April 17, 2009

Pocatello, ID --- The 29th Annual Bengal Foundation Auction, the annual ISU Spring Game, and a visit by Minnesota Vikings All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen to both highlight a busy and exciting weekend at Idaho State University.

The annual spring game kickoff off with drills inside of Holt Arena starting at 12:00 pm. The team will participate in 7-on-7 and 9-on-9 drills before the formal introduction of the players, and a special presentation by Jared Allen. This year, Allen is instituting the "Jared Allen Defensive Player of the Year" award for the player that best exemplified the desire and tenacity of Allen during his playing days.

From there, the team will take part in a 40-play scrimmage that is limited a bit by the numbers for ISU, as coach John Zamberlin, heading into his third year, is keeping several players out of the scrimmage due to injuries. For instance, ISU enters the scrimmage on Saturday with nine offensive linemen on the spring roster, but just five will dress for the scrimmage.

"Our numbers are down just because of some nicks and bruises and things," said Zamberlin. "If this were a big conference game, I think a bunch of our guys could play, but we still are going to get a controlled look at our quarterbacks, our defensive line, and some of our younger guys. We are excited for Saturday."

The spring game starts at the same time as ISU softball's double header with Northern Colorado at Rainey Park. The softball team, who have more than doubled their win total of a year ago, are 15-19 on the season and feature some of the best hitters in the Pacific Region, including Caitlin McGrath and Megan Miller, who both are hitting over .367 for the year.

With Jared Allen in attendance, the spring game will be fun, and fans can catch Allen again, and win is locker of all things, at the 29th Annual Bengal Foundation Auction, which starts at 5:30 pm at the Red Lion Hotel. The silent auction begins then, and a buffet dinner starts at 7:00 pm, with the live auction starting around 8:00 pm. One of the many items for bid, along with guest coaching slots and such, are a pair of one of a kind items in Jared Allen's old locker, which he himself will personalize at the auction, and a trip for two to the Idaho State/Oklahoma game.

Fans can still purchase tickets to the Auction by contacting Donna Hays at 282-5773 or via email at haysdonn@isu.edu. The spring game is free to the public, as is ISU softball.