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Vanderwegen going back to where he started By Kris Henry Eric Vanderwegen has come full circle since the Southern Oregon Heat opened the season against Yakima on March 28. The 26-year-old started the season as quarterback and offensive coordinator, but had his duties halved thanks to a torn right pectoral muscle suffered against the Shockwave. Vanderwegen went on to become head coach of the Heat and for the past four weeks has settled into the non-contact world of coaching. But that will all change tonight as Vanderwegen returns to the playing field as starting quarterback and co-head coach. Vanderwegen threw the ball with confidence Monday through Wednesday, and says he's ready to give it a go against Yakima. "I felt like I had some pretty good snap on the ball," he says. "I'm a little tender, but that's to be expected. I don't think it's something to worry about right now." Vanderwegen's return is partly necessitated by Southern Oregon's slump in the scoring column. The Heat has scored a combined 88 points in four games this season, with about half of that output coming in a 49-35 road loss to the Tri-City Diesel of Kearney, Neb., on April 15. In contrast, eight of the 16 NIFL teams in action last week scored at least 40 points and five scored more than 60 points. To help spark the offense, David Douglas will shift back to his role as slot receiver after a three-week stint at quarterback. He remains the backup QB, but putting Douglas in the open field should maximize his abilities. "Dave's a threat any time you put the ball in his hands," says Vanderwegen. "We definitely want to be able to get him back in the slot just because it adds a huge weapon for us. He gives our offense such a different depth and dimension with his athletic ability." THE HEAT ADDED a little more clout to its franchise this week with the addition of Lithia Motors as one of the team's sponsors. One of the Rogue Valley's largest businesses, Lithia joins the likes of United Airlines, Marathon Media, Minuteman Press, Little Caesars and about 25 others as Heat sponsors. "I'm hoping having Lithia on board will influence some of the other businesses around the valley to come aboard with us as well," says Chris Johnson, Heat director of sales and marketing. "Being in the Rogue Valley, it's tough (on a franchise) unless you have a big contributor behind you. And with Lithia formed and raised in the Rogue Valley, it will help get the message across that we're a legitimate organization." LUXURY HAS no place when it comes to first-year teams playing in a first-year league. The Heat set out for Yakima, Wash., at 3 o'clock this morning for tonight's 7 p.m. contest and will turn right back around following the game's final horn. Following an 81/2-hour bus ride, the Heat will get a bite to eat for lunch and then have a pre-game practice at Yakima's SunDome. After that, the Heat will get some rest at the site and prepare for kickoff. By returning right after the game, the Heat will be on the bus for a total of 17 hours in a 27-hour span. "This is not going to be an easy trip," says Vanderwegen. "It's definitely not one where you want to get back on the bus after you lose. Winning will make that bus ride a whole lot easier." Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.