Jug Of News (06.07.12)
By Jameson
Welcome to our humble abode. Pull up a seat and grab a glass for a sip from today’s Jug of News. Hit the jump for a K-State golfer moving alongside a legend, four K-State baseball alumni beginning their professional careers, a KSU football alum making a career in the CFL, and much more.
As we reported yesterday, former K-State golfer Aaron Watkins accomplished something no K-Stater had done in 25 years: qualify for the U.S. Open. One of four Wildcats attempting to qualify through sectionals, Watkins carded rounds of 68-66 in a marathon 36-hole session at the Memphis Sectional Qualifier on Tuesday, to finish in a tie for second. He is one of only 156 men to qualify for the U.S. Open.
Four BatCats were selected during Wednesday’s Major League Baseball draft. Kayvon Bahramzadeh, Jake Brown, Wade Hinkle and Dan Klein were taken between rounds 24 and 30. Additionally, three members of Coach Brad Hill’s recruiting class were drafted, and will have to decide whether to attend college or attempt to begin their professional careers.
Also on the subject of Wildcats in the pros, former K-State football player Tearrius George is working on establishing himself in the Canadian Football League. The 6’4″. 277 pound defensive lineman is currently under contract with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.
Head basketball coach Bruce Weber explained his assistant coach hiring philosophy to the Topeka Capital-Journal’s Austin Meek. Apparently, he chose them based not on experience, but in large part on the recruiting territory in which they had contacts. This is perfectly fine with me, as recruiting is the lifeblood of a college basketball program, and it is just one area where Frank Martin’s tenure was slipping significantly by the end.
Finally, John Currie was given a raise and a contract extension (through 2018) yesterday. As we’ve detailed here in the past, this is well-deserved, given how Currie has revitalized what was a moribund and financially derelict athletic department upon his arrival.