The Workshop
Journal
Daily Briefing

☀️Daily Briefing - Friday, April 10, 2026

Good morning. Happy Friday - big lacrosse weekend ahead with both Irish squads facing top-3 opponents tomorrow. Markets open for the season in Boise, and ASHRAE has a geothermal tour next week. Here's what's happening.

🏃Training

🏃Today's Plan

🏃 Today (Friday): rest · rest · stretch if you feel like it Friday rest day - full rest, recharge for tomorrow's long run.

Best window: Lunch - 67°F, sunny, wind 6 mph

Sat: 20-min easy run · optional 5-min abs · 8-min stretch - long run day - 20 min easy Sun: 10-min easy run · 10-min abs · 5-min stretch - keep the easy base going

📊This Week

This week: 4 runs · 5.8 mi · 51 min Zone check: 29% easy - ⚠️ below target. Your easy days are still too fast, RT. Slow down to 9:30+/mi on easy days.

Recent runs:

  • Sun 04-05 · 3.1 mi · 25 min · 7:52/mi (Z3)
  • Mon 04-06 · 1.5 mi · 14 min · 9:27/mi (easy)
  • Tue 04-07 · 2.1 mi · 19 min · 9:05/mi (easy)
  • Wed 04-08 · 1.1 mi · 9 min · 8:17/mi (Z3)
  • Thu 04-09 · 1.1 mi · 9 min · 8:16/mi (Z3)

✓ 8 family walk(s) this week - keep it up, those matter too.

☘️Notre Dame Sports

🏈Football

Spring practice is at the midpoint - Marcus Freeman ran the sixth of 14 sessions this week with the first live-tackling period. CJ Carr is the undisputed QB1 entering year two. The projected starting O-line: Will Black (LT), Anthonie Knapp (LG), Joe Otting (C), Sullivan Absher (RG), Guerby Lambert (RT). The defense returns nine of its top 10 tacklers, headlined by safety Adon Shuler (53 tackles) and CB Leonard Moore (31 tackles). LB Drayk Bowen is back in pads after offseason hip surgery.

The "revenge tour" mentality is real. Moore told ESPN the Irish are fueled by missing the CFP after going 10-2 in 2025, with the early losses to Miami (27-24) and Texas A&M still haunting the locker room. He singled out the November 7 home game against Miami - their first time in Notre Dame Stadium in 10 years - as the one circled on every calendar. Freeman: "We need to start faster" after going 0-2 in September for the fourth straight year.

Running back is thin: Aneyas Williams (elbow) is non-contact, incoming freshman Kedren Young (torn ACL) is out, and Javian Osborne is recovering from wrist surgery. Transfer kicker Spencer Porath (Purdue, 15-of-17 FGs in 2025) chose Notre Dame for Mendoza - never entered the portal - and will compete with sophomore Erik Schmidt. Nearly all of the No. 2-ranked 2026 recruiting class enrolled early and are going through spring ball.

Upcoming: Blue-Gold Game - Saturday, April 25, 2:00 p.m. ET, Notre Dame Stadium (Peacock). Tickets from $10. Season Opener: Sept. 6 vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field (Shamrock Series, NBC/Peacock)

🏀Women's Basketball

The portal window (April 6-20) is wide open and Notre Dame is making a big push for Iowa State center Audi Crooks - the consensus top player available. She averaged 25.8 ppg (2nd nationally), shot 65%, and grabbed 7.7 rpg as a Second Team All-American. The social media tea leaves are encouraging: she's followed the ND WBB account, Coach Niele Ivey, Hannah Hidalgo, and KK Bransford on Instagram. Candace Parker publicly discussed how Crooks would complement Hidalgo in the pick-and-roll. No commitment yet - one year of eligibility remaining.

On the departure side, Cassandre Prosper (ACC Most Improved Player) declared for the WNBA Draft on April 6, and Vanessa de Jesus declared today. Three grad students exhausted eligibility.

The good news: Hidalgo returns for her senior year after a historic season - 25.3 ppg, 5.6 spg, ACC Player of the Year, National Defensive Player of the Year, and the NCAA single-season steals record (202). Five top-100 freshmen arrive this fall, led by Jacy Abii, Jenica Lewis, and Bella Ragone. USA TODAY's way-too-early poll has the Irish at No. 8 for 2026-27. If the Crooks pursuit lands, this roster could be special.

Last Result: Elite Eight - UConn 70, Notre Dame 52 (March 29)

🥍Lacrosse

Tomorrow is massive. Both programs face top-3 opponents on Saturday.

The men's team (7-1, No. 5) knocked off previously No. 1 Richmond 12-8 last Saturday at Lacrosse Day in Chicago, scoring 8 goals in the first quarter and leading 9-4 at the half. Luke Miller had 4 goals and 5 points, Tyler Spano dominated faceoffs (16-of-22, 9 ground balls), and Thomas Ricciardelli made 12 saves. The lone loss was at Virginia (9-11) on March 28. Tomorrow: No. 1 North Carolina at Arlotta Stadium, 5:00 p.m. ET on ACCN - a top-5 ACC showdown and the biggest regular-season home game of the year.

The women's team (11-2, No. 19) rides a five-game winning streak, averaging 18.6 goals and allowing just 5.0 during the run. Kate Timarky leads with 68 points (52 goals, 16 assists), 3rd in the ACC. Tomorrow: at No. 3 Syracuse, 12:00 p.m. ET (JMA Wireless Dome, ACCN Extra). It's Syracuse's Senior Day - they lead the all-time series 24-8 with 5 straight wins in the rivalry. Final regular season game: April 16 vs. Louisville at home.

Coming up: Men's at Duke (April 18), Syracuse at home (April 25). Women's vs. Louisville (April 16).

📋Around the Program

  • Baseball (15-9, 6-6 ACC): Pitcher Weiss threw a complete game to beat Louisville today. The Irish swept then-No. 20 Clemson two weeks ago but were subsequently swept by No. 13 Virginia - inconsistency defines the season.
  • Men's Basketball: The portal exodus continues. Freshman forward Ryder Frost (4-star recruit, 2.7 ppg in 26 games) entered the transfer portal, following Sir Mohammed and Garrett Sundra. Playing time - not NIL - is driving the departures under coach Micah Shrewsberry.

🔴Utah Utes

🏈Football

Morgan Scalley's first spring camp is in the home stretch - final two weeks. OC Kevin McGiven says his system installation is "pretty much complete," and team health has been excellent: highest live-rep percentage in program history with fewer injuries than normal. No depth chart until game week.

The receiver room is the most intriguing competition. Creed Whittemore (reunited with WR coach Chad Bumphis from Mississippi State) has "made a ton of progress" per Scalley. Former QB Nate Johnson is "fully bought into being a wide receiver" with improved consistency. The offensive line is a full rebuild - all five starters departed. Experienced returners Keith Olson, Alex Harrison, and Zereoue Williams compete alongside transfers and freshmen, including 5-star Kelvin Obot (highest-rated recruit in program history, No. 41 nationally, chose Utah over Michigan and Oregon) and Ohio State transfer Isaiah Kema. QB Devon Dampier leads the offense. New S&C coach Greg Argust has replaced Doug Elisaia.

Upcoming: 22 For U Fan Day - April 18, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at Spence Eccles Field House. Full team autographs, kids zone with 10+ drills, live interview with Scalley. Donations benefit the 22 Forever Memorial Scholarship honoring Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe. Season ticket renewal deadline: April 22. Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Idaho (home). Seven home games including SEC opponent Arkansas and rival BYU.

🤸Gymnastics

A heartbreaking end to a strong season. No. 12 Utah's run ended at the Corvallis Regional Final on April 5, finishing third (197.500) behind UCLA (197.725) and Minnesota (197.625). They missed advancing by just 0.125 points - snapping a 49-year streak of never missing Nationals, the longest in the sport's history.

Floor was their best rotation (49.525). Standout scores included Avery Neff's 9.950 on bars and Makenna Smith's 9.950 on vault. In the regional semifinal, Neff was dominant - winning the all-around (39.650) and co-winning beam (9.925). Head coach Carly Dockendorf: "We definitely left some tenths out there on some landings."

Three Utes earned individual bids to the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth (April 16-18): Avery Neff (all-around), Ana Padurariu (beam), and Ella Zirbes (floor).

Season highlights: 198.025 win over No. 23 BYU, sellout crowd of 11,191 at the Huntsman Center for the opener.

📋Around the Program

  • Lacrosse (7-3, 2-0 ASUN): Routed Mercer 24-14 on April 4 with 12 different scorers - Ryan Stines had a career-high 6 goals. Three of the program's five highest-scoring games have come this season under coach Andrew McMinn.
  • Baseball: Series at Arizona State starts tonight (April 10), 7:30 p.m. MDT. Utah enters having been swept at Kansas.

🌰Ohio State Buckeyes

🏈Football

The Spring Game is a week from tomorrow - April 18 at Ohio Stadium. Ryan Day says this is "one of the deepest rosters of his career" after bringing in 16 transfer additions to replace 30 departed scholarship players. "We've never had this many players for spring practice."

The headline you already know: Jeremiah Smith turned down more than $10 million to stay. He said it "made the most sense." Freshman WR Chris Henry Jr. - the headliner of the 2026 class, already drawing Jeremiah Smith comparisons - "has flashed" in spring ball. Fellow freshman Brock Boyd became the first frosh to shed his black stripe, earning praise for his route-running versatility.

QB Julian Sayin is getting more involved in designed runs and scramble plays - Day called him an "X-factor." Sophomore CB Devin Sanchez is setting his sights on the Thorpe Award: "I was a little timid last year. I've gained my confidence back." Transfer edge rusher Qua Russaw (Alabama) is impressing in his pursuit of a starting spot. Georgia transfer CB Dominick Kelly became the 10th newcomer to shed his black stripe. Running back remains a concern - Bo Jackson and Isaiah West are both out, and Day admits "that's not gonna get solved in just a week of practice."

NFL Draft (April 23, Pittsburgh): Five Buckeyes projected as first-rounders - Arvell Reese ("the best overall player in the draft" per multiple analysts), Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and Kayden McDonald. Most first-round prospects of any school. Pro Day drew all 32 NFL teams, including 6 head coaches and 6 GMs.

Upcoming: Spring Game - Saturday, April 18, Ohio Stadium Season Opener: Sept. 5 vs. Ball State (home). The schedule includes at Texas (Sept. 12), Oregon at home (Nov. 7), and Michigan at home (Nov. 28).

📋Around the Program

  • Men's Basketball: Landed transfer guard Justin Pippen (son of Scottie Pippen) from Cal - 14.2 ppg, 4.6 apg, All-ACC honorable mention. He fills the hole left by all-time leading scorer Bruce Thornton, who entered the portal.
  • Men's Tennis: No. 2-ranked Buckeyes swept both NKU and Oregon.

🏔️Treasure Valley

🍽️Food & Drink

James Beard semifinalists from Boise: Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering (Outstanding Hospitality), Bar Please! (Best New Bar), and three Best Chef - Mountain nominees: Alex Cardozo (Susina), Cal Elliott (The Avery), Nathan Whitley (Terroir). Great recognition for the local scene.

New openings to know about: El Gaucho, the high-end Seattle steakhouse, is now open in the former Western Proper space downtown - tableside theatrics, smoked cocktails, premium cuts. Coa Cantina opened February 7 in Harris Ranch, a Barbacoa/Sushi Shack collab with tacos, tequila, and Mexican-fusion (open daily 11am-10pm). Coming soon: The Boise Post, a rooftop restaurant on the 16th floor of the new AC/Element by Westin downtown; Skosh Wine Bar in the West End (wine, charcuterie, butter boards); and Schnitzel Fritz, a German deli downtown.

Boise Farmers Market opened its 2026 season last Saturday at 1500 Shoreline Drive (Saturdays, 9am-1pm). This is the market's final year downtown - it will relocate to a new permanent home starting in 2027 due to growing crowds and development pressures.

🎉Events & Things to Do

  • Tonight: Front Street Fights 35 - 7pm, Idaho Central Arena. Boise State Symphonic Winds - 7:30pm, Morrison Center.
  • Sat 4/11: Boise Farmers Market - 9am-1pm, 1500 Shoreline Dr. GemState 208 Market (season opener) - 9am-3pm, Farm Estates Park, Kuna. Spring Food Truck Rally at Jordan's.
  • Sun 4/12: Boise Flea (first of the season) - Boise State East Stadium Lot. Tommy Emmanuel - 7:30pm.
  • Mon 4/14: Journey - Final Frontier Tour - 7:30pm, Extra Mile Arena.
  • Thu 4/16: ASHRAE Idaho YEA Geothermal Walking Tour + Brewery - 6:30pm (RSVP via Partiful). Zoo Boise Paint and Pinot - 6pm.
  • Apr 16-18: 5th Annual Idaho Outdoor Recreation Show - Expo Idaho. Free admission and parking.
  • Sat 4/18: Race to Robie Creek - "the toughest race in the Northwest" half-marathon, Boise Foothills. GREASE at the Morrison Center (April 17-19).

⚡Energy & Industry

Idaho Power rates went up January 1 - an average 7.48% increase ($110M in new annual revenue). Residential customers see about $12.13/month more for a 900 kWh household. Idaho Power originally proposed 17%; the settlement was a compromise. Drivers: $1B+ in 2025 infrastructure investment, rapid service area growth, wildfire resilience, and grid modernization. Rates remain 20-30% below the national average.

The data center debate is heating up. H911 establishes a framework for utilities serving new large electric loads (50+ MW over 5 years), requiring IPUC-approved service contracts and mandating new loads pay full infrastructure costs. Key projects driving this: Meta's data center in Kuna, Micron's planned second fab (512 MW), and Diode's proposed Kuna facility (600-800 MW). The Idaho Farm Bureau supports it - new large loads should bear full direct costs.

Ada County approved a 150 MW solar farm near Kuna (December 30) on approximately 1,700 acres near Pleasant Valley and Kuna Mora Roads, with battery storage.

Plug-in solar generators: Rep. John Gannon is advancing legislation to allow Idahoans to use portable plug-in solar devices ($1,000-$6,000) without permits. Current law blocks sales by requiring all home electricity connections to be permitted. The bill mirrors Utah's HB 360 and has power company support.

Federal permitting: Governor Little signed an MOU with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to streamline energy, mining, and infrastructure permitting through the FAST-41 process.

💼Professional & Networking

  • ASHRAE Idaho YEA - Geothermal Walking Tour + Brewery, April 16, 6:30pm, Boise (RSVP via Partiful)
  • ASHRAE Idaho Tech Conference - May 1, 8am-5pm, Boise Centre on the Grove
  • ASHRAE Presidential Visit - May 18, 10:30am-12:30pm, Esther Simplot Park Pavilion. Lecture + Hawaiian BBQ.
  • Boise Metro Chamber - Monthly Business After Hours events and 9 networking groups with 50+ events/year. Check boisechamber.org/events for April dates.

📰Local Headlines

  • Idaho Mountain Touring closing Meridian location (1739 W. Cherry Ln.) on April 16 to focus on the Boise store.
  • Ada County halts Boise Foothills shooting range after neighbors raised concerns over noise, safety, and wildlife impacts.
  • Boise Public Library selected as one of only 10 libraries nationwide for the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative ($15,000 grant).
  • Vista Ave. lane restrictions near I-84 and the Boise Airport for ACHD bridge maintenance.
  • Whitewater season approaching - rafting and kayaking trips begin mid-April on the Owyhee, Bruneau, Lochsa, and Payette rivers.
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