Sometimes we all take sports way too seriously. I know I do, as evidenced by the last week where I've spent countless hours reading every last morsel of information I could find on fall camp, oblivious to more important issues. Eventually, the real-world will give you a reminder of how trivial things like fall camp, or the basketball schedule can be.
Thursday provided one of those reminders as Vince Grippi, our go-to source for WSU coverage, announced on his blog that his wife Kim will undergo breast cancer surgery today. Fall camp quickly takes a back seat to real life. Fortunately, it sounds as if the cancer was diagnosed early enough that the prognosis is positive.
Football will always be there tomorrow, but today my thoughts are with Kim, Vince and the Grippi family.
Football Links
This and that from WSU - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 18, 2011
The afternoon practice is over and I'm not exaggerating by saying it certainly lacked the intensity of the morning workout. I don't know if it was because the players were in shells (helmets, shoulder pads and shorts) or if it was because coach Paul Wulff was MIA, headed to Spokane for an evening event, or if it was because of something else. Despite the lack of intensity, there is news, so read on.
Football Practice: Another Two-A-Day - WSUCougars.com
The Cougars went through its third two-a-day of fall camp Thursday, working out in full pads for two hours in the morning before coming back for a 70 minute practice in helmets and shoulder pads in the afternoon.
While you were on vacation ... WSU - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The final entry of 12 quick updates on offseason Pac-12 goings on. Washington State in a sentence Washington State improved in 2010 but it must win games this fall in order for coach Paul Wulff to retain his job for a fifth season.
Grading the Depth -WSUFootballBlog.com
Happy Thursday Cougs!!! Cougar football is getting closer and closer by the minute and after following this team through spring and fall, I'm ecstatic to see what is to come for 2011. That's the first time I've been able to say that in years.
Jeshua Anderson Is Still Awesome Link
Anderson Advances to Final at World University Games - WSUCougars.com
SHENZHEN, China -- Jeshua Anderson advanced to the Friday final in the men's 400m hurdles Thursday at the 2011 World University Games (WUG) in Shenzhen, China.
Other Links
Cougars Name Garrett Clegg Men's Golf Coach - WSUCougars.com
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University has named Garrett Clegg to direct its men's golf program, WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos announced Thursday. Clegg replaces Walt Williams, who resigned his position last month.
Boosters Gone Wild: How The Culture Of College Athletics Encouraged Nevin Shapiro - SBNation.com
The culture of college athletics and the system designed to reward boosters with access makes it all too easy for a donor to fly off the handle. Nevin Shapiro was the latest example, leading to a massive scandal at Miami.