Quick Response Salvaged Fame

Sat., Jan. 9, 1999

D.F. Oliveria For The Editorial

Momentum’s an important intangible in sports. One side revs up and appears to be surging to victory. The other side is back on its heels trying to hold on. Neither team owns the “Big Mo,” however. It can switch sides in the time it takes a quarterback to throw an interception.

Local fans saw momentum flow back and forth in the University of Idaho’s upset win over Southern Mississippi in the Humanitarian Bowl at Boise Dec. 30. First, the southerners were ahead by two touchdowns. Next, our boys were ahead. Then, Southern Miss tied the game in the fourth quarter and seemed poised to win - only to watch the Vandals drive 68 yards for the decisive score.

The Idaho win touched off pandemonium. The Little School That Could had gone from 112th - dead last - in the preseason polls to a bowl victory. Senior linebacker Ryan Skinner and UI President Bob Hoover hugged at midfield. Alumni reached for their fat wallets. Everything was rosy.

Then came the post-game fumble.

In a heartbeat, Hoover tumbled from on top of the world to the first major crisis of his administration. Only hours after Idaho’s magical win, a coach and several players were involved in a drunken melee in downtown Boise. Some witnesses described the scene as “a near riot.” Two players were arrested on misdemeanor charges.

At that point, Hoover, Athletic Director Mike Bohn and Coach Chris Tormey could have done what many other colleges do when hit with possible NCAA violations. Duck and run for cover. They didn’t. They handled the controversy quickly, appropriately. Assistant coach Dionicio Monarrez Jr. was fired for his role in the fracas. An internal investigation was ordered to decide whether NCAA rules were violated. Players Wil Beck, 19, and Keith Cosseboom, 22, were to be dealt with after they’re done with court.

The Boise Police Department was pleased enough with UI’s handling of the matter it dropped further investigation.

“We were all on one of those wonderful highs,” Hoover said, “and then within 12 to 15 hours to have this occur was terribly disappointing.”

Unquestionably, the excessive celebration dampened what should have been a glorious week for the Vandals and their fans. Yet, the arrests in downtown Boise served as a reminder that being a champion means acting like one on and off the field. Thanks to the decisive actions by administrators, it’s safe to say the Vandal sports program, on the whole, is worthy of its championship.

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