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In brief: Gonzaga hoops success spurs $5 million gift to university

The success of Gonzaga University’s basketball teams prompted a family to give the school $5 million.

The gift, intended to support basketball performance and training, was made Friday by a family that asked to remain anonymous, the university said.

Gonzaga said it plans to expand facilities for all student-athletes. These include the development of an Athletic Hall of Fame, additional practice and training areas, and an expansion of student-athlete support services.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of this family and for their desire to support the continued success of Gonzaga’s basketball program and our student-athletes,” university President Thayne McCulloh said in a news release. “Their example is an inspiration to all of us, and we look forward to realizing the vision that is at the heart of their gift.”

Athletic Director Mike Roth added, “This gift will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, not only in preparing for competition, but also in their work in the classroom and in the community. At the same time, it also gives us an opportunity to honor the history of Gonzaga Athletics.”

Scott Maben

Fatal wreck closes U.S. 195 by Pullman

One person was killed Saturday night in a wreck on U.S. 195 north of Pullman, the Washington State Patrol said.

A northbound Ford Focus crossed the highway’s centerline and struck a southbound Chevy Suburban about 8:45 p.m., WSP Sgt. Courtney Shawley said. The Focus’ driver died at the scene, Shawley said.

The driver of the Suburban was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, he said. Three passengers in that vehicle, including two children, had minor injuries and were taken to Pullman Regional Hospital.

A commercial van following the Suburban also struck the vehicles. The van was mostly empty and no one in it was hurt, police said.

The crash, about 4 miles northwest of Pullman, closed the highway between Pullman and Colfax. It was expected to reopen overnight.

Jacob Thorpe