Northwest Notes Feb. 13, 2010

WAC reprimands, warns

Idaho hoop coach Verlin

DENVER - Idaho men's basketball coach Don Verlin was reprimanded by the Western Athletic Conference for violating the WAC's sportsmanship code, commissioner Karl Benson announced.

Verlin publicly criticized the game officials during his postgame press conference following the Vandals' loss to Nevada at home on Wednesday.

After the game, Verlin told reporters that the game was poorly officiated and that officials in the league need to figure out that Idaho is a contender, not a doormat. He also said he didn't care if the WAC fined him for the comments.

"Coach Verlin's comments criticizing the officials clearly violated the WAC sportsmanship code and will not be tolerated," Benson said. "Any further violations of the code will result in a minimum one game suspension."

Said Verlin, "I recognize the inappropriateness of my comments and apologize to the WAC, University of Idaho and to the officiating crew for my remarks after the Nevada game."

Region 18 wrestling tourney

finals to be webcast

DES MOINES, Wash. - Tonight's championship finals of the Region 18 wrestling tournament at Highline Community College will be webcast, at approximately 4:30 p.m., at http://www.highline.edu/stuserv/athletics/media/games.htm.

All that is needed is a flash player to view the video, and there is a link to a free download of a flash player if needed.

NIC has won nine straight Region 18 titles, and 34 of the last 37 regional titles overall.

Starters for the Cardinals at regionals are Kyle McCrite (125), Gabe Miranda (133), Nick Harris (141), McKray Jones (149), Joey Pieroti (157), Jesse Nielsen (165), Stevie Vasquez (174), Celic Bell (184), Kamron Jackson (197), and Roger McCovey (heavyweight).

"We'd love to win a regional title, it's tradition, but I'd rather lose a regional title and qualify all 10 athletes to the national tournament than win a regional title and only qualify nine guys to nationals," NIC coach Pat Whitcomb said.

The top three placers in each weight qualify for nationals Feb. 26-27 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Prep track and field rules

clinic set for Tuesday

POST FALLS - The District 1 track and field clinic for area high school coaches is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Post Falls High library.