Track Title For CV Nice Surprise For Coach
Central Valley parlayed depth of field and the enthusiasm of youth into a second straight Greater Spokane League track championship.
The Bears piled up a huge field events advantage against North Central to offset the Indians track edge and continued to get strong efforts from freshmen for wins over NC, University and East Valley on Tuesday.
A second straight league title, said coach Dennis McGuire came as a surprise.
“I expected to be decent, but didn’t expect to be this good this year,” he said.
Because of graduation, he didn’t anticipate having the speed CV has been accustomed to in the past.
But freshman Charlene Gannon has become the league’s fastest 400 runner and fellow newcomers Brittany Baynes and Nikki Larson provided instant help.
“Charlene has no idea how good she can be,” said McGuire. “She’s our No. 1 all-time freshman and she’s right in there with the most competitive girl I’ve ever been around.”
Meanwhile, a horde of throwers, including veterans Heather Harding, Nicole Southwick, Raeanna and Rachel Jewell and Felice Moore, and jumpers including Melissa Loss helped CV to its title.
“We’re a better team this year,” said McGuire. “We have no holes. Our distance kids are doing real well and our field events were just tough.”
That combination of youth, experience and depth proved unbeatable.
University finished second overall and East Valley was fourth.
The Titans won two relays and got a 47.1 300 hurdles victory by Heidi Bunkowske.
The Knights won four field events, including the javelin by Brittany Hauser, recently returned from injury, Alica Tonani in the high jump, Katie Douglas in the triple jump and Stacy Merrill in a personal best 10-foot pole vault.
University’s boys track team proved no match for Shadle Park in the boys championship meet, but did defeat Mt. Spokane and Mead for second overall in the GSL.
Central Valley finished fifth and East Valley eighth in their four-way meet with Rogers and Ferris.
Eagles win fifth in row
The West Valley Eagles won their 23rd straight Frontier League boys track dual and fifth straight championship Thursday.
Dan Ferguson has become a one-man gang for the Eagles. He now has the league’s best high jump, high hurdles and triple jump marks while winning four events during the Eagles’ 104-39 win over Cheney.
Luke Brosvik became WV’s second 14-foot pole vaulter this season.
WV’s girls, finished second in league with their win over Cheney.
Bears, Eagles advance in soccer
Central Valley’s soccer team is a win away from state following its overtime victory over Lewis and Clark in the District 8 4A playoffs.
The Bears, who had lost three straight matches to fall out of title contention, rallied back with two straight wins over the Tigers.
The first, 3-1 in their regular season ending game, left the Bears third in the Greater Spokane League and gave them a home match against LC in district.
They made the most of it when Nikko Gibson scored three minutes into overtime to end a scoreless match.
Kam Murphy scored his third goal, Jeff Niehenke and Andy Cooper their first during the league win over LC.
Gibson, the season-long scoring leader, had his ninth, and keeper Travis Johnson had two clutch saves in the first-round playoff win.
The Bears are at Mead today at 1 p.m., with the winner advancing to the district finals and a state berth.
West Valley defeated Colville 1-0 on Matt Kirk’s goal to move opposite Cheney today for the District 7 3A title.
Umpires sought for softball
Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association is seeking umpires for the upcoming summer season.
Need is great in particular for the younger age leagues.
A clinic will be offered May 23 and 25 and May 30 and June 1.
To sign up, contact Jude Thomas at 921-7873.
Golfers end regular season
Greater Spokane League golf season ended Monday with Central Valley’s boys in third place, the girls in fifth.
CV’s Marty Nauert averaged 71 in four boys outings, EV’s Jared Taylor finished with a 73 average and Trevor Ward averaged 74 for CV.
University’s Erika Gunderson shared 10th among girls with a 91 average and CV’s Alix Plaster averaged 99.
Liberty Cup round played
Liberty Lake 18-Hole Ladies Club golfer Freda Beckman won the monthly Liberty Cup competition.
She netted 74 for the May triumph. Concurrent putting contest went to Lily Shiosaki with 34 in B flight.
D winner was Cec Schucker with 35 putts in D flight, Jean Hatcher and Billie Etter with 36 in A. Eclectic for April included a low gross 77 score by Patty Aunan in A flight, and net 61 by Louise Newtson.
B winner was Carol Schultz with 86 gross, C went to Cathy Whitley with 91 and Reiko Takamori with net 61 and D to Jan Hussey with 95 and Ella Leinweber with 60.
Crazy hats on rainy day
Given the rainy weather that plagued Valley View Ladies Club golfers, it was appropriate that it was Crazy Hat Day.
Craziest hats were worn by Laura Odette, Cleo Workland and Carole Townsend.
Even some of the winners were appropos for the weather. Edith Rains shot 34 net in B flight and Angie Schauer had low gross 71 in C. Best golfers were Dee Elder with low gross 41 and Joyce Jacobs with 32 net in A flight.
Emma Long shot 55 in B and Genevra Barrett netted 34. Carolyn Michielli netted 39 in C flight and no-handicapper Alison Block shot 63.
Medal play for 9-holers
Liberty Lake Ladies 9-Hole Club conducted medal golf this week.
Marian Edwards shot 56 in A flight, Pat Thompson in B and Alice Vaughn had 69 in C.
Net winners were Nancy Lampe with 39 in A, Teri Elkinson with 38 in B, Marge Darlington with 45 in C and Emma Long with 43 in D.
Joanne Ruddell had a chip-in on the seventh hole.