Jim Allen

Every day on the soccer field, the decisions come flying at Joe Scott: stay in the goalkeeper’s box or come out and challenge. Seize the moment or let it seize him. “I like the pressure,” said Scott, a senior at Cheney High School who steps a little livelier than most 18-year-olds because he faced down an even bigger challenge at the age of 9.

As the javelin left her hand toward the second-best mark in Eastern Washington University history, Cora Kellerman felt absolutely nothing. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. “On a really good throw, there’s no muscle memory,” said Kellerman, recalling her first attempt in the finals of the Duane Hartman meet in Spokane on April 27.

Suddenly, it’s been smooth going for the University High School boys’ soccer team. The Titans won twice last week in District 8 matches on the smooth artificial turf at Spokane Falls Community College; the reward is a 3A Regional match on the same field tonight against Kamiakin of Kennewick.

It was champions’ day at Bloomsday, an elite men’s field full of past winners ready to repeat the feat. But darkhorse Belete Assefa and newcomer Emmanuel Bett left them all behind Sunday morning before Assefa pulled away in the last quarter mile to win his first title.

As if he didn’t see enough different looks last season, Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams saw a few more this spring: quicker receivers, a thicker playbook and teammates looking for him to lead – all while coping with high winds that whipped Roos Field every time Eastern Washington took the practice field. Asked about his progress in the past year, he likened the Vernon Adams of a year ago to a “chicken with its head cut off – always looking to run.

As if he didn’t see enough different looks last season, Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams saw a few more this spring: quicker receivers, a thicker playbook and teammates looking for him to lead – all while coping with high winds that whipped Roos Field every time Eastern Washington took the practice field.

By being a step quicker all night, the Shadle Park defenders collected most of the loose soccer balls Wednesday night. The Highlanders also collected the first District 8 3A title in recent memory with a 2-0 win over defending champion Mt. Spokane at Spokane Falls Community College.

With penalty kicks looming, the Ferris players had every reason to feel a bit nervous Tuesday night. The Saxons had given up an equalizing goal with 16 seconds left in the District 4A title match against Central Valley – the same team that beat them on their own field in a shootout two weeks ago.

The Eastern Washington spring football game is history, but the players aren’t exactly marking time in the final three practices. Instead, head coach Beau Baldwin wants it to feel like overtime – a chance for some of the younger players to make an impression on the coaches that will last through the summer.

The Eastern Washington spring football game is history, but the players aren’t exactly marking time in the final three practices. Instead, head coach Beau Baldwin wants it to feel like overtime – a chance for some of the younger players to make an impression on the coaches that will last through the summer.

An athletic point guard and a versatile forward are the latest additions to the 2013 men’s basketball recruiting class at Eastern Washington University. Junior college point guard Drew Brandon and forward Ognjen Miljkovic signed letters of intent to attend EWU and play for the Eagles next year, coach Jim Hayford announced Monday afternoon. The signings bring the current class to four; the Eagles had previously recruited guard Sir Washington and Australian forward Felix Van Hofe.

If spring football is about progress, the Eastern Washington offense made plenty on Saturday. The Eagles found their way into the end zone five times, but more important found themselves at the Red-White Spring Game at Roos Field. In addition to taking what the defense gave them, the offense adapted to gusty winds and a playbook that seemed to get thicker by the day.

If spring football is about progress, the Eastern Washington offense made plenty on Saturday. The Eagles found their way into the end zone five times, but more important found themselves at the Red-White Spring Game at Roos Field.

For this year’s Eastern Washington redshirts, Saturday’s Red-White Spring Game is the end of the beginning. “You can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said running back Jabari Wilson, of Carson, Calif. “I’m excited to see how many reps I can get Saturday.” While the Red-White is essentially a glorified scrimmage, it’s the next-best thing until Oregon State on Aug. 31 and the last, best chance to leave an impression until fall camp.

This is the longest spring quarter of Brandon Kaufman’s life. And it’s only April. Kaufman is still enrolled in classes at Eastern Washington and trying to pay attention to the lecture board while his mind wanders to the big board that will go up tonight in New York.

It’s still crowded at the top of the Greater Spokane League soccer standings, but Jake Wagner and the Ferris Saxons have pushed their way into the District 8 4A title game. Wagner scored twice Wednesday afternoon, including the eventual match-winner, during a 4-1 win at Shadle Park that keeps the Saxons two points ahead of the field with one match left in the regular season.