Hard Work Has Payoff For Mencke Spokane Qb Likely To See Action Saturday Season Opener

Paul Mencke wasn’t alone, but almost.

The offensive line, the running backs, the coaches, the managers, everyone, except Mencke and a couple of receivers, had deserted the practice field and headed for the showers long ago.

But the Washington State sophomore quarterback couldn’t bring himself to leave.

Just a couple of hours earlier, right as Cougars practice was starting, coach Mike Price pulled Mencke aside and told him he was going to be a part of Saturday’s game with Illinois.

Now, he was cherishing that thought and getting in a little extra practice.

“This is what I’ve been working for, and now I’m going to get my shot,” said Mencke, a Lewis and Clark High School graduate.

That shot will more than likely come in the second quarter in relief of starter Steve Birnbaum against the Fighting Illini.

“He deserves a chance to play,” said Price. “He’s worked hard this fall and needs to be given a chance.”

But, Price cautioned, that chance will not be a reflection of how Birnbaum has played in the preseason or his play in Saturday’s opener “I probably won’t substitute Paul Mencke based on Steve Birnbaum’s performance,” Price said. “I’ll probably substitute Paul Mencke based on his earning a right to play.

“He will play unless it’s a real close game and Steve’s playing really, really well and we can’t afford to make a mistake. Then, I may not play Paul.”

Mencke was 28 of 49 for 345 yards with four scores and one interception in WSU’s four preseason scrimmages. He also added a 56-yard run.

His performance stoked the flames of a quarterback battle, but Price has never wavered in his support of Birnbaum. Mencke never expected him to, he just wanted a chance.

“Getting the news put a smile on my face,” the 6-foot-5 right-hander said. “I’m just going to go in there and have fun and hopefully everything will fall into place.”