A Nice Gesture

This is a nice story regarding college athletics.

Chris Ault is virtually unknown to most of the college football world. Ault serves as the head coach of the Nevada Wolfpack. He has quietly produced an outstanding program while helping his team to a top 25-ranking last season.

Ault recently received and certainly earned a two-year contact extension. But get this: he volunteered to also take a 4.8 percent pay cut. It will cost him almost $41,000. Ault reasoned that the bad state of the Nevada economy and other state workers taking their lumps prompted his decision.

Sometimes we hear about the selfishness of college coaches and players. In this case, we hear of the selflessness of Ault. I doubt if Ault is looking for praise, but I want to give the coach a virtual high-five for the sacrifice.

True, Ault probably won’t miss a meal for his salary reduction, but what a great example to his football team, his university, the state and the college football world.

Boise State: Thanks for the Ride

Boise State faced a realty check last night. The Broncos did lose a football game and with it their BCS hopes.

They dodged opponents and BCS haters for a long while this season. Boise was 10-0 but then Mr. L called.

But there is no shame in losing. Outstanding teams do loss. Boise didn’t lose to a cupcake in Nevada. The Pack is a mighty fine club.

America thanks you for the ride. It was fun cheering for you. You will be back. Excellent teams find a way for a return trip. You are an excellent team.

Our favorite underdog is reduced to TCU. The Horned Frogs carry the football for the non-BCS schools’ hopes now. It would be great if they could slide someway, somehow into that No. 2 BCS slot.

Right now, it looks like Oregon-Auburn for the title. But I think a final with TCU would add a little ice cream to the cake.