Northwest Notes July 28, 2010

Former Chiefs coach hooks

on with Idaho Steelheads

Former Spokane Chiefs coach Hardy Sauter was named coach and director of hockey operations for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL on Tuesday.

Sauter, 39, becomes the fifth head coach in organization history, replacing Derek Laxdall.

"We've been strong and stable behind the bench for the past decade," Steelheads president Eric Trapp said. "We're excited for coach Sauter to continue that tradition."

Sauter complied a record of 91-45-8 with Spokane, reaching the Western Hockey League playoffs in each of his three seasons. He was let go following the 2009-10 season, which ended with the Chiefs losing to Portland in seven games in the first round of the WHL playoffs.

"I'm excited to coach here in Boise," Sauter said. "I have not heard one bad thing about the city or the organization. My family and I are thrilled to be here and we're looking forward to carrying on the winning tradition the city of Boise and the Steelheads fans have come to expect."

NCAA rules two WSU

football players ineligible

PULLMAN - Two members of the Washington State football team were declared ineligible by the NCAA on Tuesday for violation of rules.

Dan Spitz, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle, will be ineligible for the first nine games of the season for violating the NCAA's banned substance use policy. Spitz will be allowed to practice with the team throughout the season, but will not be eligible to compete until the Cougars host California on Nov. 6.

Failure to comply with the policy results in a student-athlete being withheld from competition in all sports for a minimum of 365 days.

"Dan made a mistake and he is paying a very large price for that," Washington State coach Paul Wulff said. "Our athletic administration takes these issues very seriously and student-athletes are encouraged to consult with our athletic medicine, nutrition and strength and conditioning staffs with questions regarding any products."

Andre Barrington, a redshirt freshman linebacker, failed to meet the NCAA's minimum academic standards and will be ineligible for the 2010 season, but will be able to practice with the team throughout the year.

The Cougars begin fall practice Sunday, Aug. 8.

Mathews wins four golds

at Washington Senior Games

George Mathews of Hayden Lake won four gold medals during the recent Washington Senior Games, held at St. Martin's University in Lacey, Wash.

Mathews won the men's throwing of the superweight at 29 feet, 9 inches, as well as the 20-pound weight at 55-11 and the 5K hammer at 147-11.

He also won the shot put, held at Tumwater High, with a throw of 38-9.