Award watch lists grows
Senior defensive lineman Aikeem Coleman is the most recent athlete to be named to a preseason award watch list. Coleman was one of 34 athletes named to the Ted Hendricks watch list, one of four collegiate athletes not in a Power Five conference to be named to the list. The award is announced Dec. 6 and is given to the best defensive end in the country. The most recent award winners were Jonathan Allen of Alabama in 2016 and Carl Nassib of Penn State in 2015.
Last season Coleman was named the 2016 Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year. He ranked fourth in the conference and 47th nationally in sacks as a junior, with eight sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Early-bird football ticket access
Idaho athletics announced an early-bird ticket discount to those who purchase tickets ahead of time in an effort to shorten ticket lines at the window and improve the experience for those attending. All tickets bought in advance for the season opener against Sacramento State Aug. 31 will be 10 percent off through Aug. 30. Fans can purchase tickets online using the promo code EARLYBIRD, in person at the Athletic Ticket Office or via phone at 208-885-6466.
University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear said the goal is for fans to fully enjoy game day as opposed to waiting in line.
“We want our fans to fully enjoy Vandal game day,” Spear said in a news release. “We anticipate a large walk-up crowd for this game and the last thing we want is for people to miss out on the pregame festivities, or even kickoff, because they had to wait in line to get their ticket.”
Fans are further encouraged to come out to the game to be one of the 12,000 to get a free t-shirt to “White Out” the Dome.
Idaho and Eastern Washington basketball to meet in doubleheaders
Idaho and Eastern Washington will switch the regular season meetings to doubleheader games in the 2017-2018 season. The first meeting between the two Big Sky programs will tipoff on Jan. 12 in Cheney, , starting with the women’s game before the men start at 7:30 p.m. The match will return to Moscow, Feb. 9.
In a news release, Idaho women’s head coach Jon Newlee said he thinks the revamped matchup is great for the program.
“I think it is great,” Newlee said. “It is something that we have been wanting to do. It is great that all the programs could get together and come to an agreement that is in the best interest for all of our fans. Having all of us in one venue, twice a year, will be fantastic for our fans and boosters. It will really help enhance the atmosphere in this series.”
Ina news release, Idaho men’s head coach Don Verlin said the doubleheader is good, not only for the teams, but for the Vandal community as well.
“It’s a great move for the communities and for the fans of the programs,” Verlin said. “We got the ball moving last year by switching the men’s game to Friday nights and we saw the impact right away. To now have all four teams playing in the same venue on the same night is just the right move for everyone involved.”
Vandals set exciting 2017-2018 schedule
Idaho women’s basketball team firms up a tough 2017-2018 season schedule that will be highlighted by the University of Washington in Moscow. The Vandals will take on four NCAA tournament-qualifying teams from the 2017 tournament.
In a news release, Idaho head coach Jon Newlee said he likes scheduling hard teams to test and strengthen his players.
“I always schedule really tough,” Newlee said. “I think it is really great for our players to go to different environments. I like to play in the top leagues around the country if possible.”
Idaho will face 10 non-conference opponents including an opener at Colorado State Nov. 10, Ohio State, followed by Abilene Christian on Nov. 18 before the Warner Center Marriott Thanksgiving Basketball Classic hosted by Cal State Northridge. The Vandals will start off the tournament against CSUN on Nov. 24 and will close with either Texas Christian or Arizona.
A home streak will be jumpstarted with Washington on Dec. 1. This will be the first matchup between the two programs since 2012. The Huskies made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the Women’s NCAA Tournament before falling to Mississippi State.
Cal State will make its way to Moscow followed by Wyoming on Dec. 9. Seattle University will be the last team the Vandals face before hitting the road again. The team will travel to Arizona State to cap off the out of conference schedule.
Big Sky Conference play will start off with North Dakota on Dec. 28.