Grip on Sports: A rite of spring arrives today with the Cougars
A GRIP ON SPORTS • It’s going to be a typical spring day in Spokane, with one atypical event: Washington State will hold its spring football game this afternoon at Joe Albi Stadium. Read on.
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• Since Bill Moos took over as WSU athletic director a handful of years ago, he’s made a concerted effort to keep in touch with the Spokane side of the school’s fan base.
The most visible of his efforts is on display today.
Sure, there was a time in the distant past the Cougars played actually games in Spokane – I remember watching Randall Cunningham punt and pass for UNLV against WSU back in 1983 – but those days are as dead as Julius Caesar, to quote Sean Connery in “The Untouchables.”
The need for Albi Stadium expired back in the 1980s and are never coming back, not with the expansion of Martin Stadium making Pullman a destination on fall Saturdays.
Heck, the new-look of Martin has rendered even the Seattle game obsolete, so there’s that.
But that doesn’t mean Washington State still doesn’t need Spokane. A huge part of its football fan base lives in the county, and Moos wants to keep them involved. One of his outreach projects is today’s spring game. (It’s really a controlled scrimmage with restrictions, but that’s more than enough this time of year.)
The one thing about late April in Spokane is the weather is sort of a crapshoot. There is always a chance of showers – that’s the forecast for today – but it could be worse. It could snow, though that’s pretty rare. A thundershower is not out of the question most years, so it might be a good time to count your blessings if you intend to attend.
After the winter we just went through, anything is possible. As it is, expect mid-60s with scattered clouds and a chance of showers.
On the field, the Cougar coaches tried to divide up the teams fairly, with some of the starting offensive linemen – Andre Dillard and Cody O’Connell – assigned to both teams. The idea is to keep it simple and keep it competitive.
And, especially in the stands, to have fun.
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• WSU: As could be expected, Jacob Thorpe breaks down everything you will need to know for the Crimson and Gray game, with an advance, five players you should watch and the rosters of both teams. He also has a way-too-early 2017 depth chart. The game begins at 2 p.m. … The Times’ Stefanie Loh has a story on new defensive line coach Jeff Phelps. … The baseball team hosted Washington yesterday and picked up a 5-4 win with an 11th-inning bases-loaded walk. … Elsewhere in the Pac-12, former Mt. Spokane High star Drew Rasmussen has reportedly been cleared to pitch this weekend for Oregon State. … In football, Washington has a big man returning but also lost a big part of its receiving corps. … Oregon’s biggest and best running back came back. … The Duck defense is being revamped again. … Utah went looking for more toughness this spring. … In basketball, another Washington player decided to stay with the new staff. … USC dipped into its past to fill its vacant women’s post.
• Gonzaga: Another of the Bulldogs’ key players put his name into the NBA draft sweepstakes this week. Johnathan Williams will not hire an agent, however, so he will be eligible to return if he wants. Jim Meehan has more in this story. … There is also this photo gallery of Williams’ play this last season.
• Idaho: The Vandals took their football team on the road yesterday, holding a scrimmage in Lewiston. Pete Harriman has this story for us. … Guard Victor Sanders will test the NBA waters, but he won’t hire an agent so he can return.
• Empire: Spokane hits the road today, facing the Arizona Rattlers. The game is a test for the Empire, as Josh Horton explains in this advance.
• Mariners: The offense seemed, well, inept last night against the A’s on the road. It’s those last three words that are important, as Seattle is 1-8 this season away from Safeco. Dave Nichols has his Mariners Log and we added links.
• Seahawks: John Schneider has built a pretty solid team in Seattle. He’s had some good teachers. … It looks as if most of the missing veterans will be at voluntary practices next week.
• Sounders: Will Bruin should see more of a role with the offense against the L.A. Galaxy on Sunday.
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• Surprisingly, my computer worked nearly flawlessly this morning. I’m not sure why. Voodoo? Until later …