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A New Era. by Troy Warzocha, pg. 6.

Kickoff http://twitter.com/ UM’s Independent Campus Newspaper Since 1898 80°F | 60°F UM’s Independent Campus Newspaper Since 1898 KaiminSports Montana Kaimin 2 SPORTS Saturday, September 4, 2010 Griz begin season with familiar foe Troy Warzocha Montana Kaimin

With a new coaching staff in place and a horde of new players donning jerseys that are hot off the press, it may be the Grizzlies’ opponents who are more recog- nizable to fans when Montana opens their season against West- ern State on Saturday. This year will mark the sec- ond consecutive time the Griz open their season against the Western State Mountaineers. The Mountaineers represent a Division II school located in Gunnison, Colorado. On paper, the Griz throttled the Mountaineers a year ago for an emphatic 38-0 opening day win. However, to those who re- member the actual game, it’s hard to forget that the Moun- taineers fought tooth and nail against the Griz, giving up only 10 of those points in the first half. “Offensively, they’re some- what similar to what we are,” Head Coach said at Tuesday’s press conference. “They’re wide open. Last year, in that first quarter, they moved the ball downfield and got close to red zone a couple times in the Greg Lindstrom/Montana Kaimin first quarter and we didn’t play Andrew Selle looks for a receiver during practice on Wednesday. particularly well, especially in the first half. “ COLUMN The slow start by the Griz I was in that national champi- would become a theme through onship game.” the 2009 campaign, and at least If there’s one advantage that Pflugrad’s been perfect so far, this Saturday starting center the Mountaineers have it’s that Alex Verlanic is keen to the they already gotten their open- now he needs to win. type of fight the Mountaineers ing day anxieties out of the way. can muster. “I think it’s a terrific advan- “They’re going to be fired up tage for them,” Pflugrad said. and ready to play,” Verlanic said. “Those first game jitters and by Tyson Alger, Sports Editor Going into the contest the all those issues they’ve already Grizzlies have the edge over the gotten out of the way. They’ve He’s done everything right. urday, fans will finally have a years, it’s guaranteed the fans Mountaineers in skill position already travelled and that’s a Since being hired nine months quantitative method in judging will start to grumble. players, history, and a home field plus for them, there’s no ques- ago to fill the controversial yet Pflugrad. Any move Pflugrad Forget the fact that this Mon- that annually boasts the larg- tion about that. So I think they’re widely successfully shoes of for- has made leading up to Saturday tana team is drastically different est attendance in the Football going to play much better than mer head coach , can be discussed and debated, from the one last year. Sure, An- Championship Subdivision. they played last weekend.” Robin Pflugrad has been the dar- but from now on, there will be drew Selle and Chase Reynolds Quarterback Andrew Selle Last weekend Western State ling of Missoula. The Eugene, Ore. only one way to judge the coach, still anchor the offense. But the and running back Chase Reyn- opened up their season with a native amassed a celebrated re- and that’s by the record. Grizzlies also have an offensive olds are 2010 Walter Payton 45-20 loss to Fort Hays State. cruiting class—including the Or- Every game, every play, ev- line that has been decimated Award candidates, cornerback Selle, Reynolds, and number egon 6A player of the year Jordon ery point scored by the Griz will by either graduation or injury, a Trumaine Johnson is a candi- one wide-out Jabin Sambrano Johnson—in a short time span. be dissected. If Pflugrad’s Griz- talented yet unproven receiving date for the Buck Buchanan must be licking their chops He took to spring drills with vigor zlies don’t post a 38-0 shut out of core and a defense that lost the Award, and there’s bound to be after the Tigers racked up 543 and tempo. He’s been seen out in the Mountaineers on Saturday, leadership and dominance of at least 25,000 football-starved total yards on the Mountain- the community, and the attitude you’ll hear talk that maybe Bob- those such as Shann Schillinger fans looking to see the Griz eers in the win. The yard total of the football program is “night by would have done better. If the and Shawn Lebsock. The Griz- pursue a third consecutive title is dwarfed only by how coldly and day” compared to the Hauck Griz somehow, just so happen zlies have a lot more questions game appearance. efficient the Tiger offense was regime, a member of the staff said. to lose a regular season game than most No. 2 ranked teams in Despite the potential for an- throughout the contest. People are relaxed. They’re com- this year, again he will be com- the country should. other blowout, the Mountain- Fort Hays State averaged 7.9 fortable. Things are fun again. pared to Hauck—and this time Regardless, Pflugrad will be eers have the Grizzlies’ undi- yards per play and had their But for all the good he’s done not favorably. For all of the grief expected to win. vided attention going into this best offensive output since Oc- over the last months, nobody Hauck has gotten in the past And in the end, it only mat- year’s clash. tober of 2004. knows better than Pflugrad the year, the one thing that can’t be ters so much how many hands “Obviously, you always The only chance the Moun- inevitable truth about coach- debated was his ability to win. he shakes, how nice of a guy he want to play better,” Selle said. taineers really have is to take ing: that none of that matters Going 80-17 over a seven-year is, or just how damn much we “Coming into my senior year, advantage of an offensive line come Saturday. No matter span is downright amazing. like him. after I haven’t played for a year, that features four new starters how much he smiles during To compare Pflugrad to If Pflugrad’s team fails to you always challenge yourself and somehow find a way to interviews or jokes with play- Hauck would be absolutely un- perform starting Saturday, to be better than the game be- beat new defensive coordina- ers at practice, no matter how fair for a first-year head coach. Griz fans may be craving an fore and obviously our last tor Mike Breske’s multitude of easily he’s made people forget But in this town, it will happen. old coach, the same one they game was the national cham- blitz packages. about Bobby, starting Satur- Griz fans expect dominance; didn’t like quite so much. pionship against Villanova, so “We’re fast,” said senior day, things will be different. they crave perfection. And if [email protected] if you’re going by that number defensive tackle Tyler Hobbs. The moment the Griz take Pflugrad’s team this season un- I’m going to try to be the very “We like to play fast. We’re best I can be and be better than to Washington-Grizzly on Sat- der-performs compared to last See GAME PREVIEW, page 3 Montana Kaimin Saturday, September 4, 2010 SPORTS 3 Western State ready for rematch Division II squad returns to Missoula for second-straight season opener

A.J. Mazzolini “We really don’t know what and coughed up the ball an taineers play tight ends like In the Fort Hays loss last Montana Kaimin we’re going to get,” Stewart astoundingly low eight times. most people pick their shoes — week, Prock proved he’s back said. “There’s not that famil- But a dismal running game there’s got to be at least two in in top form, snagging 10 passes What started as a defensive iarity there would be if coach made Gorham’s efforts mean- the equation. for 97 yards, easily leading the battle turned into a blow out Hauck would have been there. ingless against Fort Hays. The “Tight ends are very impor- team in both categories. last time Western State College I think there’s going to be some Mountaineers managed a mea- tant,” Teply said. “I didn’t get to make the trip of Colorado ventured to Wash- changes. They’ll be subtle in ger 33 yards on the ground on But for the last two-plus (to Montana) last year so I was ington-Grizzly Stadium. some areas and not-so-subtle 28 carries. seasons, Western was without pretty bummed,” the 5-foot-11 The Division II school re- in others.” More worrisome for the it’s main tight end weapon, pass tight end said. “Now I’m turns Saturday in a rematch Western’s own offensive Mountaineer staff might be Curtis Prock, a junior. Prock, really excited to see what it’s of last year’s football home plays will be piloted by Miles their rushing defense, which who missed all of the 2009 like to play in front of more opener, still remembering the Gorham. The junior quarter- was bowled over for nearly 300 campaign with a torn pecto- than 20,000 people.” rumble of 25,000 Montana Griz back saw playing time in nine yards. Fort Hays rumbled to ral muscle, was joined by two [email protected] fans and a stiff 38-0 defeat. games last season, but many the tune of 295 yards and four other tight ends on the injury “We had heard all the horror coming as a receiver. Gorham touchdowns on the ground, list last season, severally ham- stories,” said Western State of- takes over the starting job from a performance that worries pering the team’s normal play fensive coordinator C.J. Teply. Tyler Daniels who started ev- coach Stewart for this week’s style. “It’s not fun. You understand ery game for the Mountaineers game. “For the last years, it’s been why it’s so hard to play there last season as a sophomore. This week, Stewart’s po- a battle when we lost them because it’s so loud.” Teply, who also serves as rous front line will be dealing and we’re excited to have Teply said this year, just like quarterback’s coach, said the with Chase Reynolds, a Walter those guys back,” Teply last season, his Mountaineers team decided to go with one Payton Award candidate. The will have to deal with the roar starter this season and won’t award is given to the top of- of the crowd and adjust their likely deviate from that plan. fensive player at the Football game plan because it’s a factor Gorham got the nod over Dan- Championship Series level. all visiting teams have to ac- iels, despite his game experi- The Drummond native has cept. ence, because of the former’s compiled more than 3,000 “I don’t think we got caught poise under center. yards in two seasons, in- off guard by the noise, it just “We have a lot of confidence cluding a 100-yard effort sucks,” Teply said. “I don’t care in him,” Teply said of his last year against Western if you’re App State or Western 6-foot-4 starting QB. “He can State. State.” run and do a lot of different “We’re going The atmosphere in Missoula things. He’s not crazy-fast but to have to do is great for football, Teply add- he can go out and do every- a better job ed, and it’s easy for his visiting thing—play golf, play baseball; stopping players to get excited for the he can even go pick up a tennis the run, action. The Gunnison, Colo., racket and play.” based squad rarely performs In his first start last week, a in front of so many screaming 45-20 loss at Fort Hays State, fans, he said, and they gener- the junior kept his tal- ally see around 5,000 in atten- ents focused on foot- dance. Photo Courtesy of Western State Athletics ball, tossing two But almost any advantage Western State senior linebacker Mike Reyn- touch- the Mountaineers could have olds makes a tackle last week in a 45-20 loss gained after their run-in with to Fort Hays State. downs the Griz last year may be w h i l e com- bottom line,” Stewart erased, said fourth-year head piling 218 yards said. “If you don’t, that’s going said. coach Pat Stewart, who led the a n d c o m p l e t i n g to put you in a tough spot to “ B u t team to a 3-8 record in 2009. All passes at a 65 percent win the game.” specifi- background knowledge that clip. Stewart’s defense will look cally, he Western State possessed con- Gorham had no intercep- to bottle up Reynolds using [Prock] cerning Montana’s play calling tions for a team heavily fo- a three down linemen, three is the likely departed with former cused on protecting the foot- roaming linebacker formation difference and why we think Griz head coach Bobby Hauck ball. The Mountaineers threw with five defensive backs. we can have some good games during the off season. only three picks all last season Back on offense, the Moun- this year.”

GAME PREVIEW plained that to them – you’re not pressure on the quarterback. From page 2 coming into a situation that you’re For eight years, he was an rebuilding. You’re coming in basi- assistant under the legendary going to be coming from all an- cally to the University of Texas of before taking assis- gles. It’s a fun style of defense the [football championship subdi- tant positions at Arizona State, to play. It’s a little bit new.” vision]. So those are tough expec- Northern Arizona, Washing- It’s been nearly nine agoniz- tations.” ton State, and Oregon. ing months since the Grizzlies Outside of just being the sea- With all the hubbub about fell to Villanova 23-21 in the son opener, the game against what is new and different with national championship game, Western State will mark Pflu- the 2010 Grizzlies, securing a and new coach Pflugrad is well grad’s debut as the 34th head win over Western State is the aware of the monumental task coach at UM. oldest and most traditional that awaits him after the ball is While it will be his first time thing they could do. kicked off. on the sidelines in this new posi- “For me, this game is my On top having to replace 19 tion, Saturday’s game isn’t Pflu- championship game,” Reyn- seniors and construct a new grad’s first rodeo with the Griz. olds said. “Every week, we staff, he had to make sure the Pflugrad was the wide receiv- prepare for a championship people he brought in that can ers coach under former head game. For me - being a senior - handle the sometimes outra- coach Bobby Hauck in 2009 each Saturday you go out there geous expectations that sur- and has brought with him a could be your last Saturday. round the Grizzlies each year. new spread offense that hopes … It doesn’t matter who we’re “Expectations in Missoula and to move the ball quickly and playing we’re going to give it in the state are unreasonable. I ex- neutralize teams that like to put our all.” [email protected] Montana Kaimin 4 Saturday, September 4, 2010

Story By Daniel Mediate Around the #14 Eastern Washington (0-0) at Nevada (0-0) WASHINGTON An intriguing matchup between Eastern Washington and WAC power Nevada has coaches all around the on their toes. The Eagles lost quarterback stud Matt Nichols to the NFL, but they return All-American running back Taiwan Jones along with Buchanan Award contender linebacker JC Sherritts, defensive lineman Renard Williams and defensive back Matt Johnson. Nevada, on the other hand, is looking to build off its 8-4 season last year and emerge out of the Boise State shadow in the WAC. The Wolfpack are poised to return to their winning form with the return of QB Colin Kaepernick, who has mastered the Pistol offense – running for over 1,100 yards, throwing for over 2,000 and scoring 36 total touchdowns last season. First team All-WAC RB Vai Taua led the team in rushing with 1345 yards and hit the end zone 10 times. A good showing against the Wolfpack could do wonders for the Eagles’ confidence as the team eyes their home showdown with the Grizzlies on Sept. 18.

Prediction: Close call, but Nevada takes it. Nevada 35, Eastern Washington 24

Portland State (0-0) at Arizona State (0-0) A tough way to start for a young team and a first year head coach coming off the team’s worst sea- O son in nearly 30 years. Nigel Burton, new Vikings head coach, inherits a team in rebuilding mode and a double-digit loss column awaits him. To make it worse, Portland State doesn’t even get to play in the comfort of their own home as their stadium undergoes renovation. The Vikings will be playing their R home matches at a field nearby. Arizona State, which will feature Montana Grizzly football head coach Robin Pflugrad’s son, Aaron, at wide receiver, is picked to finish in the middle of the pack of the Pac-10, E but will still easily overpower the lowly Vikings. The season opener at Arizona State marks the begin- ning of a frightening schedule for Portland State, including two Pac-10 teams, three FCS playoff teams and seven road games. All of this may have coach Burton thinking, “Why did I take this job, again?” G

Prediction: Sun Devils romp Portland in Burton’s debut. O Arizona State 49, Portland State 3 N

C Sacramento State (0-0) at Stanford (0-0) A Things could be looking up for the Sac State Hornets after winning three of four games to end their 2009 season. L But a dance with the Stanford Cardinals led by top NFL quarterback prospect Andrew Luck could have the Hor- nets leaving Palo Alto with a humiliating loss. On the positive side, Sacramento boasts seven returning starters on a defense that featured 2009 Big Sky I newcomer of the year safety Zach Schrader and his 103 tackles. The Hornets have a solid defensive lineman in Christian Clark and 31 returning players who have started at least one game. F Sacramento has talent, but the success of their season hinges on QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who took over as starter late in 2009, and junior running back Bryan Hilliard, who will have to bounce back after shoulder surger- O ies that sidelined him for 2009. The Hornets have some strong wide-outs in Brandyn Reed and Dylan Lane. With the positives, the Hornets are still no match for the Pac-10 contend- ing Cardinals, or the top teams of the Big Sky for that matter. R Prediction: Stanford swats the bees. N Stanford 42, Sacramento State 3 I A A Western New Mexico (0-0) at #23 Northern Arizona (0-0) R Could this be the year NAU breaks out of the herd and into the upper tier of the Big Sky? A formidable defense and a standout signal-caller have the Lumberjacks primed for a successful season, and with a cake first game, NAU should get off to their usual quick start. Lumberjacks QB Michael Herrick, a Walter Payton I Award candidate, tossed 22 touchdowns last year during his 3,356-yard campaign, but he lost his top four receivers from a year ago along with three more of his offensive starters. Z The ‘Jacks will have to rely heavily on Herrick and the eight returning starters on defense this season if they want to play late into November. O Western New Mexico has some promise in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Confer- ence, but will be overmatched by NAU’s stout defense and seasoned quarterback. N Prediction: Northern Arizona blasts Western New Mexico. Northern Arizona 32, Western New Mexico 7 A Montana Kaimin Saturday, September 4, 2010 5

M Fort Lewis (0-0) at #24 Montana State (0-0)

Another overmatched Division II squad against a strong Big Sky contender should result in a O lopsided score. The Bobcats return 16 starters, split evenly between offense and defense, but had key losses, like beast linebacker Dane Fletcher – the Big Sky defensive MVP last year – who signed N with the Patriots. Though Montana State undoubtedly has the edge in this matchup, the Skyhawks could catch them looking ahead to their Sept. 11 clash with Pac-10 team Washington State. T

Prediction: The Cats should roll over Fort Lewis in their home opener. Bobcats claw Hawks, 42-14. A N A

UM – Western (0-1) at Idaho State (0-0)

Idaho State has 13 starters returning for the 2010 season, but that doesn’t mean much after last year’s 1-10 season. I Senior quarterback Russel Hill returns, but had some injury issues during ISU’s fall scrimmage. The offense will feature fullback Bryant Ward leading the way for agile running back Corey White. The Bengals have some promise on defense with All-Big Sky D linebacker A.J. Storms returning, along with fellow LB Philip Arias and safety Chris Holmesley. Though the Bengals should have enough to get by the Bulldogs of UM – Western, they haven’t won a Big Sky conference road game since 2006, and their schedule features Montana, Eastern Washington, Utah State and Georgia all on the road. Too bad - A ISU coach John Zamberlin was really hoping 2010 would be the year ISU earned some respect around the league. Respect may H have to wait till next year, Coach. Prediction: Bengals barely win in brawl of the ugly. O Idaho State 21, UM – Western 17

C Adams State (1-0) at Northern Colorado (0-0)

Northern Colorado hopes 2010 is the year they contend for the conference title and a O spot in the playoffs. But don’t bet on it. The Bears have a crew of talent in Dylan Orms, a junior who recently got the nod as L starting quarterback, running back Andre Harris, and speedy wide receiver Patrick Walker. Plus, the Bears have some protection with a good o-line anchored by junior center Alex Shapiro. O But Adams State has a quality attack of its own, led by sophomore quarterback Trevor Eggleston, and the ASC Grizzlies are coming off an impressive 34-14 home win over Dixie R State to kick off their season. A Prediction: Tight one in Greely, but UNC sneaks by in battle of the bears. Northern Colorado 28, Adams State 21 D O

U #18 Weber State (0-0) at Boston College (0-0) T Tough way to open the season for the Wildcats as they head to the east coast to face a team thriving A off the return of star linebacker Mark Herzlich, who battled and beat cancer last year. The loss of career rushing leader Trevyn Smith, along with five other All-Americans, leaves the Wildcats with some shoes to fill. But QB Cameron Higgins, Big Sky offensive MVP in 2008, returns along with WR H Mike Phillips, who averaged 18.1 yards a catch in 2009. Herzlich’s emotional return has the Eagles ready for the season. Look for Boston College to use the Wildcats as a tune-up game to roll into their tough conference schedule.

Prediction: Too much for Weber, Boston College rolls. Boston College 38, Weber State14. Montana Kaimin 6 SPORTS Saturday, September 4, 2010 With a new regime and a fresh roster it’s finally time to usher in the by Troy Warzocha, Montana Kaimin Pflu-Season

When the Grizzlies make The Grizzlies enter the sea- tice] and I say ‘well gee whiz, Pflugrad with work to do when thing that I’ve become very their first tunnel run of the sea- son as the No. 2 ranked team am I ready?’And that’s the first he was offered the head coach- passionate about,” Gragg said. son on Saturday, not only will in the country and with all the time I’ve ever thought of that. ing position on December 31, “When I was playing I always they be finally satisfying Mis- expectations that surround the I think it’s good that it hasn’t 2009. saw coaches as those guys that soula’s insatiable appetite for team year in and year out, it’s come up before because I think Outside of hitting the re- got there early, stayed late and football, but they will also be understandable that Pflugrad it’s a waste of time.” cruiting trail with little time didn’t see their families much ushering in a new era of Griz- would be a little nervous ahead With Pflugrad now roaming before signing day, Pflugrad – not much of that is untrue – zly football. of his inaugural game. the sidelines, this season will also had to make sure he had but to be around and associ- After nine months of prep- However, with all the work mark the first time since 2002 the right coaches in place to ated with the game of football aration Robin Pflugrad will that he’s putting in just to get that former head coach Bobby help players develop and carry is something that has been a make his much anticipated de- ready for Saturday, Pflugrad Hauck will not be present for a Montana’s tradition of success. great opportunity and a bless- but as the new head coach of hasn’t had the time to get pan- game day in Missoula. Besides Pflugrad, who ing for me.” the Griz. icked about his coming out Following the 2009 season, coached the wide receivers Baker is another former Regardless of the regime party. Hauck left the Griz to take the under Hauck, running backs player well versed in the re- change, Pflugrad is expected to “I haven’t even thought head coaching gig in Las Ve- coach and line- sponsibility that comes with guide the Grizzlies to another about that part,” Pflugrad gas for the UNLV Rebels and backers coach Mike Hudson being part of the Griz. conference title, another play- said. “I’m always ‘are the brought four of his assistant are the sole returners from last He also played under Read off appearance, and ultimately players ready, are the players coaches from Montana with year’s staff. and Pflugrad in the early 1990s another national champion- ready?’And then I’m standing him. By the time Pflugrad was in- as a prolific wide receiver and ship. out on the final play [of prac- The mass departures left troduced in a press-conference naturally now coaches the re- eight days later, the new coach ceivers for the Griz. had already received commit- Seventeen years prior to ments from five new coaches, Marc Mariani wowing crowds with four positions left to fill. with electrifying runs, Baker With Hudson and Delaney did the same en route to as- already in the fold, Pflugrad saulting the Grizzly record brought in a slew of former books. Grizzly coaches and players By the end of his career, Bak- with Mike Breske, Jonathan er’s 182 receptions were third Smith, Shalon Baker, Bob Beers in Montana history, his 2,561 Sr., and Scott Gragg in that first receiving yards fifth, and his round of hires. 26 touchdown catches left him When considering the sky- tied for second. high expectations that those “[Being back] is going to inside and outside of the pro- be a dream come true,” Baker gram put on the Grizzlies every said. “Coach Pflu – I wouldn’t year, tapping into guys who are be here if it wasn’t for him. He aware of those demands was a recruited me out of high school calculated move by Pflugrad. and he’s a man of his word. He “There’s either a Montana told me 15 years ago that if I or and Oregon connection to chose to come here we’d have a all these coaches and that’s by lifetime relationship, so I’m ex- design. It really is,” Pflugrad, a cited. I’m excited to be around former wide-receivers coach at the fans again.” Oregon, said. Beers is in his fourth en- Gragg was one of the names gagement with the Montana that really struck a chord with program. This time, he is the fans when he was brought on coach of the offensive line. to coach tight ends and become Known as a notoriously the recruiting coordinator. hard-hitter during his play- Widely regarded as one of ing days with the Griz in late the greatest offensive linemen 1960s, Beers was part of then- to ever represent Montana, head coach ’s Gragg was a three time all-con- staff from 1970-72 before mov- ference selection and still holds ing on to become the defensive a special place in Missoula. coordinator at Montana Tech. He was picked by the New Beers was lured back to Mis- York Giants in the second soula by Read and was an as- round of the 1995 NFL draft sistant coach until 1990. and played in the pros for 11 Most recently Beers was a seasons. In 2002, he was select- regional scout for the Houston ed to the All-pro team while Texans. with the San Francisco 49ers. However, when Pflugrad He is still the only lineman came calling in January, he in the history of Montana foot- couldn’t turn down the oppor- ball to receive the team’s out- tunity to become part of the standing offensive lineman Grizzly program once more. award three years in a row and “I’m really excited. It’s like played under Pflugrad when he coming home,” Beers said. “We was an assistant under the leg- made the decision as a fam- Greg Lindstrom/Montana Kaimin endary Don Read from 1986-94. ily. …[Pflugrad and I] were Coach Robin Pflugrad (right) instructs Chase Reynolds through a drill at practice last Saturday. “[Coaching] is one of those things that evolved into some- See COACHES, page 7 Montana Kaimin Saturday, September 4, 2010 SPORTS 7 COACHES From page 6 office mates for five years when I was here before under Don Read and it’s kind of like com- ing home. We said, ‘let’s put the band back together’ and here we are.” Breske is another former coach that returns to Missoula in search of a second national championship ring. Unlike the aforementioned coaches, Breske did not play at Montana or coach under Read. Instead he was the defensive coordinator under Joe Glenn from 2000-02 and now fills the same capacity under Pflugrad. Breske is a high energy coach who preaches that pres- sure, speed, and unity are the keys to defensive success. “From a defensive point of view, [our job is] just to see not so much as an individual, but our whole unit,” Breske said. “Just to see our whole group, our number one group, go out on a Saturday afternoon against someone different and see where we’re at.” Greg Lindstrom/Montana Kaimin Smith is the only one in Pflu- Cornerbacks coach Aric Williams works with a Grizzly player at practice Wednesday. grad’s first round of appoint- ments that has no previous tie to UM. He is the offensive coaches that I played for.” coaching staff, I told him I was football team - and I just couldn’t staff is from and their level of coordinator and After hiring his first batch of happy to do so.” pass it up, and I just got to keep it experience, the first thing Pflu- coach for the Griz. coaches, Pflugrad moved brisk- Breckterfield is another Or- going. There’s no option.” grad looked at when hiring his Most recently, Smith was the ly to fill the rest of his spots. egon guy, earning his degree Oviatt arrives in Missoula staff was their makeup. quarterbacks coach and at the Within five weeks after his from Oregon State in 2007 af- as one of the most decorated “First it was about charac- University of Idaho and helped first press conference, Pflugrad terplaying for the Beavers in strength and conditioning ter, in my opinion,” Pflugrad the Vandals become the ninth hired the final four coaches to the late 1990s. coaches in the country. said. “Who could relate to the ranked total offense in the round out his staff. In 1998, Breckterfield was a He is currently a member of players as a teacher was very country in 2009. Dick Arbuckle was hired third-team all-American defen- the Collegiate Strength and Con- important, but you know if Prior to coaching at Idaho, to coach special teams, Inoke sive end and knows the Griz- ditioning Coaches Association, they didn’t have the character, Smith was an assistant coach Breckterfield became the de- zlies intimately after coaching and from 2004-08, Oviatt was that’s going to wilt in a hurry at his alma mater under Den- fensive line coach, Aric Wil- the defensive line for Big Sky president of the organization. and things will go south. Be- nis Erickson at Oregon State, liams was brought on to coach foe Weber State in 2009. In 2001, he was a recipient of cause the real bolts are going to and as a quarterback led the cornerbacks, and Pflugard se- “I’m happy to be here. I like the Master Strength and Con- be flying here on Saturday. It’s Beavers to an 11-1 record and a cured the services of Rob Ovi- it here and I like the small- ditioning Coach Award. the first time we’re going to be Pac-10 title in 2001. att to work on strength and town atmosphere,” Breckter- The following year he was se- together as a staff. We have a In the Fiesta Bowl that year, conditioning. field said. “The football tradi- lected to the strength and condi- lot of new faces on the football tioning coach hall of fame. team. So I knew that was going Pflugrad and Oviatt both to happen. So that was part of coached at Washington State my decision process.” “It’s a great opportunity to be part during Pflugrad’s tenure from More so than recent years, 2001-05. Saturday will be an unveiling. By landing one of the top It will be a day of firsts for not of the winning tradition — a winning football team conditioning coaches in the only those on the field, but for country, the new head coach those on the sideline as well. — and I just couldn’t pass it up...” had fulfilled one of his top pri- This year, Pflu-season ar- orities, Pflugrad said. rives in Missoula a couple Regardless of where the new months early. Aric Williams, cornerback coach [email protected]

Smith helped the Beavers de- Unlike the first group that tion is awesome here. It’s the molish Notre Dame 41-9 and was hired, most of the second reason I took the job - to coach earned most valuable player group reflected Pflugrad’s con- at this level. It was a tough de- honors for his performance. nections within his home state cision leaving Weber State but Smith’s relationship with Pflu- of Oregon. it was a great opportunity to be grad developed when he was at Last year, Arbuckle was an on the coaching staff here.” Idaho recruiting Pflugrad’s son, assistant coach at Sheldon High Williams came from the Arizo- Aaron, to play football. At the School in Eugene, Oregon, but na State football program where time, Pflugrad was an assistant prior to that he coached for 15 he coached cornerbacks, special coach at Washington State in years as an assistant in the Pac- teams, and oversaw defensive nearby Pullman, Washington. 10 conference with multiple quality control under Erickson. “I got to know Robin a cou- programs. In his playing days, Wil- ple ways,” Smith said. “One “I’m really glad to be here liams was a standout corner- was recruiting his son Aaron with coach Pflugrad,” said Ar- back for Oregon State from when I was at Idaho and try- buckle. “We have a history that 2001-04 and played one year for ing to convince him to come goes back a long ways with the Philadelphia Eagles after over there. So I went over and coaching at Arizona State years college. had a home visit. I had known ago, so it seems comfortable to “When I got offered the job, coach before that, but that was be here. The football tradition it was something you can’t pass when we really got to know here at Montana is great. When up,” Williams said. “It’s a great each other better. … [Secondly], Pflu asked me to come out of opportunity to be part of the we intermixed into circles with semi-retirement and be on his winning tradition - a winning Montana Kaimin 8 SPORTS Saturday, September 4, 2010 PLAYERS gamedaykaimin.com MONTANATO WATCH WESTERN V.

Defense: Erik Stoll – Offense: Andrw Selle – Defense: Mike Reyn- Offense: Miles Gor- Senior S Senior QB olds – Senior LB ham – Junior QB Stoll is the team’s lead- The senior captain played writtenS by This starting senior is on the A faulty running game ing returning tackler. He in each of last year’s 15 Taylor Anderson list of potentially dangerous doesn’t help any team made nine solo stops in games, throwing for 3,043 players solely based on the score points. Western the FCS championship passing yards with just six fact that he is an older mem- State’s game against Fort game. Pflugrad should interceptions. Selle threw ber of a young team. Johnny Hays State last week saw feel comfortable with this for one touchdown and Pieper is a sophomore and Gorham pass for 200+ experienced senior back- one interception during last leads the team with six unas- yards, it was his first start ing his team in the season year’s opener against West- sisted tackles in just a game, at the college level. opener. ern State, completing six of but Reynolds poses more 15 passes before backup of a threat because of his Justin Roper filled in. Expect experience. He posted eight more poise from the leader tackles during game one, one in this game. Starting Lineups more than Pieper.

Defense Offense Defense Offense DE: Bobby Alt 91 QB: Andrew Selle 12 DE: Taylor Keith 97 QB: Mile Gorham 10 DT: Tyler Hobbs 99 RB: Chase Reynolds 34 NG: Markus Harvey 74 RB: Germaine Daniel 23 DT: Bryan Waldhauser 50 WR: Jabin Sambrano 16 DT: Patrick Atherton 58 WR: Shaun Suttorp 82 DE: Ryan Fetherston 90 WR: Jeff Larson 7 LB: Brian Ambsberry 19 WR: Allan Aguilar 87 LB: Alex Shaw 32 WR: Sam Gratton 8 LB: Blake Krenke 6 WR: Andrew Maxcy 33 LB: Caleb McSurdy 40 TE: Robert Overton 89 LB: Mike Reynolds TE: Curtis Prock 83 LB: Jordan Tripp 44 LT: Kanny Kistler 79 CB: DJ Hughes 3 LT: Ryan Walstrom 72 CB: Trumaine Johnson 2 LG: Stephen Sabin 68 CB: EJ Kreis 12 LG: Scott Stuller CB: Brandon Dodson 11 C: Alex Verlanic 71 S: Seth Wilson 21 C: Collin Metz 69 SS: Erik Stoll 4 RG: Russel Piette 66 S: Johnny Pieper 4 RG: Josh Culver 64 FS: Mike McCord 39 RT: Charles Burton 57 FS: Chris Price 2 RT: Levi Greenly 73 P: Sean Wren 94 K: Brody McKnight 83 P: Mile Gorham 10 K: Lloyd Tucker 14

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