COUGARS

The 2010 football season gets underway today. Well, not really. It probably started back in December some time, but we'll say it starts today because this is WSU's first day on the practice field with the coaches. But before we get out there, we have to check out the morning reading material. We have it for you on the link. Read on.
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• We put up our spring preview in its raw version yesterday afternoon, along with some notes. But we have a few more. ... Wulff had a teleconference yesterday and, with the Seattle media focused on the Huskies' NCAA run (rightfully so), it was sparsely attended. But he did mention a few things. ... He said he's starting to see the improvement he hoped in the weight room now that most players have two years under the big, wide leather weight belt. Last year, WSU had five players who could clean 300 pounds, "which is not that much," Wulff said. Now there are 30, with 17 within 15 pounds of that mark. As he said, it was obvious the Cougars' physical strength was not up to par with their opponents last season. ... Again, Wulff emphasized the importance of the offensive line jelling together. ... He was asked about the won/loss goals for next year and Wulff said he didn't have any. It's a moving target. He does, however, have a goal that his team play to its potential, play tough, hard-nosed football every game and play as well as it possible can. ... Also, one other note. Saw defensive tackle Josh Luapo yesterday and his right arm is in a cast. Seems while Luapo is recuperating from knee surgery - injured against USC last season - it was decided to fix a bad wrist as well. Asked Wulff about it and he said Luapo will be recovered from the wrist surgery before he's cleared to practice with the knee. ... Now to the football links. ... Freelancer Howie Stalwick had this spring preview in the Kitsap Sun and other papers. It looks at a number of key questions the Cougars will try to answer in the spring. ... That's it for spring, though there is this bit of news concerning Ryan Leaf. ... Arizona has a new athletic director and he shares something in common with actor Jim Caviezel. Do you know what it is? (Answer at the end of the post.) ... One last link, this one basketball related. And it's to another story on the Sports Illustrated cover boy.

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• That's all for this morning. We'll be back after practice this afternoon and an appearance on Dennis Patchin's radio show with our summary of the first day. And here's your answer: Both Byrne and Caviezel attended George Raveling's Cougar Cage Camp. Until this evening ...

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