Vandals get set for first practice on Saturday
In the last few weeks, University of Idaho football coach Nick Holt has been all over southern Idaho for booster functions, went to the WAC media days in Reno, visited the coaching staff at Syracuse University and he just returned from the Governor’s Gala in Boise.
Saturday he has an appointment closer to home and his heart: Idaho’s first practice at 3:45 p.m. at Wicks Field.
“We’re ready to go,” Holt said. “It’s just been busy, but we’re excited to get it started. All the kids have gotten bigger, stronger and faster over the summer.”
About 65 Vandals worked out in Moscow the last few months. Holt said attendance reached 70 a couple of weeks ago. One notable absence is Jarrod Schulte, who started at center last year. Schulte, who tore his Achilles’ tendon before spring drills, is academically ineligible. Redshirt freshman Adam Korby is a leading candidate to start at center.
The competition for starting quarterback will draw the most attention. Incumbent Michael Harrington, younger brother of Detroit Lion Joey Harrington, is being challenged by JC transfer Steven Wichman.
The Vandals will have to wait to make their debut on the new SprinTurf practice field just east of the Kibbie Dome. The project probably won’t be completed for about two weeks.
Future schedules
The Vandals will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline when they open the 2006 season against Michigan State in East Lansing. The Spartans are coached by John L. Smith, who guided Idaho to a 53-21 record and two Big Sky Conference titles from 1989-94. Holt was on Smith’s staff at Idaho and Louisville.
It figures to be the largest payday in UI history: $650,000.
“There should be some interest because of the John L. connection,” said Idaho athletic director Rob Spear, who has declined offers to play Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas State. “We’ll be underdogs, but we’ll show up and compete.”
The Vandals will also face Palouse neighbor Washington State and entertain Eastern Washington in the Kibbie Dome in 2006. UI’s and EWU’s athletic directors have agreed on terms and are expected to sign a contract soon.
There was some talk of an Idaho-USC matchup, but it never turned serious. Holt coached at USC before taking the Idaho job last season. The Vandals finished 3-9 a year ago.