Just Talkin’
They spoke. We wrote. And, hopefully, you were moved to cheer, chuckle, question, ponder or throw up your arms in disgust.
1995, verbatim:
“I told (athletic director) Pete Liske that this Big Sky football is going to kill me.”- Idaho first-year football coach Chris Tormey, after his team used up most of a 33-point halftime lead to hold off Montana 55-43.
“Sixteen years is too damn long.”- Post Falls football standout Austin Lee, after Trojans snapped losing streak dating back to 1980 to Lewiston, 41-20.
“This was a six-week game plan, let me tell you. We told our kids since we lost to them that the road to Pocatello goes through Post Falls.”- Lewiston football coach Nick Menegas, after his Bengals upset Post Falls 30-27 in a state semifinal, avenging prior loss.
“I don’t know what it is, but it’s happened to us in (19)85, ‘91 and now this year. I’m beginning to think that’s (my team’s) destiny every time we make the playoffs.”- St. Maries High football coach Curt Carr, after losing a heartbreaker, 27-26, to Emmett in the first round.
“The thing that impressed me about (Idaho women’s basketball coach Julie Holt and volleyball coach Tom Hilbert) is how they got along. They called me together, they recruited me together. They were totally willing to work together so I could play both sports. I sensed the other (schools) just tolerated the idea. “- Sandpoint two-sport star Alli Nieman, after signing a letter of intent to attend Idaho.
“If they (the Vandals) can get in (the playoffs) with a 6-4 record, they’re magicians.”- BSU football coach Pokey Allen, whose team was manhandled 33-13 by Idaho, which did qualify for the playoffs.
“He’s a finesse wrestler. He’s not a brawler. He’s a little conservative. It fits his personality. His mom is a minister and he’s got a bunch of sisters.”- North Idaho College wrestling coach John Owen, on 190-pounder Orlando Jordan.
“We’ve had prettier wins, but not more satisfying wins.”- Sandpoint girls basketball coach Duane Ward, following a 53-46 win over defending State A-1 champion Lake City.
“This college has grown and grown and grown. There’s been a lot of progress here and I’d like to think name recognition (of NIC via athletics) has been part of that. We’re well respected throughout the Northwest. We should apologize for that?”- North Idaho College men’s basketball coach Rolly Williams, defending the costs of competing in a far-flung athletic conference.
“He hit a one-hopper at a guy at second base in Master’s (League) and broke the guy’s arm.”- Coeur d’Alene softball player Don Reid, talking about Marlin Harris.
“It (Logan, Utah) is a real nice place to live. The people here are friendly, skiing’s close by. And my daughter’s talking to me again.”- Former Idaho football coach John L. Smith, whose 13-year-old daughter, Kayse, gave him the silent treatment after Smith left Idaho for Utah State.
“The first one ever is quite a feeling. We worked so many hours, it relieves all the frustration and creates real excitement for us. It’ll be just as special 20 years from now as it was Friday.”- Lake City football coach Van Troxel, following school’s first win, 15-6, over Lakeland.
“We just picked a helluva good time to play a great game.”- Lake City boys basketball coach Jim Winger, after defeating Post Falls for the Region I championship.
“I went 12-15 this year, so it wasn’t any surprise that I wasn’t nominated for coach of the year. But we held our own banquet at my house last night with my wife and two daughters. I didn’t get nominated there, either.”- Idaho men’s basketball coach Joe Cravens, announcing an award at Spokane banquet.
“She was throwing aspirins that day.”- Lake City softball coach Dwight Wilson, on pitcher Kelly Nelson, who struck out 11 of 16 Moscow batters.
“From first place to last place in two weeks. Not good.”- NIC baseball player Evan Metz, describing the Cards’ late-season swoon.
“I begged them, ‘You’re not going to hold me to that, are you?’ I’ve got to go out and recruit and do things and I can’t be looking like some donkey.”- Idaho track coach Mike Keller, reneging on a promise to let his team shave his head if UI won the Big Sky championship. Instead, Keller’s mustache was clipped.
“I asked (West Valley coach) Joe Feist, ‘Would you guys mind dressing in Lake City’s uniforms for us?”’- CdA boys basketball coach Larry Bieber, in hopes his team could muster a similar effort against West Valley as it had in whipping rival Lake City.
“I thought we were in a punt, pass and kick contest.”- UI basketball coach Joe Cravens, referring to a several instances where his players kicked the ball out of bounds against Eastern Washington.
“It’s a great ending to a long four years. No one will ever forget this.” Lake City senior girls’ basketball player Nicole Nipp, following the T-Wolves’ state championship.
“I’m guaranteeing these girls we’re not going to feel like this again at Coeur d’Alene High. As long as I’m there, we’re not going to be a fifth-place team again. Period.”- CdA girls’ basketball coach Sheila Sharp, in the aftermath of a long season.
“When I ask these guys to shoot free throws and see how many they make in a row, I have to stop (Derek) Jennings at 25 to get on with practice.”- Kellogg coach Dave Roberts, on Jennings’ foul-line accuracy.
“The departure of a football coach, in any situation, shouldn’t surprise anyone.”- UI president Elisabeth Zinser, following John L. Smith’s departure to Utah State. Soon thereafter, she, too, departed, for Kentucky.
“Basically they said I wasn’t qualified. What the hell does he (athletic director Pete Liske) think I’ve been doing the last five years? Obviously he doesn’t look down the hall and see what’s going on.”- UI assistant coach Art Valero, after being passed over for the head football coaching position.
“When I was little, I never got the ball. Then I grew and they still wouldn’t give me the ball. So I just went and got it.”- Idaho basketball player Harry Harrison, on learning to rebound.
“Jim Rome can wait.”- NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, choosing to smack golf balls at the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s floating green rather than bolt to the airport to catch a flight for an appearance on Rome’s TV show.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 photos