Sep 11, 2008 - 04:05:50 CDT
One would think Jason Petrino might be craving some North Dakota company.This weekend he's not.
That's because the University of Wyoming is playing host to North Dakota State in college football.
Petrino was on staff at the University of Mary for the past three years as the defensive coordinator. His title at Wyoming is Director of Football Operations. He coordinates team travel, oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the football office and monitors budgetary and compliance issues relating to Cowboy football.
Petrino believes the Cowboys (1-1) will have their hands full this weekend with NDSU (2-0).
"I know the type of opponent NDSU is and the type of game they will be bringing,"Petrino said. "Ihave followed the Bison the last three years and the success they had. NDSU has always been a high-caliber team. It's no surprise they are winning at this level."
Even though Petrino has moved from Bismarck, he still follows U-Mary football and text-messages his former players.
"I miss the relationships a ton,"Petrino said. "I liked being the coordinator calling the shots and being around. Now, I'm sitting back and watching and observing everything."
Spikers notch first win
The season started roughly for the U-Mary volleyball team. The Marauders dropped their first six matches, including five by sweep. Three of those defeats came from nationally-ranked teams.
U-Mary (1-7) put a mark in the win column on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Chadron State. Outside hitter Amanda Hennessy came through with a career night with 24 kills and 25 digs.
"We have been talking about getting one point better," U-Mary coach Heidi Sunderland said, "One game better, one dig better, one kill better."
The Marauders have bought into the adage "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains."
The Marauders are hoping for good results this weekend at the MSU-Billings Invitational.
"We are much better than we were a few weeks ago," Sunderland said. "We have some opportunities we need to take advantage of."
Looking for first win
The celebrations from last season have ended for the U-Mary women's soccer team. The Marauders finished the season with an NSIC tournament championship and a berth into the NCAA Division II tournament.
It's been tough sledding for the Marauders this fall. U-Mary has gotten off to a slow start at 0-5-0 overall, including setbacks to ranked Metro State and Nebraska-Omaha and D-I North Dakota State.
"We try not to come up with any excuses on our part,"U-Mary coach Levi Evans said. "For the most part, with the exception of Nebraska-Omaha, we have competed. We can talk about the teams we have played, but in my mind, it's 0-5."
The Marauders travel to MSU-Billings Saturday and then begin NSIC play on Sept. 21 at home against Northern State.
"We're not panicking,"Evans said.
Part II
The U-Mary men's soccer team has been champing at the bit to break into the win column.
The Marauders opened up the season 0-5-0 and have been outscored 17-1. U-Mary coach David Cook said he has been starting between five and seven freshmen and sophomores per match.
"It just takes time," Cook said. "We're happy in the direction we're moving. We're not going to lose patience. The guys have been working hard."
The good news for U-Mary is it played its best soccer of the season in the second half against MSU-Billings the Marauders' last match. The Marauders held Billings scoreless in the second half.
"They are the best team we have played this season," Cook said. "... We are really starting to play some better soccer. Our freshmen are growing up fast."
U-Mary plays in Nampa, Idaho, Saturday and Sunday against Northwest Narazene and Pacific University.
Senior midfielder Blake Trimmer could possibly return to the lineup this weekend. Trimmer, a co-captain, sprained one of his knees in the first half of the first game this season.
Short shots
n Bismarck soccer players have impacted the Concordia-Moorhead women's soccer team. Alexa Westbee scored unassisted against Nebraska Wesleyan, and Bekah Marcis assisted on a goal in the same match.
Brittany Mayer sneaked the ball past the goalkeeper from about 35 yards out against UW-River Falls.
n University of North Dakota freshman Chivas Beaudoin was one of two Sioux golfers to crack a score of 80 at the Augustana Invitational. Beaudoin, who competed in her first collegiate event, carded a 78 on the final day. She finished the tournament tied for 13th with a 19-over 161.
n Former U-Mary men's soccer coach Brian Clarke has the University of Great Falls women's team off to a 2-2 start this season.
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