Fast Break

Arena football

Ex-EWU standout signs with Shock

Former All-Big Sky defensive lineman Harrison Nikolao has been added to the Spokane Shock roster.

Nikolao displayed versatility that may come in handy in the arenafootball2 league. He spent the most of his career as a defensive tackle for Eastern, compiling 80 tackles, including 7.5 sacks. He was named to the all-conference team in 2005, but then switched to offensive guard in 2006, his final season.

He signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and was released after playing in four preseason games.

In other Shock news, former defensive back Alex Teems and offensive lineman Amos Lamb signed AFL contracts with Cleveland. Teems, a former standout at Washington State, led Spokane last season in tackles (98) and pass break-ups (30).

College basketball

Tickets sales brisk at WSU

Washington State’s success on the basketball court has translated into success at the ticket window.

As of Thursday, 4,203 season tickets have been sold, nearly 2,000 more than last season. Individual game tickets are also selling well. Friday night’s game against Eastern was sold out as is the game against Washington on March 8. There are less than 700 tickets for Oregon (Jan. 20), UCLA (Feb. 7), USC (Feb. 9), and Arizona (Feb. 23).

For tickets contact the WSU ticket office at 800-GO-COUGS or go online at wsucougars.com.

Baseball

Ichiro collects another award

Ichiro Suzuki accepted more off-season hardware.

The Seattle Mariners center fielder won his second career Silver Slugger Award, which recognizes the best offensive producer at every position in both leagues. Managers and coaches vote for the awards.

Ichiro also won the award in 2001, his rookie season in which he captured the batting title (.350), the stolen-base title (56) and the American League MVP.

Alex Rodriguez won his ninth Silver Slugger after leading the majors with 54 homers and 156 RBIs for the New York Yankees.