New Basketball Coach, Spring Game, Ducks Baseball, and some Spring Cleaning

Peter E.

May 2, 2010 - 8:40 PM

Before I begin this post, I want to acknowledge that yes, I promised a follow up with the "Top 5 Things I'll Miss Most About Eugene," but it will have to wait another week. I've got a lot to cover in the post regarding Ducks Athletics (it was a busy week), so we'll finish that up next week.

Down to business now, the long and arduous search for a Ducks basketball coach has come to an end. The Ducks have hired Dana Altman from Creighton University. He's not the big name or "up-and-comer" I was expecting, but he should be a solid coach. Altman stresses defense and three point shooting, so the offense shouldn't be too different from Kent's style of play (but at least we'll play defense). The hire already has me excited for basketball season (we play both Missouri and most likely Duke in non-conference play this upcoming year).

Moving on to football, the Ducks held their annual Spring Game at Autzen Stadium on Saturday. With Jeremiah Masoli gone for the season, the quarterback competition for the starting role has been a question mark headed into the season. On Saturday, redshirt sophomore Darron Thomas looked shaky his first drive, throwing a pick-6, but settled down and looked more solid overall than senior Nate Costa. He also had perhaps the most exciting play of the game, hitting DJ Davis on a 64 yard flee flicker for a touchdown. I would love to see Thomas take the starting role this coming season because I think he has the potential to be a Dennis Dixon clone, if not better.

Finally, I spent the afternoon resting my tired muscles from the marathon at the baseball game against Washington State with my roommate Jeff and his parents. The game was a pitcher's duel through four innings until the Ducks blew open the game in the bottom of the fourth with a 5 run half-inning behind a Danny Pulfer RBI single and Paul Eshleman three run homer.

Oregon starting pitcher Zack Thornton threw six strong innings, giving up only one run, and he improved his season record to 7-0. The Ducks comfortably won the contest 6-1. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon for baseball, and a great way to relax after the morning's run.

That's pretty much a full recap of a busy week in Ducks sports news. I'd go into more detail, but I am fading fast as my body begins to realize that I indeed did a half marathon this morning. With that, I'll sign off until next week. Good night and have a great week!