Holmgren says no to Seahawks

Mike Holmgren will not be returning to the Seahawks, the team announced Saturday night.

And in a surprising twist, it was his decision.

Holmgren turned down what the team described as a “senior leadership” position.

“Mike has declined our offer to rejoin the team given the structure we proposed,” Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke said in the statement.

The position Holmgren turned down was Seahawks president, the title Tim Ruskell vacated when he resigned two weeks ago.

The conclusion to Seattle’s courtship of Holmgren was as sudden as it was surprising. For the past week, it appeared Holmgren was moving closer to accepting an offer to run the Cleveland Browns, while Seattle was committed tocompiling potential candidates.

Holmgren’s interview with Cleveland earlier this week spurred Leiweke to meet with Holmgren recently, but negotiations dead-ended.

Seattle Times

All-State prep teams chosen

Volleyball and soccer: Area volleyball players and coaches swept the 4A, 2A, 2B and 1B awards on the All-State teams announced Friday.

Hitter Alexis Olgard of Mead was chosen 4A player of the year and her coach, Judy Kight, coach of the year. Hitter Annie Arnzen of Mt. Spokane was a first-team 3A pick.

Pullman middle blocker Shelby Cheslek and her coach, Dave Weitz, won the 2A honors. Pullman hitter Stephanie Logan was a first-team choice.

In 2B, outside hitter Kayla Johnson of Colfax and her coach, Sue Doering, were the picks for top player and coach. Setter Rachel Johnson of Colfax was a first-team choice as was hitter Desiree Chappell of Tekoa-Oakesdale.

In 1B, middle hitter Kelly Van Lith of St. John-Endicott, and her coach, Megan Doering, were the choices. Libero Trisha Luft of SJE was a first-team choice as were hitters Shanna Wilson of Northport and Gladys Martinez of LaCrosse-Washtucna.

The All-State soccer teams were also released. Jazmine Redmon of Mead was a first-team choice as a 4A defender and midfielder Delaney Zalud of Mt. Spokane was first team in 3A.

In 2A forward Kellie Zakrzewski of Cheney, DeeDee Garbe of West Valley and defender Amy Sterk of Pullman were picked to the first team.

The teams were chosen in voting by sports writers and coaches from state-qualifying teams and compiled by René Ferrán of the Tri-City Herald. Complete first teams and area athletes on the second teams and honorable mention are in Scoreboard.