U-Hi May Make A Rude Host By Winning Gymnastics Tourney
That University High School is hosting today’s Region IV gymnastics tournament today is somehow appropriate.
Both the U-Hi and Central Valley teams dominated last week’s district meet, finishing first and third and sweeping the first five all-around places.
The meet begins at 1 p.m. and will end with trophy presentations about 4:30. One team, two all-around performers from non-team champions and seven additional individuals per event advance to state.
University’s team will be favored to win its fourth straight regional title after compiling 173.375 points and sweeping the top three all-around positions at district.
They also had three of the top five competitors during balance beam and bars competition and two of the top five during vault and balance beam.
The Bears had 166.25 points, 1.45 points behind runnerup Ferris.
U-Hi’s Tara Hulbert took her turn at the top by beating teammates Kalie Cossette and Coleen Pierce for all-around honors.
She won bars and tied for third on vault. Teammate Lindsay Brandle won balance beam over Cossette. Cossette was vault champion and third during floor excercise.
Meanwhile, CV’s Lindsey Linerud and Sarah Shryack tied for fourth allaround, Shryack with a career-best 34.4 score and Sidira Sisich was second on vault.
If today’s meet is a duplicate of last weekend, the six will all advance to the state tournament, Feb. 21-22 in the Tacoma Dome.
Lilac Cup invite on tap
While high school gymnasts perform for state berths, the Lilac Cup Invitational club meet will take place at Whitworth College Fieldhouse.
Sponsored by Lilac City Gymnasticsd Center, 450 boys and girls gymnasts from 22 Washington, Idaho and Alaska teams will participate in the three-day event.
Competition for boys will include Classes 7 through 1 and for girls Levels 7-10 optionals and 4-7 compulsory.
Results count toward qualification to the USA Gymnastics Washington Sectional Championships.
Among strong local competitors are brothers Kevin and Isaac Olson who were regional and state champions respectively.
Valley brother and sister team of Libby and Andrew Smith and Kolbie Pearsall are among contenders.
Saturday’s sessions are 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., including warmups. Sunday’s sessions are 8 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Sportsman’s outreach banquet
Fourth annual Sportsman’s Outreach Banquet will be Feb. 22 at Pines Baptist Church, 714 S. Pines.
Big game trophies, horns and fish exhibits will be on display beginning at 4 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. by a potluck dinner and program.
Greg and Kathy Goodnight will offer an archery primer followed by the movie Silent Pursuit.
For information call Don Swanson, 926-0755, Bob Asbury, 255-9938 or Mike Crnich, 926-4681.
Soccer referee clinic
Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association will conduct a referee’s clinic Feb. 21-23 at East Valley High School.
Cost of the clinic is $20 and is open to persons age 13 and older who have taken a referee’s test. Those over age 25 will receive a $10 discount.
Anyone who took the test prior to 1996 must retake it prior to the clinic.
Pre-registration by Feb. 20 is required. Call SVJSA at 922-7910 to register.
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