Northwest Notes March 10, 2012

Hurd named interim commissioner of WAC

LAS VEGAS - Jeff Hurd, senior associate commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference, has been offered and accepted the position of WAC interim commissioner, effective immediately.

Hurd joined the WAC staff in 1985, and serves as senior associate commissioner for external affairs.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be WAC interim commissioner," Hurd said. "I realize that there are challenges ahead, but I'm optimistic about the future of the conference and I'm very much looking forward to working with the Board of Directors."

Hurd oversees the conference's communications and television operation, and is responsible for team sport scheduling and aids in the administration of men's team sports. Previously, he was the director of public relations for the Missouri Valley Conference for seven years and the sports information director at Tulsa for three years. Hurd is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He and his wife, Cheri, are the parents of four children and reside in Littleton, Colo.

"The WAC Board of Directors will continue efforts to move to a permanent appointment of a commissioner and has decided to hire an external consultant to assist with a dynamic strategic planning process," said Barb Couture, New Mexico State University president. "The goal is to advance the WAC with a dynamic plan that will build a strong future for the member teams."

The consultant, Collegiate Sports Associates, will focus on assisting the board "in crafting a plan that will serve the WAC well in the near and long-term future," said Collegiate Sports Associates President Todd Turner.

Lewiston's Phillips earns Gatorade girls hoops honor

Tisha Phillips of Lewiston High, who led the Bengals to their second straight state 5A girls basketball championship last month, has been selected as the 2011-12 Gatorade Idaho Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

The 5-foot-10 senior guard led the Bengals to a 22-4 record. Phillips averaged 15 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 steals and 2.2 assists per game and shot 53 percent from 3-point range.

"Tisha Phillips is a fearless competitor and at times she seems unstoppable," Lewiston coach Pat Teichmer said in a press release. "She has a very high basketball IQ and always wants the ball in critical situations. She is a winner in all aspects."

Phillips, who has yet to settle on a college, set 5A state tournament records for most free throws made in a game (18) and tournament (34).