Highlanders Strong Against Unbeatens

The significance of last week’s cross country meet at Shadle Park wasn’t so much the outcome between unbeatens Mead and University as it was the effort in defeat by Shadle Park’s girls.

The Highlanders competed without their top three runners who were either injured or ill, yet still turned in a creditable effort.

They lost by a mere six points to the Panthers and 21-37 overall to race winner U-Hi.

“It was encouraging to us yet at the same time maddening,” said coach Bob Isitt. “How many times do you have a chance to compete on an even basis? We needed our health.”

Shadle was snubbed in early-season state cross country polls, although they’re currently ranked ninth.

Julie Sawatzky and Frankie Jones, the Highlanders’ No. 4 and 5 runners, placed sixth and seventh behind three Panthers and a couple Titans. Christa Eide was 12th.

They took up the slack in the absent leaders Erin Krogel, Lanaia Jones and Heidi Sawatzky.

“The thing is we could have won both meets,” said Isitt. “Our four and five runners beat U-Hi’s number three. We had a better chance to beat U-Hi than Mead.”

On Wednesday, the Highlanders get a second chance during regional competition at Hangman Valley Golf Course. Teams from the Greater Spokane League and Big Nine will compete for four team and 20 individual berths.

Seven schools, at least, say local coaches, are in state contention.

“I’ve never seen the competition this close,” said Isitt of the impending race. “We’ve got to get ready.”

Fortunately he said, this group of Shadle athletes loves to compete.

No good grid news

The news wasn’t good from last week’s playoff implication football showdowns.

Mead, Lakeside and Deer Park all lost. The latter two must win out to have a chance.

This week Lakeside is at unbeaten Chewelah. Deer Park hosts Riverside in their neighborhood rivalry.

The schedule for Mead is better. The Panthers finish up against North Central, University and Shadle Park.

Winless NC lost 33-6 to Gonzaga Prep, 4-1 and a playoff hopeful. Shadle, with one win, was beaten 42-0 by Kennewick.

U-Hi evened its record with a 17-6 win over frustrated Rogers.

Rogers had an early field goal wiped out by penalty. The Titans scored on a 65-yard pass and run after the receiver appeared to be tackled by three defenders.

Rogers also gave up a touchdown following a blocked punt that flew about 20 yards back, almost to the goal line.

Other mistakes and penalties thwarted Pirate scoring drives and a 180-yard rushing night by Mike Dorton.

“It’s discouraging,” said coach Dave Pomante of a game he figured to win.

He could have been speaking for other North Side coaches as well.

Volleyball update

Mead clinched second place in the Greater Spokane League and a berth in the regional tournament Nov. 7-8 in the Tri-Cities.

Four GSL teams will qualify from next Thursday’s district tournament to which Shadle Park and Rogers have already qualified.

Great Northern volleyball is a four-team logjam for third place, including both Lakeside and Deer Park.

Miscellany

Soccer season ends this week with Mead attempting to finish the season unbeaten against Gonzaga Prep tomorrow and Riverside hoping to do the same today in Pullman.

A measure of the two teams’ dominance is that, until last Friday, Mead had been unscored upon, and Riverside has allowed only three goals all year.

The Rams have outscored Great Northern League foes by an amazing 95-1 total. They have the league’s top three scorers, Larissa Mueller with 24 goals, Jamie Rizzuto with 23 and Tracy Koesel with 17.

Natalie Kehl leads the Panthers with 13.

In cross country, Lakeside completed a perfect GNL season to remain the state’s top-ranked 2A boys team.

They did so by whacking previously unbeaten Colville 19-42 in their title showdown.

Gonzaga Prep’s boys, enjoying the finest season in school history, are ranked second in the 4A poll.

Others high in the rankings are Riverside’s girls, and boys and girls teams from St. Georges.

Drop-in sports

Spokane County Parks and Recreation offers drop-in sports sessions at Northwood Middle School, 13120 N. Pittsburg, for volleyball and basketball players who don’t play on organized teams.

The sessions are Mondays, 7-9 p.m. through Nov. 10 at a cost of $2 per person. Players can participate in both sports.

For information call 456-4730.

, DataTimes