Spring Practice Day 10 -- Lowering the Boom
April 18, 2011
Corvallis, Ore. -
By Anthony Casson For osubeavers.com Oregon State head coach Mike Riley isn’t the greatest isn’t the greatest of weather men (although when he’s not watching video his TV is tuned to The Weather Channel) – what was supposed to be a pleasant afternoon in Reser Stadium for the 10th practice of the spring quickly transformed into two hours of squall bombardment. But while Riley may not have a knack for meteorology, he has a knack for creating an atmosphere where below-the-radar players can grow and make a name for themselves. Freshman Obum (oh-Boom) Gwacham (watch-em) and sophomore Garett Hall are two of these developing talents, and they continued their impressive stand today. Gwacham possesses an inimitable presence. At 6-feet 5-inches and 222 pounds, he has the size to ward off attacks by a talented Beaver secondary – but there’s always a catch. With increase in size comes a decrease in agility. Crisp route running is a skill set Gwacham has been focusing on; it’s a battle. “I’m still trying to get as low as I can,” he said. “For a guy that’s 6’ 5”, it’s a little difficult. But I don’t want to use that as an excuse. It’s just something I’ve got to keep working on every chance that I get.” He always smiles. He listens to his coaches. He does what he can to push his way up the depth chart. So far, he has made an impact. Not a session passes without him making a brilliant catch – leaping, diving, spinning, cutting. He performs as well at split-end as he does at slot – he goes where he’s needed, and he goes all out. Gwacham is a much-needed type of worker in a team that has been stung by the temporary injury bug. Fellow wide receiver Garett Hall has also attracted attention, but not for his size. Hall is a 5-foot 9-inch, 197-pound work horse that rarely drops a ball. He has been a go-to guy at the flanker position. “Garett has persevered for a couple years here and now has a good grasp on what he’s supposed to do,” Riley said of the walk-on. “I have a feeling he’s going to fall in a niche, somewhere along the way—he’s going to be like a Taylor Cavanaugh, somebody that keeps going and finds something he can do.” Hall made the leap from the scout team and is a pivotal part of the Beaver offense, this spring. He admits the high rep count was unexpected, but he’s relishing every opportunity. “As a walk-on, it’s a lot harder,” he said. “You’ve got to go 110-percent on every play, and there’s no room for slacking. I try to go as hard as I can and give everybody my best shot.” Come fall, if Gwacham and Hall are called upon, they’ll surely be ready. Notes: AM 860 (KPAM) announced today that sports director/OSU Athletics broadcaster Ron Callan will host a three-hour “Northwest Sports Tonight” show beginning April 25. The 6-9 p.m. show will air weekdays and be streamed at kpam.com. The Beaver sports’ theme show adds to a lineup that will also include the “Oregon State Beaver Minute” daily. If you live in the Salem area, make sure to attend Beaver Chalk Talk with Mike Riley April 28 at the Salem Conference Center. For more information follow this link.
