Auburn’s Newton declares for draft

Football: Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the quarterback’s decision. Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night in his lone season.

Newton is projected as a first-round selection after winning several national player of the year awards.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.

Associated Press

Bull riders here this weekend

Bull riding: The Touring Pro Division of the Professional Bull Riders makes a stop in Spokane this weekend.

The action kicks off at 8 tonight and Saturday at the Arena.

According to the PBR, the tour “is comparable to NASCAR’s Busch Series and Triple-A Baseball, offering aspiring bull riders the opportunity to compete for a position on the elite Built Ford Tough Series. The Challenger Tour enables a constant rotation of talent within the PBR, ensuring that only the best riders in the world are competing in the major leagues.”

There are 30 rides each night.

Billed as the General Store presents Wrangler Professional Bull Riding Classic, discount coupons for tonight’s show are available at the General Store.

Dave Trimmer

Gomez Idaho runner of year

Cross country: Coeur d’Alene senior Kinsey Gomez has been named the 2010-11 Gatorade Idaho Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Gomez captured her third State 5A championship last fall, winning in a time of 19 minutes, 1.92 seconds – more than 30 seconds ahead of the runner-up for a second straight year.

She won state titles as a junior and freshman and was runner-up as a sophomore.

A couple of weeks later she placed 48th at the Foot Locker West Regional championships (19:42).

“Kinsey Gomez is one of the most successful and dedicated runners I have ever seen,” said Dave Mills, coach at Boise High, one of the most successful running schools in Idaho.

Gomez hasn’t decided where she will attend college.

Last spring, Gomez captured state track titles in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races.

Greg Lee