Friday, October 31, 2008

It was Louisiana Tech head coach Kerry Rupp and his staff that were treated to a special visitor Friday morning in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Ian Naismith, the grandson of James Naismith, the inventor of the game of basketball, made a brief stop during The Naismith Good Sportsmanship Tour to go through Ruston, address students at A.E. Phillips and finally meet Rupp and his staff while seeing the improvements made in Tech’s basketball program in just over a year’s time.
“This is a very special time for our basketball program and the university to have a representative from the Naismith family here to see our facilities and to address our players,” Rupp said. “The ideals that Dr. Naismith emphasized when he founded the game are exactly what we are trying to focus on with our program and that’s the need to get an education, be held accountable and to give back to the community and others. It’s an honor to have someone from their family here, because these are ideals that are very special to the Bulldogs’ program and myself.”
The tour is out to promote good sportsmanship, teamwork and positive role models using basketball as a basis. Naismith teaches an awareness of the history and heritage of the game of basketball and the importance of higher education.

“What we sell is respect, dignity and role models,” Naismith said. “My grandfather’s desire was to give this game to the world and to leave it a better place.”

Naismith said he was pleased with how attentive the students were to his tour and also how historic Louisiana Tech is for basketball.

“The kids this morning were so respectful,” Naismith said. “You could hear a pin drop while I was talking, and then the following Q and A was just littered with questions. Add to the fact that Karl Malone played here is history in itself. It’s exciting for me to be here right now.”

Naismith is the founding director of The Naismith International Basketball Foundation in Chicago and holds many distinguished positions in national and international sports organizations. The foundation presents a highly prized sportsmanship award and supports basketball camps for underprivileged youth.
In 1891, James Naismith invented the game of “Basket Ball” at Springfield College as an indoor recreation. Since then, basketball has become the fastest growing worldwide sport in history and is now played in over 200 countries.

“This is not that old of a game,” Ian Naismith said of the sport and his tour. “We need to get out on the road and show what we are about.”

Halloween Costume Ideas

If you are still in need of a Halloween costume you could dress up as one of the following college mascots…hope this blog helps with your last minute shopping…

Notre Dame Leprechaun
East Carolina University Pee Dee the Pirate
Arizona State University Sparky the Sun Devil
Auburn University Aubie the Tiger
University Southern California Traveler, the noble horse or the Trojan Warrior
San Jose State Sammy Spartan
Georgia Tech’s Buzz the Yellow Jacket
The Ohio State University Brutus the Buckeye
Purdue University Purdue Pete
Portland Pirates
Kansas Jayhawks

For those of you looking for costume ideas for a pair…check out the following recommendations:

University of Arizona - Wilber and Wilma Wildcat
Bowling Green State University Freddie and Frieda Falcon
Youngstown State – Pete and Penny

Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

New Basketball Rules for the 2008-2009 Season

As we head into the basketball season there have been a few rule changes that you may be interested in…..

The following changes were approved by the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Committee:

Three Point Line: A significant rules change for the upcoming season is the moving of the men’s three point line to 20 feet 19 inches. The women’s three point line will remain the same (19 feet 9 inches).

Uniforms: The two uniforms will be of contrasting colors with the opposing team wearing a dark jersey while the home team sports a white or light colored jersey.
Note: This rule may be altered by mutual consent of the competing institutions.

The use of an arm, leg, or knee sleeve is only permissible for medical reasons.

Officials Jurisdiction: When all three officials leave the visual confines of the court at the end of the game, the official’s jurisdiction has ended and the score has been approved.

Goal Tending: When the entire ball is above the level of the ring during a field-goal try and contacts the backboard, it is considered to be on its downward flight. In such a case, it is goal tending when the ball is touched by a student athlete.

Flagrant Technical Foul Penalty (WBB only): When a flagrant technical foul is committed in a game the ball shall be awarded to the offended team at the point of interruption.


In addition to the newly adapted rules official are expected to place extra emphasis on the following ….

Men’s Basketball Points of Emphasis for the 2008-2009 season:
Elimination of rough physical play.
- Illegal contact is prevalent in screening situations including the high screen set within the opponents’ field of vision and a screen set outside the opponents’ visual field.
- Coaching box restrictions/ Coaches behavior
- Palming/ ball carrying
- Charge / blocking

Women’s Basketball Points of Emphasis for the 2008-2009 season:
- Contact on and by the Ball Handler / Dribbler
- Traveling
- Sportsmanship

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

WAC Top Ten (Oct. 24th - 26th)

The following is a Top Ten list of notable WAC accomplishments from last week’s competitions.

10. Both the men’s and women’s cross country programs at Utah State were picked the favorite heading into the Cross Country Championship slated for Nov. 1st in Las Cruces, N.M.

9. After a four-year hiatus, Fresno State is back in the pool. Freshman Heidi Gjoen competed in her second collegiate meet and first invitational and managed to earn a personal-best in the 100 backstroke and spot in the WAC Top Ten with a time of 59.40.

8. UH quarterback Greg Alexander, came off the bench to start the second half of Hawai‘i’s 38-31 win over Nevada and was 17-of-22 for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander also led the Warriors in rushing with nine carries for 21 yards.

7. In women’s soccer action, Utah State’s Senior Candice Clark received player of the week honors for her outstanding performance. Clark scored seven points in five matches. Clark had three goals on five shots and added an assist. The senior scored the game-winning goal in both road wins over Hawai‘i and San Jose State.

6. Idaho boasted a record crowd of 1,842 fans as it swept Boise state in this weekend’s volleyball action (25-22, 25-16, 25-7)

5. In volleyball action, Lindsay Yon led the Aggies to a victory over La Tech with a match-high 16 kills with no errors. Her .696 hitting percentage in the match is the highest of any WAC player this season.

4. Kevin Goessling kicked a 58-yard field goal as time expired to lift Fresno State to a 30-28 win over Utah State.

3. Boise State moved up one spot in the BCS Standings and is currently ranked 11th.

2. Idaho captured its first conference win since 2006, knocking off New Mexico State 20-14.

1. Utah State captured its sixth consecutive win (a school record) en route to claiming its first WAC regular season championship title. The Aggies have earned the top seed heading into the tournament scheduled for Nov. 6-9th in Reno.

Monday, October 27, 2008

WAC Vortex Available

You will notice we have added a new feature, a Vortex on the right side of the blog.
The Vortex can be added to a number of websites on your computer allowing you to have the latest in WAC news while searching other websites.

The Vortex can be added to the following website pages:
Facebook
iGoogle
Apple Dashboard
Windows Vista and more…..

To upload the Vortex onto your computer/selected websites simply click on the ‘copy me’ button located at the bottom of the Vortex on the right.
Then select the pages you would like the Vortex to appear. The vortex will upload onto the page(s) you requested and you will have access to the latest in WAC news.

We hope you enjoy this new feature!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Music and College Football

Music is an integral part of the collegiate game day experience. Music is used for a variety of reasons:
· Pre-game entertainment - when fans are entering the facility
· Generate momentum in the game – can be used to pump up the team
· Create a reaction / noise from the crowd at a crucial moment
· Provide entertainment for fans even when the action on the field is less than entertaining.

Marketing departments take game day scripting and music selection very seriously. You always want to pick the right song for when the team takes the field, for kick offs, punt returns and for other crucial moments such as third downs on defense. Not only do you need to play popular songs for your team and student section, but you also need to incorporate songs that will hit home with your season ticket holders, alumni and youth.

Below are some songs that I have either played at a college football game/basketball game or that I think would be great for an in-game situation:

Living on a Prayer
Hells Bells
Stronger
Enter Sandman
Machinehead
Zombie Nation
Rock n’ Roll Part II
Crazy Train
Sweet Home Alabama
Hey Baby
Jump Around
Welcome to the Jungle
Thunderstruck
Remember the Name

I’m curious to hear what songs you think inspire crowds. So, post a comment with your song suggestions. Please keep in mind there are some rules we are asking you to follow…

The song cannot contain any swear words. We are looking for clean cut, G- rated songs.
The song should not contain any sexually explicit comments, degrading or racial remarks.

I look forward to seeing/hearing your posts!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

College Students and School Spirit

Students paint themselves week after week not only to show their school spirit but to get a few seconds of face time on ESPN or the network that is broadcasting their game. I applaud the creativity these students display but for some reason body painting has always baffled me. I personally have NO desire to paint my skin and then stand outside where the elements can ruin the hard work I have put into my design.

Body painting just seems too messy. The following are questions I have always wondered when looking at someone who has painted him / herself…. How does one clean off all of the paint? How do you prevent the paint from rubbing off onto your fellow fans? What about acne??? These are questions inquiring minds want to know…

Lucky for you I have done some research via the internet to help prepare those interested in painting themselves. The following are some suggestions I have found on-line….I’m not sure how valid these suggestions are…but thought I would share them anyway….

· Avoid heavy oil based paints – oily skin typically causes acne.
· To remove the paint – try baby wipes. They are supposed to help remove the paint from your skin with minimal irritation.
· I’ve also heard that soap and water can do the trick.
· Apply more than one coat.
· If you have sensitive skin one site recommends that you apply hand cream to the application areas…the hand cream is supposed to act as a barrier.
· To prevent rubbing or flaking over long periods of time spray hairspray over the completed paint section. As always when using hairspray I would recommend that you avoid your eyes and mouth….

Again, I’m not sure if my internet research is valid but you never know. Good luck to those of you who plan to paint your face/body in the next coming weeks…..

Thursday, October 16, 2008

2008-2009 WAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Picks

Midnight Madness is right around the corner and with the impending basketball season we have the 2008-09 WAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Media picks. Nevada owns a commanding leading over second-place Utah State which trails by 16 first-place votes.

Rank Team Points
1. Nevada 255
2. Utah State (4) 220
3. New Mexico State (2) 201
4. Louisiana Tech 149
5. Boise State (3) 142
6. San Jose State (1) 132
7. Fresno State 114
8. Hawai‘i 103
9. Idaho 34

(#) = First place votes received.
Points are awarded on a 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis.

The following student athletes have been selected as this year’s Preseason All-WAC Team as selected by the media: Jonathan Gibson, Jr., G, New Mexico StateKyle Gibson, Jr., G, Louisiana TechArmon Johnson, So., G, NevadaC.J. Webster, Jr., C, San Jose StateGary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah StateThis year’s Preseason Player of the Year is Gary Wilkinson, Sr., F, Utah State,while Newcomer of the Year honors go to Luke Babbitt, Fr., F, Nevada.

In the Coaches Preseason Poll conducted by the WAC, Nevada claimed the number one slot followed by Utah State, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Boise State, Louisiana Tech, Hawai’i, Fresno State and Idaho.

This years WAC Basketball Tournament will be held in Reno, Nevada, March 10 – 14, 2009.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Alana Curtis - At A Glance

University of Idaho
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Number: 22
Position: Guard
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colo.

Q: When and why did you start to play basketball?
A: I was in fifth grade and it was because my parents signed me up for it.

Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
A: My first sport was golf. I also played softball and ran track.

Q: What has been your most rewarding experience off the court? A: Winning the Colorado High School Press Association Newspaper Sweepstakes my senior year of high school.

Q: Why did you choose to become a Vandal?
A: I loved the campus and wanted to be a part of rebuilding the basketball program.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Running around the house and making up games with my sister.

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far as a student athlete?
A: Starting in several games as a freshman and shooting 82 percent from the free throw line.

Q: What do you still hope to accomplish as a student athlete?
A: Making the All-WAC team.

Q: What’s on your iPod?
A: Everything from Led Zeppelin to Dr. Dre and from Al Green to Justin Timberlake. I love all kinds of music, as long as it’s good.

Q: What do like to do when you are away from the court?
A: NAP! I love taking naps!

Q: Name your favorite class…
A: History of Rock and Roll

Q: What is your game day routine?
A: In the afternoon, I always eat, then take a shower and take a nap before we leave for the game. The nap is essential.

Q: What are your expectations for your team this season?
A: I expect to win several preseason games and to be competitive in the WAC.

Q: What is your favorite television show?
A: Family Guy and House

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
A: My dad.

Q: What do you want to do after college?
A: A lot. I want to either design for ESPN the Magazine or Rolling Stone and eventually make a documentary about black people in America.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: You can do whatever you want in life.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete (professional)?
A: Allen Iverson and/or Kobe Bryant

Q: If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, which actor/actress would play your role?
A: Sanaa Lathan

Q: If you were to win a million dollars what would be your first purchase?
A: A guitar.

Q: Describe the perfect meal…
A: Old Chicago pizza, followed by Walrus ice cream (a local ice cream shop in Fort Collins).

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Making the Call.....WAC Officiating


There have been multiple comments/complaints regarding WAC officials lately. I recently spoke with Commissioner Benson and Jim Blackwood, Supervisor of Football Officials regarding our officials and the recent scrutiny they have received.

Fans disapproving of officials and their in-game calls are nothing new. This is an issue that all collegiate conferences face each year. I think it is important to bring to light the requirements that must be met and what officials must do to be retained for the following year.

In order to be considered for a WAC officiating crew the individual must have 10 years of officiating experience with at least five of those years working in collegiate athletics. Officials must attend a mandatory summer clinic (officials are also encouraged to participate in other clinics throughout the year), complete on off-season exam, and stay in top physical condition.

By Wednesday of each week during the regular season, WAC Supervisor of Football Officials Jim Blackwood has reviewed video tape of all football games played the previous weekend. Specifically, he reviews every penalty that is called during the game, along with other plays that WAC coaches submit for him to review. He determines whether each penalty called is correct or incorrect; and also determines whether there are plays where penalties should have been called. Each official is “graded” on his performance for each game and these grades are then used to determine post season (bowl game) assignments. For example, the highest graded official at each of the seven positions is then assigned to the bowl games where the WAC assigns the officials – usually two or three games each year. These grades are also used to determine whether an official is retained for the following season.

Also, it should be noted that each official receives a tape from his previous game and is required to view the tape and assess his own performance. Officials also attend sessions in and around their hometown during the week with officials to study video of other games. And finally, prior to each game – either the night before a day game or the morning before a night game – the officiating crew conducts a 3 hour meeting where the video of their previous game is viewed. This session is designed to review the previous game and to prepare the officials for the upcoming game. As you can see, an official may spend up to 12 hours a week reviewing his previous performance and preparing for the next game. Needless to say, these officials take their assignments very seriously and are very dedicated. Just like the players and coaches, they expect their performance on the field to be perfect each and every week.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Lonyae Miller at a Glance

Sport: Football
School: Fresno State
Number: 1
Position: Running Back
Year: Junior
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Fontana, Calif.


Q: When and why did you start to play football?
I started playing football when I was eight years old. My family was into athletics and they played football.

Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
I played basketball once in middle school but I wasn’t too good at it…. Track was my main sport.

Q: What has been your most rewarding experience off the field?
I made honor roll two years in a row.

Q: Why did you choose Fresno State?
The personality and how they are known nationally. I really liked the academic programs too.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
The day I got my Nintendo 64. I was pretty excited.

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far as a student athlete?
Being one of the first ones out of my family to make it to college was an accomplishment for me. Being able to compete on a Division I level is exciting.

Q: What do you still hope to accomplish as a student athlete?
As a student I plan on getting my degree within four years. On the field, I would like to make it to the next level and play in the NFL. If that doesn’t work out I would like to make a name for myself at Fresno State and have people look up to me as a veteran running back.

Q: What’s on your iPod?
A little bit of everything. I listen to some Metallica, Jimmy Hendrix, Lil Wayne.

Q: What do like to do when you are away from the field?
Most of my time is spent on the Xbox, doing homework or hanging out with my girlfriend.

Q: Name your favorite class…
Kinesiology 125

Q: What is your game day routine?
Because I am really nervous before a game I tend to throw up. If I am not throwing up I am listening to my iPod while getting some warm-ups in.

Q: What is your favorite television show?
I’m not a big TV watcher but if I had to pick any show it would probably be the The Hills. I have a girlfriend who watches it all the time. I am starting to get into it now.

Q: Who has influenced you the most if your life?
My father without a doubt. He has been with me since I was eight years old and given me all the tools I need on and off the field. He has developed me into what I am now. I respect and admire him for that.

Q: What do you want to do after college?
I would like to settle down and take care of my son.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
If you want something you have to do what you have never done to get what you have never had.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
Terrell Davis

Q: If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, which actor would play your role?
Denzel Washington

Q: If you were to win a million dollars what would be your first purchase?
I’d probably buy a Benz

Q: Describe the perfect meal…
Pizza

And the nominees are…

It's time to highlight our WAC student athletes who have been nominated for awards this fall…..
Louisiana Tech senior linebacker Quin Harris has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the inaugural Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. The award’s criteria is as follows: to be eligible for the award, a student athlete must be in senior standing at a NCAA Division I institute and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: Classroom, Character, Community and Competition.

Harris has surpassed the criteria listed above and is a class act on and off the field.

On the field, Harris has recorded over 200 career tackles, earning Second Team All-WAC honors in 2007, Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Team in 2006 and 2007 and Rivals.com All-WAC Team in 2007.

Harris exemplifies what it is to be a student-athlete. He maintained a 3.8 G.P.A, graduating in the spring of 2008 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in exercise physiology and sports performance.

In addition to Harris’ commitment to education and athletics, he has also contributed the Ruston community by completing over 50 hours of community service for a variety of charitable organizations including Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude Radio-athon and Northeast Louisiana Food Drive to name a few.

The 30 nominees will be narrowed down to a list of 10 finalists halfway through the regular season. The 10 finalists will be placed on the official ballot which will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans who will then select the candidate who they feel is worthy of the award. The winner of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for football will be announced during a 2008-2009 post season college football event.

Patrice Godwin, senior defender for the Wolf Pack women’s soccer team has also been nominated for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. Similar to the football requirements, student athletes must possess achievements both on and off the playing field.

Godwin, a four year starter for the Wolf Pack has played an integral role in Nevada’s defense, helping her team to record 23 shutouts and three WAC Tournament appearances, including the programs first tournament title in 2006. She has started and played in 62 career games and in July of 2008 was selected to attend the U23 Select/Amateur nation Team Training Camp.

Off the field, Godwin has contributed to the Reno community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Renown, Nevada’s Soccer Clinic and Great Basin Youth Soccer League Clinic.

Similar voting guidelines apply. The list of 30 candidates will be narrowed down to ten finalists whose names we be placed on a nation wide ballot beginning on Oct. 9th and concludes Nov. 19th. A combination of fan votes, coaches and media selections will determine the recipient of the award. The winner will be announced during the 2008 Women’s Soccer Championship in Cary, North Carolina (Dec. 5-7th).

Three WAC punters, Utah State sophomore, Peter Caldwell, Idaho senior, T.J Conley, and LA Tech senior, Chris Keagle have been named to the Ray Guy watch list, which identifies the nation’s top collegiate punter.

The list will be narrowed down to ten semi-finalists in early November. The national voting body will then determine the top three finalists and ultimately the winner of the award. The award will be presented live on ESPN during the ESPNU-Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 11, 2008.

2008 Football Awards Watch Lists:

Maxwell (National Player of the Year):
Chase Holbrook, QB, NMSU; Ian Johnson, RB, BSU

Walter Camp (National Player of the Year):
Tom Brandstatr, QB, FS; Ian Johnson, RB,
BSU

Bronko Nagurski (Best Defensive Player):
Antonio Baker, DB, LTU; Solomon Elimimian,
LB, UH; D’Anthony Smith, DT, LTU; Kyle
Wilson, CB, BSU

Chuck Bednarik (Best Defensive Player):
Solomon Elimimian, LB, UH

Lombardi (Best Lineman/Linebacker):
Solomon Elimimian, LB, UH; John Estes,
OL, UH; Dominic Green, OL, NEV; Adam
Leonard, LB, UH; David Veikune, DL,UH

Davey O’Brien (Best Quarterback): Tom
Brandstater, FS; Chase Holbrook, NMSU

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm (Best Senior
Quarterback): Tom Brandstater, FS; Chase
Holbrook, NMSU

Doak Walker (Best Running Back): Deonte’
Jackson, UI; Ian Johnson, BSU; Luke
Lippincott, NEV

Butkus (Best Linebacker): Jake Hutton, USU;
Paul Igboeli, USU; Adam Leonard, UH;
Joshua Mauga, NEV

Mackey (Best Tight End): Bear Pascoe, FS

Rimington (Best Center): John Estes, UH;
Dominic Green, NEV; Adam Korby, UI; Ryan
Tonnemacher, USU

Outland (Best Lineman): John Estes, C, UH

Groza (Best Placekicker): Kyle Brotzman,
BSU; Dan Kelly, UH; Jared Strubeck, SJSU

Congratulations to all of our nominees!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Buster Bronco in the running for Mascot of the Year


It’s time again for the Capital One Mascot Challenge. Since 2002, mascots have been competing for this prestigious title and 2008, is looking to be another competitive year as 12 mascots from six conferences compete to be the Mascot of the Year. Each week college football fans can log onto: www.capitalonebowl.com/home/main to vote for their favorite mascot.

This year one of our very own, Buster Bronco from Boise State is in the running…. we need your VOTE to help keep the Mascot Challenge Title dream alive!

We thought you should have the stats on Buster and his competition for the week….

Name: Buster Bronco, Boise State
Height: 7’
Weight: 225 lbs – a lean, mean stallion machine
Favorite Colors: Orange & Blue
Current Ranking: 10th

Name: Cosmo Cougar, BYU
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 182.6 lbs
Favorite Colors: Blue & White
Current Ranking: 5th

The rules state that you can vote once a day….so lets keep Buster in the running for Mascot of the Year. Vote for Buster!

Friday Night Lights at Utah State

It was a great atmosphere at the Utah State - BYU football game on Oct. 4. Utah State outscored No. 8 Brigham Young 14-10 in the second half. However the Aggies were down 24-0 at halftime and lost to the Cougars in a closer than the score reflects contest, 34-14, Oct. 4 at a packed and rowdy Romney Stadium. The Utah State fans were great, cheering on the Aggies to the very end of the game.

Here is Utah State's take on the game.

The WAC was on the sidelines and here are a few photos and video clips from the game.