Mike Vlahovich

Unity is a volleyball mantra where the sum is more valuable than the individual parts. But eight seniors on Mead's two-time defending champion state qualifiers have taken togetherness to extremes. Their association goes back to elementary school, the year Mead won its first state volleyball title, when they worked as ball girls at the Spokane Arena and fostered a dream.

Ferris baseball coach John Thacker is among six coaches with local ties being inducted into their respective Washington Coaches Association halls of fame. Thacker will be inducted at noon Saturday at the SeaTac Doubletree Inn, if, as he said, "I can make it across the pass without a rock slide coming down on me."

Clarkston proved the better mudder early, and its three-touchdown lead over host Cheney less than 15 minutes into their game determined the Greater Spokane League's second 3A playoff football team. That lead nearly evaporated behind the yeoman's effort of Blackhawks running back Donny McKee, but it was enough for a 21-14 triumph.

What would a cross country runner be without his or her health? The evidence over the years is compelling given the numbers of runners who have had seasons cut short by injury or illness.

Richland's getting the hang of this shootout thing. Its second consecutive such 1-0 soccer victory, decided by penalty kicks, came over Gonzaga Prep to decide Tuesday's 4A Eastern regional championship.

The weather at Deer Park Golf Course held up, and so did the Greater Spokane League's cross country reputation. Conditions were cool but pleasant and, most important, dry and calm during Saturday's Eastern Regional 4A and 3A races.

Gonzaga Prep soccer players said they approached the District 8 4A championship match against Greater Spokane League champion University with nothing to lose. By winning 2-0 over the previously unbeaten Titans, they had everything to gain. The minor upset assured the Bullpups (14-2) a week's rest and spot in the state tournament as the region's either No. 1 or 2 entrant. They host Big Nine Conference champion Richland Tuesday at 4 p.m. for the regional title.

Ryan Cloke is a vital part of a Colville threesome that will determine the Indians' postseason cross country future. Last year the Indians won the Great Northern League, but finished behind Lakeside-Nine Mile Falls in district and state. Lakeside finished third at the State 2A meet, two spots ahead of Colville.

This is becoming old hat for the Mt. Spokane volleyball program, which, for the second straight year, caught lightning in a bottle. Trailing two games to none, the Wildcats (9-4) staged an improbable rally to defeat Central Valley 24-26, 21-25, 25-22, 26-24, 15-4 and a berth in next week's District 8 4A playoffs.