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A Word on the Subject
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The athletic season is drawing to a close at Boise State University. The men of the track and field squad are all alone in their final push to achieve something great for Boise State.
The hangover from the Fiesta Bowl seems to have finally worn away with the success of others. The men’s basketball team made a splash by reaching the NCAA tournament. The women’s basketball team were right on their heals with the NIT bid and both were 2008 WAC Champions; the women found a way to defend their title from 2007.
The 2007-08 football season came to a close with a record-breaking performance for some, but too little to bring home the all-too-familiar conference championship. We have all seen the wrath of Head Coach Chris Peterson and how it can fuel a team so familiar with success.
These accomplishments are still trumped by the performances of a select few whom I believe deserve one final round of applause.
Juniors Tasha Harris and Jessica Thompson of the women’s basketball team helped lead an assault on the WAC this season. Both received WAC honors. Though it was an obvious team effort, these two pressed forward to help break school records for points, rebounds and 3-pointers.
Jeremy Childs found himself in the middle of a football controversy. He broke the 1000-yard mark and 82 receptions only to miss the Hawaii Bowl due to academic suspension. The quarterback, Taylor Tharp, found a way to make an underdog into a top dog with one of the most successful seasons that a senior Bronco quarterback ever had, despite the naysayers early in the season.
Troy Merritt of the golf team won the respect of the nation by competing as an individual at the NCAA tournament only to finish tied for 19. This is hardly discouraging now that he has earned his spot in the 2008 U.S. Open to compete against greats such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. His journey forth has just begun.
The gymnastics team brought the WAC trophy to Boise State this year with a huge boost from Freshman Hannah Redmon. She crashed into the competition with a thunderous roar as she found her way to the individual conference title and a newfound love for the once unfamiliar team competition. She will now take the reigns with the departure of Team Co-captain Lindsay Ward.
Pichittra Thongdach of women’s tennis came out as the dominant force for the team, going 26-11 in her debut season at Boise State.
One of the more touching stories comes from the Shields brothers. Luke Shields finished his season in dramatic fashion. He played alongside brother Clancy Shields to make it to the round of 16 at the NCAA Championships only to fall to the No. 2 duo in the nation.
Head Coach Greg Patton believes Luke to be one of the best tennis players that he has had the pleasure of leading. These are big words from somebody who has mentored the likes of Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick.
Among the elite professional athletes comes Ryan Clady. His first round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft was the first in Bronco history. He will continue to wave a blue and orange flag from his post in Denver.
Last, but not least, is Ryan Grinnell of the track and field team. This Idaho Falls native has found a spot as the No. 2 triple jumper in the nation and earned an Olympic Trial “B” qualifying standard. He will not only have the opportunity to represent his school and state, but possibly his nation as well.
There are surely some who have slipped through the cracks while recognizing those who stood apart. Hats off to all who competed this year. Congratulations to the seniors who will be departing for bigger and better things than a collegiate athletic career can offer. Many rate an athletic season based on the performance of football, the most recognizable program on campus. It is time to put that failed perspective to rest. The accomplished performances of the teams throughout campus have shown that there is much more to Boise State than the standard set by that forceful program. Accomplished is the word. The Broncos have defined it for themselves.
Kirk Bell