Friday morning WSU post
COUGARS • UPDATED: 10:10 A.M.
Friday means a lot of things this time of year around a college campus. We won't get into most of them, but in Pullman it means a day off from spring football. No practice today, as Washington State readies for its penultimate scrimmage of the spring. It's scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday morning in Martin Stadium. Of course, the on-field scrimmage pales in comparison – to some – to the off-field happenings Monday night in Spokane. That's when WSU will reveal its new Nike-branded uniforms (and not just football, but other sports as well). Yep, the tension and anticipation around here is palatable. We'll bite our tongue (and hope we don't bleed the wrong color of crimson for goodness sakes), refrain from any snarky comments and just say, read on.
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• Washington State: The Cougars worked out yesterday on a nice, sunny, warmer-than-expected afternoon. And Paul Wulff's countenance afterward was all those things as the WSU coach was pleased with the day. Not pleased with the handful of players nicked up and watching, but pleased with the workout. We had some practice notes last night and a short feature on sophomore Damante Horton, who is blossoming into a strong cornerback – and least from what I can tell. ... With basketball over, we were also able to get back on the college baseball beat this week and we have a notebook. Gonzaga's success is at the forefront, but there are also some WSU notes and quotes as the Cougars prepare to host UCLA this weekend. Just scroll down. It should be around 50 degrees and clear for the first pitch tonight. One item that didn't make the paper concerned Chad Arnold. Coach Donnie Marbut said he'll be allowed to throw up to 100 pitches in his start Saturday. UPDATE: California announced today enough money has been raised so that baseball will continue as an intercollegiate sport. That means there will be 11 baseball teams in the Pac-12 next season (Colorado does not play).
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• Around the Pac-12: Lots of news this morning, so let's get to it. ... Washington: The Huskies' football assistants are in the fold for another couple years. ... Oregon State: Nothing. ... Oregon: Looking at it now, the Dana Altman hire may have been the best move Pat Kilkenny made while AD in Eugene. ... Colorado: Safety Ray Polk came to Boulder as a running back and may carry the ball again someday. ... Utah: The defense is a work in progress, but one that seems to be improving. ... California: Hey, something on the Bears. They need a new quarterback and there are a handful of applicants. It looks as if Beau Sweeney is on the outside looking in. ... Stanford: The Cardinal lost their two-way starter, but his replacement on offense could be every bit as good on that side of the ball. ... USC: Mark Sanchez was in LA and talked with the team. ... UCLA: The Bruins will be using the Sports Arena for most of their home basketball games next season as Pauley Pavilion gets its facelift. ... Another Bruin goes down with a football injury, though this doesn't seem serious. ... Arizona State: As Washington State gets ready to unveil its new uniforms, the Sun Devils are getting ready to unveil, well, something. ... Arizona: Basketball decisions seem to be on the backburner everywhere right now.
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• That's it for this morning. We'll be back today if events warrant. Until then ...
