OGDEN, Utah - Less than four weeks after taking the position as head men’s basketball coach at Weber State University, Randy Rahe not only put together a new three-man coaching staff, but has signed four junior college players to national letters of intent to play for the Wildcats next season.

The players are:

Tyler Billings F 6-7 220 Jr. Smithfield, Utah Sky View HS / Eastern Utah JC

Daviin Davis F/G 6-4 185 So. Midland, Texas Midland HS / Midland JC

Arturas Valeika F 6-9 215 Jr. Vilnius, Lithuania Midland JC

Brody Van Brocklin G 6-2 180 Jr. Fruit Heights, Utah Davis HS / Salt Lake CC

“We knew after our third day on the job that we would be looking at filling seven vacated spots on our roster next season,” said Rahe. “We need some immediate help so we have looked at the junior college ranks to fill those needs. Our number one priority is to recruit good, solid players from within the state. We are very lucky at this late stage to get two excellent players like Tyler and Brody. They both come out great high school and junior college programs. Not only are they good players, they are good students as well. Coach Jeff Linder did a great job in recruiting Arturas and Daviin in such a short period of time. We are looking for them to come in and make an immediate impact.”

Billings played for Coach Terrell Baldwin at Sky View High where he was a teammate with former Utah State standout, Nate Harris. He helped the Bobcats to the state 4A semifinal game in 2001-02. He left to serve a two-year LDS Church mission to Spain immediately after high school. When he returned he enrolled at the College of Eastern Utah where he was a two-year starter under Coach Brian Zollinger.

This past season he averaged 14 points and just over six rebounds per game shooting 51 percent from the field, 80 percent from the line and 45 percent from the three-point arc. He hit seven three-pointers in one game and was named to two all-tournament teams during the course of the season. He helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 20-12 record and was First Team All-Scenic West.

“Tyler is the ultimate team player who makes everyone around him play better,” said Eastern Utah head coach Brian Zollinger. “He’s a great outside shooter but is a tough, physical player as well. He’s a great student in the classroom as well. The fans in Ogden are really going to like how hard he plays every game.”

Daviin Davis played just one season for Coach Grant McCasland at Midland Junior College in Midland, Texas. That is the same school which produced former WSU standouts Harold “The Show” Arceneaux and Ivan Gatto.

Davis averaged 14 points, five rebounds and two steals per game playing forward but has the athletic and shooting ability to play at the two guard as well. He helped the Chaparrals to a 27-6 record in 2005-06 and a number nine ranking in the final NJCAA national poll and was named First Team All-Conference. Davis will have three seasons of eligibility for the Wildcats.

Arturas (ARE-turr-is) Valeika (va-LEE-KA) played two seasons for Coach McCasland. As a freshman he helped the team to a 26-10 mark and a berth into the national junior college tournament where the Chaparrals made it to the elite eight. He has led region five in rebounding each of the past two years and just over nine boards per game. He averaged 10 points this past season. He was named First Team all-conference both seasons. He had single game highs of 23 points and 25 rebounds.

Van Brocklin was a three-year starter for Coach Jay Welk at Davis High. In 2001-02 he led the Darts to the state 5A championship. He was named First Team All-State and was named “Mr. Basketball” by the Deseret News.

He played one season for Coach Norm Parrish at Salt Lake Community College helping the Bruins post a 22-10 record. He then left to serve a two-year LDS Church mission to England. Upon returning last Summer he again enrolled at Salt Lake CC. He averaged seven points and five assists for the Bruins in 2005-06. The Bruins were 22-8 overall and placed third in the Scenic West Conference. He was second in the Conference in assists to turnover ratio and shot just over 38 percent from the three-point arc.

“The most impressive thing about Brody is that he’s a great person and a natural leader,” said Coach Norm Parrish. “He’s a great student of the game and completely unselfish. He will do whatever it takes to win. In high school he was a tremendous scorer, and he’s still an excellent shooter but he sacrificed that part of his game to learn the point guard position and never questioned that role and actually thrived on helping others around him succeed.”

Rahe said he and his staff expect to sign three more players within the next two weeks filling out the roster for 06-07.

Ogden, UT -- Weber State won ten events and had 14 Big Sky qualifying marks, while playing hosts Saturday at the Wildcat Invitational.  The Wildcat men's team won seven events and the women's team won three events, as the 'Cats competed against Idaho State, Montana State, Southern Utah, and Utah in their first of two home meets this outdoor season. 

On the men's side the Wildcats won seven events and picked up seven new Big Sky Conference qualifiers in six events.  Brad Osguthorpe reached the standard in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:55.80, to finish as the top collegiate runner.  The junior from Park City won the 800 meters with a 1:53.81. 

Trevor Russell qualified for conference in the 200 meters, turning in a time of 21.81to finish fifth in the event.  Jed Casper took seventh in the event with a time of 22.11.  Casper won the 400 meters with a time of 48.92 with Russell taking fourth at 49.79. 

Sophomore Sok Nhim won the 100 meters with a seasonal best time of 10.81.  Freshman Brock Rose, running in his first event of the season, took second with a time of 10.84, to qualify for conference. 

In the field events the Wildcats picked up two new qualifiers in the high jump.  Lucas Eddy was third at 6-06.50 and freshman Dan Holloman took fifth at 6-04.50.  Chris Sonognini qualified in the shot put with a mark of 51-01.50, taking fifth.  He also took fourth in the discus and fourth in the hammer throw.  Freshman Andy Heaton won the Decathlon with a total of 6,150 points. 

Terrell Brown won the triple jump with a seasonal best jump of 46-00.00.  Jonnie Gale came in second at 45-01.75.   

"We had a good overall meet with good production from a lot of different athletes," said WSU head coach Chick Hislop.  "I thought Osguthorpe did an outstanding job winning his two races and it was nice to have Riley Cook back as well.  We also got nice contributions in the 100 meters, both relays improved, and our jumpers did very well also.  It was a nice home meet for us."

The Wildcat women's team also picked up seven new conference qualifying marks, on their way to winning three events. Holly Spencer led the way by qualifying in the high jump and the Hepthatlon.  She won the Heptathlon with a total of 4,472 points to qualifying for conference.  The total is the tenth best in Weber State history.  In the Heptathlon she recorded a career-best mark of 5-07.00 in the high jump to reach conference qualifying standards in that event.  Jill Stopa came in second in the Heptathlon with 4,286 points to also qualify. 

Jamie Stubbs won the 800 meters with a time of 2:11.42.  The time just misses the WSU all-time top ten.  The Wildcats took the top four spots and five of the top six in the 800 meters with Stacie Marietti, Leah Lindquist, and Amada Chavez finishing second, third, and fourth.  Tori Cox came in sixth. 

Sophomore Maria North was second in the 100 meters and qualified for conference with a time of 12.35.  She also finished second in the 200 meters with a career best time of 24.55.  McKenzie Randall qualified for the Big Sky meet in the 100 meter hurdles, finishing fifth at 14.75.  Chelsea Shapard also reached the standard in the 400 meters.  She took third in the event and was third in the 400 meter hurdles.  Karly Meikle was second in the 3,000 meter steeplechase and Chaly Clapier Jones was second in the 5,000 meters. 

Shanna Wylie won the high jump for the second straight week, finishing with a mark of 5-06.25.  Amy Cretsinger took second in the triple jump at 36-08.25.  Sophomore Becky Suhr finished second in the javelin at 133-02.50.  The Wildcats also won the 1600 meter relay with a time of 3:55.00. 

"As in every meet there were some ups and some downs," said WSU head coach Jim Blaisdell.  "I thought we did some things well today and had some good performances.  We finally had some good weather and that helped us out.  Jamie Stubbs was just superb in the 800 meters and is really running well.  Holly Spencer really gave a great effort in the heptathlon.  We now have 17 girls qualified for conference which is good to have.  t was nice to have a home meet and I think we got some things accomplished."

Weber State will compete next week at the BYU Invitational next Saturday in Provo. 

OGDEN, Utah (AP) - Weber State men's basketball coach Joe Cravens was dismissed Monday, two days after the Wildcats ended the basketball season with a fourth straight loss and failed to qualify for the Big Sky Conference tournament.

Weber State (10-17, 4-10) finished its second losing season in a row Saturday with a loss at Idaho State.

It's the first time since 1981 the Wildcats will not play in the league tournament.

Cravens has two years left on his contract and will be reassigned within the department, athletic director Jerry Graybeal said in a statement.

In 2002-2003, Cravens led Weber State to a Big Sky conference title and NCAA tournament berth. The school was undefeated in conference play that year and Cravens was the league's coach of the year.

Cravens leaves after seven years as coach with a record of 116-88.

Ogden, UT -- Randy Rahe (RAY), currently an assistant coach on Ray Giacoletti's staff at the University of Utah, has been named as the new head coach of the Weber State University men's basketball program. Rahe becomes the ninth Wildcat head coach since 1962-63 when WSU became a four-year institution.

Rahe joins the Wildcats following two years as an assistant coach at the University of Utah. Prior to that, he spent a total of 13 years as an assistant with Stew Morrill, including six years at Utah State University.

"The key is recruiting good players, good students and quality people. That's the formula for success and excellent NCAA odds, and that is what I plan to bring to Weber State University," said Rahe. "There are a lot of positives to build on."

"Randy knows what it takes to win in this state," said Jerry Graybeal, WSU athletic director. "He's been a successful recruiter, and he's had a chance to work with some very successful coaches. We're excited about having him bring that experience to our program."

"Weber State is looking for someone who can win on the court, help student-athletes graduate, keep the program NCAA compliant and connect with the community," said WSU president Ann Millner. "In coach Rahe, I think we have it all."

"There was a lot of interest in this position from some outstanding people," said Graybeal. "It was a difficult decision, but I'm very pleased with the outcome."

"Randy is the complete package," said former WSU athletic director Dutch Belnap. "He's a good coach, a good recruiter, and his impact in the community will be very positive."

Rahe's first year under Giacoletti saw the Utes to 29-6 (13-1 in the Mountain West Conference) and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. In addition to being Mountain West champions, the Utes were ranked 14th in the nation.

During his six seasons with the Aggies, Rahe served as the defensive coordinator. His duties included recruiting, game preparation and scheduling. From 1998-2004, the Aggies compiled a 143-48 record, earned three NCAA Tournament berths and two NIT Tournament appearances, and won five Big West Conference championships. Utah State ranked as high as 19th in the nation during the 2003-2004 season.

Prior to following Morrill to Utah State, Rahe spent seven seasons as an assistant with Morrill at Colorado State University, compiling a 121-86 record. His background includes stints as an assistant coach at the University of Denver (1990-1991), the University of Colorado (1989-1990) and Colorado College (1988-1989).

Rahe began coaching at the high school level in Colorado. During his tenure as head coach at Stratton High School (1985-1988), he was twice named District Coach of the Year while leading his team to district and league championships in 1986, 1987 and 1988. His teams posted an overall record of 54-17, earning two third-place finishes in state tournaments.

Rahe earned his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. He and his wife, Laura, are the parents of two sons, Luke (6) and Kade (3).

NCAA ODDS!!!

A dismal season ended on a sour note for the Wildcats, who finished the campaign with an 81-74 loss at regional rival Idaho State on Feb. 25. Head coach Joe Cravens was fired two days later.

Cravens, 116-88 in seven seasons at Weber, was dismissed with two years remaining on his contract. Cravens was 58-44 in Big Sky play at Weber, including a 14-0 campaign in 2002-03 when he was named league coach of the year.

The Feb. 25 loss was a wire-to-wire defeat for Weber, which missed 14 of its first 17 shots en route to an 11-point deficit before the game was even 10 minutes old. Terrell Stovall had 27 points and Coric Riggs added 17 for Weber.

The Wildcats finished the season at 10-17 overall and 4-10 in the Big Sky. An Idaho State victory over Eastern Washington on Feb. 27 meant Weber wound up in last place.

For just the second time since the Big Sky tournament began in 1975-76, Weber State did not participate. The Wildcats also missed the league tourney in 1980-81.

Thus the program´s league-record string of 24 straight Big Sky tournament appearances has come to an end.

Weber´s 10 victories this season marked the third-fewest in team history. The 1986-87 squad finished 7-22 and the 1987-88 team was 9-21.

Coric Riggs had 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead Weber State to a 76-73 overtime victory over Sacramento State on Thursday night.

Terrell Stovall led all scorers with 19 points and Nedim Pajevic added 12 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Wildcats (10-13, 4-6 Big Sky Conference).

Alex Bausley and Clark Woods had 14 points each for the Hornets (14-10, 5-5), who have lost Weber State opened the second half with a 15-6 run to give the Wildcats a 46-45 lead.

Chris Lange scored seven straight points to put Sacramento State back in front 52-46 with 10 minutes left in the game.

Weber State's Nick Covington banked a shot off the glass at 3:40 to tie the game at 58. Three more ties were recorded, but Sacramento State's Clark Woods missed a shot with 14 seconds left and Covington missed a shot at the buzzer to end the game tied at 64 in regulation.

In overtime, the Hornets jumped out with a 6-0 run until the Wildcats came back to tie the game at 72. Riggs scored Weber State's last four points and had a key blocked shot and rebound in the last 58 seconds to seal the victory for the Wildcats.

Sacramento State took an early 10-point lead until Stovall's 3-point shot trimmed the margin 25-22 with less than six minutes left in the first half. Weber State scored one more basket from the field, and the Hornets completed a 14-6 run to end the half at 39-28.

GAME NOTES: A Big Sky Conference showdown takes place in Ogden this evening, as the Eastern Washington Eagles drop in on the Weber State Wildcats at the Dee Events Center. The Eagles enter this contest with a three-game win streak in tow, thanks in part to a 72-64 overtime win over Portland State this past weekend. With the win over the Vikings, EWU moved to 6-4 in league play, good for a third-place tie with Montana State. The Wildcats are just 4-7 in league play this year, but have played much better of late, winning four of their last five games. Weber State had its four-game win streak halted on Saturday however, with a 77-69 loss to Big Sky-leading Northern Arizona. Eastern Washington sure has its work cut out for it in this game, as it has lost 21 of the previous 23 all-time meetings in Ogden. In all, Weber State holds a 31-16 edge in this series and has won six of the last 10 meetings, overall. However, it is EWU looking for the regular season sweep after posting a 59-50 decision at home on January 21st.

The Eagles outscored the Vikings 17-9 in the extra session to win their third straight game. Overall, the team shot a solid .490 from the floor, led once again by freshman sensation Rodney Stuckey. One of the best freshmen in the nation this year, Stuckey poured in 22 points and dished out five assists against Portland State. Deuce Smith and Jake Beitinger added 11 points apiece and Paul Butorac finished with 10 in the narrow victory. Although the Eagles were beaten on the glass (31-27), EWU forced 24 PSU turnovers, turning them into 24 points. Stuckey has simply been outstanding this year and is the only Eagle currently averaging double figures at 24 points per game. That average has actually gone up in league affairs to 27.4 ppg. Butorac is the next closest scorer at 9.8 ppg and is tops on the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg).

The Wildcats lack a go-to-guy at the offensive end that can fill the basket up at will, but still, there is some scoring depth there. The team is led by Coric Riggs, who leads in both scoring (14.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.7 rpg). David Patten comes off the bench to provide a spark and is second in both categories (10.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg). Terrell Stovall is the team´s top perimeter threat, delivering on 42.2 percent of his three-point attempts, en route to 10.2 ppg. In the loss to the Lumberjacks over the weekend, Weber State hit 10 three-pointers and actually outrebounded NAU, but turned the ball over 19 costly times to a team that took full advantage. The loss spoiled a brilliant performance by Stovall, who netted a career-high 23 points, on 8-of-12 shooting. Riggs added 16 and Patten 10, but the team could not make a dent in NAU´s nine-point halftime lead.

The Wildcats are just 7-5 at home this year in Ogden, but have owned the Eagles at the Dee Events Center over the years. Still, Stuckey is certainly the player to watch in this game. If he can get going early, a huge road win could be in the cards for EWU.

Predicted Outcome

Eastern Washington 66, Weber State 62

GAME NOTES: The Weber State Wildcats will try to extend their win streak to four games tonight, as they go on the road to face off against the Sacramento State Hornets, in Big Sky Conference action from the Hornets Nest. The Wildcats have been on a tear as of late, winning three straight games against conference foes Idaho State, Montana, and Montana State. Weber State has struggled away from home this season posting a 2-8 record, and has not won on the road since December 22nd. The Wildcats are currently in sixth place in the conference and will be out to avenge an early season loss to Sacramento State on January 14th. Weber State is coming off an impressive 67-56 win over Montana State on Saturday night. As for Sacramento State, the Hornets have dropped four of their last five game, and with a win tonight could move into a tie for second place in the Big Sky standings. The Hornets have played well at home, posting a 7-2 record, but are just 2-2 in conference play at the Hornets Nest. With a win tonight, Sacramento State would complete a season sweep of Weber State for the first time in school history. The Hornets return to the floor for the first time since a 68-65 win over Portland State on Saturday night. Weber State leads the all-time series 21-3, but Sacramento State has won three of the last four meetings between the two.

Offensively, Weber State has been awful this season. The Wildcats are ranked last in the Big Sky, in scoring, averaging just 65 ppg. Poor shooting has been the reason for the Wildcats lack of production, as they are shooting just 43.6 percent from the floor. Even more disappointing has been their inability to shoot the three. The Wildcats are ranked last in the conference in three point shooting percentage, shooting just 33.9 percent from beyond the arc. Although they have struggled offensively, the Wildcats have been tenacious on the defensive end of the floor. Weber State is holding opponents to a, conference best, 67.8 ppg. The Wildcats aggressive style of defense is also forcing opponents into more than 14 turnovers per game. Coric Riggs leads the way for Weber State, averaging 14.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. David Paten is the only other double-figure scorer for the Wildcats, checking in at 11.2 ppg. The Wildcats relied on defense to beat Montana State on Saturday night, as the Wildcats turned 15 MSU turnovers into 21 points, en route to an 11 point victory. Riggs led the way scoring 14 points, while Clint Burris and Terrell Stovall chipped in with 14 and 11 points respectively.

Sacramento State is one of the best offensive teams in the Big Sky conference, averaging 76.3 ppg. Although the Hornets are shooting just 43.3 percent from the field, they are making more than seven three pointers per contest. Sacramento State has relied on their sharp shooting to win games, as opponents are scoring 72.4 ppg against them. Whether it is poor defense, or bad luck, the Hornets have been unable to stop their opponents on the perimeter. Sacramento State´s opponents are shooting 46.2 percent from the field. DaShawn Freeman has been the leader for the Hornets, averaging 14.1 and 5.5 assists per game. Freeman is joined by Jason Harris, who is averaging 14.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest, despite starting just 16 games. In Saturday night´s win over Portland State, the Hornets stepped up the defense, forcing PSU to turn the ball over 18 times, en route to a three point victory. Clark Woods led the way with a game-high 16 points, while Haron Hargrave added 13 points in the win.

Weber State is playing its best basketball of the season right now, but does not have the offensive firepower to stay with Sacramento State. The Hornets have been tough at home, and should complete their first-ever sweep of Weber State with a win tonight.

Predicted Outcome

Sacramento State 72, Weber State 65.