If you’re in or around Bozeman today you’re probably in the mood for some football and basketball talk, since the spring blizzard that’s blanketing the Gallatin Valley has already left a few inches behind and there’s no real end in sight. On the gridiron, The Sports Network’s new FCS Editor Craig Haley is proving to be as good at providing FCS news as he is prolific. Today, he has a look at the subdivision’s newly-expanded playoff format and several other topics. Really great stuff. Also, for a more universal look at the future of the FCS, check out The National Football Foundation’s look at impending additions to our level of college football.
With the last stop on his self-described ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, Will C. Holden has more good stuff on spring football drills around the Big Sky Conference on the Bozeman Chronicle’s web site, specifically NAU’s quarterback situation. Will takes a statistical look at the production of Big Sky quarterbacks relative to what surrounds them and to their first breakout season. With a tip of the hat to Jason McEndoo, my suggestion when analyzing offensive production is to start up front.
Northern Arizona’s sensational wing Cameron Jones may have passed on the chance to enhance his personal finances by withdrawing from the NBA Draft on Wednesday, but he emphatically enhanced the Lumberjacks’ chances in the 2011 Big Sky Conference race.
Idaho State men’s basketball coach Joe O’Brien inked another international big – really big – man on Wednesday. Kamil Gawrzydek, at 6-11, 260 lbs, comes to ISU from Poland via North Platte (Nebr.) CC. He joins 7-0, 240 lb Lithuanian Deividas Busma to form the Big Sky’s most imposing post duo. Gawrzydek is Idaho State’s eighth and final signee, leaving the Bengals and Bobcats in a flat-footed tie for most 2010-11 newcomers. Whether Gawrzydek finds a family restaurant as sensational as North Platte’s Merrick’s Ranch House in Pocatello is an open question.
The Portland State’s men’s program added its second junior college guard in a week, while the Vikings women have also retooled the backcourt.
Finally, it was a sad day when legendary sportscaster Ernie Harwell passed on this week. It has been said that he, perhaps, said thank you more than any other American in the past 60 years or so, but I’d like to thank him. Mr. Harwell brought tremendous grace and dignity to my favorite game, and to professional sports and sports in general, pursuits which often need that touch.
Have you ever wondered how it would sound had Harwell called college football? Wonder no longer. And if you’re interested in treating yourself to a Harwell tribute delivered by a fellow legend, check out Vin Scully’s opus during the first inning of a Dodgers' game on May 4.
--Bill Lamberty
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