OSU IN BRIEF

Corvallis Gazette-Times

The Oregon State football team officially will begin preparation for the 2006 season on Aug. 4 with the first day of practice.

The Beavers open the season Aug. 31 against Eastern Washington at Reser Stadium.

Sixteen starters return from the 2005 club, including Outland Trophy candidate Jeremy Perry (OG), Rimington Trophy candidate Kyle DeVan (C), Nagurski Award candidate Sabby Piscitelli (SS) and 2005 Lou Groza Award recipient Alexis Serna (PK). In addition, senior tight end Joe Newton returns after being sidelined all of last season with an injury.

All practices are open to the public, but fans are reminded that OSU football personnel are cognizant of the safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans when on the field.

See schedule on B2.

Beavers ink WR

Chris Johnson of Grossmont College in California has signed a Financial Aid agreement and is expected to join the Oregon State football team for the start of practice, coach Mike Riley announced.

The 6-foot-1 180-pound wide receiver will enter the program with three years of eligibility remaining. He made 15 receptions for 312 yards and four touchdowns in seven games last season at Grossmont, helping the team to the California state title.

Johnson attended Norfolk State University in Virginia in 2004 and redshirted after suffering a broken thumb.

Johnson graduated from Dillard High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he lettered two years in football and basketball.

Kosty new assistant

Oregon State volleyball coach Taras Liskevych announced the hiring of Brandy Kosty as an assistant coach Wednesday.

Kosty, formerly Brandy Barratt, comes to OSU as a former NCAA champion, having won a title as a player at Long Beach State.

“Brandy was part of championship teams at the college and professional levels,” Liskevych said. “This is the type of winning attitude that will enhance our program.”

A native of Spokane, Wash., Kosty has spent the last three years coaching at various camps and clubs in Southern California and Eastern Washington.

“I feel like my experience in the middle will lend itself to helping OSU’s middle hitters become even better players,” Kosty said. “I’m really looking forward to helping out the freshmen. I have a lot of experience with that level of athlete and I remember being lost my freshman year. I really think that I can help ease the transition for our incoming freshmen.”

Kosty helped lead her Long Beach State team to a national championship and an undefeated season in 1998 when the 49ers went 36-0. During her career, LBSU posted a 133-9 record and reached the NCAA Final Four three times.