Bits & Pieces-Mother’s Day Weekend Edition
Some Oregon-based NFL items, plus local prep golf notes
This most recent edition of Bits & Pieces has earned the Mother’s Day moniker honestly, with a sports story tied directly to the Mom’s Day celebration. The rest is still Oregon/local sports briefs.
An Amazing Mother’s Day Celebration
Bobbi Quitoriano Jensen got a special treat for Mother’s Day. The mother of Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano got a visit on Sunday, as her son flew into Oregon for part of the day to be with her.
Mother and son got together for breakfast at an undisclosed location, then chatted for several hours before Teagan had to fly back to Houston for more off season workouts with the NFL team Sunday evening.
The former Oregon State and Sprague High School graduate got plenty of action in his rookie season last year, recording 8 catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He was selected by Houston in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.
The Texans have a new coach for the upcoming season. Former San Francisco defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans has taken over as Houston’s head coach.
Former Beaver in action at Rookie Camp
Former Oregon State “swiss army knife” Jack Colleto went through the paces Friday and Saturday in Santa Clara, California at San Francisco’s NFL rookie camp.
The undrafted free agent, who signed with Niners shortly after the draft concluded, is among 12 UDFAs in camp, along with 11 other players who earned a tryout after being invited to Levi’s Stadium. A total of nine players were chosen by San Francisco in the 2023 draft.
Jersey numbers for rookies were also assigned for camp—and Colleto—the Paul Hornung Award winner as the nation’s most versatile college football player—was assigned the number 49.
The 6-2, 240 pound Colleto is currently listed as a fullback, although his versatility as a linebacker and special teams player at Oregon State could mean looks in those situations, too.
Nothing is locked-in for rookies—even their numbers. Also wearing 49 in rookie camp was former Texas defensive back D’Shawn Jamison.
McNary golfer eyeing an individual state title
McNary High School golfer Colby Sullivan has had a solid career on the links for the Celtics after moving to Oregon from Virginia in 2020. But there is still one goal for Colby to accomplish: to win the Oregon 6A individual golf championship.
Sullivan won the 1A title as a freshman in the state of Virginia. The COVID pandemic wiped out his next opportunity, when the 2021 6A tournament was canceled.
Last season, Sullivan got off to a promising start in the 6A tourney—with a great opening round, only to fade in round two, ultimately finishing four shots behind the winner.
This spring, Colby has been a man possessed. After losing the opening Central Valley Conference tournament with a round of 79 on his home course at McNary Golf Club—Sullivan found his groove, winning four straight tourneys—including a blistering seven-under-par, 65 at the last event at the Salem Golf Club.
Sullivan told OSAA Today that he used the poor opening tournament as motivation to go out and “win the rest of them.” He said he had a “little bit of a chip” on his shoulder.
Colby also admitted to changing up one of the clubs in his bag.
“I was having some putter issues,” he admits.
He changed his putter and has been on a roll ever since.
“I’ve been making lots of putts. That’s the big thing.”
McNary coach Brad Lomax says one big factor in Sullivan’s focused efforts is his selection of a college to play at next season. Sullivan lived for a while in Mississippi, and he committed in February to playing at Division I Southeast Louisiana, just minutes from his father’s childhood home.
“He’s not pressing as much,” says Lomax. “His mindset right now is better than it’s been since he’s been here (at McNary).”
Sullivan is hopeful all his momentum from the regular season will be enough when he begins two days of championship play Monday at the Emerald Valley Golf Club near Creswell. Colby likes his chances on the course, where he won a tournament last winter by shooting a 4-under.
Sullivan is looking to become the first McNary boys golfer to win the state title since Jeff McRae finished as co-champion back in 1970.