Northwest Notes March 14, 2010

Akey agrees in principle to new contract with Idaho

MOSCOW - Idaho football coach Robb Akey has agreed in principle to a new five-year contract, according to published reports

Akey, who had two years remaining on his original five-year deal, led the Vandals to an 8-5 season last year, including a last-minute win in the Humanitarian Bowl - Idaho's first bowl appearance since 1998.

He was the lowest-paid head coach in the WAC heading into last season with a total salary of $258,187. Akey had said part of the negotiations focused on improving the pay of his assistant coaches, who are among the lowest paid in the conference.

Akey wouldn't discuss financial terms of the deal but said "it's getting better" in terms of pay for his assistant coaches.

The extension must be approved by the State Board of Education, which meets twice next month.

Shock add defensive back, unload wide receiver

SPOKANE - The Spokane Shock have added defensive back Jeremy Unertl to the 2010 roster, and placed wide receiver Robert Redd on re-assignment.

Unertl (6-2, 225 pounds) has collected 304 tackles in his five-year AFL career, most of which was spent with the Chicago Rush. In 2008, Unertl tied for the team lead in tackles (92.5) and finished second on the team in interceptions (5) returning two for touchdowns. In his first season with the Rush, 2006, Unertl helped led the team to its first-ever Arena Bowl Championship.

The Shock also added offensive lineman Casey Bulyca to their roster. Bulyca (6-6, 330) spent five weeks on the Shock's practice squad at the end of the 2009 season. Prior to joining the Shock, Bulyca started in 16 games for the University of Washington (2007-08).

Training camp starts on Monday. The Shock will bring 35 players into training camp. From there, the roster will be slimmed down to 23 players that will be carried during the regular season.

Spokane opens the season April 2 at home vs. the Milwaukee Iron.

Shock single-game tickets will go on sale on Monday at 10 a.m.

Single-game ticket prices range from $13-$45 and can be purchased through TicketsWest by phone (800 325-SEAT), online (www.ticketswest.com) or in person at any TicketsWest outlet or at the Spokane Arena's TicketsWest Box Office.

Season tickets are still on sale and can be purchased by calling (509) 242-7462.