Making moves chasing that new bling
Amazing isn’t it that one week ago, we were wrapping up most of those outside sports.
Now, aren’t we a little thankful that things are moving inside for a few months?
WHILE THE season is just getting started for the North Idaho College wrestling team, so is the coaching career of Brandon Richardson, who joined the program as an assistant this year.
“He’s a good one to have,” said NIC head coach Pat Whitcomb of Richardson, who replaces Tyson Springer, who took a head coaching job at NAIA Hastings College in Nebraska. “We miss Tyson, but with Brandon jumping right in and wrestling at Wyoming with that Division I grind, he’s a good get for us. He’s very intelligent and has stepped right in.”
Richardson, a Lakeland High product, was a three-time state 4A finalist and two-time champion. As a youth, he was a USA Wrestling folkstyle national champion in high school, as well as a Tri-State Invitational champion.
“Both Brandon and (assistant coach) Keri (Stanley) are one of the best 1-2 punches in the nation,” Whitcomb said. “They’re more technically sound than anyone in the nation. And he’ll bring that local tie, so with him, it’s going to add some folks in the stands to see the program. He’s got a good demeanor, they’re both fiery, and very relatable to the guys on the team. They not only talk the talk, but walk the walk when it comes to practice.”
NIC finished tied for 11th in the final NJCAA rankings for the 2016-17 season. This year’s initial rankings have yet to be released.
“I’m pretty spoiled to have the staff that I do,” Whitcomb said.
IN CASE you missed it earlier this week, the Seattle Seahawks made quite a big splash adding offensive tackle Duane Brown, just hours after a win against Houston last Sunday in Seattle.
As a fan, it kind of felt like Christmas morning, didn’t it?
With injuries and a revolving door around the offensive line protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, Brown’s addition only adds to a group that has been trying to find a way and failing.
Seattle’s running game, once the strength of the team, struggled to gain 33 yards against Houston, with 30 coming by Wilson.
Usually if a quarterback is leading your team in rushing, your team isn’t very good. Wilson’s 452 yards passing bailed out the Seahawks and showed they needed help.
Now they’ve got it with Brown, who gives the Seahawks their best left tackle likely since the retirement of Walter Jones in 2010.
Sure, it’s a large expectation to think they’ll get back to the Super Bowl in February, but you don’t make these kinds of moves to finish second.
No excuses.
Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at (208) 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JECdAPress.