In brief: ’99 Zags return for fundraiser

Basketball: Players and coaches from Gonzaga’s magical 1999 NCAA tournament run will be on hand to support the eighth annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising event, hosted by GU head coach Mark Few (in photo) and his wife, Marcy.

The 1999 Zags advanced to the Elite Eight under then-head coach Dan Monson. Scheduled to attend this weekend are former players Matt Santangelo, Axel Dench, Quentin Hall, Casey Calvary, Ryan Floyd, Mike Nilson and Mark Spink, as well as Monson, ex-assistants Billy Grier and Scott Snider and team manager Aaron Hill.

“It seemed only fitting that 10 years after the Zags stepped onto the national scene with a tremendous run in the NCAA tournament we would bring them back together to honor their accomplishments, as well as Fr. Tony (Lehman) who was the true Zag,” Mark Few said. Lehman died of cancer in 2002.

There will be a two-day golf tournament, beginning today at Circling Raven, and a black-tie dinner/auction Saturday night.

In seven years, Coaches vs. Cancer has raised over $3.4 million, the majority of which goes toward cancer research and programs through the American Cancer Society.

– Jim Meehan

Freshman to be SC’s starting QB

Football: Freshman Matt Barkley was named No. 4 Southern California’s starting quarterback on Thursday.

With an outstanding performance at training camp, Barkley beat out sophomore Aaron Corp to get the start in the Trojans’ season opener against San Jose State at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sept. 5. Coach Pete Carroll unexpectedly announced his decision several hours before practice and two days before USC’s mock game.

Barkley was perhaps the nation’s most sought-after football recruit last year at Orange County’s Mater Dei High School, the alma mater of former USC quarterback Matt Leinart. After choosing the Trojans, Barkley graduated from high school one semester early to participate in spring practice.

Corp, in his third year at USC, was named the Trojans’ starter out of spring ball, but Barkley took advantage when Corp missed two weeks of workouts this month after breaking a small bone below his left knee.

Associated Press