FB: Northwest Conference

[OxyBob]

Article about Willamette QB Ryan Whitcomb from The Oregonian

Injury to Willamette quarterback brings back unhappy memories

Ryan Whitcomb was just following his instincts Saturday when he felt the pain.

The Willamette University quarterback saw a pass route break down against Concordia-Moorhead and he couldn't help himself.

"I should have thrown it away," he said Tuesday. "But I took off. I don't really remember how it happened, but one of their defensive linemen rolled on the ankle."

It was "only" a sprain, but it finished Whitcomb for the day. He had the ankle taped and paced up and down the sideline but never did get back in.

This time, Whitcomb will recover relatively quickly, unlike last year when he missed almost the entire season after being hurt in the season opener - also against Concordia-Moorhead.

By Monday he was getting the ankle treated; by Saturday's home opener against Cal Lutheran, he might - might - be ready to play.

"I didn't wait a year to come back and sit out," said the junior from Ojai, Calif. "I've already had my share of sitting out."

He knows what he's talking about.

Last season, Willamette swept everything before them. Linfield, Whitworth, everybody. Not until the second game of the NCAA Division III playoffs did anybody finally catch up with one of the best Willamette teams ever.

It was supposed to be Whitcomb's team. He was the starting quarterback in 2007, leading the Bearcats in rushing and accumulating 1,157 yards in total offense, and held off a challenge by Grant Leslie in training camp to keep his job.

Then, on the ninth play of the season, against Concordia-Moorhead at McCulloch Stadium, he sprinted out to pass.

"I was rolling from my left to my right," he said after practice last week. "It was a curl-out concept, but the route broke down. I've always kind of made a living with my feet, so I figured I'd see if I could get something instead of throwing it away. The knee just blew out."

Whitcomb didn't know it immediately. He hobbled to the locker room, where Willamette's trainers prodded his right knee a little. The quarterback didn't feel any pain, so he was hopeful."

And the next day, "It was as big as a watermelon."

An MRI in Salem later in the week gave him the worst possible news: Torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial cruciate ligament. And meniscus damage. He was through for the year.
...

But this was far worse, and within two weeks of the injury he was having the knee rebuilt by orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys, Calif.

The surgery was a success, but Whitcomb wasn't playing any more football. Instead, he would hobble to practices and games on crutches, and watch as Leslie ran Willamette's offensive machine.
...

Instead, he went to school, the rehabilitation clinic and, when he had the time rehab on his own. That meant lonely laps with a kickboard in the Sparks Center swimming pool and running figure eights in the empty gymnasium.

Speckman felt awful. "He was always such a tough kid," the coach said. "He'd be the first one to the stadium and the first one with his uniform on. He's a good kid with a good head. Life just isn't fair sometimes."

Whitcomb did what he was supposed to do. He went to the games and cheered.

"Of course I was happy about it," he said of the Bearcats' success. "But I couldn't play. I didn't get a ring because of the injury. Eight plays - what did I really contribute?

"I tried to stay positive, but it was hard to look my friends in the eye."

Whitcomb worked hard all summer in anticipation, and had an excellent fall practice. No question who the starting quarterback was this season.

Against Concordia, though, he was a little rusty. Speckman understood.

"He did a good job, but he was a little rusty," the coach said. "It's something you just have to practice, and he hadn't played in almost two years. He showed great flashes."

And he'll likely show them again. Compared to last year, this should be a breeze.

OxyBob

[Gig Harbor Cat]

"  I didn't get a ring"??  Excuse me WU, you gave rings for a frickin league championshhip?
   Instead of a ring he probably got a participation certificate for his 8 plays.

  You guys crack me up

    GHC

[wildcat11]

Catdomealumni.com's ADvantage Catdome has just posted up our HSU/Linfield game preview.  Changed up the "Know Your Foe" segment to "Get To Know a "X" Player"

Catdomealumni.com's ADvantage Catdome: Week 1 Preview: Linfield Vs. HSU

[MonroviaCat]

Just noticed this JV schedule on the Linfield Football Site:

Sept. 20   Springfield    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 4    Portland    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 11    Umpqua    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 17    Alumni    McMinnville    7 p.m.
Nov. 1    Vancouver    McMinnville    2 p.m.

I don't recall seeing a J.V. schedule in the past...can anbody tell me about these games---are these higschool teams (alumni excluded)?  Have they always had these games? 

[wildcat11]

Just noticed this JV schedule on the Linfield Football Site:

Sept. 20   Springfield    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 4    Portland    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 11    Umpqua    McMinnville    2 p.m.
Oct. 17    Alumni    McMinnville    7 p.m.
Nov. 1    Vancouver    McMinnville    2 p.m.

I don't recall seeing a J.V. schedule in the past...can anybody tell me about these games---are these high school teams (alumni excluded)?  Have they always had these games? 

Hey M-Cat,

Yeah, the 'Cats have been playing these games since 2005.  Excluding the Alumni game there are usually local Semi-Pro teams from the area.  Since there is no way we could have a JV schedule in the NWC this is the only remaining option.  It's a great way for the young bucks to get out on the field, run Linfield plays,  and hit somebody that isn't a teammate.

I've stopped by some JV games in the past and they are pretty entertaining.

[MonroviaCat]

Thanks 11---Do they play a regular game or is it more like a scrimage?

[wildcat11]

Thanks 11---Do they play a regular game or is it more like a scrimage?

Pretty close to a regular game...there might be some things they change with special teams but it's everybody is live conditions.

[FarAwayCat]

I didn't know about the JV games either.  That's great!  A great reward for the young guys putting all the time in on Scout O and D.

Checked out the Linfield website and couldn't tell if this weeks game will have a webcast.  Anyone know?  Have the issues from the past couple seasons been ironed out so that one can be guaranteed to receive the game live without losing the webcast (this happened to me several times last year and to some other posters as well if I recall)?

[MonroviaCat]

I can't comment on whether kinks have been worked out but here is a link for the webcast:  https://secure.stretchinternet.com/vid_login.php?user=linvideo&id=56872&st=1252787400&back=%2Fbroadcasts.php

[FarAwayCat]

Thanks for the Link M-Cat.

Just got done reading the story on Ian Estrada.  What an uphill road he has been on.  Coming back from 3 different season ending injuries is one heck of a demonstration of perseverance and commitment.  Can't wait to follow his season this year.  Best of luck to the Wildcats and may it be an injury-free season!

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Hey 11  Since I will not be able to make the trek this weekend could you confirm the video angle for me

Thanks

GHC

[D O.C.]

Well, then, how are you going to ship the cooler down? Fed X? UPS? Limousine would be best, but I understand if you choose to go another route, you really can't trust those chauffeurs not to dip.

[wildcat11]

Hey 11  Since I will not be able to make the trek this weekend could you confirm the video angle for me

Thanks

GHC

GHC,

I was at the Catdome on Monday and they were testing both the sideline and bird's nest cam.  The Linfield Video feed will have both running with replays.  The same guy will be running the production so you'll have someone on the stick who knows what they are doing with the replays/angles.  If you can't make it, pony up for the Video cast.


BTW...since GHC has to stay up North I need someone to sling Catdomealumni.com shirts for me.  I need to head into the Catdome early to get shooting video.  Anybody that wants to help out please send me a PM. 

-11

[pineconefan]

Well, then, how are you going to ship the cooler down? Fed X? UPS? Limousine would be best, but I understand if you choose to go another route, you really can't trust those chauffeurs not to dip.

DOC - I don't think you can trust the Loggers either.   

[cawcdad]

Well, then, how are you going to ship the cooler down? Fed X? UPS? Limousine would be best, but I understand if you choose to go another route, you really can't trust those chauffeurs not to dip.

DOC - I don't think you can trust the Loggers either.   

+K.