Sports
Braves Sports coverage from the Star Valley Independent’s Dahl Erickson.
updated August 8, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Coming to you from Laramie, home of the Wyoming Cowboys, there is definitely football in the air. That’s why this week’s question has to be centered around the pigskin.
The Olympics start today, yours truly is getting ready for the University of Wyoming’s fall media day here in Laramie, and the Braves are just 22 days away from taking on the Riverton Wolverines at the brand new version of Braves Field.
If you’re a Wyoming fan, you’re not going to want to miss checking back here starvalleyindependent.com over the weekend and on into next week. I’ll have exclusive interviews from several Wyoming impact players,not to mention coaches and hopefully the Athletic Director and the President of the University himself.
Even if your loyalties are with another squad (and you know who you are) you’ll want to check it out in the thread of doing research on your enemy.
This week’s question is about defense. After speaking at length with new Star Valley Head Coach Chris Howell, there is a lot of excitement about the team, but especially about the defense as the first official practice is just ten days away.
There has been some dominating defenses in Star Valley’s history, but here’s this week’s question:
Which Star Valley team has allowed the fewest points over the course of a season? (1941, 2007 etc.)
Bonus: How many points did they allow?
Use the comment section to guess and I’ll let you know how you’re doing. Also, one more little note. Keep in mind that when I’m talking about the year of a particular squad, I’m using the year in which the team actually competed. For example, the 1928 team, was part of the 1928-29 school year.
See? I’ve already given away some hints. It’s not the 1941, 1928 or 2007 team. Only 76 more to choose from.
no comments
updated August 1, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
As much as the citizens of the valley anticipated the summer months after a long cold winter and a wet sloppy spring, the summer days are waning and so is the Dahl E. Llama’s patience while waiting for fall.
Last week, the Stir had it’s first apparel winner as Rick Walker claimed a Star Valley Cheesemakers hat. Shane Williams has a chance to claim that same prize this week. When you earn four points, you win something, simple as that. I’ll keep a tab after that and every four points will result in another prize. At the end of the fall season, the person with the most points will win something a little bigger . . . . . . no, not me.
Use the comment section to guess, and I’ll let you know if you’re right or not. Tell your friends and let’s make the Stir something that could be a lot of fun over the course of the 2008-09 school year.
Here’s this week’s question which has to do with SVHS Cross-Country
In the opening event of last season, Trevor Ricks won the Teton Challenge at the Targhee Resort, setting a new course record in the process. This week’s question is:
What two other Braves placed in the top ten of that race?
Bonus Question: Ricks’ new record was the only time under what time mark? (i.e. under 80 minutes, 90 minutes for yours truly)
There ya go, please no internet researching, and I’ll be responding as quick as I can to guesses. Please feel free to guess multiple times, but please wait for my responses before doing so.
Got a good idea for a Sports Stir question? Let me know by zipping me an e-mail at svidahl [ svidahl #AT# silverstar.com ]
no comments
updated July 29, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Up until two weeks ago, you might have found a few naysayers when it came to the completion of the updates to the Star Valley High School Athletics Facilities. All you can say now with just likely one more week before turf arrives is: Whoa.
Folks were hard at work smoothing out the gravel base while preparing the field portion for the sand which is expected later this week. Meanwhile more dirt was being smoothed out via a grader while blacktop is also expected to begin sometime next week.
In addition to the visually appealing items being finished per the field and track, power and conduit has been run for the new scoreboard and timing system as workers continued to be baked by a cooperative yet hot summer day.
Braves Field is expected to be used for the first time in official competition on August 30 as the Riverton Wolverines make their way to Lincoln County for a “Zero Week” game with the Braves. As of today, a junior varsity game is expected on that day with a 1 p.m. kickoff. The varsity game is tentatively scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff which will mark the beginning of the 80th year of Star Valley football.
no comments
updated July 25, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Wyoming fans have been accused of living in the past a little too much. But, here’s a little gem of a video I put together just over a year ago that should get your blood pumping for the collegiate football season.
A year ago, the Cowboys were big underdogs at home against Virginia and Chris Long, eventual second overall pick to the Rams and the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long.
It was expected to be a long day for the Cowboys and an inexperienced offensive line, but Wyoming responded that day, dominating Virgina and allowing just a total of 110 yards. The rest of the season had many forgettable moments, but this is one that will show a perfect day in War Memorial Stadium as the underdog had their day.
Be sure to click below for the video and hopefully you’ll be a little more enthused as football season marches ever closer.
no comments
updated July 25, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Today’s Stir comes at you from the annals of Star Valley football history where battles took place between teams many decades ago that still are played today.
The 80th year of Star Valley Football is now just 36 days away and with fall practice officially beginning on August 18, there is precious little time to get things ready for the Braves’ battle with Riverton on August 30.
Look for some more in-depth interviews from some of the coaches right here at starvalleyindependent.com in the upcoming weeks to get you psyched up for the new school year. We’ll also be expanding the Stir into some collegiate questions as well as the Mountain West schedule gets underway in just over a month.
A little reminder of the rules: Please no internet research. Also, you can make multiple guess using the comment section and I’ll respond with an yes or a no as soon as I can after the guesses are made. Please wait until I’ve had a chance to respond before making another guess. This way I can avoid some ambitious soul from naming every team in the region.
Getting the main question will be worth a point, and getting the successive bonus questions will also be worth a point. Upon collecting four points, the skilled individual will be taking home a Star Valley Cheesemakers hat courtesy of yours truly. Look for the current standings below. I have a feeling someone might be winning a hat this week.
Here’s this week’s question that relates to football:
Which team has Star Valley played more than any other team?
Bonus Question: What year did this series begin?
Standings:
Shane Williams - 3 pts
Rick Walker - 3 pts
* Also, a little clarification on last week’s bonus question snub. Mr. Williams guessed that Star Valley won their first state championship in the Double A or Arena Auditorium, when in fact it was in the Fieldhouse. I’ve been told that I’m being a little sticky on this one, but here’s why. The first official game in the Arena Auditorium wasn’t played until February of 1982. So, um, it wasn’t built yet in 1968.
no comments
updated July 21, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Well, on some counts I have to apologize for not having the Stir up and running on Friday, but some days you just have to take the phone off the hook and head out of town. Here’s the make up question for this week.
This week’s Stir question has to do with basketball. Remember, please no internet researching and feel free to guess as many times as you would like in the comment section. Perhaps wait until I’ve responded with a right or wrong until you guess again.
The winner will get points based on the correct answer of course, but also get bonus point(s) for the harder additional questions. After racking up 4 total points during the Stir, you’ll be getting some Star Valley apparel. (Check out the standings at the bottom of this post) Who knows, at the end of the 2008-09 school year, the overall winner might be getting something big.
Without further delay, here’s this week’s Sports Stir question.
In the 1967-68 season, the Star Valley Braves, with head coach Lew Monsen, won the school’s first ever basketball state title. They went 18-5 that season, never losing by more than three points. Here’s your question:
Which team did the Braves defeat in the state championship game?
Bonus question: Where was the championship game played? (be specific)
Extra Hard Bonus question: What was the score of the game?
The Friday Sports Stir standings so far:
Rick Walker: 3 pts
Shane Williams: 2 pts
no comments
updated July 15, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Laramie, Wyo. (July 14, 2008) — University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman announced on Monday that Mark Branch has been selected as the new head wrestling coach at the University of Wyoming.
Branch comes to Wyoming from Oklahoma State University where he was the Associate Head Wrestling Coach. He was a part of five NCAA team championships as a coach and student-athlete at OSU. As a college wrestler, Branch was a member of OSU’s 1994 NCAA Championship team, and served on the coaching staff for OSU’s 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 NCAA titles.
He provided the Cowboys from Stillwater with personal and team instruction including technique training, weight training, conditioning and nutrition. He was instrumental in the recruiting of student-athletes to Stillwater, as well as organizing fundraising projects, promotional strategies and assisting in public relation functions with student-athletes. Branch replaces Steven Suder, who coached the Wyoming Cowboys from 1989-2008.
“The hiring of Mark is exciting for the future of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling,” Burman said. “We feel his experience and passion will enable us to become a national player in the wrestling community.”
“For me, this is the realization of my goal to become an NCAA head coach,” said Branch. “I’m from a competitive background, and I was looking for a place where I could build a nationally-competitive program. I believe there is a great deal of support from the Athletic Department and the University as a whole at Wyoming. Wyoming is the right program for me and the right fit for me and my family. I appreciate the confidence that Tom Burman (UW Athletics Director) and Matt Whisenant (UW Senior Associate Athletics Director) have shown in me to get the job done.”
As a member of the OSU coaching staff, Branch was named the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association (NWCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004. He helped coach OSU to seven Big XII Championships, four NCAA Championships and three Dual Team Championships. He was named the Associate Head Coach at OSU in 2002. He individually coached 31 All-Americans and nine NCAA Champions.
Branch has been a freestyle wrestling coach for the Gator Club in New Orleans, La., since 1997 where he provides personal instruction and training in freestyle wrestling. His teams have participated at various World Team training camps. He has coached at the U.S. Nationals and World/Olympic Team Trials.
As a student-athlete at OSU, Branch was a four-time NCAA All-American (1994-97), four-time NCAA National Finalist (1994-97), two-time NCAA National Champion at 167 pounds (1994 and ’97) and a two-time National Freestyle All-American (1998 and ’99). In 1997, he was named the Big XII Athlete of the Year, OSU Student-Athlete of the Year and the top graduating senior for OSU Wrestling. He was a four-time NWCA Academic All-American, received an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Award and a Big XII Post-Graduate Scholarship Award.
Branch earned his bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Oklahoma State in 1997 and earned his master of science degree in athletic administration from OSU in 2000.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for the opportunities I was given at my alma mater, Oklahoma State,” said Branch. “John Smith (Head Wrestling Coach at Oklahoma State) gave me the opportunity to learn from him. I consider him to be the greatest coach in college wrestling. I was fortunate to be a part of the greatest program in college wrestling as a student-athlete and assistant coach with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, now I’m excited to build on the great tradition of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling.”
A native of Newkirk, Okla., he and his wife Susan have a daughter, Maggie Belle, and a son, Mason Layne.
no comments
updated July 11, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
With a solid month of beautiful Star Valley weather and some of the nation’s most scenic links, the Stir is dedicating this week’s trivia to the sport of Golf.
Congratulations to Rick Walker, who’s won both weeks, coming from left field to claim last week’s answer. Just a reminder of how this works: Use the comment section to answer, I’ll respond as timely as I can to let you know if you’re right. You can certainly guess more than once. In fact, guess ’till your heart’s content
Please no Internet researching. If you have an old paper that you can look at, or a relative that knows, that’s great. I’ll usually try to have a bonus question included that will also be worth a point.
Over the course of our Friday Sports Stir columns, I’ll keep track of the points and for every four points compiled by someone, they’ll win some Star Valley sports apparel. Up for grabs right now? A Star Valley Cheesemakers Hat.
Okay, here’s this week’s question:
Bill Hoopes, recently retired SVHS Golf Coach, won how many state championships as Head Coach of the Braves and Lady Braves Golf Teams?
Bonus Question: Who was the most recent individual state champion golfer from Star Valley?
Good luck to all, and make sure to make use of the comment section below. Have a great weekend and Go Braves!
no comments
updated July 8, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
If the voting through the first week is any indication, the fans of Star Valley want the name of the field to be Braves Field and they’re not liking much of anything else.
This week’s update takes a look at the new curbing made of concrete that has given the oval shape of what’s to come in the eight-lane track. According to those working on the field, the curbing is something that the rest of the field will anchor to and will provide a solid base when the turf and track are installed.
Also, dozens of new fence poles have sprung up around the field and behind the main bleachers to the west of the Pole Vault runway but it isn’t stopping several coaches from using the facilities.
In addition to Allison Hicks and Adam Isaacson teaching the youth in morning soccer camps at the practice fields, the Braves have between 60 and 70 players trying to learn from the new Star Valley coaching staff. Coach Chris Howell is busy, as are many of his assistants, installing a new offense, a new defense and a new mindset for his first head coaching opportunity, and after witnessing the first day of the camp, Coach Howell is certainly making good use of his time with the players.
The Braves will meet up with the Riverton Wolverines on August 30, on the new surface and facility with both teams sharing surprisingly similar goals. New Wolverine head coach Jeremy McCormick will also be looking for a good first impression as the two new coaches will christen a new field for the 80th year of Star Valley football.
Be sure to click below for video footage of the update and don’t forget to vote for your favorite suggestion on the right hand side of this page. The top vote getter, and that’s looking to be nearly decided, will be presented to the school board of LCSD #2 for approval at the July 17, meeting.
no comments
updated July 6, 2008 by the Star Valley Independent in Sports
Well, with the Governor in town, the nation celebrating it’s birthday and yours truly with a busy schedule, I forgot my new Friday sports trivia. Well, here’s your makeup question -
Of course all of the Friday Sports Stir questions can be answered using your comment section, and it’s always a chance to either show off your intelligence, or your luck. Either one is good here.
Okay, here we go. With the Star Valley Braves beginning their summer football camp Monday evening at 6 p.m., this one has to be a football question. The Star Valley Athletic Club played their first football game in the fall of 1928 under Coach Newell Peterson. They lost their first two games to Kemmerer and Cokeville respectively (ouch!). They won in Week 3 against what team? For bonus points, what was the score?
This is also important because Star Valley has won at least one game in every season they have played, no small feat over eight decades of football.
I am keeping track of the winners for this portion of starvalleyindependent.com, and they will be rewarded with cool Star Valley gear for the winners of each month, so take your best guess.
Good luck to the football and soccer players who both begin camps on Monday, check back for some video and some pictures from their July experiences right here at the website.
no comments
