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Show REDSKINS suffer road nightmares Even though the Utes were in the race to the final game, the road nightmares continued, and losses to Arizona and Arizona State put the Utes out of post-season contention. Utah remained in the top twenty ratings in the nation for the entire season until those final losses, marking a real hard-luck year in hoop fortunes. Individual as well as team performances stood out all year. Merv Jackson, Utah's Senior All American, led the WAC scoring, and also earned high rankings in foul shooting, field goal percentage, and rebounding. Center Jeff Ockel was undoubtedly the most improved player in the WAC and was named to the second All Conference team. His backup man, Ron Cunningham was a pleasant surprise all season long, making midgets of opposing centers who were consistently much taller than he. Cunningham's fantastic timing and excellence in tip-ins saved many a game for the Utes. Walt Simon became the defensive specialist for Utah in 1968 and his energetic hustle and determination were respected by all of his opponents. Joe English and Lyndon Mackay provided good size and speed at the forward postions, and were joined by Don Denson. John Hunter, Bob Martin, John Landures, and Sam Robinson augmented the chargers. 86 |