Knight’s 1,600 broke records

Track and field: Katie Knight, a freshman at North Central, broke the school and Greater Spokane League records for the 1,600 meters Thursday night at Central Valley.

Her time of 4 minutes, 57.9 seconds eclipsed Kiersten Knutson’s NC record of 4:59.7 set in 1987 and the 4:58.3 of Rogers’ Jessica Fry in 1994.

Fry’s mark was for GSL meets only. She went on to run a 4:53.9 in the postseason.

The fastest time by a GSL runner is 4:46.58 by Megan O’Reilly of Mt. Spokane at the 2006 State 4A meet in Pasco.

Jennifer Smith of Ferris ran a mile in 1997 that converts to a 4:43.68 1,600.

Dave Trimmer

Another Zags guard to transfer

Basketball: Another guard is leaving the Gonzaga men’s program.

G.J. Vilarino, who played sparingly as a freshman last season, has decided to transfer, his father, Gerry, said Friday night. Guard Grant Gibbs was granted his release from Gonzaga earlier this week and is expected to transfer closer to home. Forward Andy Poling left the team in January and he will play at Seattle Pacific.

Vilarino, who originally committed to Kentucky but reopened his recruitment shortly after John Calipari was hired as the Wildcats coach, played in 25 games. He averaged 7.8 minutes and 2.3 points.

“When it’s all said and done, playing time is important, but the most important thing is having an opportunity to compete for playing time,” Gerry Vilarino said. “When that opportunity isn’t there and it’s not clear why, it became a situation he couldn’t live with.”

Gerry Vilarino said his son is receiving interest from Pac-10, Big Ten and Big 12 schools, but declined to name them. Under NCAA transfer rules, G.J. would have to sit out next season if he joins another D-I program.

“It was a difficult time, a difficult year for him,” Gerry said. “Those guys are wonderful guys, (Coach Mark) Few and (assistant coach Tommy) Lloyd, we just had a difference of opinion. That’s how it goes. … He has to be a point guard and they have a lot of kids that play that position. They wanted him to play the ‘2’ more than the ‘1’ (next season) and that’s not ultimately where he needs to play.

“Gonzaga is a fantastic place, great student body and fans. It couldn’t be any better, but his dream is to play. Everything could be great, but if that part of his life isn’t right, then it’s not the right situation for him.”

Jim Meehan