Colorado State’s athletic department opens for business at 8 a.m. each day. Athletic director Paul Kowalczyk returned from medical leave Monday morning before anyone else sat down.
“That’s typical him; he was here before everybody arrived,” said his assistant, Karen Taylor.
Kowalczyk underwent surgery last month to remove a malignant prostate. Within a week, he was communicating with staff via e-mail. His first appearance was Saturday toward the end of a football scrimmage. He will work part time this week with plans to resume full-time duties next week.
“I’m getting there,” Kowal-czyk said. “This is a process. I think I’m a little ahead of the curve, I’m in great shape, there are various parts to this recovery, and let’s just say we’re working on the last one right now.”
As a typical workaholic athletic director, Kowalczyk found some positives in a rare spell away from the office. It wasn’t a vacation.
“When you are recovering, there’s only so much you can enjoy,” he said. “I’m not one to sit there and just do nothing. I’ve got to be busy.”
His prognosis is excellent, and he said he was overwhelmed by messages of support.
“That was amazing, very humbling and most appreciated,” he said. “The kind thoughts, prayers, care and concern people showed was overwhelming, more than I deserved.”
Still no QB decision.
Another day, another continuation of CSU’s quarterback derby.
Despite almost all signs pointing to true freshman Pete Thomas as the likely starter, coach Steve Fairchild said: “I think when I know, I’ll know. I don’t know right now. I want to make them compete a little.”
In the first period of Monday’s practice, Nico Ranieri worked with the first unit. Klay Kubiak continued to work with the second and third units.
One player with the closest perspective on the race is senior fullback Zac Pauga.
“Honestly, I’ve seen a lot more competition than I expected. I expected Pete to just come in and take the job,” Pauga said. “Both Klay and Nico are playing really well, and it’s pushing Pete to play even better.”
Tape of Saturday’s scrimmage didn’t alter Fairchild’s impression from the field. Again he singled out Thomas, defensive end Broderick Sargent and running back Raymond Carter.
CSU should have live tackling today after none Monday.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
