Fast Break

Wrestling

Owen selected as humanitarian

Former North Idaho coach John Owen, who built the Cardinals’ program into a national powerhouse, has been named the 2008 recipient of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame’s Idaho Humanitarian Award.

The Idaho Award, which will be presented during the Humanitarian Hall’s 2008 Induction Ceremonies Tuesday in Boise, is presented annually to an Idaho resident who has made a significant contribution to sports.

“By any measure, John Owen’s career and life have been incredibly successful,” said Idaho Gov. CL “Butch” Otter. “A generation of young men, their families and the northern Idaho community benefited from his work and his integrity. Generations to come will continue to benefit from his example.”

In 19 years leading wrestlers at the Coeur d’Alene community college, coach Owen brought eight team national titles (1978, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1993) to NIC. Owen retired in 1997 with a 304-23-2 all-time career record.

Owen is currently the coach at Central Valley High School.

Men’s basketball

MSU-Billings selects Pfeifer

Former University of Idaho head coach George Pfeifer has been hired as the head coach at Montana State University-Billings, athletics director Gary Gray said.

“I am extremely pleased that Coach Pfeifer has accepted our offer to become our new men’s basketball coach,” Gray said. “George brings a wealth of basketball experience and success to MSU-B, particularly from his many years as head coach in a very talented NAIA program at LCSC (Lewis-Clark State College).”

Pfeifer heads to MSU-Billings after three years at the University of Idaho, where he served one year as assistant coach and two as head coach. He guided the Vandals to a 12-48 record in his two years as head coach.

“I know this was a long and thorough process, and I feel fortunate to get this opportunity,” Pfeifer said.

He replaces Craig Carse, whose contract wasn’t renewed after 13 seasons, including last year’s 1-28 mark.

Pfeifer was head men’s basketball coach at LCSC from 1989-2005 and assistant coach from 1987-89.

Junior hockey

Sauter will stay with Chiefs

The Spokane Chiefs signed assistant coach Hardy Sauter to a one-year deal that will keep him on Spokane’s bench for a second season.

“I couldn’t be happier to return,” said Sauter, a former Chiefs defenseman (1991-92).

“I think it’s outstanding,” Chiefs coach Bill Peters said. “It is the first time in my head coaching career that an assistant has come back and that will give our staff continuity.

“He obviously had a lot to do with the success that we enjoyed as a team, particularly the defense.”