State of WAC

States of the former WAC

I woke up yesterday morning and like usual turned on ESPN while eating breakfast. Low and behold, some of the best sports news I had seen all summer, BYU was to join the Western Athletic Conference for all sports but football. The Cougars would have to come to Logan every year and play basketball against the Aggies in the Spectrum. It seemed as if this summers conference shake-up was going to be a good thing for everyone including, a Boise State-less, Western Athletic Conference.

That was until the Mountain West poached Fresno State and Nevada, two of the premier WAC football teams, yesterday afternoon! Leaving the WAC with the following six schools, Utah State, Idaho, San Jose State, Hawaii, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico State. Six teams spread across six states, with no natural rivalries and limited historic rivalries. This is a very bad situation. Only two of the state are even neighbors!

I was opposed to the idea of super conferences (Texas & Oklahoma going to the PAC-10) this summer because of the ruining of rivalries and the large geographic distances that would separate the institutions, but in reality those conferences could survive that. The WAC with six teams, can not. And I am not willing to pay another increase in student fees so that Utah State's athletic teams can travel to Ruston, LA and Honolulu, HI because ESPN and its TV money do not want to support a conference with just six teams.

Honestly, I don't know what can be done and I have absolutely no power to do anything about it. So in theory, this blog is more of a rant than a solution, but if I were in charge of the WAC, this is what I would try and do; entice Montana to move up from the Big Sky and Wyoming to move back from the Mountain West, all the while still getting BYU's sports for everything besides football.

Montana could be looking to make the jump from the FCS Division and into the Bowl Divison. They have done just about everything in the FCS and they could see this move as their chance to make it on the national scene. Boise State made the jump less than 20 years ago and look where they are now! The WAC is a depleted conference football wise and the Grizzlies could quite possibly have a winning record in their first season. They would restore a rivalry with University of Idaho by doing this too. Wyoming would make the move for similar reasons; a chance to play in an easier conference, keep its long standing ties with BYU for all other sports, and create new rivalries with schools such as Montana and Utah State.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the WAC, the 6th oldest conference in the Bowl Division, hopefully it will still be around by the year 2011.

Red Numbers

I'm not really into tooting my own horn but yesterday I had a pretty good day, no, a really good day on the golf course.

I've been playing golf seriously since I was 13 and had had some pretty good days out on the course. I probably was probably the most talented the summer after my senior year of high school. There are so many shots and rounds from that summer that I will always remember, a four-under-par 30 on the back nine at Twin Falls Muni, a 155 yard 7-iron over trees and within feet for a win at the Pressbox. But for as much skill as I thought I had, my mental game was not quite good enough to allow me to do what I did yesterday.

Yesterday, for the first time in my life I shot under par on 18 holes. It was a one-under 71 at my home course with nothing more than a few dollars and pride was on the line. Playing with a guy I had always looked up to on the golf course as he was an elite high school player and I lowly freshman, Mike, my best friend, Derek, and one of Pocatello's new up and coming high school golfers, Ryker, it was the perfect afternoon.

I had shot 74 a couple times this summer but it had been a couple weeks since I had played golf well. Now I can't wait to get back on the course! I have one more golf goal this summer and that is to shoot in the 60's. I think I'm close...

p.s. One of my best friends, Benji Bosen, a kid that has always had the upper hand on me on the golf course gets home from his mission in less than a week! Can't wait to play a round with this kid, its been over two years!

Watch Your Words Boise State

Boise State is preparing to play its last season in the WAC and though the football season doesn't start for another month their is already controversy as the Broncos don't seem to be ones who like to maintain in-state rivalries.

"Why would we (go to Moscow)?" Broncos Coach Chris Petersen. "I don't think our fans even like to go up there. Most of Idaho's fans are in Boise anyway."

Boise State President Bob Kustra added, "I frankly don't care whether we ever play 'em (Idaho) again as long it goes. I don't see any reason to do it in Boise, but if somebody sees a reason to do it in Boise, fine.”

"It’s a culture that is nasty, inebriated and civilly doesn’t give our fans the respect that any fan should expect when visiting an away game," Kustra continued.

Really?! Have you ever been to one of your own football games? Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of good friends, who are good people and Boise State fans, but the two times Boise State has come to Logan to play my Aggies, Bronco Nation has been the "nasty, inebriated" culture that doesn't give even the home teams fans respect. If the people up in Moscow are as bad as Kustra says, it must be hell on earth and I highly doubt that. Florida and Florida State, Texas and Oklahoma, USC and UCLA, play each other every year and I am sure those fans are a lot worse to each other than some farm boys in Idaho are to each other. If you have read my blog before you know I am all for rivalries and tradition which makes me all against not playing this game! Yes, Boise State has won 11 straight games but Idaho is an up and coming team winning eight games last year. Overall BSU only holds a slight advantage at 21-17-1. Idaho continued to play BSU when the series was 17-10. So stop making excuses.

This whole ordeal is nothing out of the ordinary for the Broncos. In 1994 Boise State University made plans to move out of Division 1-AA's (now FCS) Big Sky Conference and into Division 1-A's (FBS) Big West Conference beginning in 1996. The team was off to a hot 6-0 start before coming into Holt Arena of Idaho State University. Two years earlier in 1992 the Bengals unvieled a play called the "Globe of Death," which led Idaho State only its 5th victory over the Broncos, and still had Bronco Nation upset. The game was dubbed by BSU officials as the "last visit to Pocatello."

Well as it stands, it was also the Broncos last lost in Pocatello. The Bengals had ended the Broncos perfect season in a 32-31 victory. Luckily for Boise State their run at a National Championship because of the playoff system in Division 1-AA. The loss to the Bengals was their only loss besides in the 1-AA National Championship.

So let it be that on November 12 in Moscow, ID if Boise State loses this time, the hopes of a national championship are out the door. Maybe Coach Pete and Pres. Kustra need to be a little more cautious before running their mouths or history just may be relived.

Motocrossed

My uncle owns the motocross track in Pocatello and though I am not huge into the sport, tonight was the seasons big race so my sister and I went out to help with it. It was a a blast! The riders are fearless. Here are some pics from the races. My sister is in the pink and my little cousin, Colter, is the racer in the bottom two pictures.

New Jazzmen

The Jazz made some big moves this last week with the acquisitions of Al Jefferson and former Jazzman Raja Bell. I was a little worried that the Jazz were not going to do anything this off-season and just watch key players head off to the Chicago Bulls.

Jefferson is a 6'11" Forward/Center who was originally played for the Boston Celtics but was shipped off to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. Jefferson averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. "Big Al" is two years younger and a million dollar a year cheaper than keeping Carlos Boozer.

Bell previously played for the Jazz from 2003-2005. He brings a 41 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc and "good perimeter defender." Bell will replace rookie sensation Wes Matthews who signed a very good deal with the Portland Trailblazers.

It will be interesting to see how the team takes shape this fall. Draft pick Gordon Hayward was announced as the best rookie at the Orlando Summer League and could make a big splash on the team. I doubt there will be anymore big free agent signings and it is still unclear if Memo will be healed in time for the start of the season. That being said I believe this team is slightly better than last years but still will only get the fourth seed in next years playoffs. Here is my expected starting line-up for the 2010-2011 campaign.

C- Al Jefferson

F- Paul Milsap

F-Gordon Hayward

G- Raja Bell

G- Deron Williams

I think Kirilenko and Okur will come off the bench with C.J. Miles and Ronnie Price to add veteran support to the younger players.

AT&T Park

AT&T Park
Home of the San Francisco Giants San Francisco, CA
Date Opened: April 11, 2000- Los Angeles Dodgers 6, San Francisco Giants 5
Capacity: 41,915
Games Attended: June 14, 2010 Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles 10-4

Location & Accessibility (0-5): 5
Just going to throw this right out there, I love AT&T Park. Located in downtown San Fran, we hopped on a bus at our hotel and were dropped off just a block away from the park. The park is right on the bay, simply beautiful.

Historic Value (0-5): 3
Barry Bonds hit his record breaking 756th Home-run and many other significant jacks here. The park hosted games three through five of the 2002 World Series when the Giants faced the Angels in the Fall Classic. AT&T Park played host to the All-Star Game in 2007. Originality (0-5): 5 As I mentioned the park is right on the bay. Its the only place that a player can hit a home-run into a natural body of water. The Giants have hit 52 balls into the awaiting kayakers in McCovey Cove, while opponents have added another 20.

Fans (0-5): 4
Always cold when I go to baseball games but the difference in San Fransisco is that the fans are used to it. There was a large crowd out on a Monday night when the team was playing a poor team. The fans are very supportive of their team. They have the coolest hats with ear muffs that look like panda bears in support of third baseman Pablo "Panda" Sandoval. The outfield fans are very rowdy and lead cheers throughout the game.

Fun Factor (0-5): 4
A huge coke bottle with slides in the outfield along with many other games for the kids. The park also has A Build-a-Bear workshop where you can build mascot Lou Seal. The night we attended a game was "Halloween in June." A female fan was an exact look-a-like of "The Freak," Tim Lincecum.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 3
I didn't find any unique restaurants at the park and the general concessions were a little over-priced. However, the smell of garlic coming off the the Gilroy Garlic Fries was irresistible and they tasted as good as the smelled.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 5
This was a great place to take in a game. The atmosphere is amazing, the people are fun and the team is good. Dress warm and be ready for a great night at the ballpark.

Total Score (0-35)= 29

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

"King" putting on a Jesters Show

I hate the Los Angeles Lakers. I hate how they always win. I hate Kobe and his cocky attitude. And I hate Laker fans. Besides the New York Yankees there is no professional franchise I hate more.

That was until this last week, when LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat. I understand that LeBron needed to leave Cleveland because he didn't want to be "31 with bad knees and no championships." I just hate how he did it. A one-hour TV special to announce his decision, literally bringing many Cleveland fans to tears. Then to top it all off, a huge coming out party for the "Three Kings " in Miami. I would like a party like this next time I sign up for classes, before I ever receive an A, take a test, or even step foot in the classroom. Get what I am saying? At this moment the Heat don't have enough players signed to play a game much less win a championship. What else would we expect from a man who proclaims himself "King" with no rings though?

So if it comes down to it this next June and James and the Heat find themselves playing Bryant and the Lakers, it will be the only time I won't be chanting Beat LA.

LeBron's Twilight Saga

Last night, at midnight, many people were anticipating the release of the new Twilight movie. Tonight, at midnight, an event will take place that will eclipse any summer movie release. Tonight, at midnight, an event begins that may change sports forever. Tonight, at midnight, when the calender turns from June to July, the NBA free agent period begins!

It will be the breaking dawn for any team lucky enough to land LeBron James and other big names such as Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh.

As I understand it, there are five teams seriously in contention for the services of Mr. James; the Caviliers, Bulls, Knicks, Nets, and Heat. Every day a new, news story breaks about how "it is certain Lebron will land at such and such a place with such and such people."

I honestly have no idea where he will go. It has to be hard to resist the temptations of the Big Apple and South Beach. I don't think Chicago is the place for Lebron though, the city is a rival with Cleveland and I do not believe LBJ could fill the shoes of MJ.

In Cleveland it would be as dark as a night with a new moon if Lebron leaves the Cavs. Knowing me at all, you know I am all for sticking with your hometown values. Saying that, my respect for James would significantly go up if he played until his twilight years with the Cavs, but it is not my decision.

So LeBron, whos team are you on?

New Season, New Logo, Same Old Draft Pick

(Gordon Hayward practicing in Energy Solutions Arena prior to Butler's Sweet 16 game in this years NCAA tournament. Hayward led the Bulldogs to the championship game, where they fell to Duke.)

With the 9th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Gordon Hayward.

There has been a lot of criticism of this pick. It was predictable. Not flashy one bit. The man fits into the system and most likely will produce. The Jazz have had a winning record in 26 of the last 27 seasons and its because of picking reliable players. But what I and the rest of Jazz fans know, is that Hayward probably will not bring us that illustrious NBA championship. I am not hating on this guy yet, I would have just liked to see the Jazz trade up in the draft in get somebody like Udoh or Monroe. We need one of those players to avoid another one those sweeps that we experienced against LA Lakers in the second round of this years playoffs.

On a side note, The 12th Green would like to point out that the newly reveled logo was just as predicted in this post. I love the music note! Not a huge fan of the color scheme on the mountain logo though (seen below).

Cool as a cucumber, but tough as nails

The sports anchor for the local news station use to do an event each summer called the "Great 18," where he would play one hole of golf per week at a course around the area versus the course pro and a local contestant. About 7 years ago, when I was 14, I applied to be the contestant. The contestant had never been a kid before but after calling the course pro to see if I was legit enough to play on TV, Dave Reichelt agreed to let me play against him on the "Great 18."

I still remember the day pretty well... We were to play my home hole, the 12th at Highland. I hit a couple poor shots but was able to make a 15 footer to save par and tie Dave. I was pretty proud of myself to not make a fool of myself on local TV! When the hole aired the next week, Dave introduced me as the title of this blog reads. It was a great compliment coming from an adult.

Flash forward to this year. For the league match play tournament at the course, my first round opponent? None other than Dave Reichelt. We played our match yesterday and I had Dave on the ropes being 3-up with 3 to play. However, I'm not as tough as I used to be. I let him back into the match, losing holes 16 and 17. On the 18th I conceded Dave his par and had a four footer left to win the match. A miss and we would be heading into a sudden death playoff. Still as cool as that cucumber though, I put the ball in the cup and moved on to the next round. Another great day on Highland Golf Course!

The Open Trip Review

(The Champion, McDowell)

It doesn't feel possible that I can already be back from California and the U.S. Open already. It was quite the trip from Pocatello to San Fransisco to Pebble Beach. I've had a couple days to think about the trip and a new champion has been crowned at the Open so here are some quick thoughts about my past week.

• San Fransisco is my new favorite city. (If you haven't been there, go!)
• Pebble Beach Golf Links is the prettiest place I have ever been to.
• AT&T Park could be my new favorite ballpark.
• A little dive of a town called Moss Landing between Santa Cruz and Monterrey could have the worlds best food. Phil's Fish Market and The Whole Enchilada, both so good!
• Pebble Beach isn't quite as good as place to watch a golf tournament as Torrey Pines in San Diego is.
• The prices for concessions and merchandise is ridiculous at the Open. But I guess that's what it takes to pay the $7.5 million purse.
• It was quite neat to Tom Watson play golf in person!
• My heart goes out to Dustin Johnson who blew the big lead today in the tournament.
• It also goes out to amateur Morgan Hoffman, who plays for Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK, who took a nine on hole 18 after hitting two balls in Stillwater Cove.
• What happened to the killer instinct of Tiger? And what happened to Ernie and Phil? The tournament was theirs for the taking.
• Congrats to Graeme McDowell! How cool is it to be the first European to win the U.S. Open in 40 years! I hope he keeps it going.. Golf needs some up and coming consistent pros.

Well that's it for now. I'm ready to go play some golf. I've still got that dream of playing in an U.S. Open someday! I think I might be able to break 100 on that course... ;)