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Sports | Football 1000

SPORTS

MSU could potentially cut Izzone campout

The Izzone campout is a time honored tradition for students dedicated enough to be a part of the Izzone. Despite its tradition, MSU Alumni Association Associate Director Dan DiMaggio said they are reaching out to students to see how to better improve the section for the upcoming season. Media reports have suggested the campout may potentially be cancelled, which DiMaggio declined to confirm. “There have been no decisions made whether it’s going to be cancelled or replaced or whether it’s going on as is,” DiMaggio said. According to DiMaggio, the Alumni Association discusses potential changes to the campout, road trips to away games and marquee home games over the summer. The Izzone campout offers students the opportunity to meet the players, head basketball coach Izzo, fellow members of the Izzone and earn points toward lower bowl tickets. DiMaggio said the decision on the campout will be based around the release of the team’s schedule. Philosophy junior Ray Ulrich said he would be disappointed if the campout was cancelled. “I think it builds camaraderie with the rest of the people who are dedicated fans,” Ulrich said.

FOOTBALL

MSU secondary looks to set up “no-fly zone” for 2013 season

The MSU secondary said they are looking to set up a “no-fly zone” for the 2013 season at the MSU football media day Monday. Expectations are high with nine starters returning to a defense that finished No.

FOOTBALL

Maxwell, Cook splitting reps at start of training camp

Sophomore quarterback Connor Cook and senior quarterback Andrew Maxwell are splitting reps in practices, head football coach Mark Dantonio confirmed at the MSU media day on Monday.

BASKETBALL

MSU AD Hollis gave draft advice to Harris, Payne, UM's Burke

Going professional in their respective sport is a difficult choice certain college athletes face. Arguably even more difficult is who to listen to when advice is coming from all directions. MSU sophomore guard Gary Harris and senior center Adreian Payne both faced this decision at the end of the 2012-13 basketball season, and both decided to return.

FOOTBALL

Burkland retires from football amid injuries

On Tuesday, the MSU athletics department announced junior offensive tackle Skyler Burkland has retired from football due to injuries and will forgo his final two years of eligibility. Burkland applied for medical disqualification on July 30, according to the press release.

SPORTS

Jeff Monroe retires after 27 years as MSU assistant athletic director

After 27 years at MSU, assistant athletic director and head athletic trainer Jeff Monroe has retired, and a renamed and redesigned Sports Medicine and Performance Department will commence. The division will now include athletic training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and counseling — which athletics director Mark Hollis said was envisioned by associate athletic director Jim Pignataro. “What this new division will provide is a more streamlined approach to our sports medicine services,” Hollis said in a statement on Friday.

FOOTBALL

Maxwell No. 1, but starting quarterback position not final

Andrew Maxwell started all 13 games at quarterback for MSU in 2012. However, he underwhelmed for much of the season, coming up short on drives late in the game, and ultimately led the team to a disappointing 7-6 record. Then-redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Cook came off the bench and led the game-winning drive to beat TCU in the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Leaving one big, unanswered question for the 2013 season: Maxwell or Cook? Following the 2013 Big Ten football media day, head coach Mark Dantonio made it clear: Maxwell currently will maintain the starting quarterback position for the 2013 season. “Right now, Andrew is our No.

BASKETBALL

Derrick Nix signs with Slovenian club Krka

Former MSU center Derrick Nix signed a three-year contract with Krka, a professional basketball club based in Nova Mesto, Slovenia. “Congratulations to client Derrick Nix for signing with Adriatic & Eurochallenge club Krka in Slovenia,” Nix’s agent, Daniel Moldovan, tweeted Wednesday afternoon. Nix was not selected in the 2013 NBA Draft and attended workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves. Moldovan said on Twitter that Nix had numerous offers across Europe and chose Krka because of the level of competition and their coach. Nix thanked his teammates and coaches for helping him get through his “shenanigans” last year on his Twitter feed Wednesday. Formerly Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2009, Nix averaged 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds during his senior season at MSU.

FOOTBALL

Dantonio shows optimism at Big Ten media days

Head coach Mark Dantonio addressed media at the Big Ten football media day yesterday and stated the team’s mantra —and goal— for the upcoming season: ?“Chase it.” Following a 2012 season with the inability to “find the inches” and close out tight conference games, Dantonio said he is looking forward to 2013. “We sort of feel like our football team has a little bit of an edge to them right now.