Sept. 15, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

JOE SUNNEN, THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Western Washington University sophomore Casey Dell didn't want to become a starting receiver this way. The hard work wasn't supposed to pay off because someone else was injured.

With preseason All-American Andy Olson out for several weeks with a knee strain, the Vikings will look to Dell and the rest of the receiving corps to play a big role in Saturday's game against North Dakota.

Now Dell's hoping to make the most of the opportunity.

"I'm excited for the chance," Dell said. "I know it's time to step up. All of the receivers as a unit need to step up. We're all looking forward to it."

For the next three to four weeks sophomore Matt Wilson will replace Olson as the featured receiver after spending the first three games playing opposite the senior standout. Dell steps in as a starter on the other side after working as Wilson's backup during the first three games of the season.

Dell had three catches and a touchdown in Saturday's game against St. Cloud State after Olson left the game late in the second quarter with a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

"We're prepared for this simply because we practiced most of fall camp without Andy when he was out with a collapsed lung," WWU coach Rob Smith said. "But let's not forget that we scored three times in the second half against St. Cloud State after Andy was injured."

Olson leads the team in receptions with 17 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Brett Upchurch, the Vikings' starting slot back, is second with 12 catches. Wilson has nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.

"Casey Dell, Matt Wilson, Brett Upchurch, Zach Russell - those guys all can play," Smith said. "Obviously you don't replace Andy, we're not trying to do so, but those guys will all step forward."

The Vikings will also be playing without receiver Chris Robinson for the second straight game. Robinson injured his hamstring during WWU's loss to Washburn University on Sept. 3.

"There are guys on this team that can step up and do things for us when we need them to," said quarterback James Monrean after Saturday's game against St. Cloud State. "This is a deep receiving corps, I've said that all along. They can play. It's just going to be a little harder."

It will also be difficult for the Vikings to play with one of their team captains and emotional leaders sitting on the sidelines in a knee brace.

"We're feeling Andy's pain right now," Dell said. "We know he wants to be out there. He'll be back before we know it, but right now we want to go out there and get a win for him."