Grip on Sports: The only constant for sports fans is worry

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Yes, fan is short for “fanatic,” a word that is synonymous for zealot or partisan. But I wonder if it wouldn’t be better if the word fan didn’t have something to do with worry or apprehension. That would seem more appropriate. Read on.

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• Yes, fans are zealous in their support of their heroes and teams. They will go to great lengths to let you know of their support, whether that be flying a flag at home or saying silly stuff on social media.

But deep down most fans seems outright scared most of the time.

OK, that might be too strong a word. Anxious. Apprehensive. Nervous. Those all work better.

Be honest. No matter how good your team is, aren’t you always a little worried it will go south in a moment’s notice?

Take Mr. Huskylover right now. His school is riding high, ranked in the top 10. A football playoff semifinalist last season. One of the best teams in the Pac-12 in this one.

But don’t you think he’s run scenarios in his mind about what would happen to his favorite team if Jake Browning were to drop out of school this afternoon? Or if Chris Petersen was lured away by the Seahawks? Anybody want Ty Whittingham back?

Mr. Huskylover isn’t alone.

Mrs. Cougarfan worries about Luke Falk’s health every day. She’s sure Mike Leach is going to be lured away by Miami or Arkansas or someone. And, despite the fact Washington State is 3-0 for the first time in 12 years, she remembers what happened in the rest of 2005. And frets it could happen again.

Her Cougars are four-touchdown favorites this weekend. All she can think about is USC in a week. Then she begins to worry her team might be doing the same thing. An ulcer is forming somewhere.

Stevie Eaglenut knew his Eastern guys were going to start 3-0 en route to another national title. Until the day before the Texas Tech game. Then he began imagining the Eagles losing in Lubbock. And against North Dakota. And in New York. And Missoula. The dread kept him awake at nights.

The Seahawks offense has Hawkwoman biting her nails, or claws if you will, each Sunday. She loves Russell, worries every snap he’s going to lose his head – literally – and thinks Tom Cable should be roasted over an open pit. Along with Darrell Bevell.

Thankfully, there’s the M’s. No expectations. No worries. No chance.

Mr. and Mrs. Moose spent the summer sitting in their Cano jerseys, watching their team on television, joking about Dave Sims and talking about the M’s making the playoffs.

Then they would look at each other and start laughing.

They knew what was coming.

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WSU: The Cougars host Nevada tomorrow. The Wolf Pack’s offensive coordinator and the Washington State head coach have a longtime connection. Theo Lawson examines the ties that bind Matt Mumme and Mike Leach. It’s Matt’s dad Hal (pictured). … The Times’ Stefanie Loh also looks into the connection. … Sports Illustrated has an interesting story about Leach that harkens back to the Mumme years. …  Nevada is a distinct underdog headed into tomorrow afternoon’s game. … Which game is more fun, college or pro football?

Elsewhere in the Pac-12, Jon Wilner was able to find some ratings for the Pac-12 Networks. They weren’t good. … It’s another day of picks from different sources. … Before Washington and safety Taylor Rapp play in Colorado, the focus seems to be on a former Husky now playing for the Buffaloes. … The weekend begins tonight with Utah’s stout run defense trying to limit Arizona’s outstanding running game. … Arizona State has wilted in some of its games but Oregon has had trouble scoring in the second half. … USC will probably throw more screen passes against California than it will use quarterback sneaks. … UCLA will have to play like a team possessed to defeat Stanford. … Finally, we will probably be hearing a lot of these type of discussions over the next few months.

Gonzaga: It’s already been a successful season for the Zag women’s soccer team. Jim Allen tells us how successful in his college soccer notebook. … Basketball season isn’t that far away.

EWU: The most successful kicker in Eastern Washington history has had to overcome a series of leg injuries to reach that plateau. Jim has a story on Roldan Alcobendas (pictured). … Jim also held a live chat yesterday and posted a transcript. … Around the Big Sky, something is going on with Montana State’s kicking game before the Bobcats’ key matchup at North Dakota. … Southern Utah is hopong to start the conference season off right in Sacramento. … Cal Poly always makes it tough on opposing defenses. Northern Arizona isn’t any different. … Fresh off an upset, Idaho State opens conference play at Northern Colorado.

Idaho: The Vandals may be known for their passing offense, but they can run the ball effectively as well. Peter Harriman has a story today on the rushing attack.

Preps: The weekend football games began last night at Albi Stadium with Rogers defeating Ferris for the first time in 20 years and Mead routing Shadle Park. … We can also offer roundups from volleyball, girls’ soccer and slowpitch softball.

Chiefs: The Western Hockey League regular season begins tonight for Spokane with a road game at Prince George. Kevin Dudley has a look at the upcoming season and the tough road the Chiefs will have to navigate to be successful. … Seattle will be defending the WHL title.

Mariners: The season is about over and the M’s are finishing on a streak. The wrong type, sure, but a streak. Though one Seattle columnist wants to help. … Last night’s 4-2 loss to Texas came in a game manager Scott Servais labeled a big one. … In patching together a starting rotation this season, general manager Jerry Dipoto may have very well given the M’s the depth they need for next year. … There will be more netting around home plate at Safeco.

Seahawks: Michael Bennett is pushing the NFL on social issues. … Wilson thinks the Hawks are just a couple of plays away. … Maybe a revamped offensive line can help them happen. … There are injuries to deal with this week.

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• As you may know, my sister is a UCLA fan. And who do UCLA fan’s hate? USC. So she’s flying up next week to sit in the Martin Stadium stands and root for WSU. Or against USC. I’m not sure which. By the way, summer ends today. Sorry. Until later …