No headline

Christenson returns

as Director of Golf

at Circling Raven

WORLEY — In the world of “what goes around, comes around,” Dave Christenson can relate.

Recently named to replace Tom Davidson at the Coeur d’Alene Casino’s Circling Raven Golf Club, it’s a significant choice for a man who has gained experience on both ends of the country, back and forth from Pacific coast to Atlantic. Just as significantly, it’s a homecoming. In fact, it’s a homecoming for both PGA professionals.

Davidson returned to his own roots in Logan, Utah, taking a consulting position to serve courses and pro shop operations throughout the Intermountain West. He grew up in Logan and earned his bachelor’s degree while playing on Utah State’s golf team.

“Tom leaves with our appreciation and our affection,” said Coeur d’Alene Casino Chief Executive Francis SiJohn. “For the past 10 years, he was a superb manager in all ways, and his record for marketing awards may be unprecedented in our region. We expect and hope his new efforts bring him back here often.”

Christenson, 50, returns to his first top job, having served as the very first Director of Golf at Circling Raven, and overseeing its opening in August 2003.

Christenson left Circling Raven in 2007 for Connecticut, managing the Lyman Orchards complex in Middleton. In 2013, he returned to the Northwest as general manager at Gamble Sands, near Brewster, Wash. Both Circling Raven and Gamble Sands have earned widespread national acclaim, both included early on among lists of “Best New” courses in the U.S. and among the top 100 “Best Courses You Can Play.”

Most recently, Christenson had returned to Spokane as the city’s golf manager, overseeing the four city courses and launching a major renovation project that will impact those courses over the coming five years.

But the call to “come home” was strong. And now he has.

“Through all these years, I have been across the country and back,” Christenson said. “But I can honestly say that my heart never left Circling Raven. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has created a masterpiece here, and the opportunity to come back and be part of it again is a true blessing.”

Christenson is a product of Spokane public golf and a graduate of Shadle Park High where he captained the golf team. After a stint at Spokane Falls Community College, he matriculated on to Washington State University and a golf scholarship with the Cougars. His professional experience began as an assistant pro at Inglewood Country Club in Seattle. He was an assistant at Spokane’s Sun Dance Golf Course and then Indian Canyon before his first major opportunity appeared at Circling Raven.

“Dave has impressive skills and experience,” said SiJohn. “He helped build this course and even the naming of it, also helping establish the very fine staff that makes it special. That makes Dave’s return here invaluable, including his own legacy of close relationships with our guests and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. He’s a perfect choice for us.”

Zags play host

to Denver tonight

SPOKANE — Eighth-ranked Gonzaga (10-2) hosts Denver (5-8) tonight at 6 (KHQ, KGA 1510) in the McCarthey Athletic Center.

The Bulldogs won the only other previous meeting with Denver, 90-58, in Spokane on Nov. 24, 2003.

Since joining the NCAA in 1958-59, the Zags are 12-0 against current Summit League members. GU won its last meeting against a current Summit League foe, beating North Dakota State earlier this season, 102-60.

GU guard Josh Perkins leads the country with 96 total assists and is third averaging 8.0 assists per game. Brandon Clarke is seventh in field goal percentage (69.5), third with 39 blocks and fifth averaging 3.25 blocks per game.

The Zags are first with 232 total assists, second in the nation in field goal percentage (52.2 percent) and sixth in scoring offense (93.3).

Denver delivered one of its best shooting performances of the season in a 76-64 home win against Montana State on Tuesday.

The Pioneers knocked down a season-best 15 3s in the win. Creighton transfer Ronnie Harrell Jr. poured in a career-high 24 points with 18 coming from beyond the arc. Harrell Jr. averages a team-high 14.3 points per game.

Idaho lineman Johnson earns

All-America recognition

Idaho junior offensive lineman Noah Johnson was named to HERO Sports All-America Third Team. Johnson is the 12th Vandal offensive lineman to earn All-America accolades and the first since Mike Iupati in 2009.

Johnson anchored Idaho’s offensive line from the strong guard position. The junior was the highest-graded lineman on a unit that helped running back Isaiah Saunders to a career year. Johnson was a first-team All-Big Sky selection.

Idaho’s list of previous All-American offensive linemen includes NFL standouts Jerry Kramer, John Yarno, Mark Schlereth and Iupati.

Punter Cade Coffey was recognized as a second-team All-American by STATS. It is the first time Idaho has had multiple All-Americans in one season since 1995.