August 25, 1996, 30 years ago today: The launching pad for what will become, if not the greatest, the most-watched career in the history of golf. Fresh off a two-year stay at Stanford, 20-year-old Tiger Woods wins the U.S. Amateur Championship for a record third straight year.
August 24, 2012: The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency slaps a lifetime ban on cycling great Lance Armstrong the day after he announces he’s giving up his fight against charges of illegal doping.
August 21, 1931, 95 years ago today: The Yankees’ Babe Ruth hits the 600th home run of his major league career off St. Louis Browns pitcher George Blaeholder. Almost four years and 114 homers to go at that point for the Babe.
If I had told you a year ago that Boen Phelps was a lock to start at linebacker for Boise State in 2026, you may have said, “Who?” (And I wouldn’t have told you that in the first place.) But Phelps has had as good a fall camp as any Bronco defender.
August 18, 1986, 40 years ago today: Without ever having played a down in the NFL, Jim Kelly signs the richest contract in league history—five years and $7.5 million with the Buffalo Bills. The value of the deal surpassed that of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana.
August 17, 1995: Well, it wasn’t actually when Bobby Dye quit smoking, but it leads to a great story about the legendary Boise State coach.
August 14, 2021, five years ago today: In a season flush with no-hitters, this one stands out. Tyler Gilbert of the Arizona Diamondbacks becomes the first pitcher in 68 years to throw a no-hitter in his first Major League start, beating the San Diego Padres 7-0.
August 13, 2013: Bishop Kelly High graduate Nick Symmonds turns in the top American men’s 800-meter performance in international championship competition in 41 years when he wins the silver medal at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.
There’s a theme this season coming out of the transfer portal at Boise State: players playing up a level or two. There are four who could be key contributors.
August 11, 1961, 65 years ago today: Future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves wins the 300th game of his big league career in a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
