Dave Trimmer

By now Kaprina Goodwin should know who, if anyone, is going to challenge her as the dominant personality at the State 1B track and field meet that starts today at Eastern Washington University. "I haven't looked," Goodwin said last week after easily qualifying in the four events in which she is the defending state champion – 100- and 300-meter hurdles, long and triple jumps. "I try not to look until I'm there." Don't think Goodwin's four state titles are the result of the B schools splitting last year.

Midway through the Christmas Concerto, lead violinist Kelly McNamee breaks into a huge grin. She often does the same thing if she pulls up just before attempting a jump at a track meet. No matter what stage she is on, the Ferris senior seems to be completely at ease. "I have confidence in both (activities), which takes off a little bit of the stress," she said. "I definitely think they help each other out."

Dick Olsen was a high school junior, maybe, "back in the black-and-white television days," when he bowed his head, deep in thought. Raising his head was the first step in becoming one of the best hurdlers in Spokane history.

The telephone call came at 10 on a Saturday night, which isn't too bad until the three-hour time difference is figured in. But working late is necessary as Darren Hamilton embarks on his new job.

Erik Hille has had no trouble flying recently, but Tuesday afternoon he couldn't get the discus to fly like he is accustomed. When the Ritzville senior struggled during the District 7 2B track and field meet at Spokane Falls Community College his junior teammate Casey Rios cashed in, unleashing a 150-foot, 9-inch throw, a personal record by 11 feet, to upset his more heralded teammate.

Despite a time that would suggest he was the fastest 110-meter hurdler on the 4A side of the Greater Spokane League, Central Valley junior Greg Barnes had nothing to do after school on Friday except hang out with a friend. That's because a bad preliminary race at the District 8 track and field meet on Thursday meant he didn't qualify for Friday's finals.

Wind and rain made life less than pleasant for everyone at the District 8 track meet at Spokane Falls Community College Thursday night. But on occasion the sun poked through, at least long enough for Ian Schneidmiller to enjoy himself.

A good 50 yards away, the Greater Spokane League track championship was playing out Thursday, but the two people with the vested interest in the outcome were telling stories and laughing, oblivious to the proceedings. But there was plenty of time for old college roommates to catch up, since the pole vault was the center of attention and six vaulters cleared 12 feet.

There is a place some folks go that is just their place or a thing they do that is just their thing. It's an inner peace. Zen to some.

The last time out, Joe Zimmerman had a state-best throw in the javelin and Katie Davis a Greater Spokane League-leading triple jump. That kind of effort wasn't necessary Thursday afternoon at Ferris, but their production was impressive.

Jennifer Mountain, who helped build the most successful era in the history of the women's basketball program at Gonzaga and among the best in West Coast Conference history, is leaving the Bulldogs to take over rival Santa Clara. The former Bulldog star and successful high school boys coach signed a five-year contract Tuesday and will be introduced at a new conference this morning. Mountain replaces Michelle Bento-Jackson, whose contract expired after the season.

TAMPA, Fla. – For all the awards and accolades that came her way in her four years at University High School, every basketball season ended the same way for Angie Bjorklund – with a loss. That changed Tuesday night when the Tennessee freshman was on the St. Pete Times Forum court as the Lady Vols closed out a 64-48 win over Stanford in the NCAA championship game.

TAMPA, Fla. – There's defense, then there's SEC-D. Tennessee used stifling defense to defend its NCAA women's basketball championship with a 64-48 victory over Stanford Tuesday night before 21,655 fans in the sold-out St. Pete Times Forum.

TAMPA, Fla. – If it seems the West Coast is lagging behind in women's basketball that's because it is – sort of. Sure, Stanford plays Tennessee in the NCAA championship game tonight at 5:30 on ESPN, a chance for the spotlight to shine on the West for the first time in more than a decade.