Saturday, Aug. 22, letters to the sports editor

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL

Time to stop criticizing the Broncos' schedule

I have to laugh at people like Art Bryan who criticize the BSU football schedule with brilliant statements like, "Go play in the SEC."

Maybe Art could arrange that or maybe he has the pull to help BSU gain access to the MWC or the Pac-10.

What would really be nice is if people would understand how scheduling football games works before they spout off. BSU plays eight conference games. Until Art can arrange a conference change, BSU must play these teams.

In most years, BSU will play four out-of-conference games. This year the NCAA lets them have five because they must travel to Hawaii. Two of these are weak teams. Two are middle-of-the-pack teams and one is a top 25 team. That's pretty much how every other team in the nation schedules.

By the way Art, I checked and Meridian High School does not have an open date on their football schedule like you said.

CLIFF GROSSMAN, Meridian

Shame on some season ticket holders

The outrageous behavior of season ticket holders to BSU is beyond reproach. The fact that BSU allows them the right of first refusal to extra tickets to home games should be investigated.

When a big-name program comes to town, the game sells out before the general public has a chance to purchase from the school due to these practices.

Then the season ticket holders sell the extra tickets they have acquired at prices that allow them to recoup most if not all of their expenditures for their season tickets. Tickets that cost them between $35 and $65 apiece are selling for $175 to $500 on resale sites.

I say shame on the season ticket holders for abusing their fellow fans and to the university for continuing to turn a blind eye to it.

BRAD COZZENS, Eagle

Masoli invites big hits- and can take it

Who hit who and who must avoid the other? We have heard and read oft times how Ellis Powers was penalized for a "helmet-to-helmet" collision with Jeremiah Masoli, the Oregon quarterback.

Let us be reminded, you don't get any favors playing out-of-state if you are from Boise State.

It is now widely known that Mr. Masoli is a head-to-head, hard-hitting quarterback, who is 5-feet-11 and weighs more than 220 pounds.

He likes the contact and invites it. He does not get a head-to-head hit while running upright. He undoubtedly invites head-on collisions and doesn't wear a sign saying, "Don't hit me on the head!" Alternatively, he loves it.

We anxiously await the next meeting.

JACK BUETTGENBACH, Boise

The blue turf is part of the Bronco legacy

In response to Joseph Covello's letter in the Saturday, Aug. 8, Sports section.

I have been watching BSU games for the past 10 seasons. I am a local that lives here and can tell you firsthand that everyone here fully supports and loves the blue turf. It is absolutely ridiculous for a Californian that doesn't even live here to tell us to abolish the blue turf to gain respect.

In terms of gaining respect, the Broncos have done it on and off the field, whether it be on the blue turf or anyone else's turf.

We have seen many great coaches (Koetter, Nutt, Hawkins, Petersen). And even more great players. We have gone 80-11 since 2002, and won too many WAC championships too count.

The blue turf is now a legacy and it is here to stay. So to Joseph or anybody else that objects to our Smurf turf, you can stay home (California) and watch us beat Oregon on Sept. 3 on ESPN.

COLE PARKER, Boise

BASKETBALL

Thank you for making BAM Jam a success

On behalf of the BAM Jam 3-on-3 basketball staff, we would like to once again thank all of the volunteers that made this year's event a success. You overcame rain and dropping temperatures for two days to produce an event that the Treasure Valley can be proud of.

It was just a few weekends ago (Aug. 7-8) that Boise set records for rainfall and low temperatures. Yet you came out in force despite the elements.

The participants thank you for giving your time, the beneficiaries thank you for donating your energy and we thank you because we know that BAM Jam wouldn't happen without you. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for those orange, gold and green volunteer shirts!

VINCE HORDEMANN, Meridian

MEDIA COVERAGE

Too much Tiger; too much Broncos

Now that we know Tiger Woods is not a God, could you please restrain your writers and news feeds from writing as if he was destined to win everything?

He blew a commanding lead at the PGA, one we were repeatedly told he always converted to a win if he was ahead two days out. Punditry can be painful.

And speaking of pain, could we have one single day in the offseason without the Broncos being featured on the front of the Main and Sports sections? It's only a minor-college football team, after all.

I know, heresy.

GEORGE PARKER, Boise