Voice of the Eagles also puzzled

There have been plenty of highs and lows for Larry Weir in his 16 seasons of broadcasting Eastern Washington basketball and football games. With the Eagles basketball team falling short of the high expectations with an 11-11 record, 5-5 in the Big Sky Conference, it seemed like a good time to get his take as well as get to know him.

We’ll start with the questions every Eagles fan wants to ask.

Spokesman-Review: Why is the basketball team so inconsistent this season?

Larry Weir: That’s the $64 million question. It’s been aggravating for the coaches I’m sure, aggravating for the players, aggravating for the administration, aggravating for the media and tough for fans. I’ve quit trying to figure out what’s going on with this squad. You can blame it on about anything – players not playing, coaches not coaching. It’s probably a mixture of two. The coaches could probably coach better, but the players could probably do a better job of motivating themselves. It’s been a difficult thing watching it at times this year.

S-R: Can they turn it around?

LW: I’ve thought that on several occasions. Eastern would play well and I’d think this is the impetus to put them forward. … I’ve kind of gotten to the point after 22 games (that) they would have turned it around by now. Now I think it’s to the point of frustration, good game, bad game. If they do, great, but at this point I don’t see it.

S-R: How did you become the voice of the Eagles?

LW: When I started in 1991, Impact Sports handled the rights. I had done some stuff for Paul Sorensen prior and when the job opened up, I jumped on it in a hurry. I replaced Rich Waltz, who’s now doing the Florida Marlins. He’s making lots of money. I’m sitting in Spokane still, but I love it.

S-R: What’s good about the job?

LW: The best part is getting to know the coaches and the players.

S-R: And the flip side?

LW: The worst part would be the travel. Anyone who thinks travel is fun doesn’t have to do it on a regular basis. Places like Pocatello, Flagstaff, Bozeman, Greeley are hard to get to. Sitting in hotels and airports waiting for buses isn’t much fun.

S-R: You’re known for your candor.

LW: I try to be. That’s probably a way of making a connection with fans better. I like to think I’m a fan watching a ballgame, I just happen to be following the play. I try to be as honest as I can. If Eastern stinks, I’m going to say it. If they play well, I say it. If something else stinks, I say it. I think that’s the only way to be honest to the profession.