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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012

Answering the yet-to-be-made call 

A GRIP ON SPORTS Even though this goes against a lifetime of saying no, I've decided to volunteer. Yep, if the guys running college football need an average Joe (I mean that literally, as my first name is Joe and I am average in a…

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Arizona routs Shock 61-35

A couple times this season Spokane has appeared to hit its stride only to come unraveled a week later. It happened again when Spokane, a week after crushing San Jose 90-63, was blasted at home by No. 1 Arizona 61-35 Friday. Kyle Rowley, who tossed…

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A Mariner conversation 

A GRIP ON SPORTS Two guys are sitting in a Renton bar, arguing about the Mariners. The guy on the left is wearing a light pink shirt, chino shorts and flip-flops. The guy on the right sports Levis, work boots and a worn blue work…

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THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012



Zags, Wildcats to Battle in Seattle

About the time 7-foot Polish center Przemek Karnowski was committing to Gonzaga in early May came word that the Zags would be facing Kansas State in the 2012 Battle in Seattle. The matchup became official today with an announcement from Idol Sports and Entertainment. The…

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NBA takes a backseat

A GRIP ON SPORTS The biggest news today, other than what's coming out of Washington, D.C., of course, is the NBA draft. You would think that David Stern has enough pull in Washington to get the Supremes to put off announcing something as big as…

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012


Cue the Jim Mora video 

A GRIP ON SPORTS • UPDATED: 9:46 A.M. Change is coming to college football. Big change – in more ways than one. There is the change to the postseason, approved for a 2014 start by university presidents. And there is the change due to schools…

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TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012

An uplifting Monday post 

A GRIP ON SPORTS Mondays always hold a special place in the workingman/woman's heart. The first day of the workweek is usually the toughest day to attack with fervor, especially this time of year. The light at the end of the tunnel – Friday –…

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SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Late night, late post

A GRIP ON SPORTS I usually hit the sack pretty early, even on Saturday nights. A product of having walked the planet quite a few years I presume. But last night was different. As I prepared for my typical 9 p.m. bedtime I turned on…

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SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2012

Three for a June Saturday 

A GRIP ON SPORTS So where to start as the month of June winds down? The Mariner results are starting to get a bit redundant (though we offer some discussion today on Felix Hernandez's future with the team). The other major sports are basically in…

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012

Basketball is finished

A GRIP ON SPORTS As the confetti rained down onto the floor in Miami last night, I wanted to get on my horse and ride around Spokane yelling, "the NBA is over, the NBA is over." Then I realized I don't have a horse. Read…

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

Sliding inexorably toward winter 

A GRIP ON SPORTS Yesterday was the longest of the year in the northern climes. The sun was over the horizon for more minutes than any other, though I can't give you the exact figure. What I can tell you, however, is that means one…

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WSU, the APR and links

COUGARS Figured a quick blog post detailing WSU's APR numbers -- which were released for all schools yesterday by the NCAA -- would be a pertinent way to start your Thursday. So here it is. Read on.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

The things you can do in Frisco 

A GRIP ON SPORTS Did you know it is not illegal in San Francisco to get drunk, wander onto the 18th green during the middle of the U.S. Open award ceremonies and make "Ca-ca" noises in front of the television cameras? Neither did I. What…

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TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012

No complaints today 

A GRIP ON SPORTS I was going to begin today's post by complaining about the sun shining through the window and ruining my ability to see the computer screen. Then I caught myself. After all, in six months I will be moaning about the overcast,…

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MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012

A morning show 

A GRIP ON SPORTS The sun rises early this time of year. And we rise with it every once in a while. It happened on Sunday, when the sound of the birds, a slight breeze and the bright sunshine all conspired to ruin any chance…

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SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012

Father's Day memories 

A GRIP ON SPORTS It's Father's Day. So, like any good father, it's time to hand out a chore. See, I want to know your favorite sports-related memory of your father. Whether it was taking you to a game or hitting you fungos or walking…

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SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Shock blow lead, fall to Utah  

Spokane suffered a heartbreaking loss in a game it appeared to have in control of inside the last minute. The Blaze recovered an onside kick and capitalized with Tommy Grady's ninth touchdown pass and Tysson Poots' fifth TD catch to overtake the Shock 58-55. Utah…

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Shock game day

At least for a few hours tonight, the focus will be on football for the Spokane Shock when they take on the Utah Blaze. Spokane is dealing with Kevin Ellison's arrest earlier this week, labor unrest and the return of ex-coach Rob Keefe and seven…

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A quick Saturday post

A GRIP ON SPORTS It's Saturday morning. I get that. So we won't waste a lot of your time with chit-chat. I understand you want to get out into the day and explore the possibilities of your weekend. Read on.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

More on tournament changes, Barham

Turned into a busy news day with Gonzaga. The WCC has voted to change its tournament format for men's and women's basketball, beginning with the 2014 events. That's the season Pacific joins to make the WCC a 10-team league. The double-byes for the top two…

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