UW Teamstrannon

2011 UW Women's Volleyball Team Looks Strong - Top Recruit Coming in Fall

2010-12-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Huskies will feature two jewels from what McLaughlin said might be his best recruiting class since he arrived at UW in 2001, including 6-foot-2 outside hitters Krista Vansant (Redland, Calif.) and Summer Ross (Carlsbad, Calif.).

Vansant was named by Prepvolleyball.com as the nation's No. 1 senior; last week Ross was named Beach Female Player of the Year by USA Volleyball.

Ross, who this year became the first athlete to win both FIVB youth and junior world championships in the same year, has also been nominated as U.S. Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year.

After transferring from UCLA and sitting out 2010, 6-foot-6 Amanda Gil — a 2009 second-team All-American — will step into UW's front line.

2010 UW Basketball Season Kick-Off Commercial

2010-11-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

BLACK-OUT HUSKY STADIUM vs UCLA 11/18/2010

2010-10-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

BLACK-OUT HUSKY STADIUM vs UCLA 11/18/2010

Location: Husky Stadium

Time: 5:00PM Thursday, November 18th

Wear black for this game. The UW will debut new black and purple jersey's

The 2011 Tour de France Stages

2010-10-19T09:17:00.001-07:00

The 2011 Tour de France Stages

July 2
1st stage: Passage du Gois-Mont des Alouettes (191km)
July 3
2nd stage: Les Essarts-Les Essarts, (23km team time trial)
July 4
3rd stage: Olonne-sur-Mer – Redon (198km)
July 5
4th stage: Lorient – Mur-de-Bretagne (172km)
July 6
5th stage: Carhaix – Cap Frehel (158km)
July 7
6th stage: Dinan – Lisieux (226km)
July 8
7th stage: Le Mans – Chateauroux (215km)
July 9
8th stage: Aigurande – Super-Besse Sancy (190km)
July 10
9th stage: Issoire – Saint-Flour (208km)
July 11
Rest day
July 12
10th stage: Aurillac – Carmaux (161km)
July 13
11th stage: Blaye-les-Mines – Lavaur (168km)
July 14
12th stage: Cugnaux – Luz-Ardiden (209km)
July 15
13th stage: Pau – Lourdes (156km)
July 16
14th stage: Saint-Gaudens – Plateau de Beille (168km)
July 17
15th stage: Limoux – Montpellier (187km)
July 18
Rest day
July 19
16th stage: Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux – Gap (163km)
July 20
17th stage: Gap – Pinerolo, Italy (179km)
July 21
18th stage: Pinerolo – Galibier Serre-Chevalier (189km)
July 22
19th stage: Modane – L’Alpe d’Huez (109km)
July 23
20th stage: Grenoble – Grenoble (41km individual time trial)
July 24

21st stage: Creteil – Paris (160km)

UW's Talia Crichton Blows Up BYU RB Bryan Kariya (Photo)

2010-09-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

BYU running back Bryan Kariya got a less obstructed view of Washington linebacker Cort Dennison after a helmet-jarring hit by end Talia Crichton. Kariya, a junior from Kaysville, Utah, ran eight times for 20 yards in the Cougars' 23--17 victory.

Courtesy of SI

Video Fly-Over of Renovated Husky Stadium

2010-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Video: UW Fall Training Camp Review from Coach Sark

2010-08-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Tony Wroten Jr. Guarantees Kasen Williams to UW Today

2010-08-27T11:10:00.001-07:00

UW. GarenteedRT @ymmij2k: @ToneTone13 Kasen Williams is announcing his college tomorrow, where u think he goes?

2010 Complete College Football Schedule , Including Bowl Game Dates and Known TV Schedules

2010-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

http://lsufootball.net/tvschedule.htm

Here's a sample of the week 1 schedule

Thursday, September 2nd
Marshall at Ohio State	6:30 p.m.	BTN (HD)
Minnesota at Middle Tennessee	6:30 p.m.	ESPNU (HD)
Northern Illinois at Iowa State	6:30 p.m.	(CSNC / CSNBA / FSN affiliates) (HD)
Southern Miss at South Carolina	6:30 p.m.	ESPN (HD)
Towson at Indiana	6:30 p.m.	BTN (HD)
DII: West Texas A&M at Grand Valley State	7:00 p.m.	(CBSC / SPSO) (HD)
Pittsburgh at Utah	7:30 p.m.	Versus (HD)
North Dakota at Idaho	9:00 p.m.	ALT
USC at Hawaii	10:00 p.m.	ESPN (HD)
Games not selected for nationally available networks.
Eastern Washington at Nevada	8:00 p.m.	TBA
Florida A&M at Miami	6:30 p.m.	espn3.com
Florida Atlantic at UAB	7:00 p.m.	TBA
Hampton at Central Michigan	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Murray State at Kent State	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Norfolk State at Rutgers	6:30 p.m.	espn3.com
Presbyterian at Wake Forest	5:30 p.m.	espn3.com
Rhode Island at Buffalo	6:00 p.m.	Time-Warner (cable)
Southeast Missouri State at Ball State	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Southeastern at Tulane	7:00 p.m.	TBA
Friday, September 3rd
Villanova at Temple	4:00 p.m.	espn3.com
Arizona at Toledo	7:00 p.m.	ESPN (HD)
Saturday, September 4th
Eastern Illinois at Iowa	11:00 a.m.	BTN (HD)
Miami (Ohio) at Florida	11:00 a.m.	ESPN (HD)
Samford at Florida State	11:00 a.m.	ESPNU (HD)
Western Michigan at Michigan State	11:00 a.m.	ESPN2 (HD)
Youngstown State at Penn State	11:00 a.m.	BTN (HD)
Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia	11:21 a.m.	SEC Network / ESPN-GP
Illinois vs. Missouri	11:30 a.m.	FSN (HD)
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)	1:00 p.m.	MTN (HD)
Appalachian State at Chattanooga	2:00 p.m.	SS / FCSA (cable)
Coastal Carolina at West Virginia	2:30 p.m.	ALT / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable)
Connecticut at Michigan	2:30 p.m.	ABC / ESPN2 *7
Jacksonville State at Ole Miss	2:30 p.m.	ESPN-GP *2 / CSS (cable)
Kentucky at Louisville	2:30 p.m.	ABC / ESPN-GP *2
Purdue at Notre Dame	2:30 p.m.	NBC (HD)
North Texas at Clemson	2:30 p.m.	ESPNU (HD)
Texas at Rice (Reliant Stadium)	2:30 p.m.	ESPN (HD)
UCLA at Kansas State	2:30 p.m.	ABC / ESPN2 7 / ESPN-GP 2
William & Mary at UMass	2:30 p.m.	CSNE / Comcast (cable)
UC Davis at California	3:00 p.m.	CSCA
UT-Martin at Tennessee	5:00 p.m.	ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (TN)
Sacramento State at Stanford	5:30 p.m.	CSNB
Arkansas State at Auburn	6:00 p.m.	FSS / ESPN-GP
Memphis at Mississippi State	6:00 p.m.	ESPNU (HD)
San Jose State at Alabama	6:00 p.m.	PPV (AL) / ESPN-GP *2
Tennessee Tech at Arkansas	6:00 p.m.	ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (AR)
Western Kentucky at Nebraska	6:00 p.m.	PPV
Washington at BYU	6:00 p.m.	CBSC (HD)
Washington State at Oklahoma State	6:00 p.m.	FSN (HD)
Northwestern at Vanderbilt	6:30 p.m.	ESPN-GP *2 / CSS (cable)
Oregon State at TCU	6:45 p.m.	ESPN (HD)
LSU vs. North Carolina (Atlanta)	7:00 p.m.	ABC (HD)
Portland State at Arizona State	9:00 p.m.	FSAZ (HD)
Cincinnati at Fresno State	9:00 p.m.	ESPN2 (HD)
Wisconsin at UNLV	10:00 p.m.	Versus (HD)
Games not selected for nationally available networks.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at UTEP	8:05 p.m.	TBA
Army at Eastern Michigan	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Bowling Green at Troy	6:00 p.m.	Troy/ISP Network
Elon at Duke	6:00 p.m.	espn3.com
Grambling at Louisiana Tech	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Lehigh at Drake	6:00 p.m.	FCS Atlantic (cable)
New Mexico at Oregon	2:30 p.m.	TBA
Nicholls State at San Diego State	7:00 p.m.	TBA
North Dakota State at Kansas	6:00 p.m.	FCS Central (cable)
Northwestern State at Air Force	1:00 p.m.	TBA
Richmond at Virginia	5:00 p.m.	espn3.com
St. Francis (Pa.) at Liberty	6:00 p.m.	Flames Sports Network
Sam Houston State at Baylor	6:00 p.m.	TBA
South Carolina State at Georgia Tech	12:00 p.m.	espn3.com
South Dakota at Central Florida	TBA	TBA
Southern Utah at Wyoming	8:00 p.m.	TBA
Stephen F. Austin at Texas A&M	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Stony Brook at South Florida	TBA	TBA
Syracuse at Akron	5:00 p.m.	espn3.com
Texas State at Houston	7:00 p.m.	TBA
Utah State at Oklahoma	6:00 p.m.	TBA
Weber State at Boston College	12:00 p.m.	espn3.com
Western Carolina at North Carolina State	5:00 p.m.	espn3.com
Wofford at Ohio	6:00 p.m.	TBA

University of Washington football iPhone App Available

2010-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times is rolling out its first paid iPhone application, a new mobile app that allows sports fans to track scores, stats and news related to University of Washington football. The app, which includes stories and Tweets from Seattle Times sports reporter Bob Condotta, is available for $2.99.

In addition to Husky football news, the app also includes a special section featuring the Twitter feed of Heisman Trophy candidate and UW quarterback Jake Locker.

“The Seattle Times is pleased to enter this market with a product we are proud of,” said David Boardman, Executive Editor and Senior Vice President of The Seattle Times. “Husky football fans will love this app. They will now be able to take the Huskies with them wherever they go and stay constantly connected throughout the 2010 season.”

The Times already offers a free mobile app for general news, but the latest offering marks the first time that the state's largest daily newspaper has experimented with a paid application in a niche category such as sports.

From John Cook

Huskies' Chris Polk makes Defenses Queasy

2010-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

By Ted Miller

Chris Polk can make a defense YAC.

That's "Yards After Contact," and opposing defenses yielded in 2009 an estimated 700 yards of it to Polk, the most successful freshman tailback in Washington history.

Polk finished with 1,113 yards rushing, which ranks seventh on the Huskies' all-time list, averaging 4.9 yards per carry despite running behind an offensive line that most would agree was slightly below average.

That line figures to considerably improved in 2010. Seven players with starting experience are back, and another year of offseason workouts has turned a unit that looked decidedly soft in the middle in 2008 into a physically impressive crew.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Greg Wahl-StephensWashington running back Chris Polk rushed for 1,113 yards and five touchdowns last season.

"Everybody wants to point this out as a position of weakness for us," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "In my humble opinion, it should be a position of strength."

Speaking of soft: It's hard to believe that's what some thought about Polk as a true freshman. He avenged 1.6 yards per carry on 20 carries before a shoulder injury ended his season after two games (he got the year back from the NCAA). He certainly didn't do much to justify his lofty pedigree: A touted recruit, he'd turned down USC to be a Husky.

But, last fall, starting with a physical 90 yards on 21 carries in the opener versus LSU, Polk consistently threw his 216 pounds into tacklers and won the leverage battle. It's even more impressive when you consider he played through a torn left labrum in his shoulder, which he suffered while throwing a block in the sixth game against Arizona.

Polk takes pride in his YAC, but he doesn't want the perception of him to be limited to breaking tackles. Actually, he prefers to make guys miss. His focus during conditioning and film sessions during the offseason was trying to transform those grinding efforts into 50-yard touchdown jaunts.

"I don't see myself as a power runner," said Polk, who also returns kicks and is a solid receiver.

Of course, not everything was rosy for Polk and the Huskies' running game last season. There were multiple instances when the offense failed to convert in short-yardage situations, most glaringly against Notre Dame when a single yard proved unobtainable on the goal line five times. Embarrassing? Yes.

"That left a bitter taste in our mouths," Polk said. "Coaches talk about it all the time as a point of emphasis."

There's something else that might have left Polk bitter: A lack of credit. Despite his production, he didn't receive many accolades last season, and most of the preseason attention is focused on his quarterback, Jake Locker, and running backs in the state of Oregon: Oregon's LaMichael James and Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers.

And, yes, Polk does pay attention to what the more heralded running backs are doing.

"I always look and see what those guys did," he said. "I love to compete. When we play each other, my goal is to be the better back."

But it's not all about numbers: "I had 1,000 yards last year and it didn't really mean much during the bowl season. We were still at home," he said.

Polk, who sat out spring practices after offseason shoulder surgery, figures to share the ball more this season. The Huskies are fairly deep at running back, with Johri Fogerson and true freshman Jesse Callier likely to get touches.

Sharing is no problem, Polk said, and he also waved away the notion that playing in Locker's considerable shadow is frustrating -- "He's a true leader on the field and off the field."

Polk, in fact, doesn't seem too eager to celebrate the Huskies offense, which figures to be high-powered, nor the higher expectations that surround the team in Sarkisian's second season.

"We have a lot of weapons, but if we don't execute it doesn't mean anything," he said. "We're really still the underdogs. We're going to go out there and shock the nation."

If that proves true, expect there to be some YAC-ing.

2010-11 Husky Gold Ticket Card and Kids Can Become a Dubs' Club Member!

2010-08-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Become a Dubs' Club Member!
Presented by Whole Foods

All kids 8th grade & under are invited to becoming a member of the Dubs' Club, presented by Whole Foods! Membership is just $25 per child and includes:
- Official Dubs' Club t-shirt
- Dubs' Club lunch sack
- Dubs' Club membership card that provides free admission to all home Husky event except for Football, Men's Basketball and Pac-10 Women's Basketball
- Opportunity to attend members only events
- 1 Free ticket to the Husky Football game vs. Syracuse, Arizona State, Stanford or UCLA*, plus a pre-game Tunnel Tour
*Members' families are eligible to purchase a discounted $48 ticket. Tickets for each game are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. One ticket per member. Tickets must be requested & purchased through the Husky Ticket Office at 206.543.2200 in advance of game day.

Visit GoHuskies.com to download the 2010-11 Dubs' Club, presented by Whole Foods, application.

2010-11 Husky Gold Card* On Sale Now!
*Formerly known as the Olympic Sports Pass
Come out to cheer on the Huskies all year long! The Husky Gold Card is good for general admission seating to any regular season home event for Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Baseball and Softball. This pass does not include admission to post-season or designated special events and is valid for the entire 2010-11 school calendar year.
2010-11 Husky Gold Card Pricing
Adult - $50
Youth / Senior Citizen* - $40
Family Plan** - $99
*Youth is age 18 & under, Senior Citizen is 62 & older
**Family Plan admits 4 people regardless of age. Children aged 2 & under are allowed free admission to all Husky Athletics regular season events.
To order your Husky Gold Card, visit GoHuskies.com, order by phone at 206.543.2200 (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm) or in person at the Husky Ticket Office – Graves Building, 3910 Montlake Blvd, Seattle, WA 98195 (M-F, 8:30am-5pm). Email tickets@uw.edu with any questions.

Huskies Reportedly Pick Up "Large-Sized" Center

2010-08-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

6'3 299lb Siosifa Tufunga, Center from Jordan High School has reportedly committed to the UW yesterday. More information can be found at Max Preps.

Ben from Pullman, Wash., writes...

2010-08-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Ben from Pullman, Wash., writes: I was wondering why ESPN and everyone is in love with Jake Locker. ... I know he has the athleticism and talent, but his statistics are not even close to a Heisman or a first round quarterback pick. If you look at his career stats page, you will see he only completed 58 percent of his passes last year.

Ted Miller: People are impressed by Jake Locker because: 1. he's big; 2. he's fast; 3. he's smart; 4. he's a great "character" guy; 5. he's got a great arm; 6. his passing has progressively improved; 7. when you watch him on film, it doesn't take long before you go "Wow."

His numbers haven't been terribly impressive because he began as a raw talent and his supporting cast was mediocre-to-bad. He'll pile up plenty of numbers this season.

And, by the way, I get a lot of this in the mailbag. I wish no ill on any team, but the obsessive Locker-doubting makes me wonder if there might be some karmic problems hitting some teams this season when the Huskies come to town.

Dawgs Pick Up Commit From Middle Linebacker Aaron Davis?

2010-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Los Alamitos standout football linebacker Aaron Davis (6-0, 198lb), has committed to the University of Washington, Griffins assistant football coach Barry Sher said in a text message Wednesday. Davis is an emerging talent who has excellent pursuit skills.

Aaron Davis is a smart kid with good football instincts but who's recruiting has been a bit under the radar of most D1 schools so far this year.

The Griffins are expecting big things from the senior this fall.

DAN ALBANO, ocvarsity.com and Teamstrannon

My Guess on Where Austin Seferian-Jenkins Will Commit to Tonight

2010-08-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, the 5-star, nationally #1 ranked Tight End is scheduled to announce his decision on where he will attend college tonight at his school in Gig Harbor, and I expect that decision to be the UW.

After seeing him at practice three times last week, the week before he is to decide, logic just says that he would not commit to Texas after leaving there two weeks ago and not committing then.

ASJ lists at 6'7 and 250lbs, looks more like he's 25 than 18 and is a kid in a man's body.

He is being recruited by almost every college in the country holding offers from the likes of Texas, USC, LSU, Alabama and Florida.

Coach Sark Receives Excellent Recruiting Tool

2010-08-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Coach Sark received the Outstanding Academic Coach Award for spring quarter 2010. The award is given out by SAAS every quarter to a coach who demonstrates willingness to make academics a priority for their team and dedication to the welfare of the student-athlete.

Jake Locker Magazine Sporting News Article Photo

2010-08-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Cover Photo of USC's 2010 Football Media Guide - Liberties Taken Of Course

2010-08-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Tours Northwest Supports Jake Lockers Bid for the Heisman Award - Support Tours NW

2010-07-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Like Erastus Brainerd 103 years ago, we are promoters for all things Seattle and the Northwest! We crow about independent small coffee shops along with Starbucks; we point out Fran's and Theo as well as the hidden gem of Rosie's Chocolates in the Market. We love the new and small (Bad Monkey Bistro) as well as the experienced and fabled (Tom Douglas). We are hot on the leading edge of what is happening in South Lake Union (aka Allentown?) where Amazon is about to bring 10,000 employees/customers to the businesses in the area (the new Pearl District?).

And we will be touting the amazing story of Jake Locker, the UW Quarterback, as it unfolds this year. Jake is an underdog's underdog for the Heisman trophy. We will allude to him whenever we can on our tours to those people from across the country so they too will recognize his name, and pay attention to his exploits.

Each day a guide will be awarded the Locker jersey - No. 10 - to wear during his tours. It will be awarded for qualities that Jake undoubtedly has in spades as a Pac 10 quarterback and local boy made good: teamwork, flexibility, calmness under pressure, etc. WWJD?

Above is a picture of our Guide Gathering (at Bad Monkey Bistro) on July 29th. Dan Malmanger, the owner of Tours Northwest, is donning the purple jersey for this picture, but starting today there will be a new wearer each day. Stay tuned!

Jon Brockman; the Legend of the Brockness Monster

2010-07-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

In Wednesday's Seattle Times, Jerry Brewer wrote a great article about former Husky and now Milwaukee Brewer, Jon Brockman. You can link to the article from the headline but here's an excerpt of that article.

Look at Brockman now. On determination, on hustle, on his trademark desire to get every rebound in sight, the Snohomish native has acquired greater NBA security than originally imagined. He had to be traded from Sacramento to Milwaukee to get it, but with a new three-year contract, Brockman has defied the meager expectations of a second-round draft pick. Besides $3 million, his reward is unimaginable popularity.

The tough guy who seemingly broke his nose every other game with the Huskies now goes by a fitting new handle — the Brockness Monster. He has more than 320,000 followers on Twitter. Shaquille O'Neal has taken a liking to him, too. Sometimes, men in hard hats do become famous.

"It definitely kind of shocks me," Brockman said. "I don't know when it happened or why it happened, but I've been having fun with it. It's pretty cool."

Brockman went to Milwaukee last week to get acquainted with his new team. On that trip, he also attended a Brewers baseball game and heard numerous shouts of "Welcome to Milwaukee, Brockness Monster!" He has T-shirts that read "I believe in The Brockness Monster," and his former coach, Lorenzo Romar, even donned one last season.

Still, the 6-foot-7, 255-pound forward laughs at the attention. He didn't realize that on-court relentlessness, a little personality and averages of 2.8 points and 4.1 rebounds could go so far. Brockman isn't satisfied being a bench-warming fan favorite. Simply being in Sacramento's rotation made his rookie season a success. Now, he hopes to play an essential role on a team that made the playoffs last season.

Zipper Alignment Gaining Traction for 2011 Pac-10 Expansion - See Alignment

2010-07-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

The current alignment gaining the most support once Colorado and Utah join the Pac-10 appears to be the following East and West format:

West
Washington
Oregon State
Stanford
UCLA
Arizona State
Utah

East
Washington State
Oregon
Cal
USC
Arizona
Colorado

Photo of The 2010 UW Football Jersey (Deeper Purple)

2010-07-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Notice the deeper and more traditional purple color for 2010 along with the white piping across the front.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Gig Harbor, Wash.), TE - Narrows List to Two

2010-07-28T08:11:00.001-07:00

Required get for the Huskies, ASJ, has narrowed his list to his final two between Texas and the UW. ASJ is a player the UW needs to land because with the dismissal of Middleton last week, the Dawgs are young and inexperienced at that position. ASJ would make an immediate impact both from a recruiting standpoint and play time impact in a year.

Per Greg Biggins with ESPN

The last time we spoke with Seferian-Jenkins, he mentioned being concerned that the Longhorns staff viewed him more as a future offensive lineman and that was something he definitely wasn't too fired up about.

"It was actually a big misunderstanding on my part," Seferian-Jenkins said. "I've talked to the coaches and we're on the same page. They said they like me as a tight end but if my weight ever got up to around 280 pounds or so, I would be moved to tackle.

"I'm comfortable playing around 260 pounds, that's where I see myself, so I don't think it will be an issue. Texas is a great program and I'm excited to visit them. With Washington, I love the coaching staff and they have been recruiting me forever, since I'm a local player.

UW Likely to Pick Up Two Commits This Week - Updated

2010-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Updating this story post from 10 days ago, I was one for two in my predictions with Josh Shirley committing to the UW when offered by coach Sark. Shirley almost chose the UW deciding at the last minute on signing day last year that UCLA was a better place to him. With his release from UCLA a month or so ago, he became eligible to sign with any team and came back to the UW.

Most of the local recruiting sites and contacts I have continue to say Arizona QB and the top non-committed QB available right now has chosen the UW but has not made an announcement. I'll update more as I hear but as of now I stand by my previous comment.
_________________________________________________________________________________
From the rumors flying around expect QB Brett Hundley and ex-UCLA and close commit Josh Shirley to make pledges to the UW this week. More news about a wide receiver from Skyline could also bubble to the surface this week.

Lance Armstrong Announces This is His Last Tour de France

2010-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

"And yes, this will be final Tour de France. It's been a great ride. Looking forward to 3 great weeks."
Tweeted today 6/28/10

Lance Pronounces Himself Ready for Tour de France 2010 - Good Luck Lance!

2010-06-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

In lance's most recent tweet, he pronounced himself ready to take on the worlds best saying; “Last hard ride before the TdF,” he said on Twitter. “Test on the Col de la Madone. Record time? No. Close to it? Yes. I'm ready.”

I have long felt that Lance is the greatest athlete alive today. The physical demands made on the body in cycling are far greater over the long haul than golf, football or soccer. In cycling a rider can spend 4-6 hours a day sometimes repeatedly riding 130 miles a day for several successive days climbing in elevation in excess of 6000'.

While no one should consider Lance as the favorite for this years tour, a podium finish on July 25th would be an amazing feat for any athlete approaching the age of forty.

I'll be at this years tour on the last day in Paris and can only hope to see Lance at the finish.

Best of luck to Lance and Team Radio Shack

2009-2010 UW Sports Season Highlights Video Added - Check It Out!

2010-06-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

See the bottom of the page.

LA Area Kicker / Punter, Jake Van Ginkel, Strongly Considering Washington

2010-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

Times reporters blog about high school

sports across the Southland

June 17, 2010 | 8:09 am

When it comes to discussion of most valuable players, Upland kicker-punter Jake Van Ginkel deserves a place at the table.

He can influence a game like few others, and he's returning for his senior season.

Last year, he made 16 of 20 field goals while averaging 40.7 yards per punt. He was so effective sending punts inside the 20-yard line that it forced opponents to put together drives from deep in their own territory.
Upland won the Central Division title, and Van Ginkel should be better than ever. As for college possibilities, Washington could be a factor if USC doesn't offer, and the Trojans would be foolish not to sign him. But they are facing some scholarship limitations.

Upland competes on Saturday at the Beverly Hills tournament. Too bad there's not a kicking competition, because Van Ginkel would put on a show.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Big 12 Conference Expansion Funnies, Worth Checking Out for a Good Laugh

2010-06-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our friends at Tigerdroppings

Big 12 To Stay Together?

2010-06-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

Most of the current news is around the remaining teams of the Big 12 working on a plan to keep the league together. If that happens, Utah will join Colorado in the Pac 12.

U of Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to the Pac - 10

2010-06-11T13:44:00.001-07:00

Announcement set and will be released soon.

That leaves one spot open for an additional team. Who will it be?

Nebraska Officially Accepts Big 10 Offers and Bolts. Dominos Set to Fall

2010-06-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Nebraska bolts for the Big Ten

By BLAIR KERKHOFF

The Kansas City Star

File photo by CHRIS OBERHOLTZ | The Star

The Cornhuskers are taking their loyal fan base to the Big Ten.

LINCOLN, Neb. | The University of Nebraska has accepted an offer to join the Big Ten Conference, The Kansas City Star has learned.

Late this morning, Nebraska officials contacted the Big Ten office, informing the league of the decision. Nebraska will become the 12th member of the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, University of Texas regents will meet next week to decide whether the Longhorns will remain in the Big 12 or switch to another conference.

The regents announced today that they will hold a meeting by telephone Tuesday for "discussion and appropriate action regarding athletic conference membership."
The future of the Big 12 already was in jeopardy after Colorado agreed Thursday to jump to the Pac-10. The Pac-10 is also reportedly interested in inviting Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech to form a 16-team league.

Based on 2009 figures, Nebraska would double the amount of money it receives from conference distributions in the Big Ten. Big Ten schools received about $20 million a year in revenue compared with the $10 million Nebraska took in from the Big 12.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/11/2009414/nebraska-bolts-for-the-big-ten.html#ixzz0qZUlED1I

Colorado Done and Oklahoma State Next Team Committed to the Pac - 10 (Pac - 12)

2010-06-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

With Colorado having already announced they are joining the Pac - 10 it appears as though Oklahoma State is the next school to announce they are joining the Pac -10 making a new conference the Pac - 12...for now. The Texas schools are meeting this week to decide who's in and who's out within the remaining Southern Big 12 schools.

USC To Get 2 Year Bowl Ban and Loss of 7 Scholarships per Year for 3 Years

2010-06-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

The speculation out tonight is a two year bowl ban and a loss of seven scholarships per year. Final word comes Thursday.

Nebraska Approves Move to Big 10. Pac - 10 Conference Likley Pac -16

2010-06-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

A source close to the Nebraska Board of Regents told Orangebloods.com the regents met informally Wednesday and have agreed to move to the Big Ten and that a formal announcement Nebraska is leaving will come Friday.

Sources close to Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech have suggested to Orangebloods.com over the last week that if Nebraska leaves, the Big 12 can't be saved.

A Fox television report out of Ohio said Nebraska now has an invitation from the Big Ten.

One of the reasons given for Nebraska's importance to the league is because the relationship between Missouri and the rest of the Big 12 has soured beyond repair.

And to complicate matters for Missouri, the Tigers appear to be falling down the list of priorities for the Big Ten.

An athletic director with knowledge of the Big Ten said, "Missouri is getting cold shoulder from Big Ten."

Joe Schad of ESPN reported Wednesday that the Big Ten list of interest for expansion goes like this: 1) Notre Dame 2) Nebraska 3) Rutgers and/or Maryland.


Associated Press

Dan Beebe and the Big 12 appear to be at the mercy of Nebraska and other outside forces.

According to a story by Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald, a respected reporter covering the Big 12 for years, Nebraska is expected to leave for the Big Ten as early as Friday, according to information provided to Barfknecht by an executive at another Big 12 school.

That is the day Nebraska's regents have a formal meeting in Lincoln.

Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne on his monthly radio show on the Husker Sports Network said he hoped "to get things together in the next few days."

But Osborne acknowledged, "There's a lot of information we really don't have right now."

Here's his entire quote:

"I suppose there is quite a bit I can speculate on, but as you and I talked before the show came on there's a lot of information we really don't have right now," Osborne said.

"Hopefully we'll get things put together in the next few days. Anything I would say regarding Nebraska's position or other schools in the Big 12 right now would be pure speculation at this point and I don't think that's very helpful. As much as I know fans don't like it, I think we need to put certain things off limits.

"I think before too long, I don't know exactly what that time frame is, but we'll be able to put this thing to bed because I'm getting tired of it."

BIG 12's FINAL SUPPER ON JUNE 14?

Two different executives in the Big 12 confirmed to Orangebloods.com Wednesday morning the hard deadline for Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado and the entire Big 12 to pledge their allegiance to each other is Monday, June 14.

A high-level executive at a Big 12 institution said there have been informal conversations about who to add to the Big 12 if schools start to leave. Those schools have included BYU and Air Force.

But that same executive as well as others in the Big 12 South have told Orangebloods.com the conference will not survive if Nebraska leaves - no matter who else stays or goes.

If Nebraska were to stay in the Big 12 and Missouri and Colorado were to leave, for example, the sense is the Big 12 could attempt to add schools like BYU and Air Force to the Big 12 North and move ahead.

TEXAS AND TEXAS A&M MEET THURSDAY

In a related development, a legislative source with knowledge of Texas A&M said officials from A&M and Texas will meet on Thursday to discuss all the goings on and to make sure they are on the same page if the Big 12 falls apart. The source said, however, that Texas and Texas A&M remain steadfast in lobbying for the Big 12 to stay together.

NOTRE DAME'S CALL

The future of the Big 12 appeared to hinge on the Big Ten's deliberations with Notre Dame. The Big Ten has promised Notre Dame it will stop its expansion at 12 schools if Notre Dame agrees to finally forgo its independence and become part of a conference, an athletic director with knowledge of the Big Ten has told Orangebloods.com.

Notre Dame is apparently locked in a battle among its Board of Trustees about what to do. There are some who fear the Irish being left out of the formation of what could well become four, super conferences in college athletics. That could cost Notre Dame its access to a BCS bid.

The Big Ten has also given indications it will go east and possibly raid anywhere from one to three schools from the Big East, where Notre Dame plays its other sports, leaving the Irish scrambling even more.

In the ultimate irony, the only way Notre Dame may be able to avoid the super conference scenario is by doing what it least wants to do: give up its independence and lucrative NBC/Comcast contract and join a conference.

Sources have told Orangebloods.com the Big Ten would not be handing out any more invitations if Notre Dame agrees to join the league. An AD source reaffirmed to Orangebloods.com Wednesday that "there is a timeline involved" between Notre Dame and the Big Ten.

Joe Schad of ESPN reported this week Notre Dame doesn't appear to be budging.

The longer there is silence about Notre Dame's intentions, the more reason to believe Notre Dame could remain on its own.

COLORADO'S BAD TIMING

In another development, one source inside the Big 12 told Orangebloods.com Tuesday Colorado was expected to have a major announcement as early as Wednesday. But that announcement turned out to be with regard to scholarship reductions for the Colorado football and basketball programs because of substandard NCAA APR (Academic Progress Rates).

CU is the only BCS football program to be sanctioned with scholarship reductions and is one of only two BCS basketball programs to get sanctioned, OB has learned.

The Buffaloes have already served the four scholarships it was docked for football and the one it was docked for basketball.

The timing is poor considering the school's possible courtship with some of the more high-minded academic institutions in the Pac-10.

The Boulder Daily Camera reported a regents meeting at CU Tuesday night produced nothing more than legal advice about different scenarios. CU officials said they have not yet received an invitation from the Pac-10, according to the report.

Despite that claim, speculation continues to swirl that Colorado could be preparing to accept a bid from the Pac-10 Conference, which has targeted the Buffaloes for expansion.

As Orangebloods.com first reported last Thursday, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott's preference is to expand the Pac-10 by six schools. That original list included Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado.

BAYLOR'S FIGHT FACING RESISTANCE?

Since that report legislators and lobbyists with loyalty to Baylor have launched an all-out effort in the Texas Legislature to ensure that Baylor remains with the rest of the Big 12 South if it were to move to the Pac-10.

One top source close to the possible merger between the Pac-10 and six Big 12 schools said some schools in the Pac-10, including California-Berkeley, have a real issue with adding an institution with religious ties like Baylor to the conference.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION?

It has been expressed to Orangebloods.com by a top collegiate executive that any movement toward four, 16-team super conferences will be met with resistance by Congress.

The executive said that could be bad news for college athletics because Congress has already taken some cursory looks at the fact athletic departments enjoy a tax-exempt status as part of their universities.

The executive said if it appears the rich are getting richer in college athletics, there will be a hard look at whether to take away the tax exempt status of athletic departments.

"And it won't just be Orin Hatch (a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee from Utah and longtime BCS critic) looking into this," the source said.

Stay tuned.

Chip Brown
Orangebloods.com Columnist

Masoli Dismissed From the University of Oregon for Good

2010-06-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

After his arrest for possession and driving without a license. Mr. Masoli has been dismissed from the U of Oregon permanently. A talented guy with a lot of problems.

The Oregon Ducks Football Circus Starts Up Again...Masoli Cited for Pot

2010-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Suspended University of Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is again in trouble with the law after a Springfield police officer stopped his vehicle and cited him Monday night on charges of possessing less than one ounce of marijuana, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop at a driveway or a sidewalk.

Masoli is scheduled to appear in Springfield Municipal Court on June 24, a court spokeswoman said. All three charges are non-criminal violations.

Masoli, 21, was suspended for the upcoming season in March after he pleaded guilty in Lane County Circuit Court to breaking into a fraternity house.

A UO athletic department spokesman had no immediate comment on Masoli’s latest brush with the law when contacted this morning.

Read more in Thursday’s Register-Guard.

The Pac - 10 Approves Conference Expansion Plans - Move to Expand to 16 Universities?

2010-06-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

In a move that could herald a historic change in the makeup of the Pac-10, conference commissioner Larry Scott was given approval Sunday to pursue expansion. The approval, given by conference presidents and chancellors on the final day of Pac-10 meetings in San Francisco, means Scott can proceed with expansion plans without returning to the board for further consent.

General expansion plans focus on six Big 12 teams — Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado — to join the Pac-10. That would create two eight-team divisions: Washington and Washington State in what would essentially be the old Pac-8, along with USC, UCLA, Oregon, Oregon State, California and Stanford; and the six Big 12 teams with Arizona and Arizona State in the other division. That would set up a potentially lucrative football conference title game, the site of which potentially could alternate between the Rose Bowl and the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

Bob Condotta does a nice job breaking down the news in his story.

Other views on expansion and what it means to other colleges can be found in this set of links.

The Dallas Morning News has this take on what expansion means to the Texas teams in question.

"Baylor continues to make a major push to be part of any Pac-10 expansion plan with its fellow South members (Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State). In a Twitter post, Pete Thamel of the New York Times reported that Baylor "appears to have bumped" Colorado in the expansion sweepstakes.

"We'd love to see the Big 12 stay the way it is," Texas State Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco) told our Austin statehouse bureau today. "But if it doesn't, we want to be where the Texas schools are."
Averitt said he couldn't confirm that an effort is under way to sway Pac 10 officials, if they adopt half of the Big 12, to invite the Bears"

Salt Lake Magazine mentions that Pac -10 expansion unlikely to include Utah

"As sure as the NCAA tournament will include 124 teams (plus three play-in divisions of 12 teams each) and the SEC is about to propose using a NASCAR points system to ensure all its top-tier make it into some gerrymandered and blustery form of a BCS playoff, it's a downright gu-ar-an-tee the Pac 10 will try to make itself over into the gigantor Heidi Montag to its rival Whitney Port of the East Coast/deep south pigskin juggernaut.

At first, talk of modest expansion to 12 teams included (and, was in fact, limited to) the Utes and Colorado with the dark horse/quickly ruled-out BYU.

Made sense.

As political winds shifted, Pac 10 commissioners all but ruled out cash cow BYU based on, well... to paraphrase: "We just don't think Berkeley would go for that."

Fair enough — Cougar boosters like it or not, true or not, BYU = the school that backed Prop. 8 and those dirty old men of the Pac 10 like their politics just like they like their coastline — on the left.

No matter how deserving, looks like the Utes might not schmooze their way in either.

Justifying not kicking out upstarts Arizona and Arizona State — grandfathered into the Pac 8 more than three decades ago during its last expansion — in the wake of its decision to make muddled the musical chair post-post-partisan political shell game of who can stay and who can go, will be tough enough for this crew o'er the weekend.

Bringing in the Beehive rife with headline-grabbing firing squads, fumbled MLK Day celebration plans, proposals to change the state's name to "GlennBeckistan" and Kevin Garn's hot tub party — in spite of the rabid fan bases (which do not ascribe to the aforementioned) — in other words, ain't gonna happen.

And the Utes, unfair as it may seem, will most likely will be the odd man out."

The Iowa Gazette Online talks about how Iowa State would likely become an orphan if expansion comes

"Iowa State University could become a 152-year-old orphan should some scenarios play out the way they could. If the Pacific-10 Conference does indeed swipe Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and either Baylor or Colorado, the Big 12 is big no more.

It isn’t BCS-big, it isn’t ESPN-big. It’s a ghost league.

Now, it would take some serious doing for the Pac-10 to pull that off. If history has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t know what to believe when it comes to conference-expansion chatter.

But let’s say the Big Ten is as serious about expansion as many think it is, and it grabs Missouri and Nebraska. Suddenly, Iowa State becomes a school without a border neighbor.

In the words of the immortal Chico Marx, thassa no good."

ESPN Looks at the Mountain West's opportunity to take the rest of the Big 12 and Boise State

"So here’s the Mountain West, prepared to expand by one, but now presented with an opportunity to expand with the remaining Big 12 teams.

What’s a conference to do?

Reports have been all over the place:

The Mountain West could go ahead with its scheduled plan and ignore the Pac-10 report.
The Mountain West could hold off on expansion until the Pac-10 and Big Ten send invites, which could happen this week.
The Mountain West could now look to expand to 16 teams.

The Mountain West has tried to stay away from massive expansion to avoid what happened to the 16-team WAC (which ultimately created the Mountain West), but Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson said the conference presidents talked about the idea on Sunday.

"At the 30,000-foot level, we talked about 16 for the first time in a long time," Thompson told media camped out in Jackson, Wyo.

So, here’s this week’s question: If you’re the Mountain West, do you wait to let expansion play out or take Boise State and look to go to 16 teams? And if the conference does wait, does Boise State fear it might be left out in the cold?

We might find out this answer later today, but I thought I’d let you all play commissioner. Now, we don’t know which teams will be available, but it looks like a four-team mixture of the potential choices -- Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas and Kansas State -- could be on the table. So what do you think? Should Boise State be sweating"

Pac - 10 Expanding to Pac - 16 Adding Texas, TT, Tex A&M, Ok, OK ST, and Colorado?

2010-06-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

It appears the Pac-10, which has its meetings in San Francisco starting this weekend, is prepared to make a bold move and invite Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado to join its league, according to multiple sources close to the situation.


UT Photo

Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds has maintained that the Longhorns will do whatever it takes to remain the Jones' of college football.

Left out would be Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska and Missouri.

Messages left with Pac-10 officials by Orangebloods.com on Thursday were not immediately returned.

The six teams from the Big 12 would be in an eight-team division with Arizona and Arizona State. The other eight-team division would consist of USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State.

The thought is the Big 16 (or whatever they decide for the name) would start its own television network that could command premium subscriber dollars from cable providers on par with the Big Ten Network and pay out upwards of $20 million to each of the 16 schools in TV revenue.

Such a merger between the six Big 12 schools and the Pac-10 would build a conference with seven of the country's top 20 TV markets (Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Seattle and Sacramento). And such a league would likely command attention from every cable system in the country and command a premium rate from every cable system west of the Mississippi.

Those projected TV revenues would double the current payouts of roughly $9 million to Big 12 and Pac-10 members. If the Big 16 reached its projections, the league would also surpass the SEC's projected payout of $17 million per school reached in a 15-year TV deal with ABC/ESPN and CBS signed in 2008.

Reported by Chris Brown of Orangebloods.com, a Texas sports website.

As Dawgs Start 2010 Softball Title Quest, Look Back at the 2009 Championship in Video

2010-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Get Your UW Softball Fill Right Here - Preview the College World Series

2010-06-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

UW Softball Game Day

By Athletic Communications on June 3, 2010 7:38 AM |

The 2010 NCAA Women's College World Series starts today. Four games are on the docket at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, the last of which pits Washington vs. Georgia in a repeat of an opening-round game last year.

So, let's have a look at the newspaper coverage:

• The UW Daily has this preview with capsules on each of the eight teams, from Christian Caple.

• A look at the Huskies' first-round game from SeattlePI.com.

• Terry Wood of the Seattle Times breaks things down in his story

• Graham Hays, who covers college softball for ESPN.com, has this preview, which includes a segment on Danielle Lawrie.

• More "capsules," these from the Oklahoma City paper, the Oklahoman. Also, an Oklahoman piece on Lawrie. You can also find links to more stories and video from the Oklahoman right here.

• Yesterday, the NFCA announced its All-America teams. Check out this video. Three Huskies -- Lawrie, Jenn Salling and Niki Williams -- made the first team.

UW Softball College World Series Game 1 Start Time 6/3/2010

2010-06-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Game 1 for the UW is Thursday 6/3/2010 at 6:30 PM on ESPN 2 against Georgia.

Watch Danielle Lawrie break a piece of glass with a pitch for ESPN

2011 QB Prospect Cody Kessler to USC

2010-06-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

Expected decision at press conference today in California. Hope he likes to ride the pine down there.

Vancouver Sun on Canadian Native and UW Pitcher, Danielle Lawrie

2010-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Heather Tarr, the University of Washington's softball coach, knew her ace pitcher Danielle Lawrie had some pretty gaudy numbers to stake a claim to a second consecutive USA Softball collegiate player of the year.
But sometimes, you just never know.

"When they started to announce the things the others had done, like [Georgia Tech second baseman] Jen Yee reaching base safely in all 62 games, that's awesome," Tarr said Tuesday in a phone interview from Oklahoma City, where the No. 1-ranked Huskies open defence of their 2009 College World Series title on Thursday.
"So for Danielle, winning the award in that company speaks to how dominating she is on the mound and in the batters box."

Lawrie, the raven-haired 23-year-old from Langley, was indeed named the NCAA's best, becoming only the second player to win the award multiple times.
"I would not have won it if my team didn't do what it has been doing all year," Lawrie said in Oklahoma. "Everyone has performed at a high level all season ... so, it's tough for me to take the credit. This is a huge honour and I'm extremely thankful."

Lawrie's win comes just a week after another Canadian-born Husky -- golfer Nick Taylor of Abbotsford -- was named the NCAA's best in his sport. Also on Tuesday, Lawrie was named one of four finalists for the Honda Trophy, another post-season softball award that will be handed out Saturday.
Lawrie is 40-3 with a dazzling 1.00 ERA and a nation-leading 24 shutouts this season. She has 478 strikeouts in 288.1 innings and she also leads the Huskies in home runs (15) and RBIs (57).

Yee, a senior from North Delta, had one of the greatest hitting seasons in NCAA history. She led the nation in batting average (.568), slugging percentage (an NCAA single-season record 1.270), on-base percentage (.732), runs scored 93 and walks (88). Her 29 home runs are No. 2 in the NCAA.

Lawrie's status as the NCAA's best was likely cemented last week when she rebounded from a shocking 6-1 loss to Oklahoma in the first game of a best-of-three Super Regional at Husky Softball Stadium. Lawrie gave up five solo home runs in that game after not giving up more than two in any of her previous 163 career starts for Washington.

But after a lengthy post-game film study and a motivating talk with her father the next day, she rebounded to get shutouts in back-to-back wins. Demonstrating her legendary bulldog tenacity, she threw 251 pitches over 14 innings that day and struck out 27.

"Could she bounce back?," wondered Tarr. "When she wanted to watch the game film with us, and we sat in the board room until 1 a.m. and she watched every home run that was hit and was 100 per cent accountable, I knew we'd be OK the next day."
gkingston@vancouversun.com

"Pizza With Jake Locker" May Be The Cutest Video Ever!

2010-06-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Strong Armed, Four Star QB Cody Kessler to Decide Mid-Week

2010-06-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

QB Cody Kessler out of California announced he plans to make his college decision known this Wednesday. At 6'3 and 228', Kessler is a very strong and semi-mobile QB and a top prospect on most west coast college boards.

For the UW fans, Kessler is considered a lean toward the UW but it appears to be a two horse race with UW and USC at the top of his list.

Many consider him to have a stronger arm than Nick Montana although perhaps not as "smart" in terms of football sense.

Jamaal Jones, Receiver from Graham, WA, Joins 2011 Recruiting Class at the UW

2010-05-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Multiple reports tonight that UW has gained its 11th commit for the Class of 2011 from receiver Jamaal Jones of Graham-Kapowsin High in Graham, Wash.

The 6-2, 180-pound Jones had been considered to be heavily leaning toward UW and made the call tonight to commit to the Huskies.

Jones also reportedly had offers from Idaho and Washington State and was getting interest from other schools, such as Oregon and Oregon State. But Jones had been thought wanting to stay close to home and he made the decision tonight to do just that.

Per Bob C. with the Times.

UW Cross Country Recruit, Katie Flood - Best Ever?

2010-05-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Iowa's Katie Flood, heading to Washington this fall, cemented her legacy by dominating her final state championships, winning four titles while breaking her own state record in the 3,000-meters with a U.S.-leading time of 9:27.25. That 3k time would rank in UW's top-10 both indoors and outdoors.

Here is an excerpt from the above article, in reference to her 3k time: "One thing was missing from her resume that really cements prep distance stars from the rest of the pack: a standout performance on the track, the kind that makes jaws drop around the country. That distinguishing mark has now been met, and she will undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest prep distance runner that the state of Iowa has ever produced."

Flood's 3k time was 15 seconds under her previous PR which was already the fastest in state history. Later that same day she came back to anchor a win for Dowling Catholic in the 4x800m relay. Two days after that Flood surprised with a win in the open 800 with a big PR of 2:09.76, then she finished off the quadruple with a victory in the 1,500-meters in 4:31.33.

The win in the 3,000-meters was the fourth in a row for Flood. Her lengthy list of achievements this year also includes a victory at Nike Cross Nationals in the fall and a few more individual titles at the Drake Relays earlier this season.

By Athletic Communications on May 24, 2010 9:40 AM

Jake Locker's Summer Schedule Focuses on Football

2010-05-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

It appears as though Jake Locker plans to stay around campus this summer and focus on his senior year of football rather then play baseball. "I think it's an important summer for us, so I'm going to spend the summer with those guys and concentrate on the football season."

In addition, he will attend the Manning Passing Academy July 8-11 at Nicholls State in Louisiana, and will also likely attend one of the Steve Clarkson's camps this summer too.

Coach Calipari's a Slime Ball! Look at What We Know About His Past

2010-05-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Calipari gets talent, sure.

He successfully recruited Dajuan Wagner, the national player of the year, to Memphis. A couple of weeks later, Wagner's father, Milt, was named coordinator of basketball operations. Calipari got a commitment from McDonald's All-American game MVP Tyreke Evans, too. But only after hiring one of Evans amateur coaches as his own personal assistant. Derrick Rose came to Memphis, too. And the NCAA later learned that Rose's brother, Reggie, received free travel to Tiger road games in the deal.

Take a stroll around Calipari's programs and you'll find a pack of men with unknown motives hanging around. Agents, hangers-on, sycophants, and of course, the infamous and powerful talent broker -- William "Worldwide Wes" Wesley -- who steers players into Calipari's arms.

Look at Calipari's coaching resume and you find academic fraud, including NCAA sanctions over a cooked-up entrance examination. Calipari had to throw out his NCAA Final Four appearance at the University of Massachusetts when it was learned that one of his players (Marcus Camby) took money from an agent. The same thing happened at Memphis after the NCAA investigated Rose's recruitment and his SAT test.

Legendary college coach Bob Knight blasted Calipari and wondered why he'd still be allowed to coach after the Memphis fiasco.

Compliments of Oregonian columnist John Canzano

Replacement Plans Finally Underway for Husky Stadium - Minus Taxes!

2010-05-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

The University of Washington is preparing to go it alone in renovating Husky Stadium.

For three years, the UW has tried in vain to persuade lawmakers in Olympia to help it collect $150 million in public money to go toward a $300 million stadium remodel. Now, as early as Friday, it plans to ask developers to come up with a new plan that doesn't rely on any tax dollars.

The new plan is likely to be significantly cheaper — closer to $200 million. That's because the UW may delay constructing a new building for locker rooms and weight-training facilities.

It will also save money because bond rates and construction costs are lower due to the economic downturn, said former Gov. Dan Evans, who chairs the Husky Stadium advisory committee.

"We want it to be as cheap as possible," said UW athletic director Scott Woodward. "We are going to be as creative as we can to make that happen."

Under the new plan, the UW would also have to generate more money. That likely means more premium seating and all sorts of other entrepreneurial ideas — everything from new vendors to the possibility of selling naming rights.

Starbucks Stadium? Costco Field? Husky Oil Stadium? Evans said he doesn't much like the idea of a new corporate name, but he has to be open to the possibility.

His worst nightmare, he said, is that it will be called Waste Management Stadium. Perhaps that moniker might have seemed appropriate back in 2008, when the team went 0-12.

"There's strong opinions about whether or not you put somebody's name on the field, but that may be part of the whole package," said UW President Mark Emmert at a meeting of the Board of Regents on Thursday.

The UW is giving developers just six weeks — until July 1 — to come back with their ideas. That's because ideally the university wants to start construction immediately after the 2010 season and complete the renovations in time for the 2012 season. The plan is to have the team play at Qwest Field in 2011.

"This time we aren't just asking for the lowest bid," Evans said. "We may end up taking one that's higher priced but has more revenue-raising possibilities."

Evans said the basic elements of the remodel remain: replacing the lower seating bowl, removing and relocating the athletic track to allow seating closer to the playing field, lowering the field about seven feet, and renovating the stands.

The "request for proposals" the UW will send out as early as Friday will still include a new football operations building, Evans said, although that part of the project may be pushed back.

Evans said the UW hopes to raise about $50 million in gifts to help pay for the project — a number of donors have already been "softened up" he said — and would issue bonds to cover the rest of the cost. The new facility would have to generate enough income to pay back the bonds.

The downside for many fans is that more premium seating likely will mean less seating at regular prices.

Husky Stadium has a capacity of 72,500, making it the largest stadium in the Pacific Northwest.

Built in 1920, the stadium has been expanded several times over the years. But lately it has been in need of a seismic and cosmetic upgrades. In recent years, pieces of the stadium have crumbled, including a section of steps that collapsed and fell about six feet.

The UW has long argued that King County taxes generated from hotels, restaurants and car rentals — currently used to help pay off Safeco and Qwest fields — should in the future be used to help pay for Husky Stadium renovations.

Such a change would first require action from state lawmakers, who have shown little enthusiasm for the idea.

Both Evans and Woodward said the new proposal doesn't mean the UW has given up altogether on the idea of securing at least some public financing.

However, the proposal may simply confirm to lawmakers what some have argued from the beginning — that the UW needs to find a way to pay for the renovations itself without turning to taxpayers.

Seattle Times reporters Bob Condotta and Andrew Doughman contributed to this report. Nick Perry: 206-515-5639 or nperry@seattletimes.com

Big 12 and Pac-10 Talking Partnership for TV and Schedules

2010-05-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

How would you feel about the Pac-10 and Big 12 working together on a TV package and scheduling alliance?

Big 12, Pac-10 talking about partnership for TV alliance, football schedules

By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News

Officials from the Big 12 and Pac-10 examined possible TV alliances as well as scheduling partnerships in football during preliminary talks Wednesday and Thursday in Phoenix.

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and Pac-10 counterpart Larry Scott attended, along with conferences athletic directors. The talks came against the backdrop of possible Big Ten expansion.

"Larry and I have talked for several months in regards to collaborating to enhance media value and working in any ways that might aid the two leagues and be a helpful alliance," Beebe said, confirming the talks.

Possibilities include working together on TV contracts or perhaps even a shared network. The two conferences feature 22 schools west of the Mississippi with strong bases in Texas and California markets.

Non-conference scheduling in football for "meaningful September games," Beebe said, could enhance future TV negotiations. The conferences already hold a men's basketball series.

Beebe said the conferences intend to keep separate identities.

"There's no desire to merge the two," he said. "We feel like 12 is the maximum number that operates well in football."

Pac-10 Hires Hollywood Media Firm in Prep for Own TV Channel

2010-05-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

SBJ: Pac-10 hires Hollywood agency CAA with star power in mind
John Ourand, SportsBusiness Journal

Tuesday, May. 11, 2010 - 9:24 a.m. ET

The Pac-10 has hired Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to explore expansion opportunities and advise the conference on its next media rights deal.

The Hollywood-based firm also will help the conference reposition its brand to highlight its nexus to the entertainment (Los Angeles) and technology (Silicon Valley) markets of the U.S.

The three mandates are interrelated and increase the likelihood that the Pac-10 will launch its own cable channel when its current media deals expire after the 2011-12 school year.

The Pac-10 chose CAA last month after a nine-month bidding process that included the conference's previous consultant, Wasserman Media Group, and Allen & Co.

Terms of the deal were not available.

One of the reasons the Pac-10 opted for CAA is the agency's entertainment connections in Hollywood, said Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott, who said the conference plans to use CAA to assist in a full revamping of its brand.

"We want to position ourselves as cutting edge," Scott said. "We're a modern collegiate conference."

The Pac-10 has defined itself as an athletically successful conference, having won more NCAA national titles than any other conference. But Scott, who took over as commissioner last spring, wants the Pac-10 brand to be more contemporary and reflect the influential markets in which it has schools.

CAA also will help stage some of the conference's events. Scott expects some of CAA's celebrity clients to be part of events such as football media day. The agency also will bring an entertainment element to an event like the Pac-10 basketball tournament.

Part of CAA's mandate will be to identify schools and markets where the conference could expand, and any Pac-10 expansion will include bigger media markets that could help give a conference-owned cable channel a bigger base, Scott said.

CAA is developing a business plan for such a channel. The agency also is advising the conference on strategies should it decide against launching its own channel. The conference's current deal, with ESPN and Fox, expires after the 2011-12 school year.

"If I didn't believe a channel was a viable option, I wouldn't have made it part of CAA's mandate," Scott said.

CAA's Chris Bevilacqua and Alan Gold will be the conference's main points of contact through the deal.

The deal is a strategic relationship between CAA Sports and CAA and Evolution Media, which is EMC's sports media advisory practice.

This story first appeared in SportsBusiness Journal, a sister publication of Sporting News

Is Nick Holt Husky Resurgence Key?

2010-05-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well written article on the upcoming 2010 Husky season that I'd like to share.

Is Nick Holt Husky Resurgence Key?
Bill Hare, Bleacher Report

During the agonizing 2008 season when Washington football fans endured the school’s worst season ever with an 0-12 record, and a funeral silence would envelop Husky Stadium, a sudden change would occur.

Suddenly a roar would be heard and the cheering would reach a soaring crescendo. How did this happen amid tragic fortunes?

A picture would flash on the video screen of a popular on scene figure who reminded Husky fans of a glossier era resulting in a national championship and Rose Bowl victories.

The image of Husky Hall of Fame coach Don James prompted the faithful to cheer relentlessly. Desperate for something to cheer about at such a bleak moment of U-Dub history, the enthusiasm involved a fervent desire for a resurgence to the successes of the James era.

The Husky spring game Friday reminded fans of the charismatic enthusiasm of the James years. They called the game “Friday Night Lights,” and despite the cold winds from Mount Washington, the stadium patrons were ablaze with excitement and enthusiasm as the Husky band played and cheerleaders danced.

Steve Sarkisian has brought the spirit back. Recently, spring games had become more clinical affairs, a chance to look at the athletes, but this atmosphere was more like an important contest with Washington State, Oregon, or USC.

The crowd, as well as more enthusiastic than usual, was also notably bigger than in recent years. The announced figure was 15,000, but many were skeptical, believing that attendance may have surpassed 20,000. On the Husky side the seats were filled from goal to goal with a large contingent of students along with season ticket fan types.

Sarkisian last season, his first at the head coaching helm, made a five hundred percent improvement over the 2008 0-12 campaign, finishing at 5-7. His most impressive victory came in the last game, a decisive romp over Jeff Tedford’s highly regarded California Golden Bears.

The 2010 campaign is sparked by the prospect of a strong Heisman Trophy candidate in Jake Locker, who spurned a chance to enter the NFL to play his senior season at Montlake.

On Friday Locker quarterbacked the White team, and freshman super recruit Nick Montana, son of Joe, the San Francisco 49er Hall of Famer, was under center for the Purple squad.

The game was decided by a late scoring drive by Montana’s team that resulted in a 14-13 victory, but the important factor was observing the overall work product, determining how the team looks and what one can anticipate for 2010.

One factor that emerged, and that diverged from what one sees in so many spring games at Washington and elsewhere, was how tough it was for the offense to achieve significant gains.

What jumped out was the quick reaction off of blocks by the Husky defense on running plays. Swift defensive reactions surfaced on pass plays as well. A good defense holds teams down on yardage after catches. Defensive backs and linebackers were quick to sniff out screens and flares, making tackles immediately.

The defensive effort made one think back to the James regime and his national championship team of 1991. The cornerstone of that Purple Gang edition was a stout defense that shut down the opposition.

Teammate Demarco Farr has long contended that the greatest Husky player in history is not Hugh “The King” McElhenny, but Steve Entman, perpetual source of frustration for opposing ball carriers and offensive lines.

Nick Holt commandeers the Husky defense. His bubbling enthusiasm, something he says was always a part of him, is reminiscent of such great defensive coordinators as USC’s Marv Goux and Florida State’s Mickey Andrews, who emerged as major figures under championship dynasties of John McKay and Bobby Bowden respectively.

It is no small wonder that Pete Carroll argued this most persuasively when he became aware that Holt was considering joining fellow USC assistant Steve Sarkisian in coming to Washington.

A major element in the Huskies jumping from zero wins to five last season was the fact that Holt’s defense kept the team in games. In 2008 Washington would give up touchdowns and huge chunks of yards early in contests.

This put tremendous pressure on the Husky offense. Before Locker sustained his season ending injury against Stanford, and for the rest of the campaign under Ronnie Fouch, Washington quarterbacks would sustain terrible beatings.

Put an offense under such pressure, when defense coordinators know that a team must throw to have any chance of competing, and all kinds of blitz packages will be employed. The result is quarterbacks under constant siege.

For the Huskies to emerge as a Pac 10 contender and major game bowl threat, it is necessary to develop a sturdy defense to allow an offense to employ a more patient and balanced attack rather than to be under compulsion to score fast and often.

If Jake Locker is to win a Heisman Trophy or be in solid contention for one, the key is a sturdy defense that eliminates the kind of pressure a quarterback is under when large numbers of points are yielded.

See Why Jake Locker Could Go First to Buffalo in the 2011 NFL Draft

2010-04-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Bills still do not have an answer under center, and Locker should stay at/near the top of the draft board if he stays healthy.

He's a big, mobile quarterback playing in a sophisticated system at Washington who could be the savior in Buffalo.

Another consideration for the Bills when picking Locker over other top quarterbacks in the 2011 class is the weather similarities between Washington and Buffalo. Nothing against Ryan Mallett, but it doesn't snow sideways in Arkansas.

Bleacher Report

UW To Play First Ever Thursday Night Football Game 11/18/2010

2010-04-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

The announcement by the UW will be that they have moved the UCLA game to Thursday night, 11/18/2010, a first ever by the UW. This possibility was mentioned a few weeks ago here and now looks as though the information was correct. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN.

UW and ESPN Big Announcement Monday April 26th (ESPN Game Day Coming?)

2010-04-25T17:28:00.001-07:00

On Monday at noon the UW will hold a rather important press conference with representatives from ESPN along with Coach Sark and Scott Woodward.

The expectation is that the UW will host ESPN's College Football Game Day for the game against Nebraska this coming September. This would be the first visit by the Game Day crew to the University of Washington for a football game.

Stay tuned...

Friday Night Lights UW Spring Game

2010-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Reminder it's the 30th around 6:30 at Husky Stadium.

Ladies Beware, Tiger and Big Ben Hit the Town Together

2010-04-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Compliments of Tiger Droppings

UW Football to Play First Ever Thursday Night Game in 2010?

2010-04-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Rumors abound that the UW may have scheduled its first ever Thursday night game against UCLA this year. According to a UCLA website, the UW would play against UCLA on 11/11/2010 at Husky Stadium. A start time is unknown but I can only imagine the traffic mess this may cause.

Danielle Lawrie Ties Pac-10 Record With 14th Player Of The Week Honor

2010-04-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Danielle Lawrie was named the Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week for the second-straight week, the conference announced on Monday, after leading the No. 1 Washington softball team to a series sweep of No. 2 Arizona last week at Husky Softball Stadium.

The honor is the fourth this season for the senior, who also tied a conference record by earning her 14th career Player of the Week honor, equaling the mark set by former Arizona pitcher Alicia Hollowell. Lawrie is now also just two shy of equaling her own single-season mark of six POW nods that she set last season.

The reigning National Player of the Year, Lawrie shut down the nation's highest-scoring offense in No. 2 Arizona three times last weekend, allowing just four runs in 21.0 innings while striking out 39 and walking just four. She threw one shutout and held Arizona scoreless for 12 consecutive innings over the three games at one point, shutting down the Cats in the final inning Friday, throwing seven scoreless Saturday and holding Arizona without a run through the first four innings on Sunday.

The Langley, B.C., native struck out at least 12 in every game, including a high of 14 on Friday before backing it up with 12 on Saturday and 13 on Sunday, while not walking a batter in the final game.

In the series opener, she out-dueled Arizona freshman Kenzie Fowler in a 2-1 win, allowing just five hits and one run while striking out 14 Arizona batters. The senior struck out six different UA hitters twice, including All-Americans Brittany Lastrapes and Stacie Chambers, and caught seven batters looking. She recorded the first eight outs of the game via strikeout and 11 of the first 12, striking out the side in the first, second and fourth innings. She held Arizona to just two hits on Saturday, not allowing a Wildcat runner past second base at any point. On Sunday, she held Arizona to no runs and just two hits through four innings before UA finally got to her as she started to tire near the end of the game.

With the 39 strikeouts this weekend, Lawrie went over the 1,600-mark in her career, just the eighth pitcher in NCAA history to do so. With 1,627 in her career, she is now just 13 behind Cal great Michelle Granger for seventh in NCAA history and third in Pac-10 history.
For the season, Lawrie is 23-1 with a nation-leading 13 shutouts to go along with 262 and just 17 walks.

The No. 1 Huskies (33-3) hit the road this weekend for a first-place battle with No. 21 Oregon, which is tied atop the Pac-10 standings with the Huskies at 5-1. The series kicks off Friday in Eugene at 6 p.m. and continues with a 1 p.m. game Saturday and a Noon

ESPN Interviews Jake Locker

2010-04-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Short interview talking about why he came back and the Heisman hype for 2010.

UW Football Early 2011 Recruiting Class Assessment

2010-04-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent assessment of the current seven verbal commits the UW has so far for the class of 2011.

Washington football hauling in commitments for 2011

Washington's seven commits are the most of any Pac-10 school other than Stanford, which has nine.

By Bob Condotta

Seattle Times staff reporter

There was no reason to rush into a decision when Taniela Tupou, a junior defensive lineman at Archbishop Murphy High, attended Washington's football practice on an unofficial recruiting visit Thursday. Signing day for the Class of 2011 isn't until February.

But Tupou also decided there was no reason to wait, so after the practice, he gave the word to UW coaches he was committing to become a Husky.

"I already knew where I wanted to be," the 6-foot-3, 270-pounder said on Friday.

He isn't alone in making that assessment, as UW is getting an historically quick jump on filling its class.

Tupou is the seventh known commit for the Class of 2011, the most the Huskies have ever had by this date (or at least since dates of commits began to be recorded publicly about a decade ago). The Huskies had four by this date last year.

Washington's seven commits are the most of any Pac-10 school other than Stanford, which has nine.

The commits have come so early that not all of the players have received grades or star rankings from all of the major recruiting sites. But Allen Wallace, the national recruiting editor for Scout.com, says there's little questioning the quality of the players UW has gotten so far.

"I think this is a real impressive haul," he said. "I think (UW coach Steve) Sarkisian and his staff have really put down a nice footprint to get this ball rolling for 2011."

Last year, all four commits to this date were local. This year, five are from California, with Tupou the only one currently playing at a local high school.

Tupou is generally considered among the top handful of recruits in the state of Washington for 2011. Wallace said that most of the California commits also figure to loom as top recruits in that state when all the rankings are done.

The five California recruits UW has commitments from are running back Brendon Bigelow of Fresno; fullback Elijhaa Penny of Norwalk; lineman Maataua Brown of Paramount; defensive end Aubrey Coleman of Walnut; and cornerback Kameron Jackson of Long Beach.

Washington also has a commitment from safety Evan Zeger, a former Skyline High student now attending high school in Las Vegas.

Wallace has scouted four of the five California players and says, "All these guys are strong Pac-10 players."

He hasn't seen much of Brown, but noted that Brown was the No. 2 offensive lineman at the USC Rising Stars Camp last summer and said that alone gives evidence of Brown's ability.

Bigelow, according to Wallace, is the most impressive, having garnered offers from USC and California since committing to UW in January. Wallace said Jackson and Coleman are also players whose stock figures to rise, though none of the others has yet to get other offers — largely because many other schools are still waiting to decide whom to go after.

Sarkisian, however, has said from the start his staff will be aggressive in everything it does, and the way it is offering scholarships this early, and getting commitments, appears proof.

Aside from UW and Stanford, no one else in the Pac-10 has more than three commitments for 2011.

Wallace cautioned that the commitments tend not to mean as much as before, with players more prone to changing their mind than in years past. That means UW's coaches will undoubtedly have to continue to work to keep the players in the fold for the 10 months remaining until signing day.

He said a lot of other coaches "find a kid who has committed, (and) that's just a target for them. They think, 'We're going to change his mind.' "

But he also said there is significance in UW's early haul in what it indicates about the direction of the program in the second year under Sarkisian.

"It shows a hard-working staff that is comfortable with their evaluation of players," Wallace said.

Tupou said one of his major reasons for wanting to become a Husky was to stay close to a large extended family.

"I knew I would be the first local guy to commit to them (for 2011), and I just felt it was a great place and that the coaches were going to take care of me," said Tupou.

Pac 10 Basketball 2011 Season Projections (Because it's Never to Early)

2010-04-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Because it’s never too early …

And because I don’t mind looking silly if there’s a chance to look really smart (still waiting for that to happen, however) …

The following projections are based on 1) the quality of the returnees — as defined by me; highly subjective in many cases — and 2) the signed recruits.

And yes, the projections will change, and perhaps drastically, as a result of spring recruiting, roster attrition, coaching changes and of course NBA defections.

(I’ll have revised projections after the NBA in-or-out deadline, which is May 8.)

For now, I’m basing the projections on what seems the most likely course of action.

10. Oregon. So much depends on the coaching hire, but it’s tough at this point to project the Ducks any higher than 10th even though they have better-than-last-place talent.

9. Stanford. With only one established impact player (Jeremy Green), a heavily reliance on freshmen and lingering injury/health issues, the Cardinal once again projects much closer to last than to first. Landry Fields did so much at both ends — more than any other player in the league — that his departure counts double.

8. Cal. The Bears never scored fewer than 61 points this season, but I’d expect them to see the 50s at least a half-dozen times 2010-11. Mike Montgomery has won a lot of games in his career with tough, defensive-minded rosters and usually squeezes the most out of his team. But he’ll be hard pressed to get the Bears into the top half of the conference even if Harper Kamp is healthy and Allen Crabbe’s as good as advertised.

7. Oregon State. A solid two-man core (Calvin Haynes and Jared Cunningham) gets much better if Roberto Nelson is eligible and Rhys Murphy is healthy. But the Beavers will miss Roeland Schaftenaar and Seth Tarver.

6. USC. The Trojans lose their leading scorer (Dwight Lewis) and their point guard (Mike Gerrity). But the dropoff won’t be steep given the returning talent and the presumed lifting of the postseason ban (although we’ll have to wait for the NCAA’s ruling before drawing any firm conclusions).

5. Washington State. The Cougars are set for a solid season with the returning trio of Reggie Moore, Klay Thompson and DeAngelo Casto – plus a full year in Ken Bone’s system. Then again, it’s possible that Bone is not the right man for the job, and if that’s the case the Cougars won’t be in fifth place next March.

4. Arizona State. The ‘10 regular-season runner up – and massive overachiever — must replace point guard Derek Glasser and center Eric Boateng. But Ty Abbott leads a solid returning core and Herb Sendek’s system is well entrenched. The rest of the league will be better, but not so much better as to knock ASU into the lower half.

3. UCLA. The Bruins are in very good shape at three spots (wing Malcolm Lee and forwards Tyler Honeycutt and Reeves Nelson) and perhaps four if freshman center Josh Smith makes a rapid adjustment to the college game — and drops a few pounds. Point guard is the issue. With solid play from Jerime Anderson or JC transfer Lazeric Jones, the Bruins could win the league. Without it, they could finish sixth.

2. Arizona. The loss of point guard Nic Wise is a blow, but not a major one – not with the Wildcats’ core of young talent (Derrick Williams, Kyle Fogg, Jamelle Horne, Solomon Hill, Kevin Parrom, MoMo Jones and touted frosh Daniel Bejarano, to name seven). The Cats finished fourth in 2009-10 and should be the most improved team in the league — improved enough, it seems, to start a new NCAA streak.

1. Washington. Assuming Isaiah Thomas returns and Abdul Gaddy develops, the Huskies will have the best perimeter unit in the conference. But the conference title depends on Elston Turner and Matthew Bryan-Amaning playing like they did down the stretch and on the young big men making decent progress. There are enough quality pieces to offset the departure of Quincy Pondexter, but it’s by no means a given that everything will coalesce. At this point, UW is the pick by default.

By Jon Wilner on April 7th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

University of Oregon Under Investigation

2010-03-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

EUGENE, Ore. -- The Oregon Justice Department confirmed it plans to review the $2.3 million severance payment from the University of Oregon to former athletic director Mike Bellotti.

"There's really not much that I can say except that the attorney general wants to get as much information on it as he can," Justice Department spokesman Tony Green said of Oregon attorney general John Kroger, according to the Eugene Register-Guard. "There was enough in the newspapers and on TV and people raising questions about it that it warrants a review. Part of the review is looking at the law."

After just nine months on the job, Bellotti announced his resignation March 19. He is joining ESPN as a college football analyst and makes his broadcasting debut April 17 during ESPNU's coverage of the Auburn spring football game.

Bellotti, who replaced Pat Kilkenny as AD in July, had agreed to terms then with incoming school president Richard Lariviere, but there was no written contract stating his salary and the $2.3 million severance payout.

The resignation agreement, including the payout terms, finally was placed on paper and signed by Bellotti on March 16, with Lariviere signing it March 19.

Bellotti acknowledged Monday that he and the school had a "handshake agreement," according to the newspaper.

"There was never a written contract that I signed," Bellotti told the Register-Guard. "There were some oral agreements."

As for the Justice Department review, Bellotti told the newspaper he was not aware of any such development and had no comment.

"A lot of issues, that among them, have been raised in the media," Green said, according to The (Portland) Oregonian. "At this point the attorney general doesn't have any firsthand information about it, so that's the purpose of the review."

The terms of the deal call for $600,000 to be paid to Bellotti on May 1, with the rest in monthly payments of $25,000.

The written agreement includes: "In recognition of his many contributions, UO wishes to assist Bellotti in seeking a transition to other employment opportunities currently available to him."

Bellotti spent 14 seasons as Oregon's football coach before becoming AD in July. Under Bellotti, the Ducks went to 12 bowl games and had a school-record 116 victories.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

4 Days Until Spring Football Starts for the UW and the Introduction of Nick Montana

2010-03-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Spring football is in the air over at Montlake. Practices will be three times per week lasting until the spring game on Friday night April 30th.

Some of the new faces from the recently signed recruiting class of 2010 include:

Running Back's Deontae Cooper and Jesse Callier, QB Nick Montana and LB Victor Burnett.

Practices are open to the public but you must enter through the gate at the NW side of the stadium near the softball complex. Practices generally are in the late afternoon and no cameras are allowed.

Dawgs Won't Ever Advance Without an Athletic Center

2010-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Dawgs men's hoop team for a great late season run but what if...

What if Romar could recruit an athletic center who could run and be a presence in the paint. Washington has not had a true big center in 10 years and without one I doubt they'll ever get past the sweet 16.

OK Fans...These Dawgs Salute You!

2010-03-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Wonder what I mean? Check out this video!

UW Hoops Dancing Dawgs

2010-03-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Washington Picks Up Third Football Commitment for 2011 Class

2010-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

6'2 249 LBS Defensive End Elijhaa Penny out of Norwalk, CA.
Runs a 4.6 X 40

Isiah Thomas' 3/4 Court Shot Makes Front of Yahoo Today

2010-03-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

Amazing shot from 3/4 court.

Oh! If only it had counted! Now the question is: Does that make "One Shining Moment"? It technically didn't go into the game log. Courtesy Yahoo.

Clown Billboard Depicts Duck Players

2010-03-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Eugene KMTR - Somebody has painted a billboard in downtown Eugene depicting several Oregon Ducks football players in clown makeup.

It’s not clear who put up the board, but it is hard to ignore.

The players images have green or yellow painted noses, teardrops running down their faces and clown-like wigs, all in green and yellow.

The billboard has pictures of Jeremiah Masoli, Rob Beard, Lagarette Blount, Garret Embry, Mike Bowlin and LaMichael James—all players who have had off-the-field trouble this season.

Some passersby who saw the billboard say the players are acting like clowns and they think the billboard sends a serious message.

After seeing the billboard, Frank Gonzalez of Eugene said, “They're giving their team a bad name. It's like that saying, ‘One person can ruin it for everybody.’ I feel like they’ve ruined the whole team."

Three of the players on depicted the billboard; quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, kicker Rob Beard and running back LaMichael James, each pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges. Masoli has been suspended for the entire season next year, while Beard and James were suspended for one game.

UW Hoops Picks Up Two Verbals?? Updated 8:28

2010-03-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Per Huskydigest.com, "according to a source with direct ties in the Kentucky Athletic Department, 2010 forward prospects Terrence Jones and Terrence Ross from Jefferson High School in Portland OR have committed to Washington. We are currently seeking confirmation from both kids, but we were also told that they would not make a public announcement until after the Jefferson Democrats season ends."

Terrance Jones is a 6'10" 5 star PF would likely play center for the UW in Romar's offense. Terrance Ross is a tall 6'5" shooting guard who has primarily been considering Eastern schools such as Kentucky, Maryland and Kansas.

I wouldn't bet on this since neither of the more known sites are reporting this as being accurate but I guess time will tell.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Updating this rumor it's now being reported by Scout.com that these rumors are in correct.

In The "This Only Get's More Incredible File" Danielle Lawrie is Perfect Again!

2010-03-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Danielle struck out 14 and threw a perfect game in the first ever night game at Husky Stadium on a chilly damp evening. On only 62 pitches, Danielle twice struck out the side and fanned six in a row at one point. The win lifted the Huskies to 18-1 and boosted Lawrie's record to 13-0 with a 1.07 earned-run average. She has struck out 147 and walked just seven in 85 innings this season.

If you have a kid you need to take them to a home game this spring to watch the greatest female athlete to ever play at the UW and perhaps one of the top 5 athletes to ever play as a Husky.

The 2010 softball schedule can be found here:

The Huskies play Miami at 6 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, UW faces Portland State (6-11) at 3:30 p.m. and Seattle University (1-13) at 6 p.m. Washington and Seattle U. play at 1 p.m. Sunday. Seattle U. plays Miami at 1 p.m. Saturday and Portland State at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Courtesy of the Times.

Oregon's Masoli Won't Face More Than a Three Game Suspension, Wait and See!

2010-03-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Updated 3:38 PM
Masoli pleads guilty. Kelly suspends Masoli for the 2010 season.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Proof Masoli won't get more than a slap on the wrist from Oregon coach Chip Kelly and at the most, a three game suspension to stat the season. Why the first three games? Because Oregon plays New Mexico, Tennessee and Portland State as their non-conference games and two of those games are at home against teams that are substantially weaker. By bringing Masoli back for the fourth game it gives Oregon the chance to win the Pac 10 conference title and with potentially only one loss at Tennessee, they can still play in the national championship hunt with no other losses.

What to expect from today's sentencing? How about a plea bargain and a three year probation.

From KEZI in Oregon

Local lawyer Greg Veralrud of Veralrud & Fowler Attorneys, thinks Masoli is looking at probation time. He said the charges can be treated upfront or after probation as a misdemeanor, and he said it looks like that's what the Lane County District Attorney's office will likely do.

Veralrud said the guidelines don't call for a prison sentence if it's your first offense. For Masoli, he has a prior record. Masoli pleaded guilty for robberies in and around San Mateo, Calif. in 2005. It resulted in his expulsion from Serra High and a stint in the juvenile detention center.

However, Veralrud said it has to be significant enough to put him behind bars which might not be the case. Veralrud said probation can still carry some jail time, but it generally means the offender can adhere to the conditions of probation.

Jeremiah Masoli to Be Charged

2010-03-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

Is this the end of the Ducks season? Will Chip Kelly play double standard and not kick him off the team? We'll see...

Masoli to be in court this Friday.

UW Decides to Keep Coach Jackson, I Think it's a Poor Decision

2010-03-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Scott Woodward announced today that the womens' basketball coach, Tia Jackson, will be back for another season despite another season of losses and poor attendance. I can't help but think that this is more financially motivated with AD, Scott Woodward who probably doesn't want to buy out the remaining two years of Jackson's contract while at the same time having to pay someone else to come in. Woodward said he had seen enough to keep Jackson with the UW winning their three final games earning a sixth place in the Pac-10. "They played hard and had fun" was his comment. Personally I've stopped attending most games over the past three years as the team has looked poorly coached and prepared.

Craigslist Ad Solicits Baby Sitter for Oregon Football Team

2010-03-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Keith for picking this up and to Buster Sports for finding it. Very funny Craig's List ad seeking a baby sitter for the Oregon football team.

RB Curtis Shaw to Leave the UW

2010-03-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

Is looking for more playing time after being demoted to third string last season.

Possible Look of a Black UW Football Jersey

2010-02-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

This could be a potential look for a black football jersey for 2010. I however, would prefer gold numbers with gold pants.

Oregon Screws Up Again

2010-02-25T09:29:00.001-08:00

Loses CB recruit Troy Hill after it was found he played high school ball for five years.

Hang in the Duck fans...eventually everyone has something go right.

More Oregon Football Fun : 2010 Media Guide Released

2010-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure who to credit on this but I've seen it a few places now. We'll just say the folks at Dawgman.

Coach Sark Recruiting California Aggressively!

2010-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

You really can't say enough about Steve Sarkisian, and the job he's done lately recruiting local football talent offering Long Beach Poly's Waller, Jackson.

Read more about his recruiting for the 2011 class...

The Oregon Ducks Circus Continues, Another Player Dismissed

2010-02-21T16:32:00.001-08:00

Jamere Holland kicked off Ducks team prompts the question "Who's Next?".

Promptly after the DUI arrest of Kiko Alonso yesterday, Chip Kelly told the team to essential grow up. Well...that didn't stop Jamere Holland who promptly went on a profanity laced tirade about Oregon football and how he screws up all the time and stays around.

Jamere Holland: "chilln thinking of another status to fuck with the readers heads, I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood"

Jamere Holland: "how the fuck you kick kinko off the team,,, on some weak shit, niggas always faded he slipped up but ive been slippn up, and I'm still here, that shit weak buff cuh could have done damage for the ducks, that shit is weak, weak ass fuck, quote me"

Apparently Chip Kelley decided enough is enough and dismissed Jamere from the team last night.
http://www.ducksportsnews.com/blog/2010/02/jamere-holland-dismissed-from-ducks-football-program/

If I recall, this is the sixth issue this off season for the Ducks!

ESPN's Football "Game Day" Coming to Seattle for the 2010 Nebraska Game?

2010-02-21T09:27:00.001-08:00

Rumors are swirling that ESPN is strongly considering a trip to Seattle on September 18th, 2010 for the Nebraska and Washington game. It makes sense. Strong Midwest audience and beautiful September weather in Seattle. By the 18th classes should be ready to start so there will be plenty of students on hand to add to the atmosphere.

Another Oregon Duck Football Player Arrested

2010-02-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

By my count this is either number five or six since the fall of 2009. Apparently the inmates are running the asylum in Eugene.

Oregon football: Kiko Alonso cited for DUII
By John Hunt, The Oregonian
February 20, 2010, 2:00PM

Mere hours after Oregon coach Chip Kelly answered questions about his team's slew of off-field troubles, Ducks linebacker Kiko Alonso was picked up for drunk driving.

"If a player doesn’t live up to the standards we have for the football program, then they’re not going to be here,'' Kelly said Friday. "But I’m also not going to follow our kids around every Friday or Saturday night so I can see what happened to them.''

Kelly almost made it through Friday night, but at 2:19 a.m. on Saturday morning, Alonso was stopped at the 7-Eleven on East Broadway in Eugene and cited for DUII.

Alonso, an athletic linebacker who will be a redshirt sophomore this fall, had 15 tackles in 11 games in 2009 and forced one fumble, playing primarily middle linebacker behind starter Casey Matthews. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder from Los Gatos, Calif., is also a regular special teams player for the Ducks.

ESPN's Football "Game Day" Coming to Seattle?

2010-02-21T09:10:00.001-08:00

Following up on the success of ESPN's College Basketball Game Day hosted by the UW on February 20th, 2010, ESPN Game Day producers scouted the campus for hosting sites for the upcoming football season. Perhaps a revitalized UW football program and the lure of Jake Locker's Heisman run will be enough to bring ESPN out to Seattle this season.

Coach Sark Considers Wearing a Black "Alternative" Jersey for Football

2010-02-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

Following up on the successful response the Men's hoop team had in creating a black "alternative" jersey, coach Sark is considering creating an alternative version for the football team. Personally, I give a big thumbs up to the idea, especially for night games. My only request would be to have big gold numbers with the black back ground otherwise the team will start to look like TCU.

Pac 10 Expansion To Include the Texas Schools? What is a Super Conference?

2010-02-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Woodward also talked about expansion and said the Pac-10 and the Big Ten have reached out to officials at Texas and Texas A&M. "I'd be surprised if our office is not in contact with them," he said. "I'm sure those conversations have happened and are taking place."

When asked if the league might expand beyond two teams, Woodward said that's a possibility. "It could be two, four or a merger of Big 12. ... There's a theory that at the end of the day there's only going to be four super conferences. Now that it's going to look like, God only knows."

Courtesy of Percy Allen

Recommended New Oregon Duck Jersey

2010-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

With all the off field trouble taking place in Eugene. Perhaps a new jersey is appropriate for the upcoming season. (they may actually decide to do this)

LaMichael James’ girlfriend, according to the police report, said the running back grabbed her around the neck and pushed her to the ground. She complained of pain to her neck and of abrasions from being pushed down in a parking lot.

Danielle Lawrie Throws Softball Opening Perfect Game!

2010-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

Danielle Lawrie got the Washington softball team's season off to a roaring start, throwing a perfect game in the Huskies' 5-0 victory over Auburn on Thursday in the opening game of the Kajikawa Classic.

Lawrie (1-0) faced the minimum 21 batters, striking out 16 in delivering the first perfect game thrown against the Tigers in the program's history.

Courtesy of the Times

New "Owl Like" Logo is Not The Secondary Logo?

2010-02-05T17:55:00.001-08:00

There's been a lot of interest in the new design (above) that appears periodically among advertisements below the scorer's table at Washington Men's basketball games.

The design debuted Jan. 30 at the Washington State game, however, a school spokesman said it is not a new logo, but rather an "in-house graphic to promote Husky athletics." There's no plans by the school to place the graphic on merchandise.

Washington is slowly phasing out its secondary logo, a profile shot of Husky that's been dubbed "The Weasel" by detractors. The school hasn't used the logo in several years, however, marketers have included it on a few items recently.

UW spokesman Richard Kilwien said the school is exploring the possibility of adding a new secondary logo, but said the new horizontal graphic depicting a pair of menacing Husky eyes is not a possibility.

"The W logo is the strength of the University of Washington's athletic brand," Kilwien said

Originally posted on the Seattle Times hoops blog.

2010/2011 UW Early Recruiting News

2010-02-04T08:10:00.001-08:00

35 Scholarship offers for football have already been sent out for the 2011 recruiting class, which signs the first Wednesday of February 2011.

When looking at whether or not to recruit a kid to the UW, the first rule Sark and his staff like to follow is the Lambright rule. "Is he good enough for all Pac-10 Schools?"

The second rule in evaluating a student-athlete is to look at the family and determine what kind of "character" he has.

Star rankings often used by media sites to determine ability have no meaning to the UW staff. "No recruiting system has ever coached a game".

New UW Alternative Logo

2010-02-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Teased at the basketball game last week, you can see the new logo on the display board along the sideline of the court.

2010 UW Recruiting Class Complete Player Bio's

2010-02-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

James Atoe, OT, 6-6 339 The Dalles, Ore. (The Dalles-Wahtonka) --- A late signee to the class. UW coaches saw him in camp last summer and thought about offering then but said they wanted to keep their interest in him as quiet as possible and room finally opened for a scholarship this week. ... UW coach Steve Sarkisian said of Atoe that "this guy is a potential top five NFL draft pick'' citing his size and athleticism. ... Brother Ryan played football at Idaho and in NFL Europe. ... Honorable mention all-state on both sides of the line as a senior. ...

Victor Burnett, LB, 5-11, 213 Culver City, Calif. (Culver City) --- One of four players expected to enroll early in time for spring ball. ... Had 94 tackles and four sacks as a senior. ... Also had offers from Oklahoma, West Virginia and Nebraska along with most of the Pac-10. ... Figures to contend for immediate playing time on special teams. Said Sarkisian: "He's a fantastic player, student body president. Very bright young man, but will also hit you every chance he gets.'' ... 94 tackles as a senior despite missing four games due to injury. ...

Jesse Callier, RB, 5-11, 186 Downey, Calif. (Warren) --- Another who will enroll in time for spring ball. ... Also had an offer from Oregon but stood with his UW commitment. ... Had 3,010 yards and 43 TDs on 300 carries as a senior to lead the state of California and rank seventh in the nation. ... Could contend for immediate playing time as a returner ... Played some QB this year out of Wildcat formation and said by HS coach to have "a great arm.'' ... Said Sarkisian: "He's got versatility. He's not a straight-line guy. He's a guy who can catch, plays receiver, defensive back.'' ...

DiAndre Campbell, WR, 6-1 186 Oakland (Oakland Tech) --- Had 28 catches for 490 yards and 10 touchdowns this season in an offense with a young QB that didn't throw a lot. ... UW coaches like his overall athleticism as he's averaging 20 points a game in basketball and also has done track. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's got lots of versatility and we're keeping the length at the wide receiver position that we like, the ability to jump, similar to Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar.'' ...

Deontae Cooper, RB, 5-11 175 Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill) --- Has already enrolled in school, doing so in January, and won't sign an official letter-of-intent. ... Second in the state of California in rushing as a senior with 2,863 yards in 2009 along with 32 touchdowns in 2009. ... Also had offers from Arizona State, Arizona and Stanford among Pac-10 schools. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's very strong, powerful. I could easily see him being a 220-225-pound tailback. A downhill runner. Very powerful, explosive.'' ... Rivals.com rated him the No. 10 tailback in the country. ...

Mike Criste, OL, 6-5 279 Mission Viejo, Calif. --- Rated the No. 54 offensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com. ... HS team a longtime power in Orange County and team went 22-3 his final two seasons. ... Older brother John Criste is a swimmer at Stanford and he was a competitive swimmer through eighth grade. Said high school coach Bob Johnson: "He's going to be a real good one. His updside is huge and he's a hard worker. Big, tall kid. He'll get to 315, 320 real easily. I think he will play real well for them.'' ...

Greg Ducre, CB, 5-10, 165 Los Angeles (Crenshaw) --- Only true cornerback to sign. ... Also had offers from Arizona State and Colorado. Had 60 tackles and four interceptions as a senior as Crenshaw advanced to state title game. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's a lockdown, shutdown corner. Big-time track guy. He's going to fit extremely well for us. A tremendous man-to-man cover corner and that's what we want to get more to playing is man coverage.'' ...

Zach Fogerson, FB, 6-0 231 Seattle (O'Dea) --- Younger brother of UW junior Johri Fogerson. ... Originally committed to UW in September of 2008 when Tyrone Willingham was still coach and recommitted to the new staff. ... Playing time limited as a senior but ranked among the best fullbacks in the country. Sarkisian said Fogerson should add "an element of maybe something we didn't have this year is the athleticism from the fullback position, the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and run.'' ...

Princeton Fuimaono, LB, 6-0, 196 Long Beach, Calif. (Jordan) --- A versatile player who also was a receiver, tight end and running back in high school. ... Also considered Hawaii, San Jose State and Oregon. ... One of six linebackers signed by UW as Sarkisian said the Huskies had to increase depth and ability at that spot. Said Sarkisian: "You look at him, he can fly around. He puts his face on you. He's athletic, a really nice outside linebacker looking type guy.'' ...

Garret Gilliland LB 6-0 214 Anaheim, Calif. (Orange Lutheran) --- Something of a sleeper after missing much of his senior season with an ankle injury. ... As a junior, named the co-MVP of the high-powered Trinity League alongside current USC QB Matt Barkley. ... Had 85 tackles and 12 sacks as a junior. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's just a great player, very bright, very smart. That's a common theme we need from our linebackers is guys that understand the game of football and have a really high IQ.'' ... Also considered Fresno State and Colorado. ...

Michael Hartvigson, TE, 6-6 236 Bothell --- Also listed at defensive end but likely to start on offense for the Huskies. ... Caught 23 passes and had eight TDs for the Cougars this year as a tight end. ... A Times All-State pick as a defensive lineman. ... Impressed recruiting analysts with his practices at the Team USA vs. The World game last week. ... Sarkisian noted he's also a standout basketball player and said that "we like basketball players. That tells us they have hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. And his frame, in the blink of an eye this guy is a 255-260 pound tight end that has the nastiness to block.'' ...

Micah Hatchie, OT, 6-5, 265 Waialua, Hawaii --- Called "the top lineman on the Islands this year'' by SuperPrep Magazine, which noted his six-foot wingspan and 11-inch hands. ... Also had offers from Arizona, Cal, Oregon, Stanford and Washington State. ... Reported to have a 3.6 GPA. ... Also a good basketball player and also said to be a good kicker. ... Rated the No. 1 recruit in Hawaii by Scout.com ...

Andrew Hudson, DE, 6-3, 222 Redlands, Calif. (Redlands East Valley) --- Also a standout prep wrestler finishing eighth in the state at 215 pounds as a junior. ... From same HS as current Huskies Chris Polk and Marquis Persley. ... Had 57 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's potentially a state wrestling champ in the state of California this year and he's got great hands, got great leverage, which enables him to be a force against the run, and he has the ability and the passion to rush the passer.'' ...

Hau'oli Jamora DE 6-3 250 Laie Hawaii (Kahuku) --- Named the state's Defensive Player of the Year by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. ... Also considered Boise State and Arizona, among others. ... Also a tight end and participates in judo and karate. ... Said Sarkisian: "He can not only rush the passer but he does a great job defending the run. He's physical. He's tough.''

Jamaal Kearse, S/WR 6-2 209, Lakewood (Lakes) --- Younger brother of UW WR Jermaine Kearse. ... Listed at two spots but apparently will get first look on defense. ... Also considered Vanderbilt and Washington State. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's a big kid, anxious to watch to see how he grows. He's got a real frame on him and a presence.'' ...

Erik Kohler, OT, 6-5 304 Westlake Village, Calif. (Oaks Christian) --- Played left tackle for team quarterbacked by fellow UW signee Nick Montana. ... Generally considered the top offensive line prospect in California. ... Listed among the top five guards in the country by both Scout.com and Rivals.com but says he wants to play left tackle for UW. ... Sarkisian says Kohler the epitome of UW's emphasis on the OL this year: "They are all physical, athletic, fit what we like to do,'' he said. ...

Lawrence Lagafuaina, DT, 6-0 336 Aiea, Hawaii (Aiea) --- Named the Oahu Interscholastic League's Player of the Year as a senior. ... Also seriously considered Hawaii, taking a trip there last weekend, before recommitting to UW. ... Also a basketball player and a shot putter and discus thrower. ... Has family and lived in the Seattle area for a while before attending high school in Hawaii. ... Sarkisian said he ran a 4.8 40 at UW's camp last summer. "He has the speed and the quickness for a big man to have an impact on the defensive line,'' Sarkisian said. ...

Nick Montana, QB, 6-3 191 Westlake Village, Calif. (Oaks Christian) --- Son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana. ... Jump started UW's class when he committed last June. ... Threw for 2,636 yards, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a senior. ... Sarkisian said he measured two inches taller than he had been listed by most recruiting sites when he took his visit here last month. ... Said Sarkisian: "He has all the physical tools you could ever want in a quarterback.'' ... Plans to enroll in time for the beginning of spring ball and Sarkisian said he it's realistic to think he could be the starter in 2011. ...

Sean Parker, S, 5-10 204 Los Angeles (Narbonne) --- Four-star safety committed to UW Wednesday morning on ESPNU, spurning offers from Michigan and USC. ... A USA Today second-team All-American and maybe the most decorated player in the class. ... Also had offers from Cal, Notre Dame and Oregon, among others. ... Sarkisian said he was so highly touted because he shows the ability to play pass coverage deep, blitz the QB, play man coverage and also read plays well out of the spread offense. "This guy fits the bill. That's why he's so special,'' Sarkisian said. ...

Cooper Pelluer, LB, 6-3 220 Sammamish (Skyline) --- Originally committed to Hawaii but changed his mind after getting a scholarship offer this week from UW. ... Father Scott was an LB at Washington State and for six years in the NFL and later an assistant coach at UW under Jim Lambright and Keith Gilbertson. ... Uncle Steve a former UW QB. ... Sarkisian compared his style of play to current Husky Mason Foster in saying that "he can cover a receiver and rush the passer. ... We had him earmarked for a long time. It just took a while to get the numbers to where we could get him.'' ...

Colin Porter, OL 6-4 314 Bothell (Bothell) --- Likely to be a guard for UW but Sarkisian said he has the ability to play tackle if needed. ... Ranked the No. 9 guard in the nation by Scout.com. ... Played at Redmond before transferring to Bothell before this season. ... One of seven offensive linemen to sign in this class which Sarkisian said "was a huge point of emphasis for us in this class because we didn't sign any guys at offensive line last year, it was too late in the game. So to come in this year and be able to sign seven of these guys is huge for us.'' ...

Sione Potoa'e, DT 6-2 266 Fort Lewis (Lakes) --- Probably the top prospect in the state aside from Lakes QB Jake Heaps. ... Also seriously considered USC before deciding on UW. ... The first four-year varsity starter at Lakes since 1963. ... One of three Lakes players to sign with UW. ... Sarkisian said he could play immediately for the Huskies. "For him to take a visit or two to some of the top programs in the country and still decide to come to the University of Washington speaks volumes,'' Sarkisian said. ... The only in-state player to sign with UW who was on the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best of the West list. ...

Ben Riva, OT, 6-6 276 Seattle (O'Dea) --- Rated the No. 46 OT in the country by Scout.com. ... Got his recruitment over with early, committing to UW last April after also considering an offer from Washington State. ... Sarkisian said he's another guy who could start out at tackle and move inside if need be. ... Helped O'Dea average 7.5 yards per carry last season. ...

Kevin Smith, WR, 6-0 194 Compton, Calif. (Centennial) --- Something of a sleeper after picking up football late, concentrating on basketball until turning out for football as a high school junior. ... The MVP of the Pioneer League and also a standout returner, had TDs of 87 yards on a kickoff and 70 on a punt in the same game this year. ... Likely to be right in the mix for the Huskies as a returner. ... Sarkisian said he has a 40-inch vertical leap and said he would compare him in style to Terrell Owens. "He looks and reminds you of a young Terrell Owens,'' he said.

Taz Stevenson, S, 6-3, 205 Mililani, Hawaii (Mililani) --- Rushed for 352 yards and four TDs and caught 23 passes for 329 yards and three TDs playing RB and WR as a senior. ... Listed as an athlete by UW but Sarkisian indicated he will start out in the secondary as a safety. "He's in the mold of (Sean) Parker in that he can play man-to-man coverage and still play the deep half (in zone),'' Sarkisian said. ...

Colin Tanigawa, OG 6-3 291 Los Angeles (Loyola) --- Helped protect Loyola QB Jerry Neuheisel, son of former UW coach Rick Neuheisel. ... Also considered the Bruins before picking UW. ... Rated the No. 28 guard in the country by Rivals.com. ... Said Sarkisian: "He's a nasty, tough kid, hard-nosed. He projects to be an inside guy.''

John Timu, S, 6-1.5, 195 Long Beach, Calif. (Jordan) --- Missed most of senior season after suffering ACL injury in second game of the season. Due to his injury, will delay enrollment until January and grayshirt and will officially be a part of the Class of 2011. ... Was QB of HS team and also handled kicking duties. ... Sarkisian called him "a fantastic athlete'' and said opposing coaches raved about the overall impact he had on games. ... Was the Moore League Player of the Year as a junior. ...

Darius Waters, OLB, 6-1 227 Lakewood (Lakes) --- All-State 3A pick as both a defensive lineman and a tight end. ... Also had an offer from Cal but committed to UW last March and never wavered. ... One of three Lakes players on the team alongside Kearse and Potoa'e. ... Sarkisian called him a "physical, tough player'' that will "put his face on you.'' ...

Brent Williams, DE, 6-2, 186 Woodland Hills, Calif. (Taft) --- Some teams were concerned about his weight and UW was his first offer and he accepted it quickly. ... Sarkisian said he thinks Williams will fill out and be able to make the transition to becoming a pass-rushing DE. ... In fact, while school lists him at 186, Sarkisian said he's up to 205 and is "getting to where he needs to get to.'' ... Set a school record with 17 sacks as a junior. ...

Chris Young, LB, 6-1 215 Auburn (Auburn) --- Also a standout RB at Auburn but will start out on defense for the Huskies, which he said he prefers. ... Still has some academic issues to clear up and his ability to enroll may not be known until the summer. ... Another early commit to UW, giving the word last March. ... Was suspended late in the season for an off-field on-campus incident but Huskies didn't waver in keeping their commitment of a scholarship. ...

Credit to Bob Condotta of the the Seattle Times.

Josh Shirley Last Minute Change to UW?

2010-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Crabtree just posted on the rivals Yahoo chat that he hears Shirley to USC is now in doubt and to look out for UW!

Sean Parker Chooses UW

2010-02-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

ESPN's 150 Safety committed to the UW choosing the purple UW hat over USC and Michigan on national TV. # 6 safety nationally

2010 Signing Day Comes This Wednesday

2010-02-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

The UW should have 30 kids officially signing this Wednesday (Feb 3rd) with a class that is generally considered to be a top 20 nationally ranked class. The class is very balanced with some highlights being the signing of 6-7 offensive linemen, the son of a famous NFL QB in Nick Montana and two of the top three yardage gaining running backs from the west coast this past year, one of which is already enrolled in classes at the UW.

A breakdown of the class will be posted once signing day has been completed this week.

Washington Loses Kicker To Oregon

2010-02-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

While trying to finish off the football class of 2010, the UW lost one of their prize commits from last June to Oregon on a random chance meeting in a parking lot with an Oregon coach that inspired top rated kicker Alejandro Maldonado of Colton, Calif to visit the U of Oregon this past weekend. Inspired by the glitz of Oregon's facilities and Nike's money, Maldonado reversed his commitment and called the UW coaches on Saturday to inform them of his decision, a conversation that most likely didn't go well.

For the record, that makes two UW commits for this class that have been poached by Oregon within the past two weeks.