Some catching up from around campus and the blogosphere:
With the departure of Jeff Reinert, the Beavers quickly filled the vacant position with the hiring of Jerome Francis Jr. as assistant coach. Jerome will fill the position of working with the post players, including C.J. Giles, Roeland Schaftenaar, and Calvin Hampton.
From what I've read, it sounded like Reinert was doing a good job developing C.J. Giles, and was one of the reason Giles chose the school. Hopefully Francis can fill his shoes, and Giles will be a threat this upcoming season, after he becomes eligible.
Last year, Francis was an assistant at Nebraska, helping them to a 19-14 overall record and a berth into the NIT. Prior to that, he's been at Prairie View A&M, Houston, Ball State, Wyoming, Ohio State, Bowling Green, and Butler. At Butler, Jay John and Francis worked together on the same staff.
Hopefully this is a good thing for Beaver hoops.
Our lady gymnasts will be vying for a National Championship next week. The Beavers will be up against No. 1 Florida, No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Alabama, No. 6 Nebraska and No. 10 Oklahoma, but the Beavers hope they can make a run at the prize anyway.
OSU Softball will have two games televised this week-- Friday's game against Arizona will be broadcast tape delayed, and Sunday's game at Arizona State will be televised nationally.
Friday's 7 p.m. match-up against the defending national champion Wildcats will air on Sunday at 4 p.m. on FSN. Sunday's 1 p.m. game at No. 8 Arizona State will be televised live nationally on ESPN2.
Haven't mentioned it before, but SB Nation added a new male fitness blog, Male Pattern Fitness. Lou Schuler is the author, and he was a writer at Men's Health Magazine for many years, I'm told. Also, for NASCAR fans, we now have Restrictor Plate This.
The nearby Portland Trail Blazers have ended their season, and Dave over at Blazer's Edge recaps their season. Just thought I'd throw that out there for those interested.
If you feel so inclined, you can access the fund for the Virginia Tech tragedy by clicking on the "Remember VT" picture you see above.
Go Beavers!
Happy Wednesday.
--JB--