As first
African American UC Davis chancellor, speaker says schools should recruit
diverse staff
By NAPHTALI
CALLES, Evergreen April 11, 2019
Gary May,
chancellor for the University of California Davis, spoke at WSU about his
personal adversities in combating racial bias in higher education.
“Putting
on these leadership lectures is a way to get students to think about getting
into leadership positions in academia,” said Aaron Oforlea, president of the
WSU Black Faculty and Staff Association. “It is also a way to introduce
different ways of thinking about leadership and diversity at WSU.”
Oforlea
said May was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM mentoring by
former President Barack Obama.
“We don’t
do a very good job at recruiting and retaining diversity at WSU, so when I hear
about events pertaining to embracing diversity I go,” said Greg Crouch,
clinical professor in the Department of Chemistry.
May said
he was sworn in as the first African American chancellor at UC Davis in 2017,
and the second in the UC system.
“Not only
is this event extra credit, but I wanted to do something for myself before
finals started and this event sounded interesting to attend,” said Michelle
Habila, WSU sophomore majoring in interior design.
May said
his mother persevered through many adversities and learned to follow that
example as an undergraduate at Georgia Institute of Technology.
“My mom
remains a great source of inspiration and strength, she entered the University
of Missouri during the era of Jim Crow laws,” he said.
May said
in order to diversify faculty at WSU, one needs to implement open faculty
searches when recruiting and not just hope diverse faculty apply.
“On my
first day at my dorm [at Georgia Tech], the n-word was on my roommates’ name
card which said, ‘Chip is an n-word lover,’” he said. “That really upset my
parents, but I persevered and to students here today, I’m going to encourage
you to not let those type of attitudes win.”
May said
it is hard to imagine society will get to a point where race is not a factor,
but there is a need for allies to speak up and push back on biases.
“In some
cases, I am just a black man at a traffic stop and nobody knows I have a Ph.D.,
nobody knows I’m a chancellor of a university, but even in my professional
life, these intersections occur,” May said.
On behalf
of WSU May was given a plaque for his excellence in this leadership lecture
series as a keynote speaker.
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WSU Coug
QBs Tinsley, Gordon keep dueling during spring drills
April the 15th of 2019 Moscow Pullman
Daily News
Washington
State’s quarterback competition continued Saturday, without much clarity, as
the Cougars staged their second scrimmage of spring football drills.
Trey
Tinsley passed for 169 yards and three touchdowns, perhaps offsetting whatever
edge Anthony Gordon had taken in practice two days earlier. Gordon threw for
202 yards and two TDs in the scrimmage but was also intercepted three times.
Those two
seem to be leading the pack, but Camm Cooper, John Bledsoe and Gunner Cruz all
saw significant action. Still being held from live action is graduate transfer
Gage Gubrud.
Kassidy
Woods caught six passes for 120 yards, Renard Bell racked up 90 yards on two
receptions, while Easop Winston Jr. and Mitchell Quinn made six catches apiece.
Intercepting
Gordon once each were Daniel Isom, Justus Rogers and George Hicks III. Dominic
Silvels tallied two sacks while Nnamdi Oguayo, Dallas Hobbs and Skyler Thomas
had one apiece.
RUSHING —
Clay Markoff 6-21, Anthony Gordon 4-17, Max Borghi 4-11, Blessing Leiato 3-8,
Cole Dubots 2-5, John Bledsoe 1-3, Camm Cooper 3-(-8).
PASSING —
Trey Tinsley 14-24-0-169, Anthony Gordon 13-23-3-202, Camm Cooper 10-16-0-159,
John Bledsoe 7-9-0-55, Gunner Cruz 9-12-0-76.
RECEIVING
— Kassidy Woods 6-120, Easop Winston Jr. 6-56, Mitchell Quinn 6-47, Rodrick
Fisher 5-47, Brandon Gray 5-51, Brandon Arconado 4-72, Tay Martin 4-48, Cole
Dubots 3-46, Travell Harris 3-44, Renard Bell 2-90, Dezmon Patmon 2-25, Clay
Markoff 2-6, Blessing Leiato 2-6, Calvin Jackson Jr. 2-2, Max Borghi 1-1.
::::::::::::::::::::
Veteran, versatile Cougar OL enters NCAA
transfer portal
By Jamey Vinnick Cougfan.com
ONE OF THE
most versatile Cougar offensive linemen looks to be departing the Washington
State football program. Fifth-year senior
guard Noah Osur-Myers (6-4, 310) has put his name into the NCAA transfer
portal.
Entering
the portal doesn't definitively mean a player is transferring but it does allow
other schools to make contact with them.
And while Osur-Myers was still listed on the official WSU roster at
press time, the fact Osur-Myers has missed the last three Cougar practices
would seemingly point more to a transfer than a return to Wazzu.
Before
Osur-Myers missed the last three practices, he was the top performer on the
second-string offensive line this spring, according to CF.C beat writer Braden
Johnson. And while defensive line coach Jeff Phelps has shifted a lot of
players in and out this spring, o-line coach Mason Miller has pretty much stuck
with the same first-team unit since the second spring practice.
“He was the most consistent guy on that No. 2
o-line at right guard,” says Johnson. “Being on the second-string probably has
something to do with Jarrett Kingston, Cade Beresford and other young guys
improving and just being good athletes. But it was also surprising to me he
didn’t get a look on the first-string offensive line because he was the best
performer with the 2’s all spring before missing last week.”
Osur-Myers
appeared on his way to becoming a starter in 2018 but was shelved by
injury. In 2017, he came in off the
bench for an injured Cody O’Connell vs. Colorado at right guard and while
Wazzu's o-line faltered in the back half of that season, Osur-Myers was nails
against the Buffs, helping power WSU into the end zone on three of the Cougs'
four TDs.
At
season's end, he had firmly establishing himself as a strong 2018 starting
candidate and the Cougar o-line's “sixth man” by former assistant coach Clay
McGuire. But he injured his shoulder in the practices leading up to the 2017
Holiday Bowl and although he tried to tough it out throughout the 2018 spring
session, he didn't have his customary pop, ultimately had to undergo surgery
and missed all of last season.
Osur-Myers
is listed as a fifth-year senior on WSU’s roster but he might still have two
seasons to play – he missed all of last year after shoulder surgery and
indications from WSU a few years back were that he was injured his true
freshman season. If so, his remaining eligibility could include this year and
next.
Osur-Myers
is the fifth scholarship player, and sixth Cougar overall, to enter his name in
the portal this offseason, joining QB Connor Neville, CB Caleb Perry, RUSH
Mason Vinyard, DE Preston Hendry, safety Deion Singleton and walk-on WR Kainoa
Wilson.
SEEMINGLY
NO PLAYER has been busier in spring ball for Washington State. And with Gardner
Minshew and James Williams departing for the NFL and leaving the Cougars
without their two most dependable offensive weapons from a magical 2018 season,
WSU needs an offensive player to emerge. For these reasons and others, this
player is entry No. 1 on CF.C’s countdown of the Cougars’ 25 most important
players for 2019.
MAX BORGHI
Height/weight:
5-10, 195
Position:
Running back
Class:
Sophomore
Jersey
number: 21
Hometown:
Arvada, Colorado
Previous
school: Pomona High
Why Borghi
is included in the list: After a stellar true freshman campaign, he already
figured to take on a sizeable role in WSU’s offense in 2019. But Williams early
exit to the NFL and Caleb Perry’s transfer in January left Borghi as the only
returning scholarship running back WSU has this spring and placed a larger
workload on his shoulders.
The
Cougars’ quarterback situation remains in flux and will not be decided until
fall camp. Without Minshew, Williams and left tackle Andre Dillard, Borghi is
arguably the most dynamic player WSU has returning on its offense.
Having
split time with Williams, Borghi already took the first step toward assuming a
leadership role inside the offensive huddle. This spring, he’s worked alongside
linebacker-turned-running back Cole Dubots in skeleton drills and taken scored
reps with all five of WSU’s participating quarterbacks.
When fall
camp commences in August. Borghi’s presumptive backups include first-year
freshmen Jamir Thomas (6-1, 215) and Jouvensly Bazil (5-8, 170). But until
then, Borghi has arguably had the heaviest workload of any player this spring.
He’s
entrenched as WSU’s first-string option at running back and takes almost all
reps during the first scored series of team periods in practice. Borghi has
also split kickoff returns with Travell Harris and worked in on punt return
drills whenever the Cougars break off into special teams play.
He’s also
played a role on coverage teams. Borghi has lined up as a personal protector on
punt coverage and is often the first player downfield. Special teams coach Matt
Brock has also slotted Borghi in on kickoff coverage formations at times.
In between
bouncing back and forth between running back and special teams drills, Borghi
breaks off into occasional run-throughs with the scout team offense. There,
position coach Eric Mele uses him on designed running plays – usually counters,
dives and sweeps – to offer new looks for the Cougars’ first-team defense.
It all
points to a multi-dimensional role and busy fall for Borghi in just his second
year on the Palouse. And without proven depth behind him at running back and a
new QB, much of WSU’s offensive success will count on him.
Bottom
line: Williams finished his college career with 27 touchdowns and 2,976
all-purpose yards. Borghi has a great chance to surpass those numbers.
How Borghi
performed in 2018: Williams started every game at running back, but Borghi was
just as good in a smaller sample size. He averaged more yards per carry (5.1)
than Williams (4.6) and finished with 12 total touchdowns – fifth-best in the
Pac-12 – despite receiving 50 fewer carries than Williams.
Borghi
recorded eight of his touchdowns on the ground and amassed 374 yards on 72
carries. His greatest value to WSU, however, may have been as a
pass-catcher. Borghi’s 53 receptions
were the fourth-most on the team. Only Willams (83) and outside receivers Tay
Martin (69) and Dezmon Patmon (61) had more, (Borghi even lined up to start two
games as an inside receiver).
Leach
often lined up Williams and Borghi in two-back sets, sending one player out on
a screen, slant or wheel and leaving the other back to block. It was an
effective formula on goal-line touchdown strikes against Wyoming and Stanford,
where Borghi wheeled across the field in motion and caught an easy toss from
Minshew while Williams picked up the opposing edge rusher.
Borghi
wasted no time carving out a role in WSU’s offense. In addition to his 6-yard
touchdown reception against Wyoming, Borghi also iced the Cougars’
season-opening 41-19 win with a 14-yard rush in the fourth quarter. Borghi then
had touchdown runs of 6 and 13 yards against Eastern Washington and USC,
respectively.
He also
recorded touchdowns against Oregon State, Oregon, Cal, Colorado, Arizona and
Iowa State, the last of which was a 10-yard counter against the Cyclones that
ended up sealing a 28-26 win.
1
COMMENTS
Bottom
line: Borghi did a little of everything in helping WSU record a school-record
11 wins in 2018. By proving himself as an every-down back, dynamic threat in
the passing game and special teams playmaker, and with the QB position still to
be sorted out, he’s CF.C’s pick for the most versatile and important player for
WSU in 2019.
::::
WSU
COUGARS BASKETBALL
Kyle Smith
adds Derrick Phelps, Jim Shaw to his staff
WSU’s new
head coach says he’s in no rush to hire his third assistant, though.
By Jeff Nusser Coug Center Apr 15, 2019
PULLMAN —
Late last week, new Washington State Cougars basketball coach Kyle Smith
officially announced he had made his first two hires: Derrick Phelps and Jim
Shaw. Phelps has been on Smith’s staff for the past five seasons (most recently
as associate head coach), while Shaw has been the head coach at Division II
Western Oregon for the past four years.
The third
assistant? That one might actually not come right away.
“We’ve got
our working force now and we’re just going to roll with this group until we find
(the guy),” Smith said in an interview from his office last week, days before
Phelps and Shaw were announced. “Our biggest thing was getting the
infrastructure — set up the analytics, selling the culture. I can build that —
the culture builds and attracts the right stuff.”
With a
handful of people already in place — including one staff member whose hiring
should be announced later this week and is very exciting (at least to me) — to
handle the immediate needs of filling out the roster and finalizing the
schedule for next season, Smith feels he can afford to be patient to find the
right fit.
“If you go
the other way, just the salad bowl, throw everything in there just talent,
talent, talent and think you’re going to work through it? I’ve never done it that
way,” Smith said. “I’ve always been, ‘Here’s what we’re about, let’s get the
right people on the bus, let’s attract the right people into the program.’ ”
The third
assistant will probably fill the role of recruiting coordinator, and could also
have an international focus. “It’s a little fluid,” Smith said.
It’s no
surprise that Smith went to Phelps and Shaw to start his staff. On the StatChat
podcast with Colgate assistant Dave Klatsky last November, Smith expressed a
desire to start with teachers over recruiters when taking over a program:
“One of
our slogans I’ve drilled in is, ‘Worry about the ones you have, not the ones
you don’t.’ The rest of the 350 (teams) put so much effort into recruiting and
chasing their tail, that you forget the ones that you’ve just signed, that
you’ve told them it’s going to be a great experience. So, you gotta make sure
that you’re servicing them, and that takes time and energy and thought. And
that’s pretty work intensive. So, starting (a program) up? I want coaches.”
Part of
that is related to Smith’s “Nerdball” system of attempting to quantify every
action in games and practices and then using data to drive decisions. Smith
notes that when he went to Columbia, none of his assistants were familiar with
the system of hustle stats that had been shaped during his time at Saint Mary’s
working with Randy Bennett. When taking over a new program, part of the job is
committing to Nerdball as a program and convincing the players to buy in — not
always the easiest sell.
“It’s hard.
It’s hard for me to do — it’s hard for me to commit to ‘we’re doing this,’ ” he
said, clapping to emphasize each of the last three words.
Having the
right assistants makes that a little easier.
Phelps has
been with Smith at his last two jobs, including the transition of taking over
San Francisco. He played at North Carolina and won an NCAA championship under
Dean Smith before going on to brief stints in the (now-defunct) CBA, the NBA,
and then a long career overseas before retiring in 2010.
Smith said
this about Phelps via news release:
“Derrick
Phelps will be an integral part of our program’s development here in Pullman,”
Smith said. “His knowledge of the game as a former NBA player and overseas
professional will be invaluable to our young men. He has been the backbone of
our program sharing his wisdom and leadership at our previous institutions.”
Shaw,
meanwhile, is the quintessential “coach’s coach.” He was incredibly successful
the past four seasons at his alma mater, twice being named GNAC coach of the
year and leading the Wolves to a 31-2 record and No. 1 ranking. Before that, he
served a two-year stint on Bennett’s staff, and before that he was with Lorenzo
Romar for nine seasons at Washington. He spent the five years before that with
Kelvin Sampson at Oklahoma.
Put
simply: The guy knows his way around high major basketball, which would seem to
be an important asset for a head coach that has lots of coaching experience but
none at the high major level.
Smith said
this about Shaw via news release:
“We are
very fortunate to have Jim Shaw in our program,” Smith said. “He brings
experience as a successful Pac-12 assistant, having been a part of five Pac-12
Championships during his stints at Oregon State and Washington. ... His
experience and winning pedigree will help lead Washington State back to
prominence in the Conference of Champions.”
………..
GOLF
WSU wraps
up season with Pac-12 Championships
Women’s
golf heads to California to face seven top-25 teams
By KATIE
ARCHER, Evergreen April 14, 2019
WSU
women’s golf will compete in the Pac-12 Championships Monday through Wednesday
at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
Competing
for WSU will be junior Marie Lund-Hansen, senior Madison Odiorne, redshirt
sophomore Emily Baumgart and freshmen Amy Chu and Darcy Habgood. The course is
a par-71 and 6,131 yards.
The
Cougars will face seven top-25 ranked opponents in the championship. No. 1 USC,
No. 4 Stanford, No. 9 Arizona, No. 13 UCLA, No. 16 Arizona State, No. 21
Washington and No. 22 Oregon will all compete.
Head Coach
Kelli Kamimura said she knows the conference is tough and wants her team to
play at its best. She said the Cougars want to have three solid rounds and know
they left it all out there.
WSU placed
14th at the Silverado Showdown last week. Kamimura said the Silverado Showdown
showed the team some areas to focus on before the Pac-12 Championships.
“It’s kind
of like rest, fine-tuning and getting caught up in school so that when we go to
Pac-12s, their minds can be clear and focused on golf,” she said.
The areas
that need fine-tuning differ for each athlete. For some, it is elements of
putting. For others, it is stroke technique, speed, posture or chipping.
The team
got more creative as they prepared for competitions with the weather challenges
this spring, Kamimura said. She said she thinks there are positives that have
come from that.
When the
team practiced indoors, there were opportunities to work on more technical
parts of the game, she said.
“We’ve
really been able to hit on that quality practice and look at the different ways
that we can get better indoors,” Kamimura said. “But for the Pac-12
Championships, really it’s been playing and competing.”
Over the
season, the Cougars have improved how they prepare for a tournament by managing
their expectations and focusing on their physical and mental games, Kamimura
said.
“There has
been a lot of mental and physical growth this season that we look to carry over
to the years ahead,” she said.
Last year,
the Cougars tied for eighth at the Pac-12 Championships with Oregon, posting a
team score of 896 (+32) at Broadmoor Golf Club in Seattle.
The first
pairing of players will tee-off at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Live results of the Pac-12
Championships will be posted on golfstatresults.com.
::::::::::::::::::
WSU
BASEBALL ends losing streak, picks up first conference win
Cougars
earn walk-off victory after Oregon rallied to force extras
By KURIA
POUNDS, Evergreen
April 14,
2019
A late
game-tying grand slam with two outs by Oregon junior shortstop Spencer Steer
squashed a 7-3 WSU lead in the top of the ninth inning and forced Sunday’s
series finale into extra innings.
But a wild
pitch in the bottom of the 10th inning allowed sophomore left-fielder Collin
Montez to score from third base to win the game for the Cougars (8-25, 1-11)
and secure their first conference win of the season.
Montez
said he is excited their first victory in Pac-12 play came at home.
“It feels
like we just got that giant elephant off of our shoulders,” Montez said.
Freshman
left-handed pitcher Tyson Guerrero started for WSU and went three no-hit
innings before allowing a home run to Steer in the fourth.
For the
Ducks, redshirt junior left-handed pitcher Cole Stringer started and went 4 1/3
innings, allowing five runs, three earned on eight hits.
Montez
said this game should have been won earlier, with the amount of hits WSU
produced, but he is glad that the defense stepped up when it mattered.
“13 hits
is a good game. That should be enough to win any game, really,” Montez said.
Oregon
(21-13, 7-5) will now drive up to Spokane to face Gonzaga in a one-game series
Monday while WSU prepares for a three-game road series against USC starting
Thursday.
Junior first-baseman
Dillon Plew and Montez led the team in hits Sunday, combining to go 6-10 from
the plate.
Sophomore
designated-hitter Jack Smith and freshman third-baseman Kodie Kolden both drove
in two runs each. Smith hit a two-run double in the bottom of the first and
Kolden did the same in the bottom of the fifth.
On the
wild pitch that won the game, Montez said he saw the third baseman for Oregon
not paying attention, so he just decided to go for it.
“Third
baseman was giving me a lot of space,” Montez said. “So I took my steps, took
my lead and saw it break away. Then went for it.”
Montez
said he is looking forward to carring the momentum from this win into their
series with USC.
The
victory ends a five-game losing streak for the Cougars.
First
pitch for the series opener against the Trojans is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at
Dedeaux Field.
:::::
WSU
research team aims to find bee disease solution
https://dailyevergreen.com/54878/news/team-aims-to-find-bee-disease-solution
#
