Welch Named New Titan Volleyball Coach
Mike Welch found himself and University High School found him.
Welch, 27, is the new Titan volleyball coach, replacing Rik Austing who resigned last fall after nine years as head coach. Welch is an English teacher and, said activities coordinator Bill Ames, a candidate for a position at U-Hi.
It is the first head coaching job for Welch, who for four years has directed the Specs USVBA program. He also has assisted at Lewis and Clark and helped Linda Sheridan at Shadle Park while student teaching last year.
He came by his vocation naturally but it took Welch a while to discover his calling.
His dad, Don “Buzzie” Welch, is the head coach at two-time state champion LC and area coaching legend.
“I’ve been influenced a ton by my father and watched Squat (Sheridan) from the sidelines,” he said.
An LC graduate, he spent his sophomore year at South Pasadena High in California where he lettered in volleyball. He also played club volleyball in the Spokane area.
He attended the University of Colorado for three years, spent three years commercial fishing in Alaska and for the last three years attended Eastern Washington University.
“I needed to pay for college and fell in love with Alaska,” he said. “It is a good place for young men to go.”
When he helped coach for his dad, he liked it and decided to get his education degree.
He said that at University he must get to know the players and sell them on his philosophy. He will stress ball control and transition, controlling tempo and rhythm.
“I’m excited but pretty overwhelmed,” said Welch. “It’s been rush, rush, rush after I was informed I got the job. I’m in shock and disbelief.”
Gym club moves to Valley
Lilac City Gymnastics will open a second facility in the Spokane Valley in late July.
Club president Fred Smith said the 7,000 square foot facility will be at 1104 N. Park, adjacent to Centennial Middle School.
Owners Fred and Linda Smith and Eric and Colleen VanZee opened their first facility on 219 E. Augusta during the winter of 1994. Its boys team won the 1996 Class 5 state championship.
Smith said Lilac City has a child-centered philosophy ranging from “Mommy and Me” classes for children ages 18 months through adults ages 17 and older.
Lilac City is scheduled to host next year’s women’s compulsory state championships.
Soccer registration begins
Registration for Spokane Valley Junior Soccer for the fall and spring season is under way for players ages 5 (by July 31) to 18.
Deadline to register is June 28 to avoid paying a $10 late fee. Games are played on Saturday’s during September and October and April and May.
The league is in need of coaches.
To register or volunteer, forms can be obtained at 12505 E. Sprague on the second floor of the Spokane Olympic Sports building.
For information, call 922-7910.
YMCA swimming lessons
The Spokane Valley YMCA is forming children’s summer swimming lesson classes.
Classes will meet weekday mornings for two- or three-week sessions at Valley Park Community Pool, one block east of Evergreen on 16th.
Register at the YMCA office at Tidyman’s, McDonald and Sprague or call 927-1474.
Valley View President’s Cup
Second round of the Valley View Ladies 9-Holers President’s Cup was played last week.
Net leaders were Tina Marie Reger with 36 in A flight, Kay Pritzl with 31 in B and Laura Odette with 34 in C.
Best overal scores were by Joyce Jacobs with a low gross 47 in A flight, Dee Elder with 49 in B, Jane Clark with 60 in C and no-handicap golfer Carol Dahl with 54.
Final round of Cup play is July 19.
Painted Hills medal play
Painted Hills Ladies Club conducted weekly medal play at the local course.
Low gross leaders were Danice Deckard with 46 in A flight, Robyn Reamer with 55 in B flight, Colleen McGraw with 57 in C flight, Marian Decker with 69 in D and Debbie Akers with 52 in the no-handicap division.
Net leaders were Martha Smith with 37 in A, Nancy Mullenix with 36 in B, Shelley Van with 35 in C and Cathy Diehl with 37 in D.
Betty Snow had a chip-in on the 16th hole and Caroline Geiger had a birdie on 11.
, DataTimes