Northwest Notes Feb. 9, 2013
Cowan to play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
Bobby Cowan, the Idaho punter for the past four seasons, has been chosen to play in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Cowan, a native of Vancouver, Wash., was a four-year starter for the Vandals and started every game at punter after redshirting in 2008. During his senior season, he solidified himself as Idaho's all-time leading punter, averaging 43.1 yards on 70 punts. He ended his career with the highest punting average (44.7 yards), as well as record holder in total punts (259) and yards (11,570).
The game will be held Jan. 19 at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State-Dominguez in Carson, Calif., with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. and televised on ESPN2.
Tuel, Jacobson selected to play in College All-Star Games
PULLMAN - Washington State seniors Wade Jacobson and Jeff Tuel have been invited to play in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game on Friday at Kino Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
Tuel was also selected to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 19. Herm Edwards and Dick Vermeil will serve as head coaches for the American and National teams.
Tuel played in 31 games during his WSU career, 26 as a starter, and completed 531 of 865 passes for 5,936 yards and 33 touchdowns. His completions are fifth-best all-time at WSU, while he is sixth in attempts and seventh in yards and touchdowns, ending his career as the school’s all-time leader in completion percentage (.614).
Jacobson appeared in 27 games, 25 as a starters during his three years at WSU after transferring from Gavilan College. In 2012, Jacobson appeared in 11 games and made 10 starts, including nine at right tackle.
UTEP hires WSU’s Choate
EL PASO, Texas — UTEP has hired former Purdue receivers coach Patrick Higgins as offensive coordinator and former Washington State and Boise State assistant, and ex-Post Falls High coach Jeff Choate to run the defense.
Higgins was the interim head coach for the Boilermakers in their 58-14 loss to Oklahoma State in the Heart of Dallas Bowl after Danny Hope was fired. He spent two seasons with Purdue.
New Miners coach Sean Kugler is bringing Higgins back for a second stint in El Paso. Higgins, who will also be quarterbacks coach, was on the UTEP staff from 1998 to 2003.
Choate spent the 2012 season as linebackers coach at Washington State. He coached the previous six years at Boise State in various roles.
Kugler is replacing Mike Price, who retired after a 31-year career.
Everett fires two coaches
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Silvertips fired coach Mark Ferner and assistant coach Chris Hartsburg.
General Manager Garry Davidson will take over as head coach on an interim basis, with Mitch Love continuing as an assistant coach.
Both Davidson and Love will remain in their positions until the end of the season and a search will be held in the offseason.