HCA: You can own River Cracraft’s ‘Hilinski’s Hope’ cleats

For a few games in December, Denver Broncos receiver River Cracraft took the field with a set of specially designed Hilinski’s Hope cleats as part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program.

The former Washington State Cougars receiver had been teammates with Tyler Hilinski, who died by suicide a little over a year ago, and he decided to use his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues with athletes.

Now, he’s using those cleats to raise money for the foundation created by the parents of his deceased friend to carry on Tyler’s legacy. They’re being auctioned off by the NFL, and at last check, the highest bid was $360. If you’d like to own a little piece of memorabilia from one of WSU’s favorite sons while also benefiting an organization that’s doing some ambitious and amazing work in the field of mental health for student athletes, you can bid here.

Baseball wins!

Tod Fierner

It’s been a rough start to the season for the Cougars, who were swept in their four-game season-opening series against Saint Mary’s. The Gaels are good, but still, that sucked. In game one of series two, the Cougs really turned it around — freshman starter Brandon White and junior reliever Owen Leonard combined for a one-hitter as the Cougs rolled, 10-0.

Game two is tonight at 6 p.m. You can stream it here.

AREA COLLEGES: Cougs lose no-hit bid in ninth in win over Broncos | Sports | lmtribune.com
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brandon White left the mound with a no-hitter intact in the seventh inning and reliever Owen Leonard nearly sealed the deal as Washington State dumped Santa Clara 10-0 in a baseball game Thursday night.

White, Leonard Combine For One-Hit Win Santa Clara - Washington State University Athletics
Brandon White struck out nine in 6.1 no-hit innings Thursday.

More on NCAA Compensation

Relevant to yesterday’s conversation, here’s Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News interviewing economist Andy Schwarz about a case making its way through the courts that could have a profound impact on the collegiate economic model. It’s worth a listen.

Links

Hercules Mata’afa appears to be medically cleared - Daily Norseman
Could he have a spot on the Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 roster?

Pac-12 spring practice: North division preview – Marin Independent Journal
The Cougars have a load of returning starters, particularly on offense, and plenty of veteran second-stringers — all of which is better than having inexperience across all units. But how will Leach recreate the sense of urgency that fueled the ’18 run when he has so many incumbents?

Grip on Sports: If you love basketball, this is the right time of the year for you | The Spokesman-Review
The Cougars are starting to be a tough out. That’s an improvement on earlier this year.

Cal could be college basketball's worst power team this century | SI.com
Cal has yet to win a game in a historically weak Pac-12, and the outlook is bleak when you look at just how bad things have gotten in coach Wyking Jones's second season.

Tennis battles pair of familiar foes Friday in Pullman – The Daily Evergreen
The wait is over as Cougar tennis returns home to host a doubleheader Friday in Hollingbery Fieldhouse. The newly ranked No. 15 Cougars (8-1) will battle Brigham Young University and Seattle University. Head Coach Lisa Hart said she expects teams to get after the Cougars more as they continue to rack up the victories this...

Puyallup basketball, behind Munson, pursues state tournament | Tacoma News Tribune
Munson in particular — who has Division I interest from schools like Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Nevada and Pepperdine — has become one of the biggest challenges for opposing coaches.

Utes hoping to salvage their Northwest road trip at Washington State, but it won’t be easy. The Cougars are much-improved. - The Salt Lake Tribune
Six weeks later, another meeting with WSU logically is well-timed for the Utes, except for one problem: These are not last month's Cougars.

T&F Prepared to Compete at MPSF Indoor Championships - Washington State University Athletics
Cougars head to Seattle for the weekend conference meet.

Cougars Return Home to Face BYU and Seattle - Washington State University Athletics
WSU enters weekend with program-best ranking of No. 15.

Daniel Kolar Leads Ranked Field After First Round - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars completed the first day of the John A. Burns Intercollegiate at Hawai'i Thursday.

Cougars Head South for Westbrook Invitational - Washington State University Athletics
Cougars will compete in the Westbrook Invitational hosted by Wisconsin.