Columnist Ron Kantowski: Riley may go after more attractive jobs

Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002 | 9:43 a.m.

Ron Kantowski's notes column appears Tuesday. Reach him at ron@lasvegassun.com or 259-4088.

If new UNLV athletic director John Robinson is genuinely interested in hiring his buddy Mike Riley to replace him as Rebels football coach at some point, he may have to take a number.

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Riley, who was fired as San Diego Chargers head coach last week, has emerged as a front-runner for the head jobs at Stanford and Indiana.

Both jobs -- even Indiana, where football only is something to do until basketball tips off -- are more attractive than UNLV's (which isn't even open). And it's doubtful the Rebels could match any offer that might be forthcoming from the Cardinal or the Hoosiers, Riley's friendship with Robinson notwithstanding.

But if Riley should finish the bridesmaid at Stanford and Indiana, then I suppose the UNLV-Riley marriage could be back on.

Anyway, at least at this point, it might be wise to hold off on printing invitations.

According to news reports out of Wyoming, former Bishop Gorman standout Jason Carter has left the University of Colorado, where he was averaging 6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 18 minutes as a true freshman, due to academic problems.

Word is the 6-foot-9 Carter will either immediately transfer to Sheridan College in Wyoming, which produced current Cowboy shooting guard Donta Richardson and swingman recruit Jerry Webb, or Compton College in California, where Colorado coach Ricardo Patten would prefer that Carter work on his grades.

But there's also a Wyoming connection at Compton. That is the same school where Cowboys senior forward Ronell Mingo starred.

Wyoming's massive front line pounded smallish UNLV fore and aft during a 69-59 victory at the Mack on Saturday night but three of its primary bruisers -- Mingo, Josh Davis and Ugo Udezue -- are seniors, meaning Carter could immediately step into the starting lineup once he regains his eligibility.

Gateway will host the Indy Racing League on Aug. 25, giving Strelo plenty of time to introduce his alien concepts to the motorsports world.