The Immortal Debate: Shirts vs. Skins

A group of "skins" watch drills Wednesday inside the Burns Arena.

Walk into the Burns Arena in the afternoon. Likely, members of the Dixie State men’s basketball team will occupy the playing floor.

Of those playing a casual pick-up game, half will be sans shirt, following the long-standing hoops tradition of shirts vs. skins.

But, does the easiest way to determine pick-up teams lead to flashes of modesty from the players?

Derek Owen, a junior biology major from St. George, doesn’t think so.

Sophomore forward Dalton Groskreutz attempts a free throw

“For us guys, at least, it’s normal,” he said. “It’s just like going swimming: Most guys won’t wear tops.”

Another factor is tradition. Landon Clegg, a junior business major from Cedar Hills, said he had been playing shirts vs. skins since he was a kid.

“That’s just the way it is,” Clegg said. “I don’t think any of us are ever uncomfortable.”

In a few weeks, the Dixie State men’s basketball team will trade in unofficial sessions of shirts versus skins for the rigors of real team practice. Head coach Jon Judkins begins working diligently with his squad beginning Oct. 15.

Three practices and one-word answers

Sports are in full season at Dixie State College and it is common to have multiple sports practicing at the same time of the day.

Earlier in the week, I took a video camera to three practices happening during the afternoon at various locations on campus. In addition to getting raw footage, I wanted to ask each coach one simple question: Using one word other than good, how is practice today?

The responses were insightful and funny.

Angie Kristensen, of the women’s basketball team, answered by showing her Twitter knowledge.

“Use the hashtag, #alottolearn,” she said.

Scott Brumfield said the football team was focused heading into a crucial battle on Saturday against Western Oregon.

On the volleyball court, head coach Darice Pratt liked how “energetic” her team practices on a daily basis.

Fortunately for women’s basketball, its season does not begin until November. Football and volleyball are into conference play, each looking to bounce back after less than stellar seasons a year ago.

Four-on-four basketball workouts

The first day of official team practice is still a month away, but the Dixie State basketball team practices in NCAA-approved four-man groups with assistant coaches.

"These practices are crucial for team development," head coach Jon Judkins said. "The skills learned during individuals allows us not to waste any time when team practices start in October."

A year ago, the Red Storm advanced to the West Region final before losing to BYU-Hawaii. The Seasiders played in the national championship game last March.

Assistant coach Jake Schroeder (center) working with the power forwards and centers

Small and power forwards work on defense with assistant coach Ryan Sanchez

QB controversy and bulletin board board material

After Saturday’s disappointing 52-30 loss to Colorado Mesa, some speculated that the reign of Cody Stevenson as Dixie State starting quarterback is on thin ice. Even before Saturday, some argued true freshman Stefan Cantwell was a better option based on his physicality and maturity.

So, let the argument continue. Stevenson’s numbers are not Earth shattering despite connecting on half his passes in the CMU loss. He threw for more than 300 yards for the first time in six games dating back to last season and had three touchdown passes to three different receivers.

Why, then, is Stevenson facing the fact he might be second string this weekend against Simon Fraser? The answer is simple – four interceptions. It doesn’t matter that two of the interceptions may not have been his fault. In the box score, the mistakes belong to Stevenson.

Cantwell has not fared any better in his two collegiate games. He has failed to complete any of his seven pass attempts and only showed that he is not afraid to run the ball and mix it up with linebackers at the college level.

If you want to be fair to the argument, you have to throw third-string quarterback Kaleo Nawahine into the mix. He looked confident in his only drive against Colorado Mesa, especially with his feet. His last pass was picked in the game’s last play.

What’s the answer to this QB riddle? Stevenson keeps the job, for now. But that thin sliver of ice he stands on today could melt quickly.

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Head coach Scott Brumfield is not one for bulletin board material. He feels that his team should be prepared for the game without outside motivation provided by an opponent.

For the team’s sake, I hope that changes this week.

Thanks to Twitter and a simple search of the words “Dixie State,” a gem of a tweet flashed across my screen:

@bobbypospischil : Feeling really sorry for the next team that's gotta play us.......Dixie State mine (sic) as well not even show up.

Forget the obvious misuse of a word (a major MFE in one’s eyes), the message is clear. This one player, on a team that has two wins in the NCAA in two years, thinks the Red Storm should just stay home and not even put forth an effort.

Anybody got some tape? I have a few hundred signs to post in the DSC locker room.