Lauderdale signs with Stanford

Wrestling: Lakeside wrestling coach Troy Hughes is convinced that grades and college-entrance test scores aren’t the only things that contributed to Josh Lauderdale landing a scholarship to Stanford University.

“Stanford’s not just looking for the smartest kid,” Hughes said. “They’re looking for kids with a lot of community involvement.”

And that fits Lauderdale to a T. He’s a National Honor Society president and Lakeside’s student vice president among several other activities.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Lauderdale said. “It’s been a goal of mine to go to a prestigious academic school and wrestle at the next level. So it’s a blessing to be able to go to Stanford.”

Lauderdale, who carries a 3.92 grade-point average, plans to sign a letter of intent to attend the Palo Alto, Calif., school today. He gave Stanford an oral commitment Sunday night after a weekend visit.

Lauderdale was a four-time state placer, capping his career this winter with his first state championship at 140 pounds. He finished his career with a 129-19 record including 74 pins. He also finished runner-up twice and third at state.

Eleven of Lauderdale’s losses came as a freshman when he took second at state. Most of the defeats also were to opponents from larger schools.

Greg Lee

Grabner among Calder finalists

Hockey: Former Spokane Chief Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture and Carolina Hurricanes center Jeff Skinner are the finalists for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL’s rookie of the year, it was announced Tuesday.

The winner will be revealed during the NHL awards ceremony on June 22 in Las Vegas.

Grabner, a right wing claimed off waivers by the Islanders from Florida on Oct. 5, had a team-best 34 goals. He also had 18 assists and 52 points in 76 games.

Grabner, a 23year-old Austrian, played three seasons in the WHL for the Chiefs, scoring 88 goals and 41 assists in 180 career games.