Hollenbeck Resigns As Badgers Coach

With a year before he likely retires from teaching, Bonners Ferry High School boys basketball coach Richard Hollenbeck announced his resignation Tuesday.

Hollenbeck, 60, had two stints as Bonners Ferry’s head coach, the first for three years in the mid 1970s and the most recent for 3 years. He took over for former coach George Hays midway through the 1991-92 season after Hays allegedly punched a player.

“I’ve been involved with basketball for 35 years in some facet,” Hollenbeck said. “I’ve done my time.”

Hollenbeck’s final season was his most successful. His Badgers shared the Intermountain League championship with Kellogg before falling to Kellogg 87-85 in double overtime in the State A-2 consolation final.

“I’ll cherish the friendships and relationships that I’ve established with the players and the coaches,” Hollenbeck said. “But I probably won’t miss the officiating. Now I’ll be able to yell (at the officials) from the stands.”

Hollenbeck has recommended junior varsity coach and former Bonners Ferry head coach Pete Glindeman as his successor.

Former Trojan honored

Post Falls High graduate Kristi Johnson, a senior guard at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, earned NAIA academic all-American basketball honors.

Johnson, who carries a 3.74 grade-point average, was one of 37 players honored. She averaged 10 points, three assists and three steals.

Signings

North Idaho College’s Alli Wright has signed to play volleyball at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

Wright, a middle blocker, is from Spokane.

Quintin Hall, a point guard from the Bahamas, has committed to NIC’s men’s basketball team.

NIC’s women’s basketball team has received several commitments/signings. The list includes Pocatello point guard Ann Radmall, point guard Jamie Richards from Polson, Mont., and Lakeland High wing Teresa Viebrock. Bonners Ferry’s Jana Nearing previously signed with NIC.

Central Valley’s Tanya Kirk, a transfer from Northern Arizona University, and Mead’s Chrystal Pakootas, who was at UCLA, also are considering playing at NIC.

NIC wrestling has commitments from Aaron McArthur, heavyweight from Polson, Mont.; Jessie Schaeffer, 126-pounder from Columbia Falls, Mont.; and Dave Herzog, 158/167-pounder from Yakima.

UI’s Pugmire moves on

University of Idaho regional development director Rance Pugmire has been hired as an assistant athletic director at Utah State.

Pugmire, UI’s sports information director for four years before taking the development position in Boise 14 months ago, will be based in Salt Lake. His main responsibilities will be fundraising for Utah StateHe begins his new assignment May 8.

Little League

Post Falls Little League and Junior and Senior Leagues will hold tryouts this weekend at the fields located at 21st and Spokane streets.

Majors (10 to 12 year olds) will try out at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Minors (8-10) will try out at 4 p.m.

Juniors and Seniors (13-15) will try out Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tryouts will take place regardless of weather.

Info: Bob Sloyka, 773-1508.