McCain makes watch list
A year after former Idaho receiver Dezmon Epps was added to the 2013 Biletnikoff Award Watch List, wide receiver Josh McCain earned a spot on the 2014 list. The senior from San Jose, California, is the Sun Belt Conference leader in receiving yards per game (113.6) and receiving touchdowns (6), while he is second in the league in receptions per game (7.4) and total receiving yards (568). Nationally, those numbers rank sixth in receiving touchdowns, 10th in receiving yards per game, 15th in receptions per game and 16th in total receiving yards. The Biletnikoff Award is given annually to the nation’s top receiver — a position McCain has only been playing for half a season.
“I’m proud of him,” Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. “He’s been consistent week-in and week-out. And again, like I’ve said, I think he can get better and better each week. I’m glad he’s on the list. I’m happy for him.”
Coba honored by Big Sky
Junior setter Meredith Coba was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Week for the first time in her career Monday. She passed for 86 assists in six sets last week, leading the Vandals to back-to-back sweeps of Northern Arizona and Eastern Washington. Coba’s 14.33 assists per set for the week added to her already conference leading 11.08 assists per set.
“Anytime a setter gets recognized it is awesome,” Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan said. “It shows you have a balanced offense with many players that are hitting high numbers. The setter is like the quarterback of the team — you have to have a setter that runs that offense, and I thought she did a good job of really keeping everything balanced and knowing who to go to at certain times.”
Swim and dive set for season
A new fall sport debuts this weekend, with the Idaho swim and dive team, which is the only Vandal team still in the WAC, competing in its first meet of the season. The Vandals host in-state rival Boise State Saturday at the UI Swim Center. Idaho returns 18 swimmers and two divers from last year’s team, which placed second at the WAC Championship meet. The team also broke 14 school records last year during the historic season.
“Every year is different and every team is legitimately different,” Idaho coach Mark Sowa said. “You say goodbye to seniors and you welcome new freshman. Every year we try to create an environment that is conducive to people getting better.”