By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
Biggest Questions Facing the Vikings after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Termination
With a belated decision, the Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Friday, January 30th, causing confusion with the timing and questions about the franchise’s immediate direction. What are the questions? Well, we have those for you.
Minnesota now faces a compressed offseason with big decisions piling up, from quarterback direction to who ultimately runs the roster.
Free agency is one month away, and the draft six weeks after that. Here’s what to ponder regarding the Vikings.
Key Questions the Vikings Face After Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Termination
The offseason has changed for the purple team.
1. Is J.J. McCarthy’s Off-Ramp Now on the Way?
Righteous or not, the Vikings now have a clean avenue to wind down the McCarthy era if they’re not overly inspired about his injury trajectory and performance. Think of this way: if Minnesota wants a quarterback like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones via trade, they can somewhat easily trade for him and sell the story as, “Well, McCarthy was Kwesi’s guy.” They’ll never expressly say that, but you get it — through implication.
Had Adofo-Mensah remained, Minnesota had a vested interest in enabling him to succeed. Now, they can straightforwardly opt for a different quarterback and claim (through their actions) the old general manager got the McCarthy pick wrong.
2. Who Will Take Over for Adofo-Mensah after the Draft?
Curiously, the Mark and Zygi Wilf won’t hire an Adofo-Mensah replacement until after the draft. It’s unclear why they’ll wait, perhaps to give Rob Brzezinski an extended, fair trial for the big job.
But then what?
The organziation could keep Brzezinski in place, interview someone with previous ties to the Vikings like George Paton, or consult an outsider like Ed Dodds from the Indianapolis Colts.
Still, the new general manager’s identity will remain a mystery for a few months.
3. Who Calls the Shots for Personnel?
When a single general manager is in the saddle, the buck stops with him or her — all final personnel calls. Outwardly, that’s no longer the case.
Maybe Kevin O’Connell will pick the offensive players, Brian Flores will be in charge of defensive personnel, and Brzezinski will manage the money. Until a new boss takes over, onlookers won’t have any idea who’s picking what and will merely hope everyone is on the same page for collaboration.
4. Will O’Connell Shoot for the Stars at QB?
The Vikings have already stated they’ll add another quarterback or two this offseason. That’s a given — the no-brainer to end all no-brainers this go-round.
Will O’Connell choose a journeyman insurance policy like Jimmy Garoppolo? An upside youngster via trade like Anthony Richardson? Kirk Cousins? Another crack at empowering a former high-round pick to succeed like Kyler Murray? Or sell everything imaginable for Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson if those men are available?
With Adofo-Mensah gone, O’Connell can basically do whatever he wants at quarterback. And he must get the decision right for his job security. The onus is all on him.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote about the Vikings’ quarterback situation last month, “There is little question that the Vikings need a reliable veteran to buffer McCarthy. There was discussion about bringing back Sam Darnold last offseason, but he found a home and a bigger deal in Seattle. Minnesota also attempted to retain Daniel Jones, who opted for Indianapolis. When a trade for Sam Howell went sideways, it left the Vikes with Wentz and Brosmer.”
“The veteran free-agent market will be dotted with the likes of Marcus Mariota, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Kenny Pickett. One potential name to watch: Kirk Cousins, the former Vikings QB who reworked his deal in Atlanta, making him a likely free agent this offseason.”
5. Why Did the Vikings Wait until 3.5 Weeks into the Offseason to Fire KAM?
This is the one that will confuse fans indefinitely.
Adofo-Mensah’s draft record alone warranted his termination on Black Monday (the day after Week 18). But the Wilfs held off.
Then, after the firing, they insisted that no single decision had pushed them over the edge. Five days prior, though, former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reached the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. There’s just no way that didn’t serve as the final smoking gun.
Wide Left‘s Arif Hasan also noted last week, “The failure to re-sign Sam Darnold, who is about to make his Super Bowl debut with the Seattle Seahawks, appears in much of the reporting we see about the Vikings’ GM decision. More prominent, however, is the inability to re-sign Daniel Jones, who left for the Colts and produced an outstanding season before his injury.”
No matter, Adofo-Mensah’s termination occurred about 3.5 weeks late.
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The Minnesota Vikings likely won’t have the cap space to go big-game hunting at wide receiver in free agency, pretty much ruling out players like George Pickens. The franchise could, though, target a sensible WR3 if Jalen Nailor departs for a new team. Consider these five wideouts the common-sense options.
Minnesota’s WR shopping list depends on Jalen Nailor’s status, but the market offers some speed, depth, and upside.
If Nailor returns in 2026, this list will be moot, but his status is a mystery.
WR Free Agents Who Fit the Vikings for 2026
Ranked in order of realism, here’s who Minnesota could target at WR in free agency if Nailor walks.
5. Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed will command a fat contract next month, probably pricing himself out of the Vikings’ range. But in the off chance that Minnesota clears enough cap space to splurge, Shaheed would absolutely fit in the offensive plan, providing speed and playmaking that only Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can currently provide in Minneapolis.
He’s only at the “bottom” of this list because he’s about to score a contract worth roughly $45 million over the next three years.
USA Today‘s Tyler Dragon on Shaheed: “Shaheed’s been a lightning rod for the Seahawks offense and special teams ever since Seattle acquired him at the trade deadline. He’s the only player in the NFL this season with both kick return and punt return touchdowns.”
“Known for his explosive speed, Shaheed’s 95-yard kick return touchdown ignited the Seahawks in their divisional round win over the San Francisco 49ers.”
4. Gabe Davis
Davis tore his ACL one month ago. That, of course, does not help his free agency — at all — but it will drive down his price. Some team will hand him a one-year deal to prove he’s back and healthy.
He fits the Vikings because he’ll be cheap and has WR3 tendencies. He’s also still just 26 years old. The only problem with Davis is his recovery timeline. He could be ready in September — or the recovery could bleed into October and November.
3. John Metchie
Metchie was a 2nd-Round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft and has never panned out. No team has targeted him more than 50 times in a season, and his once-fancy scouting report has not translated to the NFL as most draft heads predicted.
There’s a world, however, where Metchie can reclaim his career if some team commits to him as a WR3. The Vikings could sign him to a prove-it deal and pair him with Tai Felton at training camp to determine the WR3 for the 2026 season.
Metchie is known for his route-running, and that could be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota’s eventual QB1 selection.
2. Dyami Brown
Brown is just like Metchie: a 3rd-Rounder from the 2021 NFL Draft who looked promising a few years ago but has never had more than 300 yards in a season.
He’s a bit different than Metchie because, in his purest form, Brown is a home run hitter. He has 4.44 speed and can beat many defensive backs on the outside.
Just give Brown about 70 targets in 17 games, and he can thrive as a WR3. Like Davis and Metchie, Brown, too, will be affordable in free agency.
JagsWire‘s Paul Bretl on Brown: “When the Jaguars signed Brown to the offense, he immediately added another vertical presence to the offense with his speed. The Jaguars also thought he had the upside to attack other levels of the field and get the ball on designed touches out of the backfield.”
“However, as the season progressed, Brown’s role was reduced and eventually became nonexistent, with him even being a healthy scratch in some games. Brown was unable to carve out steady playing time, and he was eventually jumped on the depth chart by Tim Patrick. He finished the season catching 20 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown.”
1. Jahan Dotson
The Eagles leaned run-heavy, and when the ball went up in the air this season, Jalen Hurts didn’t consistently hit his usual efficiency marks. That environment didn’t do much for non-A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith wideouts like Dotson.
Dotson’s skill set fits better in a pass-forward offense, which is where Minnesota lives. If Nailor isn’t part of the 2026 plans, Kevin O “Connell would be wise to at least gauge Dotson’s market and see whether the price aligns with the role.
After all, the man was a 1st-Round talent four years ago. Youth is on his side. He also has 4.4 speed.
Super Bowl 57: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passes the the Lombardi Trophy to Travis Kelce after winning the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on Feb 12, 2023. Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs plan to discuss the star tight end’s playing future following Super Bowl LX, NFL Network reported on Sunday.
Kelce, 36, is set to become a free agent next month after finishing his two-year, $34.25 million extension this past season.
The Chiefs reportedly would like to welcome back Kelce with open arms, however the team is in excess of $55 million over the projected cap of more than $300 million.
Kelce has kept his cards close to the vest about his future, however he openly celebrated the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on a recent “New Heights” podcast.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.”
The Chiefs’ lackluster 6-11 season ended with a whimper, leading some to wonder if the four-time All-Pro wanted to end his career on that note.
Prior to the season, Kelce admitted that he contemplated retirement. He also said his life has changed in some ways since he began dating the biggest pop star on the planet in Taylor Swift, to whom he is engaged.
Last season, Kelce joined Hall of Fame member Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 consecutive seasons producing at least 800 receiving yards. Kelce led the team in receptions (76), yards (851) and receiving touchdowns (five, tied with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown).
The three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowl selection is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).
–Field Level Media
After just 14 seconds, Nobbs was wheeling away in celebration after netting the quickest goal of the WSL2 season.
Another yet more impressive effort just before half time doubled the Lasses’ lead, although they were given a late scare before second half added time when Tegan McGowan halved the deficit.
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Nobbs’ third goal of the season, and second against the Saints, put United ahead after just a whirlwind 14 seconds.
Oona Sevenius won an initial header from Fran Stenson’s long punt from kick off, with the ball falling to Molly Pike, who at the first time of asking slipped through United’s number four before calmly rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home into an empty net.
It was a chaotic start to the game on the south coast, with the hosts squandering a golden chance to level things up when a ball inside found Atlanta Primus unmarked in the box, but she failed to muster a shot that truly tested Anna Tamminen from the penalty spot.
The Saints continued to probe at Newcastle’s defence, although they were being restricted to efforts outside the area, with Mary Bashford’s strike from 20 yards out was tipped over the bar by Tamminen.
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Following a frantic opening 25 minutes, Newcastle began to gain control of the game and started to catch Southampton out with a high press when Emily Murphy played through Freya Gregory, but the Scotland international’s fizzing strike was well saved at Stenson’s near post.
With both sides settling into the game as it approached half time, United managed to flick the switch and double their lead when Nobbs got on the scoresheet for the second time in the afternoon.
A neat ball inside from Gregory opened up the space for Nobbs to run forward and play a smart one-two with Murphy, before taking a touch and curling a looping effort out of Stenson’s reach.
Both sides lowered the tempo in the second half, with United comfortable in letting the Saints have shots from long range that often failed to hit the target as the heavens opened and soaked the St. Mary’s pitch.
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Neither side looked to be threatening in the opposition’s box for the majority of the half. However, the Lasses continued to carry a threat on the counter-attack with the pace of Beth Lumsden, Gregory and Murphy.
With a final throw of the dice, Southampton pushed more players forward to try and pull themselves back into the game. It almost paid off when Primus was picked out at the near post by Brazil, but a combination of Jemma Purfield and Tamminen denied her a goal.
Despite the valiant efforts a few minutes earlier, United were pegged back just before stoppage time as substitute Tegan McGowan stormed down the left-hand side to slot beneath Tamminen from an acute angle.
Newcastle United Women: Anna Tamminen, Charlotte Wardlaw, Jordan Nobbs (Demi Stokes 87), Jemma Purfield, Molly Pike (Ashanti Akpan 77), Freya Gregory, Kaitlyn Torpey, Oona Sevenius (Beth Lumsden 58), Lois Joel, Aoife Mannion (c), Emily Murphy
Subs not used: Claudia Moan, Shania Hayles, Emilia Larsson
Demond Williams was ready to return to Washington until LSU came along with a bigger offer.
Now, back at Washington after being threatened with a lawsuit, can he repair the relationship with Husky fans?
‘Locked On Huskies’ host Roman Tomashoff joins to discuss.
• UW Football Press Conference: February 4, …
This segment is from Friday’s episode of Locked On College Football with Spencer McLaughlin.
DRAMA: Demond Williams is NOT respecting Washington fans following transfer debacle, can he fix it?
Both Cormac Comerford and Thomas Maloney Westgård were in action at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games this weekend.
Dubliner Comerford launched Team Ireland’s Olympic campaign on Saturday as he became Ireland’s 34th Winter Olympian, while Maloney Westgård finished his first race of three on Sunday.
Cormac Comerford competed in the Men’s Downhill on the iconic Stelvio Slope, with the Alpine skier recording a time of 2:04.40 to finish 34th.
A time of 2:04.40 for @cormaccomerford in the men’s alpine skiing downhill #rtesport #TeamIreland #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/S2RsJCq6gR
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 7, 2026
The Glenageary skier was the final athlete to start in the downhill field. Starting last brought added pressure, with the track heavily worn by the time Comerford pushed out of the gate, but he successfully negotiated the course to bring his Olympic debut safely to the finish.
Olympic debut
Commenting on his Winter Olympics debut, the 29-year-old said:
“It’s an incredible feeling to make my Olympic debut today in this weather, on this slope. To bring it down Stelvio is a huge achievement, coming from the artificial slope back home. There’s a huge sense of pride. I made a few mistakes in the run, it felt smoother in training, but that’s racing and I’m really proud to have brought it down.”
Really challenging course
Olympic veteran Norwegian-born Thomas Maloney Westgård finished his first race of three with a 35th place in the Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon in a time of 49.24.6.
Competition took place in relatively mild conditions creating a tough course for the athletes in the event which involves skiers competing 10km using classic skis before transitioning to a 10km free skating finish. Wearing bib 36 off the start, in what is his least preferred discipline, Maloney Westgård stuck with the opening hectic pace.
Speaking afterwards, the thirty-year-old three-time Olympian said:
“That was a tough one. Soft conditions and quite icy and tricky in the downhills and crusty corners. So it was a really challenging course for sure. Just like it should be in the Olympics. I was a bit anxious on some of the downhill. So, yeah, I’m happy to have started the Olympics.”
Back in action on February 11th
The next competition for Team Ireland is the Men’s Super-G in Alpine Skiing, with Cormac Comerford racing in his second event on the 11 February in Bormio. Following that action, attention moves back to Predazzo, when Thomas Maloney Westgård switches his focus to the 10km Free.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks meet in Super Bowl LX tonight at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with an 11.30pm (Irish time) kick-off.
TV coverage in Ireland
The game, which will mark the first Super Bowl since the 1970 merger between teams that each ranked in the top four in scoring offense and scoring defence during the regular season, will be live on Virgin Media (11pm), Sky Sports NFL (10pm), Channel 5 and DAZN.
The Patriots, who ended the season 17-3, make their 12th Super Bowl appearance, the most among all teams.
Tonight, New England can become the first team to win seven Super Bowls and surpass San Francisco (40 wins) for the most postseason wins by a franchise in NFL history.
Seahawks bid for second Super Bowl win
The Seahawks, with a 16-3 season record, will appear in the Super Bowl for the fourth time, and can secure the second Super Bowl victory in franchise history, previously winning Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season, when they defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8.
New England and Seattle are the 10th pair of teams to meet in multiple Super Bowls, previously facing off in Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona following the 2014 season, with the Patriots winning 28-24 on that occasion.
The Head Coaches: Vrabel v Macdonald
Mike Vrabel, in his first season as the Patriots head coach, can become the first head coach to win 18 games, including the playoffs, in his first season with a team in NFL history. He can also become the fifth person in NFL history to win the Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach, joining Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy and Tom Flores as well as Doug Pederson. As a player, Vrabel won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) with New England.
The Seahawks head coach, Mike Macdonald, can become the third-youngest head coach, at 38 years and 227 days, to win the Super Bowl if successful tonight.
The Quarterbacks: Maye v Darnold
New England quarterback Drake Maye can become the youngest starting quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl. He can also become the fifth quarterback to win the Super Bowl in his first or second season.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold aims to become the fourth quarterback to win the Super Bowl in his first season with a team, joining Tom Brady (Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay), Trent Dilfer (Super Bowl XXXV with Baltimore) and Matthew Stafford (Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams).
Players to watch
Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba can become the fourth player (fifth occurrence) to lead the NFL in receiving yards during the regular season and win the Super Bowl in the same year. If he achieves the feat, he will join Drew Pearson (1977) and Jerry Rice (1989 and 1994) and Cooper Kupp (2021).
Including the postseason, Smith-Njigba has 1,965 receiving yards – the most receiving yards by a player under the age of 24 in NFL history – and can become the third player ever with at least 2,000 receiving yards in a season, including the playoffs. He can also become the second player with 90-or-more receiving yards in 15 games in a season, including the playoffs.
Seattle wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was named Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player with the Los Angeles Rams, can become the eighth wide receiver to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl with two different teams.
Seattle linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, who has a sack and forced fumble in both Seahawks wins this postseason, can become the first player since 2000 with a sack and forced fumble in three consecutive playoff games within the same postseason.
Consecutive Super Bowl wins for Milton Williams?
New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who won Super Bowl LIX last season with Philadelphia, can become the sixth player to be on the active roster and win the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons with different teams.
If successful, he will join LeGarrette Blount (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), Chris Long (2016 with New England, 2017 with Philadelphia), LeSean McCoy (2019 with Kansas City, 2020 with Tampa Bay), Ken Norton (1993 with Dallas, 1994 with San Francisco) and Deion Sanders (1994 with San Francisco, 1995 with Dallas).
Arizona football played its inaugural season in 1899, spending the first 32 years as an independent before joining the now-defunct Border Conference in 1931.
Along with rival Arizona State (ASU), the Wildcats joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 1962. In 1978, both Arizona and ASU joined the Pac-12 Conference (then known as the Pac-10).
They were placed in the Pac-12 South Division when the conference realigned in 2011. Pac-12 divisions were eliminated in the 2022 season.
Arizona joined the Big 12 in the 2024–2025 academic year on August 2, 2024, as part of a more extensive NCAA conference realignment.
The Wildcats have won at least a share of six conference championships, as well as a Pac-12 South division title in 2014. UA has made 21 bowl appearances, including an appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl.
Arizona has compiled a record of 646-511-33 (.557) through the 2025 season.
The program ranks 59th on the all-time FBS win list and 57th in all-time winning percentage.
The table below provides an all-time season rundown with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year.
| Year | Conf | W | L | T | Pct | Coach(es) | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Big 12 | 9 | 4 | 0 | .692 | Brent Brennan (9-4) | Holiday Bowl (L) |
| 2024 | Big 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Brent Brennan (4-8) | |
| 2023 | Pac-12 | 10 | 3 | 0 | .769 | Jedd Fisch (10-3) | Alamo Bowl (W) |
| 2022 | Pac-12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Jedd Fisch (5-7) | |
| 2021 | Pac-12 | 1 | 11 | 0 | .083 | Jedd Fisch (1-11) | |
| 2020 | Pac-12 | 0 | 5 | 0 | .000 | Kevin Sumlin (0-5) | |
| 2019 | Pac-12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Kevin Sumlin (4-8) | |
| 2018 | Pac-12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Kevin Sumlin (5-7) | |
| 2017 | Pac-12 | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Rich Rodriguez (7-6) | Foster Farms Bowl (L) |
| 2016 | Pac-12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Rich Rodriguez (3-9) | |
| 2015 | Pac-12 | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Rich Rodriguez (7-6) | New Mexico Bowl (W) |
| 2014 | Pac-12 | 10 | 4 | 0 | .714 | Rich Rodriguez (10-4) | Fiesta Bowl (L) |
| 2013 | Pac-12 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | Rich Rodriguez (8-5) | AdvoCare V100 Bowl (W) |
| 2012 | Pac-12 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | Rich Rodriguez (8-5) | New Mexico Bowl (W) |
| 2011 | Pac-12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Mike Stoops (1-5) Tim Kish (3-3) | |
| 2010 | Pac-10 | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Mike Stoops (7-6) | Alamo Bowl (L) |
| 2009 | Pac-10 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | Mike Stoops (8-5) | Holiday Bowl (L) |
| 2008 | Pac-10 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | Mike Stoops (8-5) | Las Vegas Bowl (W) |
| 2007 | Pac-10 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Mike Stoops (5-7) | |
| 2006 | Pac-10 | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | Mike Stoops (6-6) | |
| 2005 | Pac-10 | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Mike Stoops (3-8) | |
| 2004 | Pac-10 | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Mike Stoops (3-8) | |
| 2003 | Pac-10 | 2 | 10 | 0 | .167 | John Mackovic (1-4) Mike Hankwitz (1-6) | |
| 2002 | Pac-10 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | John Mackovic (4-8) | |
| 2001 | Pac-10 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | John Mackovic (5-6) | |
| 2000 | Pac-10 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Dick Tomey (5-6) | |
| 1999 | Pac-10 | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | Dick Tomey (6-6) | |
| 1998 | Pac-10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | .923 | Dick Tomey (12-1) | Holiday Bowl (W) |
| 1997 | Pac-10 | 7 | 5 | 0 | .583 | Dick Tomey (7-5) | Insight Bowl (W) |
| 1996 | Pac-10 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Dick Tomey (5-6) | |
| 1995 | Pac-10 | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Dick Tomey (6-5) | |
| 1994 | Pac-10 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Dick Tomey (8-4) | Freedom Bowl (L) |
| 1993 | Pac-10 | 10 | 2 | 0 | .833 | Dick Tomey (10-2) | Fiesta Bowl (W) |
| 1992 | Pac-10 | 6 | 5 | 1 | .542 | Dick Tomey (6-5-1) | Sun Bowl (L) |
| 1991 | Pac-10 | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Dick Tomey (4-7) | |
| 1990 | Pac-10 | 7 | 5 | 0 | .583 | Dick Tomey (7-5) | Aloha Bowl (L) |
| 1989 | Pac-10 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Dick Tomey (8-4) | Copper Bowl (W) |
| 1988 | Pac-10 | 7 | 4 | 0 | .636 | Dick Tomey (7-4) | |
| 1987 | Pac-10 | 4 | 4 | 3 | .500 | Dick Tomey (4-4-3) | |
| 1986 | Pac-10 | 9 | 3 | 0 | .750 | Larry Smith (9-3) | Aloha Bowl (W) |
| 1985 | Pac-10 | 8 | 3 | 1 | .708 | Larry Smith (8-3-1) | Sun Bowl (T) |
| 1984 | Pac-10 | 7 | 4 | 0 | .636 | Larry Smith (7-4) | |
| 1983 | Pac-10 | 7 | 3 | 1 | .682 | Larry Smith (7-3-1) | |
| 1982 | Pac-10 | 6 | 4 | 1 | .591 | Larry Smith (6-4-1) | |
| 1981 | Pac-10 | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Larry Smith (6-5) | |
| 1980 | Pac-10 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Larry Smith (5-6) | |
| 1979 | Pac-10 | 6 | 5 | 1 | .542 | Tony Mason (6-5-1) | Fiesta Bowl (L) |
| 1978 | Pac-10 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Tony Mason (5-6) | |
| 1977 | WAC | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Tony Mason (5-7) | |
| 1976 | WAC | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Jim Young (5-6) | |
| 1975 | WAC | 9 | 2 | 0 | .818 | Jim Young (9-2) | |
| 1974 | WAC | 9 | 2 | 0 | .818 | Jim Young (9-2) | |
| 1973 | WAC | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Jim Young (8-3) | |
| 1972 | WAC | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Bob Weber (4-7) | |
| 1971 | WAC | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Bob Weber (5-6) | |
| 1970 | WAC | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Bob Weber (4-6) | |
| 1969 | WAC | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Bob Weber (3-7) | |
| 1968 | WAC | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Darrell Mudra (8-3) | Sun Bowl (L) |
| 1967 | WAC | 3 | 6 | 1 | .350 | Darrell Mudra (3-6-1) | |
| 1966 | WAC | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Jim LaRue (3-7) | |
| 1965 | WAC | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Jim LaRue (3-7) | |
| 1964 | WAC | 6 | 3 | 1 | .650 | Jim LaRue (6-3-1) | |
| 1963 | WAC | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | Jim LaRue (5-5) | |
| 1962 | WAC | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | Jim LaRue (5-5) | |
| 1961 | Ind | 8 | 1 | 1 | .850 | Jim LaRue (8-1-1) | |
| 1960 | BIAA | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Jim LaRue (7-3) | |
| 1959 | BIAA | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Jim LaRue (4-6) | |
| 1958 | BIAA | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Edward Doherty (3-7) | |
| 1957 | BIAA | 1 | 8 | 1 | .150 | Edward Doherty (1-8-1) | |
| 1956 | BIAA | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Warren Woodson (4-6) | |
| 1955 | BIAA | 5 | 4 | 1 | .550 | Warren Woodson (5-4-1) | |
| 1954 | BIAA | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Warren Woodson (7-3) | |
| 1953 | BIAA | 4 | 5 | 1 | .450 | Warren Woodson (4-5-1) | |
| 1952 | BIAA | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Warren Woodson (6-4) | |
| 1951 | BIAA | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Robert Winslow (6-5) | |
| 1950 | BIAA | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Robert Winslow (4-6) | |
| 1949 | BIAA | 2 | 7 | 1 | .250 | Robert Winslow (2-7-1) | |
| 1948 | BIAA | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Miles Casteel (6-5) | Salad Bowl (L) |
| 1947 | BIAA | 5 | 4 | 1 | .550 | Miles Casteel (5-4-1) | |
| 1946 | BIAA | 4 | 4 | 2 | .500 | Miles Casteel (4-4-2) | |
| 1942 | BIAA | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Miles Casteel (6-4) | |
| 1941 | BIAA | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Miles Casteel (7-3) | |
| 1940 | BIAA | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | Miles Casteel (7-2) | |
| 1939 | BIAA | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Miles Casteel (6-4) | |
| 1938 | BIAA | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | Orian Landreth (3-6) | |
| 1937 | BIAA | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 | Tex Oliver (8-2) | |
| 1936 | BIAA | 5 | 2 | 3 | .650 | Tex Oliver (5-2-3) | |
| 1935 | BIAA | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | Tex Oliver (7-2) | |
| 1934 | BIAA | 7 | 2 | 1 | .750 | Tex Oliver (7-2-1) | |
| 1933 | BIAA | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | Tex Oliver (5-3) | |
| 1932 | BIAA | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | Gus Farwick (4-5) | |
| 1931 | BIAA | 3 | 5 | 1 | .389 | Fred Enke (3-5-1) |
Sports
US Vonn’s Olympic comeback ends in dramatic downhill crash as her teammate Johnson takes gold
American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn’s bid for a fairytale Olympic comeback ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday after she crashed out of the women’s downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo, leaving the race won by her US teammate Breezy Johnson overshadowed by fears the 41-year-old’s career may be over.
Tom Kitten’s spring was marked by challenges for his connections, but the autumn has launched impressively at Caulfield for the Group 1 graduate.
Back from a let-up, the gelding captured the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, easing concerns for Anthony and Sam Freedman after a problematic previous preparation.
The five-year-old, once trained by James Cummings at Godolphin, bypassed the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last spring due to a barrier scratch, hampering his progress.
The Freedmans expended considerable effort to rebuild Tom Kitten’s fitness.
Contrastingly, this campaign featured a progressive conditioning phase, crowned by a well-judged effort from Craig Williams.
The $3 market elect edged Feroce ($6) by a short-head in the dying strides, as Veight ($6) trailed by 3-¾ lengths for third.
“Craig and I had a chat before the event, and I really wanted to see him not have a gut buster and not have to circle the whole field and make a long run,” Sam Freedman said.
“You see when they got going, he kept him back, he made his run at the perfect time and it’s great to get the horse back in the winners’ stall.
“When you take on a horse like this that has been to the top of the mountain, there’s always a bit of pressure.
“Ultimately, we felt that he’d been running well in the spring but didn’t get the rub of the green.
“We’re not getting carried away as it is a fair step down from the level that he has been to, but on his times at home and the way he is carrying condition, he can hopefully get to the level he has been at again.”
Freedman explained the shift in training methods, noting improved condition on the gelding.
Arriving fresh with moderated work suited Tom Kitten ideally.
“We were a victim last prep of missing a run when he was scratched at the gates,” Freedman said.
“We were chasing our tail going to the mile first-up and we were concerned that he was racing too keenly and we had to work to make him settle, which didn’t work.
“He pulled his head off in a sedate tempo in the Makybe Diva and then he gradually got better. He had a fitness run at The Valley, and then he was back on track in Sydney.”
Tom Kitten eyes the Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 21 at Caulfield or Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington February 28, targeting the All-Star Mile (1600m) March 7 and the Australian Cup (2000m) March 28. Find competitive offers in the racing betting markets surrounding these key events.
The post Tom Kitten back in winner’s stall at Caulfield first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
Sam Curran revealed his mind drifted back to Ben Stokes and the 2016 T20 World Cup final before his last-over heroics rescued England from humiliation in Mumbai on Sunday.
Following the Ashes debacle and Harry Brook’s off-field drama, England’s miserable winter threatened to take another downturn as minnows Nepal required just 10 off the last six balls to claim a shock win.
But Curran, thinking about Stokes being thumped for four successive sixes by Carlos Brathwaite in the final over as the West Indies snatched a famous victory a decade ago, held his nerve by nailing his lines and lengths.
Roared on by thousands of Nepalese fans at a raucous Wankhede Stadium, Lokesh Bam had to hit a six off the last ball after being frustrated by Curran but could only hit a single as England won by four runs.
Curran said at the presentation ceremony: “I said to Brook ‘I’m backing six yorkers here and I’ll take the hit if I don’t execute’. I think you’ve got to think like that.
“I weirdly thought of the 2016 final when Carlos got a hold of Stokesy and I was thinking ‘if I execute, he’s not going to hit me for six’.
“(At the) top of my mark I just watched his feet and thankfully I executed. Those games are great to win but wow, it would have been a horrible one to lose.
“It just shows how competitive this World Cup’s going to be. We knew it was going to be full of Nepal fans. I played a lot of cricket in India and I’ve never had an atmosphere quite like that.”
England starting their tournament with a win – their 11th in 12 completed T20s – was built on a total of 184 for seven, underpinned by fifties for Brook and Jacob Bethell, plus Will Jacks’ cameo 39 off 18 balls.
But the ultra-reliable Adil Rashid failed to take a wicket for the first time in 25 T20s and was uncharacteristically expensive with figures of 3-0-42-0, while Jofra Archer’s final over disappeared for 22.
Liam Dawson, playing his first World Cup match, impressed with two for 21 before Curran had the final say in a back-and-forth contest, leaving Bam on his haunches after making 39 not out off 20 balls.
Jacks, who also took one for 17, said: “Winning ugly is a great trait. It’s incredibly difficult to replicate that experience.
“Hopefully when we get in that situation in the rest of the tournament – which we definitely will at some stage – we’ll be able to look back on this experience and take that with us.
“I was very nervous, my heart was thumping on the boundary. But I had confidence in Sam, he’s done that job quite well. Credit to him, it was brilliant how he nailed his yorkers and held his nerve.”
England began their campaign 16 years ago with a shock loss to the Netherlands but captain Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum have avoided that ignominy, with both of their jobs under scrutiny.
McCullum has been criticised for how England planned and prepared for the 4-1 Ashes defeat but he was shown relaying instructions on to the field during Nepal’s chase on a walkie talkie – a practice that Jacks said started earlier this winter.
Jacks added: “It’s so messages can get run out to the captain or to the guys who are batting in the middle. It’s just an easier way of spreading the message.”
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