....... 12-13 Murdock, Britton-NEV...... 9-9 3 tied with 8 stolen base(s) STRIKEOUTS IP SO ------------------------------------- Ricketts, Stephani-UH..... 151.0 171 Krieg, Meghan-LATEC....... 120.2 149 Darby, Mallary-NEV........ 125.1 104 Moses, Michelle-FS........ 86.1 102 Parnaby, Kaia-UH.......... 70.0 87
Thursday, March 31, 2011
WAC Softball Statistics
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Broncos Go After Florida at Denver Regional Gymnastics Championships
Boise State goes after history this weekend at the NCAA Regional Gymnastics Championships. In the next few days, I'll be looking at the field at the Denver Regional.
One team at Boise State's Denver Regional is #1 Florida. I'll say it--if Boise State doesn't think they can beat Florida, they aren't going to do well this weekend. They will be intimidated and perform badly.
Here's the reason I say this. Most people would look at the teams in this regional and say, well, Florida's going to be the top team, but Boise State has a chance at topping Arkansas. Do you feel that way? If so, try this on for size. Arkansas beat Florida earlier this year. Yep, knocked 'em off in one of the stunning results of the season. So if Boise State doesn't go into the meet trying to beat Florida, they're likely not going to beat Arkansas either.
At this point, it's mental, and it's all about confidence. Most of the teams in the Regional Championships are fairly close in ability. But if you go in perceiving you're not as good....bingo--you're not going to be as good. What I would tell the team is that this is the year you prove yourself. I don't want you finishing second, I want you finishing first. Go after Florida. Whatever score Florida gets, you go one better.
If you can have that attitude and give the Gators a fight, you're going to be right there with them at the end and probably finish second. At that point, it will be up to Arkansas to keep up. The Broncos have the talent, they have the experience, and they have the coaches.
Now all they have to do is go out and perform.
One team at Boise State's Denver Regional is #1 Florida. I'll say it--if Boise State doesn't think they can beat Florida, they aren't going to do well this weekend. They will be intimidated and perform badly.
Here's the reason I say this. Most people would look at the teams in this regional and say, well, Florida's going to be the top team, but Boise State has a chance at topping Arkansas. Do you feel that way? If so, try this on for size. Arkansas beat Florida earlier this year. Yep, knocked 'em off in one of the stunning results of the season. So if Boise State doesn't go into the meet trying to beat Florida, they're likely not going to beat Arkansas either.
At this point, it's mental, and it's all about confidence. Most of the teams in the Regional Championships are fairly close in ability. But if you go in perceiving you're not as good....bingo--you're not going to be as good. What I would tell the team is that this is the year you prove yourself. I don't want you finishing second, I want you finishing first. Go after Florida. Whatever score Florida gets, you go one better.
If you can have that attitude and give the Gators a fight, you're going to be right there with them at the end and probably finish second. At that point, it will be up to Arkansas to keep up. The Broncos have the talent, they have the experience, and they have the coaches.
Now all they have to do is go out and perform.
Bronco Track Team Hosts All-Idaho Cup
With the weather turning nicer, Boise State's track team is set to host the All-Idaho Cup this weekend in Bronco Stadium. Action gets underway at noon Friday in the field events while the track events begin at 4. Field events begin Saturday morning at 10 and the running events start at 1 p.m.
The meet was formed to allow all Idaho teams the chance to compete against each other but Idaho was not able to bring their team down.
The meet was formed to allow all Idaho teams the chance to compete against each other but Idaho was not able to bring their team down.
Boise State Edges Utah 9-8 in Game One
Boise State pulled magic out of the hat in the seventh inning as Tazz Weatherly rocketed a roundtripper to lead Boise State to a 9-8 over Utah in Salt Lake City. Weatherly's blow brought her out of a 4-33 slump in game one of a scheduled doubleheader. Lela Work pitched six innings in relief to earn the win.
The Broncos had taken an 8-6 lead in the previous inning, only to see Utah's Whitney Holm hit a two-run homer to tie.
Utah grabbed the early lead off Bronco starter Aubray Zell 2-0 but Allie Crump's homer and Mackenzie Whyte's two-out two-RBI single in the second gave Boise State a 3-2 lead. But the Utes banged out five consecutive hits in the bottom half of the inning to send Zell to the dugout, with the big blast being Holm's first home run of the game. Bronco catcher Megan Harvey helped the Bronco cause by throwing out two Utes trying to steal.
Facing a 6-3 deficit, Boise State battled back. Whyte drove in Kelly Sweeney and Holly Bourke's sac fly scored Weatherly in the fourth to make it a 6-5 contest and set the stage for the wild finish.
Whyte had three hits and three RBI's, a run and a stolen base to lead the Bronco cause. The Utah pitching staff pitched around freshman Devon Bridges, fearing the freshman slugger's ability to leave the yard.
Utah dropped to 15-16 with the loss.
The Broncos had taken an 8-6 lead in the previous inning, only to see Utah's Whitney Holm hit a two-run homer to tie.
Utah grabbed the early lead off Bronco starter Aubray Zell 2-0 but Allie Crump's homer and Mackenzie Whyte's two-out two-RBI single in the second gave Boise State a 3-2 lead. But the Utes banged out five consecutive hits in the bottom half of the inning to send Zell to the dugout, with the big blast being Holm's first home run of the game. Bronco catcher Megan Harvey helped the Bronco cause by throwing out two Utes trying to steal.
Facing a 6-3 deficit, Boise State battled back. Whyte drove in Kelly Sweeney and Holly Bourke's sac fly scored Weatherly in the fourth to make it a 6-5 contest and set the stage for the wild finish.
Whyte had three hits and three RBI's, a run and a stolen base to lead the Bronco cause. The Utah pitching staff pitched around freshman Devon Bridges, fearing the freshman slugger's ability to leave the yard.
Utah dropped to 15-16 with the loss.
The Sporting News Selects Boise State's Kellen Moore As the Top Collegiate Player
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore has been chosen by The Sporting News as the #1 player in the nation in college football.
Senior writer Matt Hayes chose Moore to top the list of 25 players to watch next fall. "He's a season away from becoming one of the game's all-time greats, from setting records that may never be reached and leading his team where no other non-BCS school has been," Hayes said.
Most people did not realize it at the time, but Moore beat out eventual Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton of Auburn as the nation's top passer last year with a 182.63 rating. Moore has already set an all-time record for the lowest interception ratio (in 2009) and is in position to set at least two more NCAA records. Kellen is 38-2 and is just seven wins away from tying Colt McCoy of Texas for the most wins by a college quarterback. He is 35 touchdown passes away from the all-time mark held by Graham Harrell of Texas Tech.
Moore's teammate, defensive tackle Billy Winn, is #15 on Hayes' list and is the second-highest defensive tackle. Winn had four sacks and 9.5 tackles last season. It's ironic that Winn is so well thought of on the national scene when the Western Athletic Conference never saw fit to name him even All-Conference.
Boise State has this week off for spring break but then will resume spring drills next week leading up to the annual Spring Game Saturday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
Senior writer Matt Hayes chose Moore to top the list of 25 players to watch next fall. "He's a season away from becoming one of the game's all-time greats, from setting records that may never be reached and leading his team where no other non-BCS school has been," Hayes said.
Most people did not realize it at the time, but Moore beat out eventual Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton of Auburn as the nation's top passer last year with a 182.63 rating. Moore has already set an all-time record for the lowest interception ratio (in 2009) and is in position to set at least two more NCAA records. Kellen is 38-2 and is just seven wins away from tying Colt McCoy of Texas for the most wins by a college quarterback. He is 35 touchdown passes away from the all-time mark held by Graham Harrell of Texas Tech.
Moore's teammate, defensive tackle Billy Winn, is #15 on Hayes' list and is the second-highest defensive tackle. Winn had four sacks and 9.5 tackles last season. It's ironic that Winn is so well thought of on the national scene when the Western Athletic Conference never saw fit to name him even All-Conference.
Boise State has this week off for spring break but then will resume spring drills next week leading up to the annual Spring Game Saturday, April 16 at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Boise State Wins Seventh National Championship
The Boise State debate and speech team has won its second national championship in the last six years, as the Broncos are coming home with hardware from the Pi Kappa Delta National Championship Tournament in Portland, Oregon.
These championships seem to be coming in pairs--the teams that have won championships have won more than one. The football team has won two (one each in junior college and I-AA), the cheerleaders have won three national championships and now the debate team has won two national titles.
Boise State's intellect and debating skills were in top form as the Broncos beat Oregon State, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Arkansas and dozens of other schools in head-to-head competition on an even playing field. In addition to the two National Championships, the Talkin' Broncos have also captured two runner-up trophies.
This win was not the result of a few good performances. Throughout the competition, the Bronco team was at the top of the standings in each individual segment. Nowhere was this more demonstrated than in the Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Informative Speaking categories in which Boise State dominated the podium. The Boise State student group received one Superior Award (Jon Agnew) and six Excellent Awards (Taylor Bruun, Debra Groberg, Sam Pagano, Mallory Pouraghi, freshman Cassandra Sullivan and sophomore Josh Watkins) in Impromptu Speaking. Two Broncos (Agnew and Mike Fitzgerald) were honored with Superior Awards and two more (Pagano and Sullivan) captured Excellent honors in Extemporaneous Speaking. In Informative Speaking, Josh Watkins was Superior, while Monica Cutler, junior Sabonn Dammarell, Debra Groberg and Cassandra Sullivan all received Excellent marks from the Championship judges.
Groberg also received a Superior mark in Dramatic Interpretation. Sam Pagano received Superior marks in Poetry, Discussion and Oral Interpretation. Sadonn Dammerell was judged Excellent in After Dinner Speaking and To Honor Immigrants and Superior in Prose. Watkins also received an Excellent grading from the judges in Dramatic Interpretation and another Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Mallory Douraghi won an Excellent Award in the category To Honor Immigrants. Lauren Bramwell received an Excellent Award in Oral Interpretation. Fitzgerald received an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Jessica Gresl was given Excellent in both Prose and Broadcast Journalism. Ben Larsen captured Superior Awards in both Prose and Oral Interpretation and an Excellent mark in Communication Analysis. Jon Agnew was judged Superior in the Editorial Impromptu category. Taylor Bruun won an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Taylor Brook also received Superior in Editorial Impromptu and Howie Long captured an Excellent trophy in Broadcast Journalism.
Watkins and Larsen received an Excellent Award in the Dramatic Duo competition. Lauren Bramwell and Tanya Medukha received Excellent Awards in the NPDA competition and Taylor Bruun and John Agnew were awarded Excellent trophies in the Open competition.
They Are the Champions!!!!!!
I give my highest salute to this group of Broncos--super job!
These championships seem to be coming in pairs--the teams that have won championships have won more than one. The football team has won two (one each in junior college and I-AA), the cheerleaders have won three national championships and now the debate team has won two national titles.
Boise State's intellect and debating skills were in top form as the Broncos beat Oregon State, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Arkansas and dozens of other schools in head-to-head competition on an even playing field. In addition to the two National Championships, the Talkin' Broncos have also captured two runner-up trophies.
This win was not the result of a few good performances. Throughout the competition, the Bronco team was at the top of the standings in each individual segment. Nowhere was this more demonstrated than in the Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Informative Speaking categories in which Boise State dominated the podium. The Boise State student group received one Superior Award (Jon Agnew) and six Excellent Awards (Taylor Bruun, Debra Groberg, Sam Pagano, Mallory Pouraghi, freshman Cassandra Sullivan and sophomore Josh Watkins) in Impromptu Speaking. Two Broncos (Agnew and Mike Fitzgerald) were honored with Superior Awards and two more (Pagano and Sullivan) captured Excellent honors in Extemporaneous Speaking. In Informative Speaking, Josh Watkins was Superior, while Monica Cutler, junior Sabonn Dammarell, Debra Groberg and Cassandra Sullivan all received Excellent marks from the Championship judges.
Groberg also received a Superior mark in Dramatic Interpretation. Sam Pagano received Superior marks in Poetry, Discussion and Oral Interpretation. Sadonn Dammerell was judged Excellent in After Dinner Speaking and To Honor Immigrants and Superior in Prose. Watkins also received an Excellent grading from the judges in Dramatic Interpretation and another Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Mallory Douraghi won an Excellent Award in the category To Honor Immigrants. Lauren Bramwell received an Excellent Award in Oral Interpretation. Fitzgerald received an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Jessica Gresl was given Excellent in both Prose and Broadcast Journalism. Ben Larsen captured Superior Awards in both Prose and Oral Interpretation and an Excellent mark in Communication Analysis. Jon Agnew was judged Superior in the Editorial Impromptu category. Taylor Bruun won an Excellent Award in Persuasive Speaking. Taylor Brook also received Superior in Editorial Impromptu and Howie Long captured an Excellent trophy in Broadcast Journalism.
Watkins and Larsen received an Excellent Award in the Dramatic Duo competition. Lauren Bramwell and Tanya Medukha received Excellent Awards in the NPDA competition and Taylor Bruun and John Agnew were awarded Excellent trophies in the Open competition.
They Are the Champions!!!!!!
I give my highest salute to this group of Broncos--super job!
Well-Deserved Award for Bridges
Boise State freshman sensation Devon Bridges has been named the Western Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week, the league office announced yesterday.
Bridges blasted four home runs over the weekend and knocked in 10 in a three-game sweet of Nevada. Bridges hit .714 (5-7) with an .800 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 2.429. Bridges set school records of six RBI's in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader and two grand slams in a season, hitting her second of the year in that game.
And the season is barely getting started.
Bridges now has eight homers on the year and leads the Broncos with 30 RBI's. Boise State plays seven road games this week.
Bridges blasted four home runs over the weekend and knocked in 10 in a three-game sweet of Nevada. Bridges hit .714 (5-7) with an .800 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 2.429. Bridges set school records of six RBI's in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader and two grand slams in a season, hitting her second of the year in that game.
And the season is barely getting started.
Bridges now has eight homers on the year and leads the Broncos with 30 RBI's. Boise State plays seven road games this week.
Geraldo Hiwat Poised for Banner Year
You've all heard the phrase "The game is slowing down for ________."
The college game (especially at Boise State's level) is played at a fast pace and the difference from high school is considerable. Once players put in the work, study the plays and study the film, the awareness hits them. That appears to be the case this spring for Boise State wide receiver Geraldo Hiwat. Consider that the learning curve for a guy who just started football in high school in the Netherlands is pretty steep and one would have to say he's made considerable progress.
Hiwat has both the size (6-4, 200) and the speed (timed at 4.57 in the Netherlands and he's faster now); the raw package the Broncos got when he committed to Boise State had tremendous upside. It seemed like a match made in heaven--Geraldo wanted to learn and he had some of the best teachers in the game in the Bronco coaches. Now, word out of Boise State spring camp is that Hiwat is running the routes, making the cuts, and using his body the way the coaches want him to. This is extremely good news for Boise State's prospects this fall. If Hiwat and a few other receivers (Aaron Burks, Kirby Moore and Matt Miller to name a few) can close the gap between them and departing seniors Titus Young and Austin Pettis, it would certainly take pressure off of Doug Martin and the Bronco ground game.
The college game (especially at Boise State's level) is played at a fast pace and the difference from high school is considerable. Once players put in the work, study the plays and study the film, the awareness hits them. That appears to be the case this spring for Boise State wide receiver Geraldo Hiwat. Consider that the learning curve for a guy who just started football in high school in the Netherlands is pretty steep and one would have to say he's made considerable progress.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bridges Blasts Boise State to Doubleheader Sweep of Nevada
The Bronco softball team completed a three-game sweep of Nevada yesterday with 8-3 and 11-10 wins at Mountain Cove Field, showing they are going to be a force in the Western Athletic Conference this season.
Freshman Devon Bridges launched three homers and was 4-5 on the afternoon with eight RBI's. Bridges homered in all three Bronco wins over the Wolf Pack.
Lela Work was credited with both victories. In the opener, Work came in relief of starter Aubray Zell with the Broncos trailing 2-0 in the first inning and only allowed one Pack run after that. Holly Bourke's solo homer to center, Bridges' two-run shot and a solo homer by Vanessa Alvarez gave Boise State a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish. After Nevada closed to 4-3 in the fifth, Boise State scored four in their half of the inning, punctuated by the 100th career hit of Christina Capobianco, a pinch-hit double that drove in three. Capobianco became the third Bronco to reach the 100-hit milestone.
Work finished with 11 strikeouts and allowed just five hits. Mallary Darby suffered her second loss to the Broncos in as many games for Nevada.
The second game was more dramatic. After Nevada had taken a 10-9 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Work ripped a shot into right field in the Broncos' half to score the winning runs. Nevada jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning but Boise State responded with an RBI double from Allie Crump and another homer from Bridges.
Nevada scored another run in the second and three more in the third off starter Crump to go ahead 7-3. Nevada scored another run in the fourth after Work had taken over to build an 8-3 lead. But in the bottom of the fourth, Bourke's two-run double down the line ignited a Bronco rally. Darby contributed to her own downfall with two walks and two hit batters in the inning. That loaded the bases for Bridges, and the red-hot freshman promptly cleared them with her second grand slam of the season. Bridges' blast gave Boise State their first lead of the game 9-8 and set a school record of six RBI's for the game.
Work was able to retire the side in order in the fifth and sixth innings and got the first two batters out in the seventh.
But Megan Fincher drew a walk and Chelsea Venable followed with a home run to give Nevada the lead again 10-9. Boise State, playing like a championship team, was not to be denied. Tazz Weatherly and Mackenzie Whyte drew walks to start the Bronco seventh. Kellie Caplan laid down a perfect bunt to move the runners and Bourke walked to load the bases. Capobianco's fly ball wasn't deep enough to score the tying run, leaving it up to Work with two outs. Her single scored Weatherly and Whyte's head-first slide beat the tag to give the Broncos the win.
Boise State will play seven games on the road against Utah Valley, Utah, San Jose State and Saint Mary's next week.
The Broncos, now 18-10 on the season, look to carry the momentum of a conference series sweep into a busy week. Boise State will play seven games in the next week, beginning Tuesday, against Utah Valley in Provo, Utah. The team also has a doubleheader scheduled against Utah, Wednesday, before resuming conference action Friday and Saturday, at San Jose State. The week will wrap up with a single game Sunday, at Saint Mary's.
Freshman Devon Bridges launched three homers and was 4-5 on the afternoon with eight RBI's. Bridges homered in all three Bronco wins over the Wolf Pack.
Lela Work was credited with both victories. In the opener, Work came in relief of starter Aubray Zell with the Broncos trailing 2-0 in the first inning and only allowed one Pack run after that. Holly Bourke's solo homer to center, Bridges' two-run shot and a solo homer by Vanessa Alvarez gave Boise State a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish. After Nevada closed to 4-3 in the fifth, Boise State scored four in their half of the inning, punctuated by the 100th career hit of Christina Capobianco, a pinch-hit double that drove in three. Capobianco became the third Bronco to reach the 100-hit milestone.
Work finished with 11 strikeouts and allowed just five hits. Mallary Darby suffered her second loss to the Broncos in as many games for Nevada.
The second game was more dramatic. After Nevada had taken a 10-9 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Work ripped a shot into right field in the Broncos' half to score the winning runs. Nevada jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning but Boise State responded with an RBI double from Allie Crump and another homer from Bridges.
Nevada scored another run in the second and three more in the third off starter Crump to go ahead 7-3. Nevada scored another run in the fourth after Work had taken over to build an 8-3 lead. But in the bottom of the fourth, Bourke's two-run double down the line ignited a Bronco rally. Darby contributed to her own downfall with two walks and two hit batters in the inning. That loaded the bases for Bridges, and the red-hot freshman promptly cleared them with her second grand slam of the season. Bridges' blast gave Boise State their first lead of the game 9-8 and set a school record of six RBI's for the game.
Work was able to retire the side in order in the fifth and sixth innings and got the first two batters out in the seventh.
But Megan Fincher drew a walk and Chelsea Venable followed with a home run to give Nevada the lead again 10-9. Boise State, playing like a championship team, was not to be denied. Tazz Weatherly and Mackenzie Whyte drew walks to start the Bronco seventh. Kellie Caplan laid down a perfect bunt to move the runners and Bourke walked to load the bases. Capobianco's fly ball wasn't deep enough to score the tying run, leaving it up to Work with two outs. Her single scored Weatherly and Whyte's head-first slide beat the tag to give the Broncos the win.
Boise State will play seven games on the road against Utah Valley, Utah, San Jose State and Saint Mary's next week.
The Broncos, now 18-10 on the season, look to carry the momentum of a conference series sweep into a busy week. Boise State will play seven games in the next week, beginning Tuesday, against Utah Valley in Provo, Utah. The team also has a doubleheader scheduled against Utah, Wednesday, before resuming conference action Friday and Saturday, at San Jose State. The week will wrap up with a single game Sunday, at Saint Mary's.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Boise State Environmental Research Building Nears Completion
That flurry of activity you see all around the Boise State campus these days is a metropolitan research univeristy of distinction growing up before our eyes.
Last month I did an initial story on the foundation being laid for the new Micron Business Building and will have updates soon on the progress there. The Environmental Research Building (next to the engineering complex) is set to open this summer.
The five-story, 97,000-square-foot structure is dedicated to creating a dynamic new focus on issues central to the region and the state’s future vibrancy. It is Boise State’s first dedicated research building and will support a Western agenda on the environment, transportation, water, land use and community and regional planning.
The departments of Geosciences, Civil Engineering, Public Policy and Administration and Political Science will begin moving into the building near the end of the semester.
Numerous energy-saving strategies have been incorporated into the project, including a variable-air volume HVAC system with high efficiency condensing hot-water boilers, increased wall and roof insulation, high-efficiency windows, and a low window-wall ratio.
Last month I did an initial story on the foundation being laid for the new Micron Business Building and will have updates soon on the progress there. The Environmental Research Building (next to the engineering complex) is set to open this summer.
The five-story, 97,000-square-foot structure is dedicated to creating a dynamic new focus on issues central to the region and the state’s future vibrancy. It is Boise State’s first dedicated research building and will support a Western agenda on the environment, transportation, water, land use and community and regional planning.
The departments of Geosciences, Civil Engineering, Public Policy and Administration and Political Science will begin moving into the building near the end of the semester.
Numerous energy-saving strategies have been incorporated into the project, including a variable-air volume HVAC system with high efficiency condensing hot-water boilers, increased wall and roof insulation, high-efficiency windows, and a low window-wall ratio.
Boise State's Symphonic Winds Blow Across National Stage
The Boise State Symphonic Winds performed two original works Thursday for the 2011 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association in Seattle. The 65-member Bronco group was one of eight from across the nation selected to perform. The Association is the leading professional organization for college band programs in the United States--no band from Idaho had ever been invited previously.
The Symphonic Winds has been recognized at regional competitions as one of the top concert groups in the Northwest and has performed at numerous state and regional conventions.
"It is an honor and a significant accomplishment to be selected to perform at a national conference and it is a true barometer of the growth and quality of teaching at Boise State,” said Marcellus Brown, band director and professor of music at Boise State.
The 65-member Symphonic Winds performed five works during a 50-minute program. They included two original commissioned works: “This is Africa” by Shawn Okpebholo, a freelance composer and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio; and “Reminiscences” by Mark D. Camphouse, professor in the School of Music at George Mason University. Both composers visited Boise State earlier this month to work with the Symphonic Winds on their pieces, offering ideas and insights to help the band perform their works as they had envisioned them.
This national performance featured Brown as conductor, along with fellow music professors Eric Smedley as guest conductor and Leslie Moreau as clarinet soloist.
The Symphonic Winds has been recognized at regional competitions as one of the top concert groups in the Northwest and has performed at numerous state and regional conventions.
"It is an honor and a significant accomplishment to be selected to perform at a national conference and it is a true barometer of the growth and quality of teaching at Boise State,” said Marcellus Brown, band director and professor of music at Boise State.
The 65-member Symphonic Winds performed five works during a 50-minute program. They included two original commissioned works: “This is Africa” by Shawn Okpebholo, a freelance composer and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio; and “Reminiscences” by Mark D. Camphouse, professor in the School of Music at George Mason University. Both composers visited Boise State earlier this month to work with the Symphonic Winds on their pieces, offering ideas and insights to help the band perform their works as they had envisioned them.
Marcellus Brown
Friday, March 25, 2011
Introducing My New Music Blog
I have two burning passions that have kept me both busy and happy my entire life--Boise State sports and music. Now, both are fulfilled by blogs! If you are a fan of music in the rock era, I invite you to check out Inside the Rock Era (I know, I'm working on a catchier title...!)
Broncos High on Garnett
With stars like Denver's Ryan Clady and Super Bowl Champion Green Bay's Daryn Colledge and tackle Nate Potter appearing to be the next (after a pre-season All-America selection), Boise State is establishing quite a track record for developing offensive lineman for the National Football League.
The Broncos of the future want to make room for another--Puyallup, Washington's Joshua Garnett. Boise State is one of 12 schools who have offered the 6-5, 280 Garnett (USC, California, Stanford, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn and Oregon being the others).
Garnett has good footwork, which would seem to fit beautifully in Boise State's high-powered offense. He also carries a 3.85 G.P.A., another thing Coach Chris Petersen and his Boise State staff looks at. I saw one highlight in which Garnett blocks his man 15 yards downfield before flattening him.
Catch this star of the future in this video:
The Broncos of the future want to make room for another--Puyallup, Washington's Joshua Garnett. Boise State is one of 12 schools who have offered the 6-5, 280 Garnett (USC, California, Stanford, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn and Oregon being the others).
Garnett has good footwork, which would seem to fit beautifully in Boise State's high-powered offense. He also carries a 3.85 G.P.A., another thing Coach Chris Petersen and his Boise State staff looks at. I saw one highlight in which Garnett blocks his man 15 yards downfield before flattening him.
Catch this star of the future in this video:
Connor Crane Draws Boise State's Offer
Boise State has reached deep into the heart of Texas many times before, and they are hoping to do so once again. According to numerous sources, Boise State has offered receiver Connor Crane of Denton Guyer a scholarship.
The Broncos will have to lure Crane away from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Wake Forest, others who have already offered the talented receiver.
Crane (6-4, 185) runs a 4.5 40 and is expected to be Guyer's top target this fall. Crane has speed enough to outrun some of Texas's top defensive backs and runs a crisp route. Last year, Crane had 35 receptions of 854 yards (24.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in helping his team to the 5A Division II state championship game.
Here is what you can expect from Crane:
The Broncos will have to lure Crane away from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Wake Forest, others who have already offered the talented receiver.
Crane (6-4, 185) runs a 4.5 40 and is expected to be Guyer's top target this fall. Crane has speed enough to outrun some of Texas's top defensive backs and runs a crisp route. Last year, Crane had 35 receptions of 854 yards (24.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in helping his team to the 5A Division II state championship game.
Here is what you can expect from Crane:
Broncos Open WAC Softball Season With 13-0 Win over Nevada
Boise State became the 26th team in NCAA history to score 12 runs in an inning as the Broncos raced past the startled Nevada Wolf Pack today in Boise. It was the Western Athletic Conference softball opener for both teams.
Boise State (16-10) scored in the first with a walk, a hit and two Pack errors. That 1-0 lead held up through 3 1/2 innings until the Blue Thundercloud burst from above. Junior Allie Crump started off the historic inning with a ground ball that resulted in a wide throw by the Nevada shortstop. Freshman Devon Bridges blasted her fifth home run of the year inside the left-field foul pole. The Broncos went on to get five more hits--two from Kelly Sweeney and drew five walks to put up the "12 spot" in the inning. Freshman Mackenzie Whyte closed out the inning with a three-run double, as the final 10 runs of the inning came with two out.
Aubray Zell shut down the Nevada offense, scattering three hits and a walk over four innings to extend her scoreless innings streak to 34. Lela Work, the national leader in saves, then came in to close out the game in the fifth to preserve Boise State's eighth shutout of the year. Zell is now 6-1 on the year while Mallary Darby, Nevada's top pitcher, is now 9-11.
The Broncos and Pack meet again Saturday for a doubleheader with games scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. at Mountain Cove Field.
Boise State (16-10) scored in the first with a walk, a hit and two Pack errors. That 1-0 lead held up through 3 1/2 innings until the Blue Thundercloud burst from above. Junior Allie Crump started off the historic inning with a ground ball that resulted in a wide throw by the Nevada shortstop. Freshman Devon Bridges blasted her fifth home run of the year inside the left-field foul pole. The Broncos went on to get five more hits--two from Kelly Sweeney and drew five walks to put up the "12 spot" in the inning. Freshman Mackenzie Whyte closed out the inning with a three-run double, as the final 10 runs of the inning came with two out.
Aubray Zell shut down the Nevada offense, scattering three hits and a walk over four innings to extend her scoreless innings streak to 34. Lela Work, the national leader in saves, then came in to close out the game in the fifth to preserve Boise State's eighth shutout of the year. Zell is now 6-1 on the year while Mallary Darby, Nevada's top pitcher, is now 9-11.
The Broncos and Pack meet again Saturday for a doubleheader with games scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. at Mountain Cove Field.
Five Broncos Chosen for NationalChamps.net All-America Team
For the first time in school history, five Boise State football players have been chosen for a preseason All-America team.
NationalChamps.net has released their preseason team and five Broncos are on the list, more than any other team. Tackle Nate Potter was selected to be on the First Team, quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn were on the second squad and center Thomas Byrd and defensive end Shea McClellin are Third Team members. Running back Doug Martin was chosen as "Honorable Mention".
Boise State is in the midst of spring drills and will open the 2011 season in the Georgia Dome against Georgia.
NationalChamps.net has released their preseason team and five Broncos are on the list, more than any other team. Tackle Nate Potter was selected to be on the First Team, quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive tackle Billy Winn were on the second squad and center Thomas Byrd and defensive end Shea McClellin are Third Team members. Running back Doug Martin was chosen as "Honorable Mention".
Boise State is in the midst of spring drills and will open the 2011 season in the Georgia Dome against Georgia.
FB Lineups Page Now Complete Through 1975
The tabbed page "FB Lineups" is already the most complete source for past Boise State starting lineups anywhere in print or on the internet (I've already checked hundreds of times.). It is now complete back to 1975. In the next few months, this site will be the best place to find out how many years Rick Woods started, who was the center in 1971, who was the quarterback in 1960 and how many yards Fred Goode rushed for in 1976.
Bookmark the site, become a "Follower of Blue Through and Through" and come back anytime!
Bookmark the site, become a "Follower of Blue Through and Through" and come back anytime!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Boise State #58 in Learfield Cup Standings
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/auto_pdf/DIMarch24.pdfAs revealed on this board last week, Boise State made a jump in the Learfield Cup Standings, which measures the top athletic programs in the country. The Broncos were helped by the ninth-place finish at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships and the 39th-place finish at the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships.
Even so, Boise State is behind last year's pace, largely because the football team did not do as well in 2010 as they did the year before. Boise State currently has 169 points, just behind Arizona State, Iowa State and Purdue but ahead of Georgia, Miami of Florida, Clemson and Pac-10 bound Utah. Hawai'i is the second-highest school from the Western Athletic Conference at #86.
The Broncos hope to pick up points in gymnastics, and the men's and women's tennis teams will also need to score points if Boise State is to match last year's Learfield Cup success.
Complete standings can be found here:
Even so, Boise State is behind last year's pace, largely because the football team did not do as well in 2010 as they did the year before. Boise State currently has 169 points, just behind Arizona State, Iowa State and Purdue but ahead of Georgia, Miami of Florida, Clemson and Pac-10 bound Utah. Hawai'i is the second-highest school from the Western Athletic Conference at #86.
The Broncos hope to pick up points in gymnastics, and the men's and women's tennis teams will also need to score points if Boise State is to match last year's Learfield Cup success.
Complete standings can be found here:
Young, Avery Excel at Boise State Pro Day
NFL scouts, not being good enough at what they do to be able to evaluate talent based on actual football games, were on-hand for Boise State's Pro Day today and reports are the Titus Young and Jeremy Avery improved their stock.
Young, who ran a 4.47 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, topped that with a 4.35 in the 40 today. Avery, who wasn't invited to the Combine, recorded a 38-inch vertical. The scouts wanted to try Winston Venable at safety and Ryan Winterswyk at tight end and had that pair work out at unfamiliar positions. 14 of the Bronco seniors took part in the drills, but reportedly Austin Pettis was not included in the group. Pettis is comfortable with the numbers he posted at the Combine.
Young, who ran a 4.47 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, topped that with a 4.35 in the 40 today. Avery, who wasn't invited to the Combine, recorded a 38-inch vertical. The scouts wanted to try Winston Venable at safety and Ryan Winterswyk at tight end and had that pair work out at unfamiliar positions. 14 of the Bronco seniors took part in the drills, but reportedly Austin Pettis was not included in the group. Pettis is comfortable with the numbers he posted at the Combine.
I Expect a Big Season from Doug Martin
In his career thus far, Boise State running back Doug Martin has proven to be the go-to guy when Boise State needed a goal-line touchdown (Fiesta Bowl 2009) and a breakaway touchdown to spur the team to victory (2010 Las Vegas Bowl). Martin has that rare combination of innate toughness and blazing speed that few running backs have. That is one of several reasons why I look for Martin to have a sensational senior year.
Martin is a back you can count on in short-yardage situations and a guy that can also get you the 80-yard touchdown to break the game open. From the time he was Boise State Scout Player of the Year, the Bronco coaches knew they had to find a way to get him on the field. Originally thought to be a strong competitor for Boise State's all-important "nickle" position on defense, Martin switched to running back when Winston Venable stepped up out of junior college to become a stud at that position.
Martin has excelled since moving back to offense. Despite not being a starter, Martin led the Broncos with 15 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards a pop in 2009. Martin played considerably more last year and ran for 1,260 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 6.3 average. So we know the guy has the talent to put forth a monster year.
He'll need to. Boise State lost star tailback Jeremy Avery to graduation and Matt Kaiserman to too many concussions. And one can not begin to predict what D.J. Harper will do. Harper was granted another year of eligibility because of injuries each of the past two seasons. Behind those two are a couple of walk-ons and a freshman. While each of those backs can get the job done, Martin has far and away the most carries, the most experience and the most durability. I don't question at all that Martin could handle 25-30 carries a game.
Talent, durability, depth--those are three reasons why Martin should have an amazing year. Another has to do with the loss of Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Those two by all rights should both be drafted in the first round if NFL scouts have a clue (I'm not in the camp that thinks they do.) Nevertheless, both are huge losses to the receiving corps. Let me start off this part by saying that if I was out on the field, Kellen Moore would find a way to get me the ball; in other words, I don't think you have to be a great talent to catch some footballs this fall. So I'm not worried in the least about the Boise State passing game. But let's face it--you do have some drop-off at receiver when you lose Austin Pettis and Titus Young. The younger receivers (Hiwat, Burks, Potter, perhaps Miller) will eventually grow into their new roles.
But in the meantime, you want yards you can count on from the get-go, especially in the season opener against Georgia. The same is true for the rest of the early part of the schedule, until the receivers named above can "get in their groove". Again, that is not to say that the Bronco passing game will suffer--it won't. But with Martin, you have the proven, known commodity who you know can get it done in the clutch and get the tough yards.
It's never good to put a number out there as to what I think he'll rush for so I won't do that. Just suffice it to say that Martin should explode for his best season as a Bronco.
It's never good to put a number out there as to what I think he'll rush for so I won't do that. Just suffice it to say that Martin should explode for his best season as a Bronco.
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