What readers are saying

Huskies football

This team is a thrill a minute

Huskies games these days aren't just exciting; they're exhausting. First the USC game, then the Notre Dame game, and then the Arizona game. I went to Saturday's game with a cold intending to bundle up, stay warm, sip my coffee and not yell too much. Yeah, right. I screamed most of the game and went ballistic the final minutes of the fourth quarter like the rest of the fans. Gone are the days where fans leave in the fourth quarter. You had better stay until the final seconds tick off the clock this year. This is a different team, a new era. And you know what? I think that fourth-quarter adrenaline surge cured my cold.

— Linda L. Dodge, Bothell

Noble name for noble group

"Huskies" has a very noble sounding ring to it — visions of the Yukon Gold Rush and the race to Nome. It's time to get rid of that moniker "Dawgs" forever. "Dawgs" sounds like dogs, which has different connotations.

In a recent broadcast, Bob Rondeau used "Dawgs" 38 times, by my count. With the recent thrilling wins and bright days ahead, let's call our team by its real name only — Huskies.

— John Mitchell, Deer Park

Owen Schmitt

Unnecessary

roughness

I thought Steve Kelley's column ("Don't follow Schmitt's example," Wednesday) was right on. I appreciate Owen Schmitt's enthusiasm, but hitting yourself in the head with your own helmet until you bleed is Roman Colosseum stuff. Not even remotely necessary.

— Michael W. Libbee, Zillah

Ken Griffey Jr.

A welcome

return

Ken Griffey Jr.'s decision to retire or return next season seems to be a no-brainer. What more has to be said to entice him back in 2010? He infused more enthusiasm in this year's team than they've had in several seasons. His contribution in the clubhouse, dugout and as DH has been an inspiration to the new additions and regulars alike.

No player in my memory has received the adulation that he has from Mariners fans this year. If he returns, we could be in the thick of a pennant race next season.

Come on back, Junior!

— Jack Emery, Woodinville

More Junior sightings, please

Last Sunday ("Not feeling the love for Junior," Backtalk), Noel Freedman proves the Elvis Theory. In nationwide polling, 6 percent believe Elvis is alive. Freedman must be in that camp if he believes Junior's personality in the dugout and his performance at designated hitter is not a key reason why the Mariners did so well this year. Put me in the camp along with 94 percent of Mariners fans who hope Ken Griffey Jr. comes back to play with the Mariners next season.

— Bruce Petrie, Seattle

A great morale boost

Bless Griffey's sense of humor, which has brought cohesiveness and fun back to the Mariners. The joy on Ichiro's face as he and Griffey were carried by their teammates was beautiful to see, and I think Junior was responsible for his acceptance. Morale is a big asset to any team.

— Carol Baker, Kent

Seattle sports scene

Hope this isn't

just a dream

So the Mariners rebound to win 85 games. The Huskies entered the weekend 3-3 (or possibly 4-2 if the touchdown against Notre Dame had not been reversed due to "indisputable video evidence"). And the Seahawks are suddenly playing like world beaters, despite an offensive line where introductions to the new guy next to you are almost a daily occurrence.

Just in case this is all a dream, please, don't anybody pinch me until after the Super Bowl.

— Raymond S. Wilson, Bellevue