Stories by Ralph Walter for the Spokesman-Review

Sports > Gonzaga basketball

Ralph Walter: Deadline pressure takes Gonzaga basketball mania to new heights

Thu., Nov. 1, 2018

As news broke Tuesday afternoon that talented Gonzaga big man Killian Tillie would miss a significant chunk of the season following surgery for an ankle fracture, a sense of Zagony set in since our annual college basketball section – which you’ll find tucked into Thursday’s print edition of The Spokesman-Review – was already out the door for an early press run.

Sports > WSU football

Ralph Walter: First stop, ESPN College GameDay – then a ‘remote’ shot at the national title

UPDATED: Tue., Oct. 16, 2018

I was at a wedding reception filled with Washington State University alums Saturday night when news broke that ESPN’s College GameDay was finally coming to Pullman.

Sports > International sports

Weighing in: Local boxing figures lean toward Gennady Golovkin against Canelo Alvarez

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 14, 2018

There’s always a certain buzz when a big fight rolls around. So when middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez step into the ring for their much anticipated rematch Saturday night in Las Vegas, it’s a safe bet that many of the biggest names in local boxing will be glued to their TVs, as well. On Friday, a few weighed in with predictions.

Sports

Ralph Walter: Don’t be blindsided by our film-inspired football section this year

Thu., Aug. 30, 2018

Last year, we had an obvious hook: the local star power at quarterback. From high schools to colleges and even the Seahawks, the talent was historic. This year proved more challenging. Then, in late July, Idea Man struck: what about a movie theme? As I sketched it all out, I realized every team could be connected to an actual football flick.

Sports

Ralph Walter: Magic of ‘What if’ keeps SuperSonics in Seattle, gives Gonzaga a football team

UPDATED: Fri., June 1, 2018

“What if?” When it comes to sports, it’s hard to find two words as compelling. And it’s the inspiration behind an occasional new series that we’ll kick off this Sunday called “The Great ‘What If.’ ” Just as it sounds, the series will explore alternate endings to real-life sports stories and events.

Sports > Area sports

Ralph Walter: Even when it’s bad, golfin’s good in our neighborhood

UPDATED: Sat., May 5, 2018

I know how lucky I am to be living in a place where golf is both amazing and affordable, regardless of how amazing or atrocious the game can sometimes get. From North Idaho and Liberty Lake, to north of Spokane, to the South Hill and beyond, you can’t beat the price, beauty or accessibility of our area’s courses.

Sports > Seattle Mariners

Introducing ‘Out of Right Field: Mariners Observations from the East Side’

UPDATED: Wed., March 28, 2018

Let me throw out the first pitch this season: If you’re a fan of the Seattle Mariners, you must check out The Spokesman-Review’s new feature, “Out of Right Field: Mariners Observations from the East Side.”

Sports > Gonzaga basketball

Ralph Walter: Now’s the perfect time to apologize to Gonzaga coach Mark Few

UPDATED: Sat., March 24, 2018

I probably owe Mark Few an apology.

Sports > Area sports

Ralph Walter: ‘We’ll always try our best’ to tell your stories

UPDATED: Sat., March 10, 2018

Sadly, we can’t please everybody, no matter how hard we try. And I assure you, we’re trying.

Sports > Area sports

Ralph Walter: Local hall should welcome Dick Zornes, Dan Fitzgerald

UPDATED: Wed., Oct. 18, 2017

When it comes to sports tributes, I love them all: rings of honor, halls of fame, retired jerseys (hint-hint, East Valley.)

Sports > EWU basketball

Walter: New job perfected, you can find me with the Eastern Washington Eagles in Reno

Wed., March 8, 2017

Nearly two weeks have passed since becoming The Spokesman-Review’s new sports editor, and I’ve already made a splash.

News > Spokane

In which tenderfoot Ralph Walter heads to the forest for a Christmas tree

Sat., Dec. 10, 2016

OFFICIALLY LOST, Idaho Panhandle National Forests — I’ve never been the type to hike through a snow-speckled forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Frankly, I’m not really into hiking. Or snow. The outdoors. Christmas. Trees.

Sports

Blast from the past: The Road to Cheney

Sat., Jan. 1, 2011

Blast from the past: The Road to Cheney

Sports

Blast from the past: The Road to KC

Sat., Jan. 1, 2011

Blast from the past: The Road to KC

Sports

Ewu Finds Long-Awaited Big Sky Victory Soothing King’s 3-Pointer At :04 Lifts Eagles Over Sacramento, 60-59

Fri., Jan. 10, 1997

If ever a team needed a win, this was it. Still reeling from the death of point guard Rodrick McClure and looking for its first Big Sky Conference men's basketball win in almost two years, Eastern Washington University beat Cal State Sacramento 60-59 on Travis King's 3-pointer with 4 seconds left Thursday in Cheney. "It feels good to get that monkey off our backs," said EWU coach Steve Aggers, who earned his first conference win since taking over as coach last season. "Given the events of the past few weeks, with the injuries and the death of Rod, that just makes the game that much better."

Sports

Eagles Receive A Lift From Easy Win Over Missionaries

Sun., Dec. 31, 1995

Expect the euphoria of Eastern Washington University's 93-59 men's basketball victory over Whitman College in Cheney on Saturday night to last well into next year. Or at least until Jan. 5. "Any win's a good win for us right now," said EWU coach Steve Aggers, whose team plays host to Gonzaga on Thursday in a rematch of GU's 68-55 romp on Dec. 22. "I don't care who it's against. Hopefully, it will help our confidence a little bit going into the Gonzaga game."

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