Former WSU quarterback Gesser signs with AFL’s Blaze

The Arena Football League’s Utah Blaze announced the signing of former Washington State University quarterback Jason Gesser to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

Gesser, who is entering his rookie AFL season, spent time with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and CFL’s Calgary Stampeders the last two seasons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed due to team policy.

“Jason is a strong, intelligent quarterback,” said Blaze head coach and general manager Danny White.

The Honolulu, Hawaii, native was the Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year with Carson Palmer in 2002 and set numerous Washington State and Pac-10 passing records. Gesser led the conference in passing efficiency three straight years and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy balloting as a senior.

He was the only player in Washington State history to be elected team captain three straight years and guided the Cougars to back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2001-2002.

Men’s basketball

Frank Clair scored 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting to lead North Idaho to an 86-69 victory over Columbia Basin in a non-conference game at Christianson Gym.

Mac Hopson had 13 points, five rebounds and six assists for the 13th-ranked Cardinals (9-0), who shot 57 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.

Christiaan Hammond led the Hawks (1-6) with 11 points and five rebounds.

Women’s basketball

Lindsey Koppen scored 17 points and Nichole Scott pulled down seven offensive rebounds to lead North Idaho to a 65-59 victory over Columbia Basin in a non-conference game at Christianson Gym.

Caitlin Courchaine added 16 points for the Cardinals, including four 3-pointers, and a team-high seven assists. Scott’s seven rebounds led NIC, as did her four steals.

Jessica Robinson led CBC with 22 points and nine rebounds. The Hawks (2-3) had 25 turnovers in the game and took 23 fewer shots than the Cardinals.

“Marianne Zilkoski scored 14 points as the Community Colleges of Spokane (2-2) defeated a team of Sasquatch alumni 62-47 at Spokane Falls Community College.