Gleason receives Halas Award

Football: Former New Orleans Saints special teams player Steve Gleason, who is afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), has won the George Halas Award for overcoming adversity and succeeding.

The award, announced Monday by the Professional Football Writers of America, is named for the former Chicago Bears owner and head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame member.

Gleason, a former Gonzaga Prep and Washington State standout, has helped raise funds to provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with the leading-edge technology, equipment and services through his Gleason Initiative Foundation and Team Gleason organization.

Gleason, 38, spent seven seasons in the NFL. In 2011, he was diagnosed with ALS. Fueled by his slogans “No White Flags!” and “Awesome Ain’t Easy,” Gleason and his foundation began to raise public awareness about ALS and find ways to combat the disease.

Associated Press

CdA Casino golfer in Open

Golf: Jimmy Gunn, a native of Scotland who was sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Casino, has landed a spot in the U.S. Open.

Gunn, who lives in Arizona, was an alternate after the Memphis sectional qualifier. He received a call from the USGA on Sunday.

Gunn’s connection to North Idaho began with Ryder Cup-style matches hosted by Circling Raven in Sept., 2004, pitting players from Royal Dornoch, Gunn’s home course, against a team consisting mostly of CdA tribal members.

Cougar rowers earn AA honors

Rowing: WSU women’s rowing junior, Jordan Watson, has been named to the 2015 Pocock All-America First Team and her classmate, Nicole Hare, was named to the second team, the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) announced.

Both rowed with the varsity eight crew this season, leading their crew to a 9th-place finish at the 2015 NCAA finals and an 8th-place team finish.

Washington’s AustinFiona Gammond is on the first team and Sarah Dougherty made the second team.