Anthony honored by SWABS

Steve Anthony, a big reason why softball is so popular in North Idaho, is one of three recipients of 25-year awards handed out by the Inland Northwest Sportswriters and Broadcasters.

Anthony, the Coeur d'Alene Recreation Director since 1985, has been the state Amateur Softball Association Commissioner since 2002.

Currently the Pacific Northwest Regional Commissioner, Anthony has five national tournaments, eight national qualifiers and more than 40 state and regional tourneys.

Last year, he became just the second person from North Idaho to be inducted into the ASA Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame.

"First of all I'm very appreciative of it," Anthony said of his award. "It's not a job, just a great experience. I wanted to make sure people would come back to Coeur d'Alene and have a positive experience."

Longtime tennis coaches Bill and Jo Ann Wagstaff also received 25-year awards from SWABS. Bill Wagstaff is heading into his 36th season as tennis coach at Mead High in Spokane, and Jo Ann is in her 29th year of coaching at Whitworth. Both were and are accomplished players.

The SWABS also announced their junior awards on Wednesday.

Mead wrestler Jordan Rogers and Reardan multi-sport star Kelsey Moos are the Junior Athletes of the Year.

Rogers, now redshirting at Oklahoma State, went 42-0 at Mead last year and won his third state title.

Moos, who has signed to play basketball at Arizona State, led Reardan to its third straight state 2B volleyball title and second straight girls basketball title.

Mead gymnastics, which became the first Greater Spokane League gymnastics team since 1971 to win a state title, was named Junior Female Team of the Year, and Panthers coach Laurie Chadwick was named Junior Female Coach of the Year.

North Central boys cross country, which won its seventh straight state 3A championship, is Junior Male Team of the Year. Indians coach Jon Knight is Junior Male Coach of the Year.