Top 10 For 2010

There's another year up. Another year gone. However, there's also now a fresh new start. A time to look back and see what was. Here's the nominations for the cougs ten stories that happened in 2010.




Declaration Of Independence. Back in September the university boldly declared football independence and that it would join the WCC for the other sports. The cougs will leave the MWC but gain much more exposure with BYUtv and ESPN. Yes scheduling might be difficult but creates more opportunity to make some noise with big name games such as was announced with teams like West Virginia, Texas, Georgia Tech, Oregon State and Notre Dame in its future.

Stop. Its Jimmer Time. Yes the cougs may have already known who and what Jimmer was but the nation saw simply how amazing he really is starting with dropping 49 on Arizona and leading the cougs bolding into March Madness' 2nd round scoring 37 against Florida. What was even sweeter? After flirting with the NBA option he came back to the cougs for another year.

Two Quarterback Shuffle. Two quarterbacks often mean no quarterback. A win against Washington at home may have been sweet but also prolonged the development of the future. Once the reins came off we saw the growth and emergence of a future star.

Coaching Whirlwinds Of Change. It began with Barry Lamb's retirement then worked its way to the dismissal of Jaime Hill after the humiliation of losing to little brother in Logan. That wasn't the end of it either. After the New Mexico Bowl victory the entire offensive staff was told to seek other possible employment. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae took that advise to seek a new chapter in his coaching career. More changes likely on the way and soon.

Life After Harvey. After Unga decided to seek the potential of a NFL career the cougs found their way by a backfield by committee. The trio of DiLuigi, Kariya and Quezada rushed for 19 TDs and nearly 2000 yards (1959 to be exact). It may not have been pretty at times but the jerseys in blue got things done and with the emergence of a future star in Juice.

Volleyball Visibility. Former standout Rob Neilson stands now as the interim coach as the cougs roll through its 2nd coaching change in four years. Shawn Patchell's contract wasn't renewed as the university confirmed the NCAA was looking again into possible vilations concerning scholarship money distribution. The cougs will look to regroup and should again be tough this season.

Rugby Appearance Or Not. The cougs reached the national championship and again fell to Cal this time 19-7. Perhaps the big story truly is the women who stood strong in their beliefs. The women also reached the championship game but failed to make an appearance forfeiting the contest since it was on a sunday.

Collie's Concussions. Recently the Colts placed former cougar Austin Collie on injured reserve after numerous concussions ending his 2010 campaign with 8 TDs 649 yards and a 11.2 average per reception. One can only hope that everything is physically ok with Austin now and long term. Some things are bigger than football.

Golf Gallery. Former cougs and all americans Daniel Summerhays earned his PGA card while Carrie Summerhays Roberts was hired to coach the womens team. Unfortunately the cougs also lost a legend in Karl Tucker who passed away leaving a legacy. Under Tucker the cougs won 19 WAC titles, 170 team championships including in 1981 a national championship.

Under Further Review. It was one play. Yes it may have been botched but that was in the third quarter. Could one play make the difference? Possibly but there were also 37 plays still to be made in the fourth quarter alone per the yahoo box score. That's like saying that game could have been won if the pizza would have been delivered on time.