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EWU names two

finalists for AD post

After a nationwide search that produced 50 applicants from NCAA Division I institutions across the country, Eastern Washington University has named two finalists for its athletic director position.

The candidates are EWU interim athletic director Lynn Hickey and Utah Valley University athletic director Vince Otoupal.

Hickey has served as interim athletic director at Eastern since February. Her appointment came after an 18-year stint as Associate Vice President and athletic director at the University of Texas, San Antonio. During her UTSA tenure, the university experienced unprecedented growth by adding FBS football and women’s soccer and golf. Prior to UTSA, Hickey served as Senior Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Texas A&M.

Otoupal has led Utah Valley’s athletics department since 2013, when the university transitioned to the Western Athletic Conference. Since then the department has achieved new academic records and athletic victories for all teams and set revenue records for money raised. Prior to UVU, Otoupal served as athletic director at California State University, Monterey Bay (2008-13). He also held multiple positions in Stanford University’s athletic department, where the Seattle native also played football in college.

The two finalists were chosen from among six individuals interviewed by the search committee. The finalists will meet with campus constituent groups and take part in open public forums before the selection process is complete.

The new athletic director is expected to be named by the end of April.

Chiefs assistant coach, two

others earn contract extensions

SPOKANE — The Spokane Chiefs announced the extension of multiple hockey staff members, including assistant coach Scott Burt, equipment manager Tim Lindblade and assistant director of hockey operations Chris Baird.

USA women’s national team to

play hoops exhibition in Seattle

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The 2018 USA Basketball women’s national team will go up against China in an exhibition contest April 26 at Seattle’s KeyArena.

The USA team, which will be comprised of members of the 2018 USA National Team pool, will be announced at a later date. Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm is part of the national team pool.

Tickets for the game, which will tip off at 7 p.m., are available via StormBasketball.com or by calling the Storm at (206) 217-9622.