From: CougarFan Insider Subject: News Recap (7/18/2000) Date: 18 Jul 2000 09:23:41 -0600 CougarFan.com News Recap (7/18/2000)

Selected articles included here. See all the latest news at:  http://CougarFan.com
 
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Cougar D-Backs Will Get Baptism by Fire vs. FSU (Provo Daily Herald)
See:  http://www.heraldextra.com/dh/dhtoday.nsf/Sports/2E62E2363F30E5CF8725691A001DFD3E

True, Florida State graduated its top three receivers from the past year.  Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans and Laveranues Coles will all play in the NFL this year.  But it doesn't really seem to matter.  Quarterback Chris Weinke, who is about 37 years old by now, returns, and most preseason publications have pegged Florida State to repeat as national champs.

All this should be especially worrisome to BYU considering its current situation at cornerback.  BYU would have been green enough with the loss of two-year starters Brian Gray and Heshi Robertson, who finished their eligibility last year.  Then came word that promising sophomore Jenaro Gilford will miss this season after being charged with burglary.  Now the Cougars are back to a place they've been all too often -- relying almost entirely on incoming junior college transfers to man the corners.

So now it's basically up to Danny Phillips and Derrus Wilson to be heroes.  Word is Phillips, 6-foot-1, 190-pounder from Cerritos JC in California, may be as good as or better than any corner the Cougars have pried from the JC ranks so far.  Wilson is supposed to be skilled but small.  >From Blinn JC in Texas, he is listed at 5-9, 180.  And what a welcome these two will receive.  Here are your skis and poles, Danny and Derrus.  Now go tame that triple black diamond.
 

Ainge:  It Couldn't Be Better (Salt Lake Tribune)
See:  http://www.sltrib.com/2000/jul/07152000/sports/67401.htm

When Danny Ainge called a news conference to confirm he was quitting, and explained his reasons, all familial, skepticism arose.  In today's NBA, who gives up $5 million for quality time with his children?  Rumors flew that Ainge was pressured to quit.  "Sometimes, I wish I had been forced out," he says.  "Then, I'd still be collecting a paycheck.  Most of the skeptics came from the outside.  Of all the media members in Phoenix, the ones who know me, 99 percent of them knew my reasons were sincere.  I miss coaching, but I don't regret my decision.  A lot of people would like to do what I did, but can't," he says.  "I have enough money to support my family.  I'm fortunate."

"There are great rewards to being a father," Ainge says.  "Seeing your kids succeed in school, watching them make it through the teenage years, seeing them make good decisions with so much going on around them.  It brings peace to me. . .  My life is good, it couldn't be better."
 

One Year Later:  WAC, MWC Know Success Is Crucial for Survival(Deseret News)
See:  http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,175020029,00.html?

Although not many people gave the WAC much of a chance of survival when its eight top teams left to form the Mountain West Conference last year, it could be argued that the WAC has outperformed the MWC in their first year as separate entities.  In both football and men's basketball, the WAC enjoyed one of its finest campaigns in its 38-year history.

While representatives from neither conference consider the other any bigger of an opponent than any other conference, it's obvious that comparisons will continue be made between the two for years.  This article compares how the two measure up in different areas such as TV contracts, bowl affiliations and scheduling.  Overall, the MWC seems to be poised to make greater progress, but only time will tell.
 

Olympic Pursuit:  Athletes Gear Up for Chance of a Lifetime(Deseret News)
See:  http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,175019208,00.html?

Some aficionados believe the Olympic track and field trials, began last Friday in Sacramento, is the best track meet in the world, because of the depth of the talent and because of its all-or-nothing format (the top three finishers in each meet make it to the Olympics -- the rest don't).  It is such a merciless, cut-throat format that even the likes of Carl Lewis and Dan O'Brien have been forced to watch their specialties from the stands.

This article gives details on the 29 Utahns who participated in the trials.  Of that group, 20 were from BYU; 16 are BYU women and nine of those are middle-distance and distance runners.  "At the last Olympic trials we had only one runner," says Coach Pat Shane, whose BYU women's team has won two of the last three NCAA cross country championships.  "Our distance program has gone crazy."

Some BYU athletes who have qualified and will represent the USA in Sydney this year are Jason Pyrah (2nd in the 1500 meters run) and Amy Palmer (2nd in the hammer throw).  BYU women claimed four of the top five spots in the 3000 meter steeplechase (an exhibition sport until 2004), all of them breaking the previous American Record.
 

Men's Basketball Hits Top 25 (BYU NewsNet)
See:  http://newsnet.byu.edu/noframes/show_story.cfm?number=10276&year=current

A pre-season basketball poll at FoxSports.com has BYU ranked near the top 25, and although Coach Steve Cleveland is grateful for the compliment, he downplays the importance of it.  "I had no idea we were ranked so high," Cleveland said with a laugh.  "Those rankings are for the fans and the media," Cleveland said.  "I'm not too concerned with them.  I also think those rankings are a little premature.  We have a number of young players again this year," Cleveland said.

Senior guard Nathan Cooper took a similar stance.  "It's always nice to get the recognition, but you have to prove it on the floor," Cooper said.  "If you look at it as a pressure thing, then it can be hard -- but I think it's fun."
 

Detmer Highlights Hall of Fame Inductions (BYUCougars.com)
See:  http://cobra.neticus.com/all/releases/20000711_ath_rel.html

Ty Detmer showed he remains the likeable Cougar as he joined four others last weekend at the inductions ceremonies for the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame.  Detmer, now living in Austin, Texas, joined trainer Earlene Durrant, sports publicist Dave Schulthess, volleyball All-American Sari Virtanen Stevens, and baseball All-American Michael Willes as the 24th class inducted to the hall since its beginning in 1975.

"I knew I had a chance when Robbie Bosco got in," a grinning Detmer said of his former coach who was the last quarterback inducted in 1995.  Other former BYU quarterbacks who have been inducted into the hall include Steve Young (1994), Gifford Nielsen (1987) and Virgil Carter (1977).
 

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------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "CougarFan.com" Subject: News Recap (7/31/2000) Date: 31 Jul 2000 16:48:57 -0600 CougarFan.com News Recap (7/31/2000)

Selected articles included here. See all the latest news at:  http://CougarFan.com
 
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2000 Preseason Football Predictions (CougarFan.com)
See:  http://cougarfan.com/teams/football/2000preseason.html

Well, it's that time of year again.  With less than a month remaining until college football is off and running, bold prognosticators are telling us how the season will go. CougarFan.com has put together a comprehensive list of preseason rankings and predictions at the above URL.  We've compiled information and links from sources like The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and dozens of other respected sports outlets.  Check back often as more information is added.
 

Staley Ready to Run (Standard-Examiner)
See:  http://www1.standard.net/stories/byu/07-2000/FTP0144@byu@31mwcfb@Ogden.asp

Luke Staley, last year's freshman running back phenom, will be ready for the team's season opener against defending national champion Florida State in the Pigskin Classic.  Just two weeks ago, Staley was one of the Cougars' list of question marks.  The deceptively quick, hard-nosed running back had surgery during the off-season to reconstruct a torn ACL in his left knee and tighten a partially dislocated right shoulder.

Several publications guessed that Staley would either redshirt the 2000 season or at best begin playing in late September.  But when Staley reported to school last week, he told his coaches he was ready to play.  "I'm good.  I am very happy with where I am right now," said Staley, who still needs clearance from the BYU doctors before he can step on the field.  "I think I am at least 90 to 95 percent.  I am very close to where I was last year.  I'm really excited to put the pads on and get some contact," Staley said.  "Just to get out there and run around will be great."
 

Texas Freshman Joiner Nice Fit for BYU (Provo Daily Herald)
See:   http://www.daily-herald.com/Dh/dhtoday.nsf/Sports/017719683F07A95F8725692A00223EEB

At first glance, Isiah Joiner is far from your typical freshman.  The BYU newcomer from Sealy (Texas) High enters his first year of college with a wife and two kids already in tow.  Of course, as Joiner pointed out, he might not be so different after all.  This is Provo, where young couples are as plentiful as jewelry stores.  "Around here, I'd say I'm pretty common," Joiner said.

Listed as a running back when BYU signed him, Joiner will play cornerback for the Cougars.  "As long as Luke Staley is here, I'll play defensive back," Joiner said.

"We're kind of loaded at running back," said BYU cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell.  "(Joiner) could compete there, but why have him possibly sit when he could contribute over here immediately?  His athletic ability will get him a lot of reps this fall," Mitchell said.  "He's going to get as good a look as any of the other guys."
 

Charlene Tagaloa Makes U.S. Women's VB Squad (Deseret News)
See:  http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,180008196,00.html?

Former BYU All-American Charlene (Johnson) Tagaloa has made the final cuts to land a spot on the 12-woman U.S. Olympic Volleyball Team.  With the Cougars, Tagaloa ended as the career assists leader (5,3210) and a 109-16 overall record en route to three WAC championships and BYU's first NCAA semifinal appearance.  The heralded setter earned all-region honors all four years and All-America accolades her final two seasons in 1993 and 1994.

Tagaloa trained briefly with the U.S. team in 1996 leading up to the 1996 Atlanta Games; however, she saw the handwriting on the wall that an Olympic opportunity was not likely, so she departed for Switzerland for a two-year playing stint before returning to the national team.  The starting setter on the U.S. squad since 1999, Tagaloa has still had to fend off all comers expecting to easily unseat the 27 year-old "old-timer" at the setter's position.
 

Jepsen Says Yes to BYU Comeback (Salt Lake Tribune)
See:  http://www.sltrib.com/2000/jul/07292000/sports/7690.htm
See also:  http://www.sltrib.com/2000/jul/07252000/sports/6588.htm

Bart Jepsen, a 6-foot-8 forward from Roswell, N.M., told Coach Steve Cleveland he intends to return to Brigham Young this fall and walk on to the basketball team, the coach said Friday.  Jepsen, who averaged two points as a freshman in 1997-98 before serving an LDS Church mission, will redshirt this season while recovering from a broken ankle he suffered in January.  He will return to scholarship status, with three seasons of eligibility remaining, in 2001.  Jepsen had toyed with the idea of transferring elsewhere, but hopes to play big minutes for the Cougars when four other post players are lost to graduation or missions following the coming season.
 

NFL Updates (Various)
See:  http://www.starnews.com/sports/coltscentral/articles/cnotes0728.html
See also:  http://www.ucjournal.com/StoryLink.php3?id=1478718&c=1130302&s=8
See also:  http://www.sportsline.com/u/ce/multi/0,1329,2622236_59,00.html
See also:  http://www.spokane.net/news-story.asp?date=073000&ID=s832654
See also:  http://www.spokane.net/news-story.asp?date=073100&ID=s832956
 

With the NFL preseason underway, we wanted to let you know the latest on several past BYU players.  Rob Morris made headlines last week as he signed a five-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.  He wasn't deemed ready for the Colts' preseason opener against the Falcons yesterday, but should be ready to take the field in time for the team's September 3 regular-season opener at Kansas City.  In an ironic twist of fate, the Colts waived Matt Johnson to make room for Morris on the 80-player roster.  Fellow rookie Byron Frisch signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Meanwhile, Ty Detmer threw two touchdown passes as the Browns beat the Philadelphia Eagles 33-22 Sunday in the preseason opener for both teams.  Detmer completed 12 of 14 passes for 128 yards, and directed three TD drives for Cleveland.  Two other former Cougs performed well over the weekend in controlled scrimmages at the Seahawks' camp.  Kevin Feterik stepped in and threw a couple of touchdowns when starter Jon Kitna faltered in the red zone on Saturday morning.  The next day, Itula Mili helped Kitna to look good, hauling in several passes, including an 11-yard touchdown.
 

Other Articles featured at CougarFan.com
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Copyright 1999, CougarFan.com

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