Northwest Notes Jan. 31, 2013
Former Post Falls star now
volleyball assistant at EWU
Already proven to be an incredibly successful player-coach combination, Eastern Washington volleyball coach Wade Benson and former multi-sport standout Janelle Allen (formerly Ruen) will once again join forces - this time as colleagues.
Benson announced Allen will join his staff as an assistant coach, while Darren Buckner was added as associate head coach.
Allen, the former Post Falls High standout, was a member of the Eagle volleyball team from 1999-2002, playing one year under former head coach Pam Parks, and three for Benson during his previous EWU tenure (2000-06). Allen also competed for the EWU basketball team for three seasons.
"Like Duke's mentality in men's basketball, I am an advocate of bringing back people who have been associated with the program and school, and especially with my coaching style," Benson said. "I know Janelle is a diligent worker, and I think she can add so much credibility to this program as someone who is from this area, and a former player who was successful at this school and in the national spotlight. I think all of those things can add to a parent's comfort in sending their daughter to Eastern Washington. Instead of coaches just talking about it, here is someone who actually lived it."
Following her Eastern career, Allen played professionally on the former AVP Beach Volleyball Tour. In 2008, she joined Benson's staff at Auburn as the Director of Volleyball Operations for one season. She has since been coaching both basketball and volleyball in Southern California, while also serving as Program Coordinator for the USA Youth Volleyball League.
Buckner, who grew up in Spokane, comes to Eastern with more than 20 years of coaching experience at all levels. Prior to joining the EWU staff, he was the head coach for two years at Laramie County Community College in Laramie, Wyo. He was previously on the volleyball staffs at UC-Davis, Regis University in Denver and Jacksonville (Fla.) University. Buckner also spent time as a high school coach in Oregon, as well as club coach for several nationally-esteemed volleyball clubs in Oregon and Colorado.
Signups under way for
Cd'A spring hoops leagues
COEUR d'ALENE - Registration is under way for spring men's basketball leagues through the Coeur d'Alene Recreation Department.
A recreational league will have games on Monday and Wednesday, and a competitive league will have games on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Teams will play seven games.
Team entry fee (including sponsor and player fee) is $385. Entry deadline is Feb. 18.
Teams can have up to 11 players on their rosters. Players must be at least age 16 before the start of the season.
League play will begin the week of March 11.
Information: 769-2250