Northwest Notes: Thursday, May 29, 2014
Idaho wins WAC
Commissioner's Cup
DENVER - In its final year in the Western Athletic Conference, Idaho won the Commissioner's Cup all-sports title with 105.50 points.
The Vandals finished the year with eight WAC championships, which includes the postseason titles in women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, women's basketball, women's tennis, men's tennis, men's outdoor track and field, and women's outdoor track and field. The women's basketball team also claimed the regular season title.
The Vandals' 105.50 points are the most since the award first was awarded in 2002. Their championship total for the school year is the most in school history.
"Since joining the WAC in 2005, it has been our goal to have the best athletic program in the conference," Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said. "After two consecutive runner-up years, it is a great reward for our student-athletes and coaches, and is a testament to the overall quality of our athletic program."
The WAC awards its Commissioner's Cup to the school that performs the best in each of the conference's 19 men's and women's championships (Idaho competes in 15 of the WAC-offered sports).
New Mexico State finished second with 86.00 points, Utah Valley was third with 79.75 points, Seattle U fourth with 77.25 points.
Zags' Meikle to transfer
after one season
SPOKANE - Gonzaga freshman forward Luke Meikle has been granted his release, Bulldog basketball coach Mark Few announced.
"Luke has decided to pursue other opportunities. We support his decision and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors," Few said.
The 6-foot-9 Meikle, from Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, Wash., appeared in 15 games for a total of 60 minutes off the bench for the Bulldogs as a freshman this past season, averaging 0.9 ppg and 0.7 rpg. He scored a season-high 4 points against Arkansas at the Maui Invitational and a season-high 4 rebounds at home against Colorado State.
Stephens leaving Shock
to play in CFL
Spokane Shock defensive back Paul Stephens is taking the next step in his career, moving on to play with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
Stephens was placed on the other league exempt list, and will leave for Canada immediately.
Stephens had 20 pass breakups, 42 tackles and one interception in nine games.
In his three years in Spokane, Stephens had 161 tackles and 17 interceptions.
AFL, ESPN flex to
Shock at Jacksonville
CHICAGO - The Arena Football and ESPN announced that next Saturday's game between the Spokane Shock at the Jacksonville Sharks will be shown on ESPNEWS at noon.
The four-time American Conference South Division champion Jacksonville Sharks (3-7) find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the moment, in third place in the division and fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. Spokane (5-5) are also jockeying for position, having lost three straight games heading into Friday's game against visiting Portland (7 p.m., SWX) at the Spokane Arena.