In brief: Shock’s James Ruffin selected AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year

AFL: The Arena Football League announced Spokane Shock defensive end James Ruffin as the 2014 Defensive Lineman of the Year on Tuesday.

Ruffin, a first team All-Arena selection, collected 38 1/2 tackles on the season and led the league with a Shock franchise-record 14 sacks in 2014. He also became Spokane’s all-time leader in sacks during the 2014 season, reaching 26 over his three-year career.

Ruffin forced three fumbles, recovered a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown. This is his first Defensive Lineman of the Year selection.

McIntosh decides to leave Chiefs

WHL: The Spokane Chiefs announced that 19-year-old defenseman Jeremy McIntosh will not return for the 2014-15 season. McIntosh cited personal reasons for his decision.

“Jeremy contacted me Sunday evening to inform me of his decision to move on,” Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said. “He said he has lost his passion for the game and is not as committed as he feels is necessary to play in the WHL.” 

The Chiefs’ fall camp runs Thursday through Sunday at the Arena, including the annual Red/White Game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

WCC releases conference schedule

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Although the Bulldogs’ non-conference schedule has not yet been completed, the West Coast Conference released the league schedule for the Gonzaga and new coach Lisa Fortier.

The Zags (29-5 last season) will be playing conference foes with a new coach for the first time in 14 years after Kelly Graves left in April for Oregon.

The first WCC game under Fortier will be played on Dec. 27 when Gonzaga hosts BYU. The Bulldogs end their regular season at BYU on Feb. 26.