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Show 12B Signpost Tuesday, September 23, 1986 SIDEJINES. Dave Allison Sports Editor New year means high hopes for Weber State sports As Autumn brings its chill into the air, September rolls around and a new school year begins. Well, the yearly change in seasons marks the beginning of many more seasons ... at least as far as Weber State sports is concerned. Some teams have wasted no time with kicking off the WSC sports year. It's hard to believe many of the fall sports would start without us but four of eight teams have jumped out to early starts. Coaches Mike Price (football), Cindy Smoker (volleyball), Carl Lynn (women's golf) and Jim Blaisdell (women's cross country) have led their respective teams onto the battle field before most of us have had a chance to crack open a book. While the remaining sports, men's golf, cross country, and men's and women's tennis are busy preparing for competition this week. The purple and white gridironers will play their third game this Saturday while the Lady Cat netters have faced 14 opponents so far. However, this is probably the best time of the year for each of the Wildcat and Lady Cat teams and their respective schedules. At no time during the year will optimism be higher than at the beginning of the year. After all, WSC teams are undefeated (also winless), and visions of greatness run rampant through the minds of each player coach and fan. Many of Weber State's athletic programs have practically spoiled most WSC sports fans. Winning traditions run rich and apparently will continue this year. Many 'Cat sports posted successful campaigns last year and can look forward to top-notch beginnings this season. Wildcat football is coming off a 6-5 season and Lady Cat volleyball posted an 18-17 mark last year. The men's cross country team ran its way in the nation's top 20, while the women harriers placed third during their conference championships. Weber fans will have a difficult time finding a better golf and tennis program, state-wise or nationally. Coach Cox's tennis teams have taken five consecutive Big Sky titles and two consecutive Mountain West Athletic Conference championships, while Coaches Lynn and Mac Madsen have had tremendous outings over the years and show no signs of slowing down. And despite the "team ethic" stressed by each of the WSC coaches, there will be a few individuals whose names will be mentioned more than the others. Wildcat tennis players Jonas Erhlin and Niklas van der Shoot grabbed many conference honors last season while Lady Cat netters Anna Gun-narsson and Katrina Skylberg haven't lost a match in 22 and 21 respective outings. WSC golfers Carito Villaroman and Michelle Thornton had fine showings during the off season and are headed for more success. Michelle Green is expected to run opponents ragged this year for Blaisdell's cross country team. The football, volleyball and men's cross country teams will develop outstanding athletes also, which is just another thing to watch for during this season. The sports department at the Signpost is excited to be able to bring you the Weber State sporting life, and are eager to share your enthusiasm for what looks to be an exciting year. ! Wildcats scalp Indians in opener Bryan Growcock Senior Reporter The excitement and anticipation were high as Weber State took on Adams State College in their home opener Sept. 13. Indeed, everything seemed right for a Weber State victory in the 1986 opener, and the Wildcats were highly favored. Much speculation was focused on two big questions: 1) How will Mike Price's 1986 squad fair with a "no-name" team and, 2) how will backup quarterback Phil Cooper fill the shoes of injured quarterback Brian Larsen? Both questions were answered in a spectacular fashion with Weber coming up with a 55-21 victory over Adams State. WSC got off to a great start as the Wildcats took only 12 plays to score 14 points and a blowout was in the making. The first touchdown came on a 15-yard run by Sean Sanders, but also part of the drive was a 27-yard return on the opening kickoff by Chris Darrington and a pass from Cooper to Gerald Wilcox for a 30-yard gain. The next score came as Eric Brown ran the ball in from the 1 1 -yard line. The score was set up when the Wildcats captured good field position on a Calvin Hampton interception, and he took it to the WSC 48. With 6:37 left in the . - t.;s 'V'S -k r.- -" - - - - - - - - JOE LONG, number 55, readies himself for a hit against Adams state. Long helped lead a spirited Wildcat defense against Adams State. (Signpost photo: Darwin Shaw) First quarter, Cooper hit Darrington, who gained 76 yards and scored another Wildcat TD to make it WSC 21, ASC 0. ASC also scored in the first period on a pass from Dan McMinimee to Chres Jackson, and the score at the end of the first quarter was 21-7. The combination of Cooper and company, along with the WSC defense, stole the second period from the Indians. This period was all too familiar to ASC as well-executed plays prevailed, and WSC added two more touchdowns to their lead and the Indians were shutout. Cooper, who came within 52 yards of breaking the school record for total passing yardage, continued his skillful tactics, througout the quarter. Darrington and Wilcox were precise and consistent throughout the contest and teamed up for 210 yards in passes received. Wade Orton left the game with 88 yards pass receiving. (see SCALPING on page 14) WEBERf STATE COLLEGE 1 WILDERNESS M V RECREATION J CENTER EASE INTO SCHOOL THE FUN WAY! 25 0 Discount On Rental of Canoes Mtn. Bikes Touring Bikes Sailboard limit 1 rental per person family Expires October 31 626-6373 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00 Sat. 8:30-12-30 Bike Tour Oct. 4 To Hot Springs For more Info. Contact Our Office Come by and Visit with us U.B. 273 |