Buckenberger to coach Whitworth softball
Longtime Spokane softball figure Clarence “Fuzzy” Buckenberger has been selected as the new coach at Whitworth College, Director of Athletics Scott McQuilkin announced Wednesday.
Buckenberger replaces Teresa Hanson, who was 88-127 during her six-year stint as Pirates coach.
“Fuzzy emerged from a very strong pool of local and regional candidates, so we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber leading our program,” said McQuilkin in a school release. “His playing and coaching accomplishments are remarkable, and he is held in high esteem both regionally and nationally.”
Buckenberger, who has been playing or coaching the game of softball in Spokane for 40 years, is a member of the Inland Northwest Hall of Fame, the Washington State ASA Hall of Fame and the Northwest ASA Region Hall of Fame.
As a player and pitcher Buckenberger was named ASA All-American five times during his career and played on the 1987 men’s modified national title Western Truck Brokers team.
As a player-coach he led the Brymley team to a 56-0 record and another national modified championship. He also coached three women’s teams to national ASA modified titles in 1997, 1998 and 2000. He was selected by the ASA National Office as a clinician for the Puerto Rico Olympic program in 1989.
Buckenberger is currently the Regional Director for ASA Region 15 and has served on several ASA committees at the regional and national levels.
Buckenberger will retain JuJu Predisik on his staff as an assistant coach.
Golf
Renee Skidmore of Everett, Wash., scored a nine-stroke victory at the WSGA Women’s Amateur Championship at Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.
Skidmore, who won the 2005 Big West Conference championship as a freshman at the University of Idaho, finished with a three-round total of 2-under-par 217.
Sisters Haley (233) and Mandy Parsons (238), who graduated from University High School, finished eighth and 12th, respectively. Cheney’s Katie Kofmehl finished at 253.
•Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Erik Hanson continues to lead the Oregon Open in Sisters, Ore., with a two-round total of 136, two strokes better than Ryan Benzel. Alex Prugh of Manito G&CC is at 144 with Bob Scott of MeadowWood GC at 145 with the final round today. Hanson and Prugh are amateurs.
Baseball
The Spokane RiverHawks (4-10, 3-10) dropped a 6-2 decision to the host Bellingham Bells (3-1, 3-1) in a West Coast Collegiate League game at Joe Martin Field.
Robert Della Grotta got the victory in his first decision of the season. Jason Glushon fell to 0-3. Levi Garrett had three hits for Spokane, Sam Hall added two hits and one RBI, and Cory Rickard picked up two hits.
The teams play each other again today.