There’s a grocery store shortage in Tempe, four Sun Devils earn spots on the preseason all-conference first team, and two former Devils sign NFL contracts.

(We’re not above pandering to our constituency, if that’s what it takes.)

An exhaustive study by the East Valley Tribune has revealed a stunning lack of grocery stores in downtown Tempe. In fact, the area has not had a respectable grocery store since 2000 when ASU bought and closed down the old campus IGA Stabler store on Mill and University. That is of course if you don’t count Rollins Market on Fifth and Beck, which apparently no longer blows.

That’s trouble for carless residents like Reggie Shumway, who figures he’ll just have to “get a bike with a big basket” until someone opens a grocery store anywhere near downtown. The only other option is bussing it over to the Sexy Safeway, where he may run into the fine young ladies in the image above.

Meanwhile, quarterback Rudy Carpenter, running back Keegan Herring, offensive lineman Paul Fanaika and kicker Thomas Weber were all named to the Pac-10’s all-conference first team. Wide receiver Mike Jones, defensive end Dexter Davis and safety Troy Nolan earned second team accolades.

In NFL news, the Raiders signed veteran linebacker Adam Archuleta and the Eagles signed rookie defensive tackle Michael Marquardt to replace Kimo von Oelhoffen. Quoth Andy Reid: “We brought a fellow in and he worked.”

If only our boss could say the same about us.

(Photo courtesy: The State Press)

Tags: Around Campus, ASU Football , adam archuleta, dexter davis, Keegan Herring, Mike Jones, mike marquardt, paul fanaika, rollins market, Rudy Carpenter, Sexy Safeway, thomas weber, Troy Nolan // Add Comment »