For subscribers: The Star's longtime columnist on Rob Gronkowski's impact, Salpointe's emotional win, Ka'Deem Carey's milestone and Sean Miller's Big East chances.
Greg Hansen The Star's longtime columnist on Rob Gronkowski's impact, Salpointe's emotional win, Ka'Deem Carey's milestone and Sean Miller's Big East chances:
"Since we announced the sellout, we’ve been getting calls asking, 'Can you set up a few extra tables?’ and requests of that type," says Rhodes."But, of course, the fire marshals won’t allow that." Again, the bowl organization did not center on big-name schools. Of the nine POWs selected thus far, the list includes Flowing Wells’ Adrian Soto; Walden Grove’s Gabriel Smith; Marana’s Elijah Joplin; Pusch Ridge Christian's Bubba Mustain; and Douglas’ Emiliano Berthely.
But it took on a different meaning when the event was dedicated to the late Thomas Meixner, the UA hydrology professor murdered on campus earlier this month. Meixner’s son, Brendan Meixner, is one of Salpointe's top runners. In his third season with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, Carey became the first CFL runner this year to reach 1,000 yards. He had a total of 1,013 yards entering Saturday’s game against Saskatchewan. It’ll help Carey celebrate his 30th birthday on Oct. 30.At Canyon del Oro: A city-record 5,701 yards, including 2,738 yards as a junior and 1,754 yards as a senior.In the NFL: Carey gained 443 yards in three seasons for the Chicago Bears.
Book Richardson turned down in attempt to join college staffThe New York Post last week revealed that Miller’s Arizona assistant coach, Book Richardson, was turned down in his attempt to return to college basketball coaching. The newspaper reported that Richardson, 49, was recommended to be coach Rod Strickland’s assistant at LIU-Brooklyn but that the university president did not approve the transaction.
UA relaxes Ring of Honor rulesAt Saturday’s Homecoming game against USC, the UA will induct 1980s running back/receiver Vance Johnson, 1997-2000 quarterback Ortege Jenkins and 1920s quarterback John"Button" Salmon into the Ring of Honor. It’s unfortunate the Pac-12 did not choose a freshman of the year in 1997, because Jenkins probably would have won that award when he came off the bench to replace injured Keith Smith and lead the Wildcats to four late-season victories, including the Territorial Cup and an Insight.com Bowl win over New Mexico. A freshman-of-the-year award is one of the Ring of Honor automatic qualifiers.