‘Yote Notes – March 7, 2003

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@albertson.edu

GENERAL ATHLETICS NEWS:

"A WEEKEND OF CHAMPIONS": The 2003 Spring fundraiser, centered around a big weekend of baseball - more information to follow...stay tuned.

CAA DINNER SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 20: The next CAA dinner is set for March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Simplot Dining Hall.  A recap of basketball, along with spring sports will be the topic.  To RSVP, contact Dave Hahn at 459-5835.

SKIING:

AT NATIONALS: Information coming out of Lake Tahoe has been scarce from the USCSA, but from what we have been able to put together, the Albertson women placed ninth in the giant slalom, with the men placing 12th.  Both squads were plagued by falls from their top skiiers.  Friday, the women will compete in the slalom, along with a men's 10K Classic cross country race.  Saturday has the men running the slalom.

WOMEN'S TENNIS (1-0):

OFF TO LEWISTON: After stopping Treasure Valley CC last weekend, the Albertson women's tennis team heads to Lewiston, Idaho for the Holiday Inn Express Classic at Lewis-Clark State.  The Lady 'Yotes will meet regional foes Southern Oregon, Alberta, and LC-State, along with Westmont of California.

SOFTBALL (4-3):

LADY 'YOTES GO 2-3 AT CWU INVITE: Albertson won games against Whitworth and Seattle U. at the Central Washington Invitational last weekend.  A complete recap of the games will be revealed in next week's installment.

MEN’S BASKETBALL (21-13): Cascade Conference champs to meet Taylor (Ind.) in NAIA national tourney first-round

LAST WEEK: Cascade Conference Tournament – Won at Warner Pacific, 74-62; won at No. 14 Cascade, 74-66; won at No. 20 Concordia, 79-60.

COMING UP: At NAIA Division II National Tournament, Point Lookout, Mo. – Wednesday vs. No. 13 Taylor (Ind.), Noon (CST); with win Friday vs. Jamestown (N.D.)-Indiana SE winner, 10:45 a.m. (CST).

ROAD WARRIORS TAKE CASCADE CONFERENCE CROWN: In the ten-year history of the Cascade Conference post-season tournament, no team has went on the road and swept its way to the title – until now. With wins over No. 4 seed Warner Pacific, No. 1 seeded Cascade, and No. 2 seeded Concordia, all in Portland, the Albertson men’s basketball team claimed its third CCC post-season title and second under head coach Mark Owen. The Coyotes became the lowest seeded team (No. 5 seed) to win the tournament, which began in 1994.

DANCIN’ IN BRANSON: With the win, Albertson earned the second berth from the Cascade Conference to the NAIA Division II national tournament in Point Lookout, Mo. The Coyotes will meet Taylor (Ind.) in the first-round at Noon (CST) on Wednesday. It is the second trip to the tourney for the ‘Yotes under Coach Owen in his three years at the helm. The 32-team tournament is a single-elimination event, culminating with the national championship game the night of March 18. Joining the Coyotes at the tourney are fellow CCC teams Oregon Tech and Cascade. OIT received the No. 10 seed and will meet Husson (Maine) in the opening round, while the T-Birds, seeded No. 13 in their first-ever national tournament, will meet Black Hills State (S.D.) in their opener.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: The Coyotes will fly out of Boise on Sunday morning in preparation for Wednesday’s game with Taylor. The team will be staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Branson – for room reservations, call (417) 336-4077. Albertson will return home the day after their final tournament game.

ABOUT TAYLOR: The defensive minded Trojans (25-8) from the Mid-Central College Conference, were ranked No. 13 in the final NAIA national poll – and will be a tough challenge for Albertson. Taylor, the MCCC co-champion who is making their first NAIA tournament appearance since 1997, leads the nation in defense, allowing their opponent to score just 58.5 points per game. Their opponents shoot a paltry 40-percent from the floor, and just 30-percent from outside the arc. 37-year head coach Paul Patterson (545-244) is an institution of Taylor, recording his 11th trip to nationals, and his tenth 25-win season this year. His 2003 team is led by two-time All-Conference selection Adam Musters (15.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg), a bruising 6-8 post, and another All-Conference player, guard Matt Traylor (14.4 ppg). Taylor advanced to the national tournament as the final at-large team, as they lost in the MCCC tournament title game, 53-52, to Huntington (Ind.). It will be the first-ever meeting between the schools, and first meeting between Albertson and a team from the MCCC.

HISTORY AT THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT: In the previous 13 trips to the national tournament, Albertson has a 14-12 record at the “Big Dance.” After losing their opening game in their first five trips (1960, 1962, 1984-86), the Coyotes have won at least one game at nationals in seven of their next eight trips, including quarterfinal appearances in 1988, 1989, and 2001, along with winning the NAIA National Championship in 1996 (a 81-72 overtime win against Whitworth (Wash.)). Mark Owen has a 2-1 record in the suburb of Branson, Mo., winning games in 2001 against Bellevue (Neb.) and Siena Heights (Mich.), before losing to Northwestern (Iowa) in the quarterfinals.

PERFECT ON THE ROAD: A strange statistic that may have been overlooked – during his three years as Coyote head coach, Mark Owen has amassed a 5-0 record in Cascade Conference road playoff games. His 2001 team defeated Western Baptist and Oregon Tech en route to the CCC tournament title, and this year the team ran the table on the road for the trophy.

PERKES NAMED ALL-CONFERENCE: Last week, forward Tom Perkes (Spokane, Wash. / Big Bend CC) added a piece of hardware to an already outstanding season, earning a place on the ten-member All-Cascade Conference team. The junior, who has scored 20-or-more points on 20 different occasions this year, to go along with eight double-doubles in his last 12 games, was the only All-CCC selection for the Coyotes. Perkes, who averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds a game in the CCC tournament, broke the school record for free throws made and attempted in a season against Concordia. His 666 points this season places hit in third-place on the single-season list, 26 points behind Johnnie Hilliard for second-place. He also ranks third on the single-season list for field goals made, and fourth in rebounds in a season.

HARPER ON ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM: Joining in on the accolades was transfer Andy Harper (Idaho Falls, Idaho / Columbia Basin CC), who was named to both the honorable mention All-CCC team, along with the All-Newcomer team. The junior averaged 16.2 points a game in Cascade Conference play, including a 41-percent shooting clip from outside the arc. Harper ranks No. 8 on the single-season list for three-pointers attempted in a season, and No. 9 on the three-pointers made list.

GREEN STEPS UP HIS GAME: The Cascade Conference tournament seemed to wake up point-guard Joe Green (Pocatello, Idaho / BYU-Idaho), who had been in scoring doldrums since the start of conference play. The sophomore, who averaged just 5.7 points a game in the 18-game CCC slate, averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the three-game sweep in Portland. With ten steals last week, Green now sits No. 4 on the single-season steals list, while he is just on the outside of the top-ten in assists.

CAREER MARKS: Two Coyotes are inching their way up the career statistical ladder. Eric Hare (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico / West Valley College) has 428 rebounds in his two-year Albertson career. The senior needs 13 rebounds during the national tournament to crack the all-time top-ten. For fellow senior Jon Thomas (Nampa, Idaho / Gem State Academy), he already ranks No. 4 all-time in three-point attempts (374) and No. 7 in three-pointers made (139). A stat that may surprise some people about Thomas is the fact that he is tied for fifth all-time in games played in a Coyote uniform (114).

CONCORDIA CONKED: The Cascade Conference championship game was a tale of two halves – Concordia dominated play in the first 20 minutes, with the Coyotes running away in the second half to claim the title with a 79-60 win. The host Cavaliers (who lost to the then C of I, 81-60, in the 1984 District II title game), held a 34-21 lead late in the first half, before a five-point surge before halftime got the ‘Yotes to within eight. From there it was all Albertson, using ten Tom Perkes points in a 14-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 42-40, then using ten Andy Harper points in a 15-2 run to seal the victory. Perkes had 26 points and 12 boards for the Coyotes, with Harper adding 17.

EXORCISING THE EVILS AT THE LINE: A key for the ‘Yotes in the win was the play at both ends of the floor by junior Justin McCarthy (Boise, Idaho / Boise HS). McCarthy, who made just 1-of-7 free throws in the 84-53 loss to the Cavs in Portland in December, scored 15 points and ripped down eight rebounds in the win, including 8-of-10 shooting from the line.

POSSIBLE SECOND ROUND OPPONENTS: The No. 1 seed in this year’s event is Northwestern (Iowa), followed by Cardinal Stritch (Wis.). If the Coyotes win their opening round game, they would meet the No. 3 seed Jamestown (N.D.) or Indiana-Southeast. The Jimmies (24-4) were the Dakota Athletic Conference champions, led by forward Branden Wilkens (14.4 ppg). Jamestown averages 20 more points a game than their opponent, and scores 87 points a night. The Grenaders (19-12) won the NAIA East Independent title, led by tournament MVP, Brad Borgman (21.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg).

 
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT BROADCASTS: Listen to all Coyote games from the NAIA national tournament on the “Home of the Coyotes,” KCID 1490-AM with Mike Safford Jr. calling the action. Pregame festivities will begin Wednesday morning at 10:45 a.m., with tip-off slated for 11 a.m. (MST) The game can also be heard live on the Internet at www.collegeofidaho.edu/webcam/Athletics.asx. With a win, the ‘Yotes would play a Friday morning game at 9:45 a.m. The ‘Yotes would like to extend a special thanks to Dave Hahn for filling in behind the microphone for the Cascade Conference tournament – thanks Dave!  

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the Albertson men’s basketball program, head to the official site of Coyote basketball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/mensbasketball.htm.

COMPLETE TOURNAMENT BRACKET: For complete NAIA Tournament information, head to the official site of the 2003 NAIA Division II National Tournament at http://www.cofo.edu/NAIA/default.asp.

BASEBALL (10-5): ‘Yotes open home schedule with wins in 5-of-6 games; head to Lewiston for weekend tourney

COMING UP: at Guardian Plumbing and Heating Tournament, Lewiston, Idaho – Friday vs. St. Martin’s, 10 a.m.; Saturday vs. British Columbia, 10 a.m., vs. Lewis-Clark State, 1 p.m.; Sunday vs. TBA, TBA.

LONG, COLD, SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND: Longjohns, stocking caps, and hot chocolate were the staple last weekend, as the Coyote baseball team opened up its home season in conditions fit more for a polar bear. Despite the bitter temperatures, the Albertson bats began to heat up, leading the ‘Yotes to five wins in six games. In the three-day stretch, Albertson hit .350 as a team, averaging over nine runs per game – and hit .341 with runners in scoring position.

BURROW SAVES THE DAY: As good as the bats were during the weekend, the right arm of junior Brad Burrow (Taylorsville, Utah / College of Southern Idaho) saved the day for the Coyotes, literally. Friday afternoon against Whitworth, it was Burrow who came in out of the bullpen, throwing a total of three innings of perfect relief – picking up saves No. 2 and 3. The “ironarm” was at it again on Sunday morning – going seven strong innings in his third start of the season, giving up just one earned run in running his season record to 4-0. Burrow leads the pitching staff with a 1.55 ERA in 29 innings of work, with opponents hitting just .193.

D-GAR’S HITTING STREAK AT 21: Fifteen games into the 2003 season, and pitchers have yet to figure out how to stop centerfielder Dustin Garcia (Reno, Nev. / Feather River CC). The senior has recorded at least one hit in all 15 games this season, and has a 21-game hitting streak dating back to last year. The last game that D-Gar failed to record a base knock was in Game 2 against Vanguard in the 2002 super-regional. Garcia scored ten runs and hit .455 during the six games last weekend, and now has seven multi-hit games this year.

SNOW WARNING: Head coach Shawn Humberger was high on Nick Snow (Everett, Wash. / Cal Poly-SLO), when the former Division I player decided to transfer to Albertson for his senior season. After a slow start to the season, Snow heated up over the weekend – going 10-for-22 at the plate, with four doubles, his first home run, and 12 RBI.

URANGA FINDS HIS GROVE: Also finding his stroke over the weekend was shortstop Darren Uranga (Homedale, Idaho / Homedale HS). The senior extended his hitting streak to ten games by hitting .478, with three doubles, his first longball, and eight RBI. In the opener against Whitworth, Uranga went 4-for-4 with two RBI in the Coyotes 6-2 win.

RETURNERS PICK UP KEY VICTORIES: Experience was the key for Albertson in a pair of victories this weekend, as both returning starting pitchers had strong outings to pick up their first wins of the season. In the weekend opener, senior Taylor Blair (Sacramento, Calif. / American River CC) went eight innings, giving up just one earned run in the win. The 2002 All-Cascade Conference selection gave up just eight hits and struck out three. Late Saturday night, it was sophomore Matt Bergstrom (Hermiston, Ore. / Hermiston HS) who pitched well, giving up just one hit in six innings of work in a 10-6 win. Bergstrom gave up two earned runs and struck out a career-high eight batters during the outing.

GAME-BY-GAME RECAP:

Albertson 6, Whitworth 2: A combination of solid starting pitching and a four-run sixth inning helped the Coyotes to the win. Taylor Blair went eight innings in his third start of the year to pick up his first victory, while Nick Snow rapped a two-run double in the sixth, followed by an excuse-me Jack Mitchell (Kennewick, Wash. / Columbia Basin CC) RBI single, to put away the Pirates.

Albertson 14, Whitworth 13: Albertson blew a 9-2 lead, but scored four times in the seventh for the win. The Coyotes had 15 hits in the game, with Dustin Garcia going 3-for-4 and Nick Snow going 2-for-3 with four RBI. A Sage Kendall (Parma, Idaho / National American) RBI groundout proved to be the difference.

Albertson 9, Whitworth 7: Eight innings of work from junior Noah Grubenhoff (Selah, Wash. / Columbia Basin CC) paved the way to the Coyote win. Grubenhoff gave up three earned runs and struck out eight Pirate batters. Nick Snow hit a two-run double, while Todd Howell (Marysville, Wash. / Skagit Valley CC) went 3-for-5 for the ‘Yotes.

Albertson 10, Puget Sound 6: Matt Bergstrom limited UPS to just one hit through the first six innings, as Albertson hung on for the victory. The Coyotes used a five-run third inning to open up a 7-0 lead. Todd Howell went 3-for-5 in the win, with Nick Snow providing a 2-for-3 night.

Albertson 9, Puget Sound 2: The long ball began to show its head for Albertson, as Nick Snow and Josh Orr (Winnemucca, Nev. / Lowry HS) each hit home runs in the ‘Yote win. Both homers were hit in the three-run fourth inning, with Orr going 2-for-4 with three RBI in the game. It was the sixth-consecutive win for Albertson.

Puget Sound 13, Albertson 6: The Loggers jumped out to an 8-0 lead against a tired Albertson pitching staff, ending an 11-game losing streak to the Coyotes. Rob Reid (Boise, Idaho / Cochise CC) went 2-for-4 with a double, ending a season-opening hitting skid.

BACK TO HARRIS FIELD: The Coyotes make the trek back north to Lewiston, this time for the Guarding Heating and Plumbing Tournament at Harris Field. Albertson opens the tournament against NCAA Division II member St. Martin’s, a team the ‘Yotes have not played since 2001. The Saints (4-3) lost a doubleheader at Concordia, but have swept games against Pacific Lutheran and Lewis & Clark. Eric Kopp (10-for-23) is the leading St.Martin’s hitter – hoping SMC can improve on their 1-7 record against Albertson. Also in the tourney is regional rival British Columbia. The T-Birds (6-2) are looking for redemption after Albertson won back-to-back games in the NAIA Region I tourney to eliminate UBC from the playoffs. Former ‘Yote, Terry McKaig, returns starter Brooks McNiven (2-0, 1.56 ERA) to anchor their rotation. Albertson holds a 13-4 record in the series. The rivalry between the Coyotes and Lewis-Clark State will continue on Saturday – as LCSC (9-1) continues to show why they are the No. 1 team in the nation. The Warriors met three NCAA Division I teams last weekend, and walked away with wins against BYU and Portland. Both Junior Avina and Nic Puckett have started the season 3-0 on the hill. LCSC has won 69 of the 91 meetings with their in-state rivals, including three straight.

ON THE INTERNET/RADIO: Saturday’s game at Lewis-Clark State will be carried live on the Internet, thanks to KOZE radio in Lewiston. Listen to the Albertson-LCSC game at http://www.koze-sports.com, with Brian Danner and Mike Tatko calling the play-by-play. If Albertson advances to meet LC-State on Sunday, that game will also be carried live on the Internet. The Coyotes are currently in negotiation with KIOV 1450-AM to broadcast a limited amount of regular-season games on the radio. Furthermore, all first-games of home doubleheaders will be broadcast live via the internet at www.collegeofidaho.edu/webcam/Athletics.asx with Mike Safford Jr. calling the action. The next scheduled internet broadcast is slated for March 23 against Central Washington at 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the Albertson baseball program, head to the official site Coyote baseball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball.htm.

- ALBERTSON -