Fast Break
Olympics
Olsen will carry Denmark flag
Former University of Idaho shot putter Joachim Olsen has been selected to carry the Denmark flag during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The Olympic bronze medalist in 2004, Olsen becomes the first Danish track and field athlete to head the delegation since 1928 when hammer thrower Marius Jorgensen carried the flag.
The 30-year-old Olsen competed at Idaho from 1999-2002, winning the NCAA shot put crown in 2000. He threw an outdoor best of 70 feet, 10 3/4 inches last year, and will make his 2008 competitive debut May 24 in Halle, Germany.
NFL
Ex-Coug boosts contract with Jags
The Jacksonville Jaguars gave defensive tackle Rob Meier a bigger contract to go along with his bigger role.
Meier, a nine-year veteran out of Washington State University, signed a four-year contract extension Thursday. He is replacing three-time Pro Bowler Marcus Stroud in the starting lineup this season.
Although financial details weren’t immediately available, Meier said the new deal would pay more than the $2.1 million he was due in the final year of his previous contract.
Teammate and defensive end Paul Spicer failed to show up for the team’s first voluntary workout while seeking a new contract.
Football
Shock assistant signs with AFL
Spokane Shock assistant head coach Matt Sauk signed a contract to play quarterback for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League.
Last season Sauk played for the Grand Rapids Rampage and the Los Angeles Avengers. In 2006 he was with the Philadelphia Soul, completing 65 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Shock coach Adam Shackleford, who coached Sauk when he played with the af2 Louisville Fire in 2005, said he expects Sauk back when the AFL season ends.
The final regular-season game in the AFL is June 21. The Rattlers are in second place in the Western Division with a 4-6 record.
The undefeated Shock, who play Tri-Cities at 4 p.m. Saturday, finish the regular season on July 26.