Aug. 14, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

by Doug Pacey, BELLINGHAM HERALD

When Western Washington University receiver Matt Wilson hauled in a 50-yard touchdown pass in the Vikings intra-squad scrimmage Saturday night at Civic Stadium, coach Rob Smith smiled.

"That was certainly good to see," Smith beamed.

With preseason All-American receiver Andy Olson lying in a bed with a collapsed lung across town at St. Joseph Hospital, starter Chris Robinson nursing turf toe and a freshly injured quadriceps and Brett Upchurch held out because of a tweaked quad, Smith needed to see something positive from his pass catchers.

"We've definitely been hit injury-wise at wide receiver," Smith said. "But we saw some good things tonight. Matt certainly has some good speed and with Andy being out we need that."

Smith said he expected Olson to be released today from the hospital, but didn't know when he would return to the field. Robinson played in the scrimmage, but Upchurch was held out as a precaution.

Western's receiving corps took another hit halfway through the practice when redshirt freshman Matt Hoss broke his jaw, likely ending his season. He caught a pass on an out route and as he turned upfield, redshirt freshman cornerback Anthony Rosso leveled a blow to his helmet. Hoss stayed on the field for a few moments before trainers and coaches helped him to the sideline. An ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital.

"It's football," WWU starting quarterback James Monrean said. "It's not something we want to see happen, but sometimes it does. It wasn't dirty or anything."

Smith said sophomore Corbin Anderson would be the team's punter, while freshmen Ace Younggren and Bobby Peck battle for kicking duties. Only one will travel to the season-opener at Mesa (Colo.) State.

Right guards Justin Simpson and Tyler Sleeman were each held out of the scrimmage. Smith said both are contending for the starting job.