Scores Air Force 1Q-14 Portland State 46-0 Idaho State 43-0
T
he great challenge to any collegiate athletic coach is to rebuild their team after the previous season's best and brightest have moved on. Vandal football coach Chris Tormey
Beginning with Spring Drills, the Vandal casualty lists began to grow. Joel Thomas suffered a season-ending injury in the opener against Air Force. Offensive linemen Bill Verdonk, Justin Meek, Ryan
Dourough, freshman Casey Hills, and senior defensive tackle Ttm Wilson made ball carriers pay dearly for every yard. Defensive backs Tony Uranga, and freshman Dennis along with Bryson Gardener
is no exception. Graduation ravaged the Vandals, taking the bulk of the premier defense in the Big West in 1996, and the lion's share of experienced offensive linemen... the very foundations of a successful football program. However, in 1997 the Vandals were not without prospects. Running back Joel Thomas returned to punish any defender fool enough to get in the way. Quarterback Brian Brennan brought solid skills and experience, as did a tested defensive secondary. With these assets, coach Tormey again rebuilt a solid Vandal football team with a bright future. But almost immediately, that future began to fade.
and Schienle, Douglas Lumsargis were either injured or questionable to play. Linebackers Whib1ey Mayor and Chris Nofoiega also came down with injuries. With these seasoned, quality players missin& the brunt fell to the underclassmen and those still healthy to step-up and perform. Running backs Jerome Thomas, and freshmen backs Anthony Tenner, Laki Ah Hi, and Willie Alderson ground out the tough yards. Freshman linemen Brett Morton, Jeremy Wallace, Rick DeMulling and Patrick Venke, under the leadership of senior Crosby Tajan, fought to clear the running and passing lanes. Linebackers Ryan Skinner, James
and Kevin Hill made opposing pass plays risky at best. Looking back at the 1997 football season, coach Tormey said, "what amazes me is that we have so many freshman that will be outstanding football players". Looking forward to the 1998 season, a young, hungry, and experienced Vandal football team is already dreaming of sweet victory.
Vandal
Centeral Rorida 1Q-41
North Texas 30-17 UC-Davis 44-14 Nevada 23-42 Utah State 17-63 E. Washington 21-24 New Mexico State 35-18 Boise State 23-30
"The key to our season is scoring. " - Senior Jim Stoor
178
football
Story by Dale Amsbaugh Layout by Sam Dyer