Henderson, Nev. – Colorado State players at the Mountain West Conference football preview gave a study in opposite weight goals.
Senior quarterback Caleb Hanie said he is going into the start of preseason practices next week at 225 pounds, 10 pounds lighter than last season and nearly 25 pounds lighter than his Christmas weight.
“I’m eating better food and running on a treadmill,” he said.
Senior defensive end Jesse Nading, who sat out spring drills because of mononucleosis, said he has gained back the 15 pounds he lost and is at his desired 260 pounds.
The Rams, coming off a 4-8 season, report Aug. 1. Practices start the next day.
CSU coach Sonny Lubick confirmed tight end Kevin McPeek and quarterback Sean McDougal have left the program. Lubick said McPeek lost interest in football, and McDougal encountered academic issues but is welcome to rejoin the program.
Lubick also said linebacker Matt Hendrick, a walk-on from Niwot, will be awarded a scholarship this season.
Television, expansion
MWC commissioner Craig Thompson said he won’t guess when the league’s TV network, The Mtn., will be picked up by satellite companies but said “we’re using every resource.”
Thompson also said there are no MWC expansion possibilities on the table.
“We agreed to continue to develop the nine schools we have,” he said.
Interest in Carney soars
Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney was one of the more popular interviews during the media sessions. Carney didn’t tire of questions about his recent first solo flight at the academy.
Bowl business
San Diego’s Poinsettia Bowl, which has the second choice among MWC teams, will have a Pac-10 team for the MWC to play in 2008 and 2009. This year’s opponent for the MWC will be Navy or an at-large team.
Thompson said there are no immediate plans to add another bowl partner. While there are exposure disadvantages to the MWC playing three of its four bowl games before Christmas, Thompson said coaches like the idea of having their players home in time for the holidays.
Staff writer Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
