Quick, let’s get this done
A GRIP ON SPORTS
We are under a time constraint here, one that many of you have faced over the years, so we're keeping it simple. And real. Read on.
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• The time constraint: An early tee-time. Got to get to the course. Then from there to the radio studio. That, my friends, in a nutshell, is the modern-day retirement scenario. Work in the morning, play golf, work in the afternoon. Have dinner with the still-gainfully-employed wife, then off to bed. Get up the next day and work again. Retirement my eye. Well, there is the golf in there, which was not the case in the working years. As for keeping it real, that's just one of those old-school sayings that I've always loved. And never thought applied to me. Only the cool kids "kept it real." Guys like me, no chance. Really.
• By the way, if you are at Indian Canyon this morning, you'll recognize me. I'll be the guy hacking away in the woods, muttering under my breath and, finally, yelling to my playing partner, "just give me a $%&#& eight!" Golf. Got to love it.
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• WSU: The days before the Aug. 31 opener at Auburn are melting away fast, so Mike Leach has little patience for mistakes and/or lack of concentration. How does he respond? By pulling a freshman walk-on off the scout team and up with the starters. He did just that yesterday and Christian Caple decided to introduce us to the fellow who was thrust into a starter's role, albeit for one practice. Christian also passes along post-practice videos, has a few notes on what else went on down in Lewiston and a morning post with links. ... The Associated Press preseason poll will be out soon and here is one man's rankings. ... Polynesian football players will have their hall of fame soon. Bet one of the Cougar assistants will be inducted quickly as will one of their former quarterbacks. ... WSU released its non-conference basketball schedule. No Seattle game this year.
• Gonzaga: It's a story that's been told before, but here is a nice synopsis of Brock Osweiler's journey from Gonzaga basketball commit to NFL quarterback.
• EWU: The Eagles, ranked third nationally, took the practice field for the first time Wednesday and Jim Allen was there. He has a story on the first day and a blog post. Throw in a morning post with links and you are covered.
• Shock: There are few rivalries win the Arena Football League that are more intense than Arizona vs. Spokane. And there are few with more on the line more often. Jim Meehan has a story today on this weekend's matchup with an Arena Bowl berth going to the winner. ... Jim also has this post that delves deeper into the tiebreaker snafu.
• Sounders: Seattle fans got to watch their new hero, Clint Dempsey, practice for the first time yesterday and he didn't disappoint. Not during practice, in which he impressed his teammates, or afterward, when he signed autographs and talked with the media. He'll play this weekend. And he'll be ready to play at CenturyLink in another 10 days or so. ... Jimmy Fallon had fun with one of the Sounders.
• Mariners: Given the offensive ineptitude of the past few years, there is no way the M's would have won a game after falling behind 7-2 early. But this year's team does have some firepower and it showed, with a six-run fifth inning leading the way to a 9-7 comeback win over the Blue Jays. ... The two biggest stories: The bullpen, mainly Brandon Maurer, picking up Aaron Harang and Nick Franklin (pictured) shaving. Oh, and he broke an 0-for-27 slump. ... Young guys. What can you do?
• Seahawks: The road to the Super Bowl begins in San Diego tonight for that all-important, season-defining first preseason game. Of course, I'm joking. Nothing that happens tonight – baring a major injury – should have much effect on the upcoming season. But it is a chance to see the Hawks (or most of them anyway) for the first time. That includes rookie running back Christine Micheal. ... But not Early Doucet, cut due to an undisclosed injury. ... The backup quarterback job has to be decided in the preseason. ... Real Salt Lake eliminated Portland in the U.S. Open Cup.
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• The Mariners' game went so long yesterday we didn't get on the radio afterward. But we will be back on the Patchin, Lukens and Osso show today starting at 3 p.m. and you can listen here. Until then. ...
