Ex-WSU swim coach Pipher dies

Debbie Pipher, who coached the Washington State University women’s swimming program for 20 years, died at her Albany, Ore., home last Wednesday. She was 53.

Pipher, who resigned in 1997, had an 85-62-1 dual meet record.

In 2001, Pipher moved to Albany and then worked at Oregon State University as the associate director of medical records at OSU student health.

“I was stunned to receive the call that Debbie had died,” said longtime friend Marcia Saneholtz, WSU’s senior associate director of athletics. “She was a very private person, and in keeping with her nature, we weren’t aware of her health issues.

“Debbie was a woman of strong character who always put the best interests of her student-athletes first. She built a strong foundation for Cougar women’s swimming. All who knew her are deeply saddened by her passing.”

Boys basketball

Vitaliy Kozubenko hit 10 of 18 shots from the field to lead Valley Christian’s 40-percent shooting and scored 26 points to lead the Panthers to a 55-46 Bi-County League win over visiting Almira/Coulee-Hartline in a game rescheduled from tonight. Greg Giese led ACH with 25 points.

College wrestling

Freshman Brandon Palaniuk pulled off a takedown with one second left to earn a 3-1 win over Pacific senior Kevin Spangler at 133 pounds and key North Idaho College’s 33-3 win over the Boxers. Spangler had defeated Palaniuk 5-1 earlier.