Carlson named NIC women’s coach
At his several coaching stops throughout the Inland Northwest, Chris Carlson always kept his eye on the North Idaho College women’s basketball coaching position.
Carlson, an assistant at Eastern Washington University the last three seasons, was hired as NIC’s new coach Wednesday, Cardinals athletic director Al Williams announced. Carlson accepted a one-year contract worth about $44,000, which includes fund-raising responsibilities. He replaces Greg Crimp, who resigned last month.
Carlson, 44, assisted at Idaho in 2000-01. He was head coach at Big Bend Community College from 1992-2000. He began his coaching career at Eastern Oregon University in 1988, helping the men’s and women’s programs. He’s also coached Spokane Stars AAU teams.
Carlson was one of three finalists. Central Valley High girls basketball coach Dale Poffenroth and former Montana Tech men’s coach Rick Dessing also interviewed.
Men’s basketball
Forward George Tucker and post Matt Fletcher, both from Diablo Valley College in Concord, Calif., will play for Whitworth College next season, coach Jim Hayford announced.
Diablo was 25-6 last season, placing in the final eight in the California Community Colleges tournament.
Track and field
Eastern Washington’s Jason Demeroutis was named Big Sky Conference men’s athlete of the week after throwing the discus 178 feet, 8 inches last week.
The toss, the best by an Eagles athlete in more than 20 years, ranks No. 2 all-time at the school.
Baseball
Columbia Basin College won the East Division title outright by sweeping Community Colleges of Spokane 6-0, 8-2 in Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges play at Pasco.
Jon Mecham pitched a four-hitter and struck out five in the opener, which clinched the crown for the Hawks. CBC (36-5, 23-3) opened the day with a four-game lead over CCS (21-17, 17-9), with four games to go.
Ian Farmer pitched five strong innings and Chad Nelson had two hits in the second game.
The Sasquatch will close out the regular season Saturday at home against Walla Walla CC. The NWAACC championships begin May 27.