Here we go with another edition of Oregon State mailbag, where readers ask questions about Beaver athletics, and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel’s gives an answer.
The upper seating at Goss Stadium is uncomfortable, and many seats have impeded sight lines (railings block parts of the field, depending on where you are sitting.). Has there been any discussion about replacing/upgrading those sections? – Name withheld by request
Oregon State is constantly looking at the fan experience in Goss Stadium, as it arguably generates as much facilities revenue as any OSU sport outside of football. This week, athletic director Scott Barnes sent out a letter and survey to boosters asking questions about Goss and Kelly Field (softball). To be honest, though, while the school looks at all seating, its primary interest is creating premium seats that generate significant dollars.
I would argue that KC Ibekwe is ahead of Drew Eubanks and Kylor Kelley, both very successful Beaver centers, at this point in his development. Give him D1 conditioning and intensive big-man skills development, I think there is a bright future for him as a Beaver. Agree? — @scorobe1
Kelley didn’t arrive at Oregon State until his junior year, but he clearly was a project coming out of high school. Eubanks was raw, with just a couple years of high school basketball experience. I don’t know that Ibekwe is ahead at this stage. As OSU coach Wayne Tinkle pointed out to me this week, the Canadian Ibekwe should be a senior in high school right now. I agree the future is bright for Ibekwe, if his body develops into a college athlete over the next two years.
Looks like Beaver Men’s Hoops finish 5-15 in conference, then lose in the first round to the School down the road in the Tourney. What changes do you anticipate for OSU hoops for next year? – Max C
I don’t anticipate changes to the coaching staff, though this being college athletics, anything’s possible. This also being 2023, expect a player or two to enter the transfer portal, though I’d be surprised if it is any of the current freshmen. Oregon State will be looking hard to add a couple players from the transfer portal, specifically a center or rugged forward, and another shooter.
What are the thoughts of the new OSU president on Beaver athletics and her importance to the university? — @2023SportsGuy
I’m hoping to arrange an interview with president Jayathi Murthy sometime this spring or summer to get her thoughts on college sports and OSU athletics. Stay tuned.
Where did Chance Nolan go? – Rand
Still in the transfer portal. I’ve reached out to people close to Nolan to find out where he’s headed, with no response. His name continues to come up as a possibility at Indiana, but that’s been out there so long, it’s probably not going to happen. Nolan’s situation is a puzzler, for sure. He was looking for a team that throws the ball more than Oregon State, but so far, it hasn’t materialized. He’ll land somewhere.
Is there any talk about Jordan Pope or Glenn Taylor Jr. transferring? – Benny L
None that I’ve heard, but again in today’s transfer portal era, nothing is shocking. I asked Pope three weeks ago about his OSU future, and it was positive.
Any word on the legislature allowing betting on college sports? Reportedly, March Madness is right around the corner. – Ron M
It’s not going to happen any time soon. My understanding is there’s nothing cooking in the Oregon Legislature to add college sports to the state’s current sports wagering menu.
Favorite football position group to interview? What is the status of the assistant coaches’ pay increases that were announced at the time of Jonathan Smith’s’ contract extension? Are those public record yet, or still being determined for each coach and support staff? – Craig W
Mostly you’re looking for players who have interesting stories to tell, and have interest in thoughtful answers. I suppose offensive linemen, because there are more of them. There are usually a few every year who deliver great answers to questions.
As for new contracts, still underway. I put in a public records request for new contracts more than a month ago, and haven’t received anything other than existing deals.
Is it possible that we have another Steven Jackson in Damien Martinez? – Josh H
Maybe. There are physical comparisons, for sure. Martinez will have to stay healthy to reach Jackson levels of production. It will also be difficult because Jackson was a one-man show, carrying the ball 350 times as a junior. Under coach Jonathan Smith, OSU likes to use its depth, so it’s unlikely Martinez will get many 25 and 30-carry opportunities.
Do you know why (Mikey) Kane is starting over (Mason) Guerra? — @realbeaverswag
It hasn’t come up with coach Mitch Canham, but it’s difficult to argue with the results. As the starting third baseman, Kane hasn’t committed an error, and is one of two Beavers with a hit in each of the team’s four games.
Besides (Silas) Bolden and (Anthony) Gould what WR do you see getting a lot of snaps next season? — @Beavers38_34
The two most obvious are John Dunmore and Jimmy Valsin III. Dunmore showed some promise down the stretch of the 2022 season. He’ll be given an opportunity this spring and fall to take over the third receiver role. As for Valsin, it’s his time after two years in the program.
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel
