Day Three
by John Berkowitz on Apr 4, 2009 7:17 PM PDT
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PrintPerfect football weather in Seattle today with the forecast for clear skies and temps in the mid 60's. Washington will be practicing in shells today which means they will be wearing helmets and shoulder pads. Washington will have their first practice in full pads on Monday.
Around 1500 plus fans in attendance today depending on who you believe and they even opened up the concession stands which is impressive. The practice was physical with lots of hitting going on even though the players aren't in full pads.
Lots of work going on with the QB's today. The level of fine tuning that is going on in this area is pretty impressive from what I am hearing. That is to be expected when you bring in a couple of guys like Nussmeier and Sarkisian.
A friend of mine who was there today called to tell me that the practice was pretty impressive. Everyone has access to watch all the drills up close. He said he was ten feet away for the most part all day. He said that real Husky football has returned to the banks of Montlake.
Defense dominated play today and Locker didn't look all that sharp as he continues to adapt to the new system.
Kicker Erik Folk was 3-for-4 on his field goal attempts, hitting from 34 and 41 yards to draw applause from the crowd in attendance.
Linebacker E.J. Savannah was limited in practice today with a sore ankle. EJ will be back on Monday. Running back Terrence Dailey tried to give it a go today but eventually left the field with trainers.
If you want to watch some great interviews with the coaches after todays practice click the link to go to the UW Spring Football Blog.
Big Plays and Impressions
- Jermaine Kearse caught two TD passes.
- Curtis Shaw had a 40 yard run.
- Demetrius Bronson ripped off a 20 yarder.
- Marquise Persley had two interceptions at CB.
- Anthony Boyles looked real good today.
- Chris Izbicki continues to play well.
"I really want to look at this film from today because it got physical," Sarkisian said. "We did some one-on-one pass-rush stuff with these guys. They are a tough group which is really encouraging. I was anxious to watch them because they're not the biggest of guys, but I was excited about the fact they stuck their nose in there today.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times
One ex-player also said that "it looks like the coaches and players are on the same page'' something he said was lacking during the previous regime
And all seemed to love the atmosphere with the fans cheering after big plays and just adding a general buzz. "I wish we'd had this,'' one said.
Coach Sark spent a lot of time talking about the importance of the red zone today, making sure the players understand how the game changes when the field shortens. For the offense, the focus was taking care of the ball and making big plays to put points on the board.
1. Players of the Day: On Offense Curtis Shaw and on Defense Donald Butler
2. Play of the Day: Donald Butler's Big Hit on Willie Griffin
3. Coach of the Day: Mike Cox ”The first spring practice in pads, is not for the meek or mild”
4. Thought of the Day: If you want to be physically tough, you have to be mentally tough.
5. Team Competition Winner: Offense
“The new staff is crazy,” Butler said. “On us every play. On the field with us. Running with us. Running right to the ball with us. Hopping on the pile with us. It’s different. It’s something that this team needed, and the guys are buying into it.”
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Unreal...
…the attendance. That’s the name of the game. You have to be able to perform in front of crowds. Love to see it.
Man
Just hearing all this stuff gives me goosebumps. I know I’m gonna miss Sark and Nicky come Fall practice. I love it. I knew these guys would come up and change the way things are done, and do it the way Husky fans are used to seeing things done. That’s the way they were for ‘SC and I had no doubt in my mind they’d continue to show their talent, class, and mentoring-ability to those young men. It seems as though the players are stepping up themselves. It is a two-way street.
It’s strange, but I feel so proud right now. We’ll see come full-season, but chances are- The Dawgs are gonna win more than their fair share to me. I know it. The coaches and players will see to it.
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
You're a class act Bix...
…I mean you’re an SC guy and you’re rooting for the dawgs! We’re so used to opposing fans coming in and flaming us that well, it just seems pretty cool to me.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Thanks dawgfan22
Feelings mutual, my friend.
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 5, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I also wanted to say, but
at the time my g-friend was trying to pry me away at my “loser at the keyboard” time. She’s from Australia and the other day she says to me, "Love, at times- I believe you are a bit “overly-invested” with your college football blogs. It’s just my perception, it really doesn’t mean a thing."
Yes it does. ‘Cause she’s prolly right. I AM OVERLY-INVESTED! (hence, my “loser at the keyboard” remark. LATK is my own) Man, if she wasn’t so smokin’ hot and super-massively intelligent, I’d treat her like the other girls I told “I think I love you, you could very well be my future ex-wife!”
Here’s the what: I am sincerely grateful and thankful that you guys have halfway accepted me, considered I’m a Trojie. I will always make it a point to be respectful of you guys, your team, and situation. If, I ever get sanctimonious or uppity, I’m counting on you guys to call me on it. I really don’t have half the football acumen as most of you guys, nor the benefit of wisdom with age.
I’ve been reading you guys for about 3.5 months now, and barely had the balls and temerity to comment. I thank John for being so welcoming, and you, Lear, Crazi, Hair, and a handful of others I know but can’t recall who’ve been kind to me. You guys really could have just not given a sh_t. So, let it be known, I am thankful and honored to be part of this blog.
Thanks again again guys! WOOF! Go Dawgs! 2009 or bust baby!
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 5, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions
and things are only going to get better
I can’t wait to discus UW football when we are successful!!! It’s quite valuable to have a “outside” point of view.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Thanks Bix!
Women are strange, all of us guys have our hands full trying to figure them out. I don’t know that we ever do. Anyway thanks for contributing, you’re always welcome here. Bruce Lee is the bomb!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Do yourself a favor
don’t try and figure women out, I’m pretty sure it’s impossible!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Yeah...
…I recently had to justify my season tickets for football and the Tyee donation that goes along with them. I’ve been doing it since 92 and she just figured that out!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
What's funny is that. . .
. . .I’m the last of 7 children in my family. My brother (eldest), then my poor mom and dad commenced to have 5 girls in a row. My mom had a partial hysterectomy as they’d given up on a 2nd boy, and then along came me. I was conceived at a ski resort near Cerro Aconcagua in the High Central mountains of the Andes on a “kiss and make-up” weekend when my parents celebrated their first Valentine’s Day “getaway” from their children since they’d initially started a family. (Chileno OB-surgeons. . . .they are notoriously terrible)
BTW: my dad got his masectomy at a hospital in Campbell, CA when he “scouted” the Santa Cruz area before transplanting our family out from Chile. (it totally worked!)
Man am I verbose. Short of the long of it. Women, I know my fair share- let’s just say. When I was a kid, I learned with a female-vengeance- that if a women is in her mood and says, “1 plus 1 = 3” ??? Believe you me, it’s 3. Sheeee. I practically had a “bitch” fit and “male-menstruation” right on time for THEIR cycles once a month. Seriously. And music? Dear God, if I have to listen to a “Grease” or “Fame” or “Saturday Night Fever” or “Sixteen Candles” or “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack AGAIN IN MY LIFE? I’ll poke myself severely in both ears until I die!!!! I will.
How do you think I got to learn all those Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac songs?
Jiminy Christmans, I know the words to Smiths, Prince, Adam Ant, and Culture Club songs too? How? and why? My FIVE BEAUTIFUL AND TERMINALLY ROMANTIC SISTERS.(for the record, I only own Adam Ant and Prince cd’s myself. the others? I’d rather pay YOU to keep ’em and not offer me ’em)
‘Member the beginning lines to “Raising Arizona” when H.I. is in prison laying in bed & talking to that brother- as that brother’s relating to him why he “thinks he’s part woman part man”? “. . . yeah son, see I get these NASTY CRAMPS every now and again in a month. . . . .”
Well. . . . I coulda said those lines, I freakin’ lived them myself! Word!)
Favorite female advice, from my Abo (grandpa Telesforo- the Italian immigrant who settled in Chile. and gave me life through my dad) He said to me, “You know you love the woman you’re going to marry if you: 1) Are able to watch her eat and not feel anything, but wanna make sure she’s not hungry anymore. 2) You know your love by, when she smiles- it makes you smile & when you wake up in the morning with her- all you want to do is make love to her all over again & and when she cries- the only thing you want, is nothing else in life but to understand and try to truly make things better for her. Nothing else. And 3) Your wife will be the one you are never satisfied in buying, or doing, and making things for. And you’ll do it, JUST TO SEE how much you’ve made her happy”.
He went on to say, “the truest love you’ll ever have will be two things. Your children (even moreso than your mother and wife) And your body. You won’t ever love your body as much as it loves you. When you’ve come to understand this, I’ll be proud in heaven because I’ll you you’ve carried on in life and YOU TRULY ARE A MAN.”
True story, and his own true words. (it was told to me half in German, the other half in Castillian (Chileno-spoken Spanish). I was 3 1/2 years old.
This much I know, there’s a little bit more. But, not much. ;- )
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 5, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions
That is some heavy sh_t!
WOW! Both of my grandfather’s were dead by the time I was born. You’re a lucky man! And he told you that when you were 31/2! WOW! That is cool!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Too off topic, but yeah
Family is family in my family AND IT’S BIG on traditions, sensibilities, and customary occasions. We’ll talk some other time . . .where’s your ancestors hail from?
(please don’t say Native American Indian. . . I haven’t an ounce and always want(ed) to be. I love all their cultures, even in MesoAmerica.
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 6, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
sure - its great that we are all so civil ...
… but this is a strange string of posts.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
Lets try to keep the posts on topic
If you want to change the topic do a fan post.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 5, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Report for out of towners
If you haven’t been to a practice, the one liners may be difficult to string together. Here’s a brief overview.
For starters, practice starts on time and is very uptempo. A boat type air horn signals the beginning of a new session, and everyone (including coaches) sprints to the new location. The fans stand there clueless wondering what will happen next. We are permitted to walk to the next location. Most of the action is on the main field, but the camera is on the practice field behind the scoreboard. With most of the fans on the main field, the horn blew and every player went to the practice field, leaving the fans looking at an empty field. Meanwhile the players were going 11 on 11 for the camera.
The O wears purple and the D wears white (looks like the whites were washed with the purple). The QBs have gold and the Reds watch from the side or are limited in their participation.
The fans pick any seat they want, or stand on the sidelines, the only rule is to stay off the turf. That means you are about 7 yards out of bounds on the sideline! The players may look small from the seats, but when they stand in front of you, they are big. People applaud good plays during passing drills.
Near the end of practice, they scrimmage again, usually in the red zone. Somehow the crowd is hoping for a score, but making noise for the defense. Its fun.
These Coaches Get it
It is almost impossible to simulate game experience in practice, but the way USC has done it under Carroll is just awesome. Everything involved with practice should be football related or game related and it sounds as if Sark has brought that approach to Washington. It’s all about repetition, proper fundamentals, and technique on the football field (in game an on the practice field).
We’ve got a coaching staff that gets it, guys that know how to build a program. Sure there might be challenges along the way, but striving for perfection in regards to everything involved with the program is a good thing. I sense good things ahead of us.
All I saw was purple
One-liners
We have links to complete practice reports from Bob Condotta, Chris Fetters, and Scott Ecklund.
I am just trying to fill in and add to what they are writing at this point. I would like to get out to Seattle for a couple of practices but this is a very busy time of year for me and Kate. In a perfect world we would spend a couple of weeks in Arizona golfing and watching the Mariners and the Cubs. Then we would head up to Seattle and catch some practices.
I do get reports by phone after almost every practice which is nice but no substitute for actually being there.
The coverage is appreciated.
I like to glean as much info as possible and with John and the rest of you guys contributing…well…it’s AWESOME!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Can we please go 6-6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First off, I think Sark will do a MUCH better job than Ty because he will motivate the players and he will work their butts off. But really what can we expect after a 0-12 season? I for one would be estatic if we could go 6-6 and get us a invitation to the Emerald Bowl or something. Its been too long since we went bowling ,but hey, you never know . Right now I say we have good chances to win against Idaho, Wazzu (Washington St.), UCLA and Rick, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford, and maybe Cal since its in Seattle. Call me an optimist, but I think 6-6 is a very realistic expectaion
by subliminalnirvanaist on Apr 5, 2009 2:38 PM PDT reply actions
Hmmm
I don’t know if I’d go as far as to call it an expectation, but I’d definitely call it a possiblitity. Could you imagine how excited we’d be to go bowling next year!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
I tend to wholeheartedly agree with you
Monopoly-playin’ Slick Rick, Erickson, Belotti (I know he’s gone, but?), CharlyTuna, and Tedford don’t know jack on how to stop the Sark/Chow offense- Riley, Harbaugh, and Stoops kinda do. I’m hoping it’s just a “Trojan-thing” for those teams, because I want Sark to murderize those m-fers! Us?. . . . . .I’m gonna abstain- to keep whatever friendships I have over here.
6-6? Good chance. Prolly better. (but I’m a distant fan with no knowledge of your guys’ heartache. I’m totally an opitimist. . . .especially when it comes to Sark and Nicky)
Comer4tide to Nico2.0: "How come I've never heard of any of your random songs?"
Todd to Comer: "Because if you had, he wouldn't listen to it. BOOM. Roasted."
Nico to Todd: "Shouldn't you be off voguing somewhere?"
by BixBeiderbecke on Apr 5, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
6-6?
Kind of a reach with the type of schedule we have next season. Tough to predict victories over LSU and Notre Dame.
Brutal start to the season
It’s going to be really interesting to see how the players react after playing LSU and USC within the first three games. Hopefully it doesn’t kill their spirit.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Don't sell yourself short
We could have a decent team next year. And I didn’t go so far as to predict a win against LSU, but I mean come on Notre Dame? I said we will have a chance to beat them, I mean Syracuse did and they aren’t any good so whose to say we can’t beat them. Besides, its Charlie Weis, the guy isn’t Bob Stoops or Nick Saban or something.
by subliminalnirvanaist on Apr 8, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's one of those seasons where...
…by the end of it you’re seeing things come together and you’ve got some momentum going into recruiting and next season. I think this team is going to surprise some people. I’m not saying they’re necessarily going to go 6-6 but I think they’ll be very competitive in games where people may have expected them to get blown off the field.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Regardless of our overall record
I expect us to much more competitive on a weekly basis. The only games where I could forsee blowouts would be LSU and USC. If we can keep those close it will be encouraging.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
I want to see more...
…more plays being made and guys just being more competitive overall. Remember when the defense actually produced Sacks, 3 and outs and picks?
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
and how loud the stadium got right after a good sack!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
No doubt!
It was special with a whole lotta WOOFIN’ goin’ on!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
You are getting me excited
Time to pull out “The Perfect Season” video and watch the good ol’ days when we didn’t tackle people, we LEVELED them!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Yeah remember Hoff and Cloff?
Do we have any guys that can lead on the field, now?
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Jaime Fields and Shane Pahukoa
Good question, offense is lacking, only Locker comes to mind. Defense has got potential with Butler, Foster, and Teo-Nesheim. This staff should be much better at developing leaders.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Yeah we need more WAR daddy's...
…guys that instill a certain amount of fear into their team mates.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Coaches
I like the principles they are using to build the foundation. Hopefully everybody buys into it and they can build a real program on it.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
I also like...
…that they are teaching these kids to play fast. I hate to use another Bruce Lee analogy but that was one of Bruce’s philosophy’s, “practice fast and you’ll fight fast”.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Practice doesn't make perfect
Only perfect practice makes perfect! – Vince Lombardi
Sark definitely has it right, you play how you practice.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
I think it's going to be fun...
…I for one am going to enjoy the ride!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Can you imagine...
Husky Stadium being packed again and rockin’!?
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Me too!
Last season I remember feeling ill looking around and seeing the old gal so empty…
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
That makes two of us
The only way I could bearing watching the games was to expect them to get blown out so I wouldn’t be disappointed.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
It was difficult...
…the only thing that kept me going was realizing that one day, we’d look back on it and be SO glad that it was in the past.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Donald Butler
He really looks to be asserting himself this spring. Is this coming Saturday more of a full on game like scrimmage?
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
yeah - hard to believe that BC left him off of the top 10 husky list.
I had him in the top 3.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
UW Budget
Did you guys read about the UW facing a proposed 25% cut in funding? I know times are tough but man that is a steep cut!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Don't worry
they are spending all our money on “The Arts” and other “valuable” stuff nobody is willing to pay their own money for.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
UW alum know that ...
…. this is the end of the low-tuition era at UW. There is no way they can keep up with subsidizing tuitions for 30k students per year. The year I graduated, my total tuition for 49 credits was about $3400 over three quarters. I think these days, that number is in the $6500 … still a huge steal. I understand that they will also be cutting enrollments so that they can reduce faculty and staff loads.
Does it have an effect on football? Depends on how you look at it from where I’m sitting. In better times, maybe we go for the “proven” coach or loosen up foundation dollars to reinforce capital outlays in athletics. Not these days. I hope UW emerges, academically speaking, as the same institution that it was before the economy tanked.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
$8500
Raising tuition to $8500 is the only real solution. Nobody likes it but it has to be done to preserve a world class University.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 5, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
is that the number?
I hadn’t heard. If so that’s got to be a 25%-30% adjustment on in-state. I have to imagine that they’ll try to keep out of state from getting jacked up by that kind of rate.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
It’s brutal. My fiance is part of the faculty and she said department heads were asked to make plans for 8%, 10% & 12% cuts. When the proposals came back from Olympia for a 25% cut, it floored the UW administration. Dr. Emmert will really show his mettle with this budget mess. It may get to the point where he has to take a hard look at all the academic programs at the UW and be willing to shutter the underperforming ones so that the highly rated ones can survive with little loss to their reputation.
Given the budget crunch, I think I’m going to go postal on the next Husky fan that says Emmert needs to support UW football by starting a PE department so we can more easily admit JC transfers…
25% cuts
Are these real cuts or government cuts? A government cut is when you expect a 20% increase and only get 15%. That somehow becomes a 25% cut.
Concerning tuition, private schools are in the $40k range per year. Out of state at government schools is $20k. Anything under $10 is a bargain.
10 grand is a bargain unless you don’t have it.
by John Berkowitz on Apr 6, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm just hoping I still have a job in a few years!
I know WAY too many pilots who have already been laid off.
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Monday's practice
Good chance I’ll be at practice tomorrow, is anybody else planning on being there?
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
Give us a report will ya Lear?
I guess it’s the first full pads practice. You’re going to be close enough to hear a whole lotta poppin’ goin’ on!
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
Please tell me who's...
…steppin up at the defensive tackle position. That’s kind of one of my favorites.
Washington Husky Football-1991 National Champions
I'd be glad to
I’m really looking foward to seeing some hitting UP CLOSE!
"Bow Down to Washington"
"Kick the tires and light the fires!"
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