Yote Notes – Feb. 6, 2008

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@collegeofidaho.edu

ATHLETIC NEWS:

COYOTE VOLLEYBALL SIGNS SPINKS: The two-time defending Cascade Conference champion College of Idaho volleyball team announced the signing of Megan Spinks to an NAIA Letter of Intent, according to head coach Liz Mendiola. Spinks, from East Union High in Manteca, Calif., is a 6-1 left-handed opposite hitter that earned All-Valley Oak League and All-Area honors this past season, leading her prep team to the postseason for the first time in a decade.  She led her team in all offensive categories, along with blocks. "We are thrilled that Megan will has chose to spend her college career with the Yotes," said Mendiola.  "She is a physical athlete who has the ability to dominate at the net." Spinks also plays club ball for the Delta Valley Volleyball Club 18-1, based out of Lodi, Calif.  She will join her brother, Steffen, at The C of I.  Steffen Spinks is a guard on the Coyote men's basketball team.

COYOTE HOOPS SIGN THEUS, BERGERSON: College of Idaho men's basketball coach Mark Owen has announced the signing of a pair of transfers for the 2008-09 season, as Londale Theus and Brian Bergerson will suit up for the Coyotes. Theus comes to The C of I from New Mexico State, where he played in 11 games during the 2006-07 season.  The 6-5 sophomore forward had four key points in a victory over Boise State in the Western Athletic Conference tournament and was a member of the squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament last March.  Originally from Panorama, Calif., Theus prepped at Blue Ridge School in Virginia, where he was an All-Cavalier Athletic Conference selection.  His is also the second-cousin to current Sacramento Kings head coach, Reggie Theus. "Londale is an inside guy that can get rebounds," said Owen.  "He will definitely be able to defend the 4 and 5 positions.  I really like his mid-range jumpshot and he will have the ability to cause mismatches off the dribble." Bergerson comes to the Coyotes from Modesto Junior College, where he currently averages 16 points and six rebounds per game, helping his squad to an 11-5 mark.  The 6-6 junior wing from Modesto, Calif., began his collegiate career at Vanguard University in California, where he saw action in 12 games as a true freshman. "Brian can really shoot the basketball," said Owen.  "He reminds me a lot of Ryan Fiegi of Oregon Tech - where he can post you up or shoot the ball from the perimeter.  We have watched Brian play three or four times and were really impressed the last time out, as he scored 28 points against a very good West Valley College team. I feel that both Londale and Brian will make a major impact for us next season," said Owen.

BASEBALL GAMES WITH WHITWORTH CANCELLED: The scheduled Best Western Caldwell Inn and Suites Icebreaker baseball series with Whitworth University has bee cancelled due to the winter weather that has been plaguing the Treasure Valley the past month. The Coyotes had hoped to get the games played, however, efforts to clear the Simplot Stadium playing surface have been futile – with a new storm every two to three days dumping fresh snow. The Yotes are currently scheduled to open up the regular-season next Friday in Lewiston.

COYOTE SOFTBALL RANKED #14: The defending Cascade Conference champion College of Idaho softball team will begin the season nationally-ranked for the first time in program history, as the NAIA Preseason Top-25 Coaches Poll was released this afternoon in Kansas City, Mo. The Lady Yotes (37-12 in 2007) begin the 2008 season right where they left off last season, ranked No. 14 in the nation - equaling their highest ranking ever.  The C of I did receive their highest number of voter points (146) in program history. Defending NAIA champion, Oklahoma City, is ranked No. 1, followed by Cal Baptist, Point Loma Nazarene, Trevecca Nazarene, and Simon Fraser.  Oregon Tech is the only other CCC team in the poll, but relegated to the others receiving votes category. The C of I, which returns three All-Region players, opens up the season next weekend at the Priscilla Benham Classic in California.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Coyotes return home to meet Corban and Concordia, looking to clinch playoff berth

COMING UP: vs. Corban, Friday, 7:30 p.m.; vs. Concordia, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

LAST WEEK: at Southern Oregon (W 65-52), at No. 13 Oregon Tech (L 56-47)

RADIO/INTERNET: All 30 regular-season games will be broadcast live in the Treasure Valley on 1490 KCID-AM, the Home of the Coyotes. Sports information director Mike Safford returns for his seventh-year as Voice of the Coyotes, with the pregame show begining 20-minutes prior to tip-off each night. It is expected that both games at home this weekend will be available online via The C of I athletic website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/caa/radio.htm.

CLOSING IN ON A PLAYOFF SPOT: The Coyotes are closing in on their 11th-striaght postseason berth in the Cascade Conference Tournament and their 26th playoff appearance in the last 27 years. The Yotes need just one victory or a loss by both Southern Oregon and Corban to guarantee a spot in the second season. In the CCC Tourney, the Yotes have posted a 12-4 record under head coach Mark Owen, including tourney titles in 2001, 2003, and 2004.

YOTES POSTSEASON HISTORY: The Yotes have a rich history of playoff success in the last quarter century, winning six NAIA District titles (1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991) and three CCC titles (1993, 1996, 2004). In program history, The C of I has appeared in the NAIA Tournament on 17 occasions, including last season, the most trips to the Big Dance than any other CCC school – including the 1996 NAIA Division II national championship.

GETTING DEFENSIVE: For the first time in three seasons, The C of I held opponents under the 60-point mark in back-to-back games. Southern Oregon managed just 52 points in the Yotes win on Friday night, then limited Oregon Tech to their lowest scoring total in five seasons, holding the Owls to just 56 points in Saturday’s loss. The Coyotes lead the CCC in conference-counters in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 67 points a night – with opponents on the season managing just 69.9 points a game against The C of I. The Yotes have kept opponents under the 70-point mark on a season just once under Mark Owen – that occurring during the 2004-05 season, when teams failed to reach 60 points against the Yotes eight times (this season, the Yotes have held teams under 60 five times).

CHAMP IS TOPS IN THE NATION: With seven combined steals in the Coyotes two weekend games, Bryan Champ (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS) remained in the No. 1 spot among all NAIA Division II players in steals per game (3.2) and overall steals (77). The junior also climbed to No. 5 on the all-time steals list with 160, while his 77 steals this season ranks No. 7 on the season record list. Champ has recorded a steal in 22-straight games this season, while recording three or more steals in eight of his last nine games.

OWEN MOVES UP TO FOURTH ON SCORING LIST: With an early three-pointer at Southern Oregon, Josh Owen (Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS) became just the fourth C of I player to score 1,400 points in his career, upping his total to 1,425. The senior has some work to do to move higher on the ladder, sitting 212 points behind No. 3 Kade Wilson (1,637 points). Taft Jackson (2,336 points) and R.C. Owens (2,155 points) hold down the top two spots on the list.

COLEMAN PROVIDES SPARK AT SOUTHERN: It was a methodical start of the game Friday at Southern Oregon, as the Yotes failed to score a bucket over the first five minutes of the game – but luckily trailed just 2-0. The Coyotes turned to Anton Coleman (Las Vegas, Nev. / Eldorado HS) for an answer, as the sophomore scored the first eight points for The C of I, helping the club to the road win. Coleman had a season-high 12 points in the win, making 6-of-8 shots from the floor – including an alley-oop lay-up fed by Bryan Champ from halfcourt.

SPINKS TRYING TO BREAK OUT OF SOPHOMORE SLUMP: The much talked about “Sophomore Slump” has hit the Coyote team – as Steffen Spinks (Manteca, Calif. / East Union HS) is trying to regain the spark he had at the beginning of the season. Spinks scored in double figures in ten of the first 12 games of the 2007-08 campaign (averaging 13.4 points a game), but has just two double figure scoring games in his last 12 contests (only seven points a game). He has, however, continued to connect from the free throw line, making 25 of his last 29 charity tosses.

CORBAN HEADS TO CALDWELL: The Coyotes open up their mini-homestand on Friday, hosting Corban. The Warriors (8-16, 3-11) ended a five-game losing streak last Friday, upsetting Northwest 78-75 on a three-pointer by Ben Sisler at the buzzer. Corban can put points on the board, averaging 80 points a night, but has struggled on the glass, ranking last in the league in rebound margin. Ontario native Wade Douglas (17.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg) leads the club in scoring, with the team struggling since freshman post Ian Logan (11.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) went down with injury. The Coyotes upended the Warriors, 62-56, in Salem last month, and hold a 40-21 all-time series edge.

REMATCH WITH CONCORDIA: The Coyotes have been looking forward to Saturday’s game with Concordia for the past couple weeks, after CU topped The C of I 71-66 in overtime in Portland. The Cavaliers (12-11, 8-6) have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month, winning six of their last seven games, but the win against the Yotes came without Josh Owen on the floor. Of those six wins, five of the victories in the run have come by five points or less. The Cavs are led by guard Desmond Meray (16.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and forwards Cody Aker (14.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Ryan Johnson (11.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg). It is the 52nd all-time meeting between the teams, with the Yotes holding the all-time series lead, 41-10, dating back to 1980.

CAREER RECORD BOOK: The Coyote career record book continues to shuffle each week, as a pair of Yotes continue their assault on history. Josh Owen ranks in the Top-11 in eleven categories – including No. 2 in career three-pointers made (253) and attempted (643). He is third in field goal attempts (1,104), fourth in points scored (1,425), fifth in free throw percentage (.852), sixth in steals (149), seventh in field goals made (464), is eighth in assists (279) and games played (111), is ninth in free throws made (254), and is eleventh in free throw attempts (298). Also on the list is junior Bryan Champ, who is No. 5 in career steals (160).

CASCADE CONFERENCE TOP-SIX: The latest CCC Top-6 Coaches Poll was released on Monday – with the merry-go-round that is the Cascade Conference standings continuing. Oregon Tech and Eastern Oregon flip-flopped for the third-straight week, as OIT took over the top spot with a 96-79 win over EOU in Klamath Falls. Warner Pacific remained at No. 3, followed by Evergreen State, the Coyotes, and Concordia. In last week’s NAIA Top-25 poll of 2008, Eastern Oregon was ranked No. 10 with Oregon Tech at No. 13, and Warner Pacific at No. 21. Evergreen State was the only other CCC team to receive votes in the poll. The C of I has a streak of 15 consecutive years of Top-25 rankings on the line in 2007-08.

CASCADE CONFERENCE STATS: The Coyotes as a team continue to lead the CCC in turnover margin (+3.6), along with scoring defense (69.9) and scoring defense in CCC-only games (67.3). The squad has improved in nearly every other league statistic – now No. 2 in three-pointers made per game (8.1) and steals (9.2), No. 5 in scoring margin (+0.2), No. 7 in field goal percentage (.440) and free throw percentage (.699), No. 8 in assists per game (12.3) and three-point percentage (.338), and are No. 10 in rebound margin (-5.5), scoring average (69.9), and blocked shots (1.9). Individually, Bryan Champ leads the league and the NAIA in steals per game (3.2), is No. 5 in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1), and No. 10 in minutes played per game (32.1). Josh Owen leads the league in minutes played per game (35.7), is second in three-pointers made per game (3.0), while ranking No. 6 in free throw percentage (.800) and No. 8 in scoring average (16.8).

CASCADE CONFERENCE LEADERS: Scoring Average – Scott O’Gallagher (WP) 23.2, Nate Menefee (ESC) 21.6, Ryan Fiegi (OIT) 20.2, Josh Jarrett (NCC) 18.5, Mark Carollo (EOU) 18.0; Rebound Average – Jarrett 8.6, Jalonta Martin (WP) 8.3, Josh Wetzler (OIT) 8.2, Ryan Barker (CAS) 7.9, Greg George (NU) 7.4; Field Goal Percentage – Wetzler .706, Kyle Janke (EOU) .608, Matt Ochs (CU) .593, Christian Cavanaugh (OIT) .580, Douglas .570; Assist Average – Fiegi 5.8, Jesse Alvarez (CU) 5.4, Jeremy Templeton (EOU) 4.5, Martin 4.2, O’Gallagher 4.0.

COYOTES COMPLETE SWEEP OF SOUTHERN OREGON: A 29-9 run broke open a tie game five minutes into the second half, lifting the Coyotes to a 65-52 victory at Southern Oregon, Friday night in McNeal Pavilion. A Ryon Pool lay-up drew the Raiders even with the Coyotes at 28-28 with just over 15 minutes remaining, but The C of I responded, getting a Josh Owen lay-up and three-pointer to open the run.  Owen would can another trey and Bryan Champ added a pair of triples as the Yotes won for the fifth-straight time over SOU. Owen led the Yotes with 18 points on the night, with Champ scoring 13 points, to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.  Anton Coleman had a season-high 12 points in the victory - incluidng the first eight points of the game for The C of I. Southern, who was playing without leading scorer, Matt Cowell, got 20 points and nine rebounds from Pool, with Josh McDermott adding ten points and five rebounds.

OREGON TECH RALLIES TO STOP COYOTE UPSET BID: Oregon Tech held the Coyotes without a field goal for nearly ten minutes of the second half, using a 19-2 run to pull away and stop The C of I, 56-47, Saturday night in snowy Klamath Falls, Ore. With a blizzard raging outside, the Coyotes used a slow-down game to try and tame the uptempo Owl attack, taking a 23-20 lead at the break.  However, OIT would respond, hitting eight of their first nine three-point attempts in the second half, pulling away from The C of I. The Yotes would take a 32-31 lead on a Bryan Champ lay-up with just under 15 minutes remaining, then not convert a field goal until a Josh Owen trey with five minutes left.  During that stretch, Ryan Beesley canned two three's, and Jguwon Hogges added three triples, as No. 13 ranked OIT remained in a first-place tie in the Cascade Conference standings. Owen led the Yotes with 19 points - the only Coyote in double-figures.  Champ did add nine points, four rebounds, and three steals. Hogges led OIT with 15 points, with Beasley adding 14 - as the Owls were held to their lowest point total of the season.  Leading scorer, Ryan Fiegi, managed just eight points, but added eight assists in the game.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the Coyotes, head to the official homepage of The C of I men’s basketball – www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/mensbasketball.htm.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Lady Yotes host Corban and Concordia, C of I sits one game out of first in CCC race

COMING UP: vs. Corban, Friday, 5:30 p.m.; vs. Concordia, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

LAST WEEK: at Southern Oregon (L 84-63), at Oregon Tech (W 71-58)

INTERNET/RADIO BROADCASTS: All ten College of Idaho women’s basketball Cascade Conference road games will be carried live on radio in the Treasure Valley on 1490 KCID-AM with Mike Safford Jr. calling the action. It is expected that both games will be carried live on the internet via The C of I athletic website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/caa/radio.htm.

LADY YOTES CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH: With their win at Oregon Tech on Saturday night, the Lady Yotes became one of three teams to clinch a spot in the eight-team Cascade Conference Tournament at the end of the month. The C of I has now advanced to the postseason in 12 of the 13 seasons since women’s basketball was reinstated at the College in 1995. The Coyotes have advanced to three NAIA Division II national tournaments (1998 – first round, 2000 – quarterfinals, 2001 – championship game), but have never won a CCC Tournament title (advanced to the finals in 2000, 2002, and 2005).

WHAT IT TAKES FOR YOTES TO EARN HOME PLAYOFF GAME: For the Lady Yotes to guarantee a home playoff game for the third time in four seasons, The C of I needs to win three of their final six games, or have three losses by Oregon Tech, or two losses by Northwest Christian to play a first-round home game in Caldwell.

HIGH SCORING EQUALS WINS: The Lady Yotes continued their scoring trends this week – as they remain undefeated when scoring over 80 points in a game this season. The C of I has a 7-0 mark when scoring 80-or-more points, has a 6-2 mark when scoring 70-79 points, but have a 1-5 record when failing to reach the 70 point plateau.

ALL-AROUND WEEK FOR VANDER ESCH: The long trip to Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech was a solid one for Coyote forward Christon Vander Esch (Riggins, Idaho / Treasure Valley CC), who excelled in all facets of the game. The junior had a career-high 27 points in the win at OIT, while recording a combined 15 rebounds and six steals in the two games. The big number came in blocked shots, where Vander Esch tied a career-high with six swats against Southern, followed up with five blocks at OIT. She not only leads the CCC in both blocked shots and steals, but ranks No. 22 in the NAIA in blocks and No. 24 in the NAIA in steals.

CLARK’S DOUBLE FIGURE STREAK ENDS: A tough scoring night at Oregon Tech ended the 12-game Whitney Clark (Jerome, Idaho / Northwest Nazarene U.) streak of consecutive double figure scoring games. During the run, the senior had scored 18-or-more points on seven occasions. For her career, Clark has scored in double figures 58 times, including a career-high 31 points last season against Corban.

OWEN IN REBOUND MODE: Not only has wing Whitney Owen (Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS) scored at least three points in every game this season, she has complemented it with work on the glass. The sophomore has recorded four-or-more rebounds in 13-straight games, including six-or-more rebounds in nine of her last 11 outings – upping her season average to five rebounds a game. Owen had seven boards in both weekend games, along with four steals in the win at OIT.

NATIONAL FREE THROW RECORD SET: It was a banner free throw night in Klamath Falls on Saturday, as records fell by the wayside in the C of I-OIT game. The Lady Yotes established a new school record by converting 22-of-23 free throw attempts, breaking the mark of .938 percent (15-of-16) set last year against Cascade. But further research saw a bigger record, as the two teams combined to hit 32-of-34 free throws, breaking a 13-year-old NAIA Division II record for combined free throw percentage (.941). The previous mark was .907 (39-of-43) in a game between Lambuth (Tenn.) and Lyon (Ark.) in 1995.

WILL CORBAN SCORE 101 THIS YEAR: Fans of the Yotes remember the game last season in Caldwell with Corban, as the visitors handed The C of I a 101-88 loss – the most points scored by an opponent at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center in program history. This year, the Warriors (8-16, 4-10 CCC) have struggled one season after claiming a Cascade Conference co-championship and berth in the NAIA Division II national tournament. Corban lost four starters to graduation and has a new head coach in Terry Williams – who returns to the top spot after a five-year hiatus. The squad is led by guard Jessica Steigleman (17.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg), the all-time leading scorer in Warrior history, along with freshman forward Emily Goette (12.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg). The C of I topped the Warriors, 80-61, in January, and lead the all-time series, 17-13.

CONCORDIA TRYING TO BREAK LONG STREAK VS. C OF I: It has been nearly seven full years since Concordia has defeated the Lady Yotes – as The C of I holds a 12-game win streak over their Saturday opponent. This season, the Cavaliers (13-11, 9-5) are in position to host a first-round playoff game for the first time since 2002 – thanks to a 5-1 record in league play in games decided by five points or less. CU is also the only team in the loop that has defeated both of the front-runners – Southern Oregon and Eastern Oregon. The Cavs are led by freshman Danielle Clauson (14.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and senior Denise Benedict (10.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg) – and average nearly 65 points a game as a team. The Lady Yotes handed Concordia a 63-43 loss in January and lead the all-time series, 22-4.

CAREER RECORD BOOK: Three players have found their way in The C of I career record book during the 2007-08 season. Whitney Clark is amongst the leaders in ten different categories – No. 3 in three-pointers made (133), free throws made (284) and three-pointers attempted (415), No. 4 in points scored (1,116) and free throw attempts (368), No. 5 in field goal attempts (898) and steals (134), No. 6 in field goals made (347), No. 10 in assists (174), and No. 11 in games started (60). Denise Hill (Eugene, Ore. / Boise State U.) is No. 8 in free throws made (158), No. 10 in free throw attempts (231), while ranking No. 5 in field goal percentage (.484). Rounding out the group is Christon Vander Esch who is No. 2 in blocked shots (74) and No. 11 in steals (123), while ranking No. 4 on the single-season blocks list (42) and No. 8 on the single-season steals list (60).

CCC TOP-6: The latest CCC Top-6 Coaches Poll was released on Monday, with Southern Oregon staking claim to the top spot for the first time this season after topping Eastern Oregon on Saturday night. EOU dropped to the No. 2 spot, while the Yotes took home all of the No. 3 votes. Concordia moved into the No. 4 spot, followed by Oregon Tech and Northwest Christian. EOU was the lone team in the NAIA Division II Top-25, sitting at No. 17, while Southern Oregon received 52 voting points and the Lady Yotes six voting points in the fourth national poll of 2008. The next national poll will be released on Jan. 30 and will be released every Wednesday the rest of the season.

LEAGUE STATISTICS: With six games remaining in the regular season, the Lady Yotes continue to lead the CCC as a team in steals per game (15.5) and turnover margin (+7.7) – ranking No. 4 in steals and No. 6 in turnover margin in the NAIA Division II. The C of I is second in the loop in scoring offense (74.7), three-pointers made per game (6.8), and three-point percentage (.334), No. 4 in assists per game (14.3), blocks (2.9), and in scoring margin (+7.3), No. 5 in free throw percentage (.689), No. 6 in field goal percentage (.398), No. 7 in scoring defense (67.4), and No. 10 in rebound margin (-5.5). Individually, Christon Vander Esch leads the league in steals per game (2.9) and blocked shots (2.0), and is tenth in rebounding (7.0). Kayla Brewer (Arco, Idaho / Butte County HS) is No. 3 in the league in three-point percentage (.414), with ShaNae Horner (West Jordan, Utah / Snow CC) ranking No. 7 in the category (.382). Whitney Owen ranks No. 6 in steals (2.1), with Whitney Clark at No. 3 in scoring average (16.0), No. 5 in free throw percentage (.785), and No. 9 in three’s per game (1.6).

CASCADE CONFERENCE INDIVIDUAL TOP-FIVE: Scoring Average - Jessica Steigleman (CRB) 17.3, Brittany Bowsher (NU) 17.0, Whitney Clark (CI) 16.0, Crystal Idrogo (OIT) 15.9, Jennifer Solberg (ESC) 15.1; Rebound Average – Te Awhina Aranui (CAS) 12.3, Solberg 9.3, Jackie Speer (SOU) 8.5, Cora McVey (OIT) 8.2, Sheena Henderson (EOU) 8.0,; Field Goal Percentage – Tiffanie Ulmer (EOU) .546, Danielle Clauson (CU) .525, Emily Goette (CRB) .524, Ann Snodderly (CU) .509, Speer .507; Assist Average - Meagan Miyasaka (OIT) 5.2, Amy Croll (NCC) 4.9, Karissa Boyd (WP) 4.9, Kailey Bostwick (CRB) 4.8, Phieban Mulatu (CAS) 3.8.

COLD SHOOTING DOOMS YOTES AT SOUTHERN: A total of 17 missed lay-ups, 16 missed free throws, 20 turnovers, and their worst shooting night from the floor this season doomed The C of I, as the Lady Yotes dropped an 84-63 decision at Southern Oregon, Friday in McNeal Pavilion. The game saw only one tie, coming early at 7-7, before the Raiders used a 18-6 run to build a 25-13 lead with 10:28 remaining in the opening half - taking a ten-point lead to the locker room.  A Whitney Clark three-point play to open the second half got The C of I within 44-37, but SOU scored the next seven points and ran away, building at one point a 25-point lead. Whitney Scott had 15 of her game-high 19 points in the first half, including a trio of three-pointers.  Jacki Speer added 16 points and 12 rebounds, with Chelsey Muri scoring 11. The Lady Yotes, who saw a four-game win streak snapped, got 15 points from Whitney Clark and 13 points, nine rebounds, and six blocked shots from Christon Vander Esch.

YOTES FINALLY WIN AT OREGON TECH: The C of I held Oregon Tech without a field goal for the final nine minutes of the game, ending the contest on a 15-0 run, as the Lady Yotes picked up their first-ever regular-season win in Klamath Falls, topping the Owls, 71-56, Saturday at Danny Miles Court. After falling behind 39-32 early in the second half, the Lady Yotes used a 12-0 run to regain the lead.  After three ties and ten lead changes, The C of I would take the lead for good on a Christon Vander Esch lay-up at 59-58, then clamped down on defense.  OIT would turn the ball over eight times during the final nine minutes, while missing their final 12 shots of the game. In the win, the Coyotes set a new school record by converting 22-of-23 free throws for nearly 96-percent.. Vander Esch had a career night, scoring 27 points, with six rebounds and five blocked shots - scoring 19 of the points in the opening half, as Tech led 36-32 at the break.  Kayla Brewer had 11 points and ShaNae Horner added ten in the win. OIT got 27 points from Jenna Ball, including seven three-point baskets, and got 16 points from Amanda Johnson.  Leading scorer Crystal Idrogo was not in uniform, with second-leading scorer Cora McVey getting 11 rebounds, but was just 1-of-12 from the floor, scoring six points.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the Lady Yotes, head to the official homepage of The C of I women’s basketball – www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/wmensbasketball.htm.

INDOOR TRACK: Helm meets NAIA automatic qualifying mark, Yotes set for second straight weekend of competition in Nampa

COMING UP: at Bronco Invitational, Friday and Saturday, Jackson’s Indoor Complex – Nampa.

LAST WEEK: at United Heritage Invitational

HELM BEGINS INDOOR CAREER WITH AUTOMATIC QUALIFIER: After a banner rookie season in cross country, Stephanie Helm (Challis, Idaho / Challis HS) began her indoor track career with a bang – meeting the NAIA “A” qualifying time in the 3,000-meters at the United Heritage Invitational. The freshman met the mark in finishing fifth in 10:28.01 on Friday night. She nearly missed the “B” mark in Saturday’s indoor mile, placing ninth in 5:22.35 – the third-fastest non-NCAA Division I time in the race.

YOTES NOTCH THREE OTHER PROVISIONAL MARKS: No other Coyote met an NAIA automatic time, but three NAIA “B” marks were met. Tyler Hopper (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) met two of them – placing sixth in Friday’s 3,000-meters (8:53.29) and fifth in Saturday’s indoor mile (4:20.69). Also meeting the provisional mark was senior Katie Ball (Boise, Idaho / Boise HS), who finished seventh in the 3,000-meters (10:42.61).

SCHOOL RECORDS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE: Three school records were set in Nampa – two of them in the sprints. Sophomore Courtney Mitchell (Boise, Idaho / Timberline HS), broke her own school record in both the 60-meters (8.16) and the 200-meters (27.03), nearly qualifying for the final in the 60, despite competing against runners from Weber State, Boise State, California, and Utah. Katie Ball also set a new school record, eclipsing the mark in the 800-meters (2:23.93).

A DEBUT IN THE MULTI-EVENTS: For the first time since track returned to The C of I, an athlete competed in the multi-events. Emily McCutchan (Eagle, Idaho / Cole Valley Christian HS), who placed third last season in the Cascade Conference in the triple jump, completed the pentathlon on Friday night. The sophomore picked up 2,545 overall points – accumulated by completing each of the five events (60-meter hurdles, 800-meter run, high jump, long jump, and shot put. She finished eighth overall – competing against five NCAA Division I athletes (including those from California, Arizona State, and Texas Tech).

ROUND TWO IN NAMPA: For the second straight weekend, the Coyotes will compete in the Treasure Valley, running in the Bronco Invitational, hosted by Boise State, at the Jackson’s Indoor Complex in Nampa. It is expected that the women’s distance medley relay will make their debut among other Coyote competitors.

INDOOR NATIONALS QUALIFIERS: NAIA “A” (Automatic) – Tyler Hopper (1,000-meters), Stephanie Helm (3,000-meters). NAIA “B” (Provisional) – Tyler Hopper (Indoor Mile, 3,000-meters), Katie Ball (3,000-meters).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on The C of I track and field team, head to the homepage of the Coyotes, www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/track.htm.

SKIING: Coyotes set to ski Bogus Basin after last weekend cancelled due to snow

LAST WEEK: at Northwest Collegiate Ski Conference Qualifier #3 (Giant Slalom) at Silver Mountain Resort – postponed due to weather conditions

COMING UP: at NWCSC Qualifier #4 (Slalom), Bogus Basin Resort (Boise), Saturday-Sunday.

A NO-GO AT SILVER MOUNTAIN: Not only did two feet of fresh snow fall at Silver Mountain last Thursday, but two more feet of snow were forecast over last weekend – not the typical alpine racing conditions. Coupled with travel worries from teams west of the Cascade Mountains, the Northwest Collegiate Ski Conference decided to postpone the second set of giant slalom qualifiers.

THREE QUALIFIERS TO BE MADE UP: The NWCSC is in a world of hurt, as only half of the scheduled scoring events have been completed – with just one weekend remaining in the regular-season. It is expected that the three giant slalom events that are missed (one from Mount Spokane and two from Silver Mountain) will be made up on February 19 and 20 at Brundage Mountain – prior to the 2008 USCSA Western Region Championships.

SKIING AT HOME: The Yotes will host this weekend’s NWCSC slalom qualifiers at Bogus Basin Resort, The C of I’s home hill. With the pair of storms last week, Bogus saw their base climb to 70 inches, with 76 inches of snow at the 7,500-foot top of the mountain.

YOTES RANKED IN USCSA’S TOP-10: Both C of I men's and women's alpine ski teams were ranked in the latest USCSA national poll, released two weeks ago by CollegeSnowSports.com. The Lady Yotes were ranked No. 6 in the poll - coming off their victory in the opening Northwest Collegiate Ski Conference giant slalom qualifier at Mount Spokane.  The top-five included Sierra Nevada College, Colby Sawyer College, Boston College, University of Massachusetts, and Rocky Mountain College.  Following The C of I were Brown University, Plymouth State University, Fort Lewis College and Penn State. The Coyote men were ranked No. 7 in the poll – with Plymouth State, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountain making up the top three, followed by Boston College, UMass, and Syracuse University.  Following the Yotes were Clarkson University, the University of British Columbia, and Colorado Mountain College.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST COLLEGIATE SKI CONFERENCE: The Coyotes join 14 other teams as part of the NWCSC - with the schools competing in four weekend qualifiers during the regular season, comprising of eight giant slalom runs and eight slalom runs.  The C of I will compete against Gonzaga, Idaho, Washington, Washington State, Boise State, Oregon, Oregon State, Eastern Oregon, Puget Sound, Western Washington, Seattle, British Columbia, Central Oregon CC, and Chemeketa CC.  Last season, British Columbia provided the stiffest competition for the Yotes, but in 2008, both Washington, Oregon State, and Idaho all look to have quality talent. 

ABOUT THE COACH: Ron Bonneau is in his 18th season as head coach for The College of Idaho alpine ski programs. During his tenure at The C of I, the native of New Hampshire has seen the Coyote men's team qualify for the USCSA championships on ten occasions, with the women's team making appearances 13 times.  His 2004 women's squad finished second in the nation in the slalom and fourth in the alpine combined.  The Coyotes have seen much success in the 21st Century, as both the men's and women's programs, under Bonneau's direction, have won five-consecutive Northwest Collegiate Ski Conference championships, with the Lady Yotes taking home Western Regional championships in 1999, 2003 and 2006.  His women's teams have advanced to nine-consecutive USCSA championships, finishing in the Top-9 on each occasion. Bonneau, a graduate of Plymouth State College, replaced Tom Olson as the alpine ski coach in 1991 - and worked with Chris Melgaard on the nordic side to claim the women's nordic championships in 1994 and 1995.  During his tenure, he has coached five national champions, 30 All-Americans, and 62 All-America Scholar-Athletes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on The C of I alpine ski program, head to the official homepage of the Coyotes - www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/skiing.htm.

SWIMMING: Walker meets NAIA “A” mark in three events at Caldwell Cabin Fever Invitational

LAST WEEK: at Caldwell Cabin Fever Invitational

COMING UP: at NAIA Championships, Feb. 27-March 1, San Antonio, Texas.

WALKER CONTINUES MONSTER SEASON AT LAST CHANCE MEET: The fabulous rookie season for College of Idaho swimmer Casey Walker (Caldwell, Idaho / Skyview HS) continued last weekend, as the freshman competed in the Last Chance Meet – the Caldwell Cabin Fever Invitational. Walker met the NAIA “A” qualifying mark in all three events he competed in – winning both the 50-free (22.61) and 100-free (49.61), while placing second in the 100-breast (1:02.89) in school record time. He has now has some big decisions to make, as Walker has qualified for the NAIA Championships in eight different individual events, along with the three C of I relays.

ALSO AT THE INVITE: No women were able to meet new NAIA marks this weekend, however, Alphonsina Savell (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) improved on her NAIA “B” qualifying mark in the 50-free (26.42).

YOTES AMONG TOP-20 TIMES IN THE NAIA: Three C of I swimmers are among those listed in the most recent NAIA Top-20 list, released last Thursday. Casey Walker ranks in the Top-20 in four events – No. 9 in the 100-backstroke, No. 14 in the 200-backstroke, No. 16 in the 100-breaststroke, and No. 20 in the 200-IM. John Green (Pleasanton, Calif. / Foothill HS) ranks is No. 11 in the 100-free, while Alphonsina Savell is who is No. 17 in the 100-breast and No. 19 in the 200-breast. Five men’s relays and five women’s relays are also listed by the NAIA. The men’s 200-free, 400-free, and 200-medley relays rank No. 9 in the NAIA, while the 400-medley and 800-free relay teams are ranked No. 11. The women’s 200-medley relay is No. 13, the 200-free and 400-free relays are No. 14, the 400-medley relay is No. 15, and the 800-free relay is ranked No. 17.

NAIA AUTOMATIC QUALIFIERS: Casey Walker – 50-freestyle, 100-freestyle, 200-freestyle, 100-breaststroke, 100-backstroke, 200-backstroke, 200-IM; John Green – 50-freestyle, 100-freestyle; Alphonsina Savell – 100-breaststroke, 200-breaststroke; Ellen Judd (Missoula, Mont. / Sentinel HS) – 200-breaststroke; Ashlee Byrnes (Vancouver, Wash. / Columbia River HS) – 200-butterfly; Men’s 200-freestyle relay; Men’s 200-medley relay; Men’s 400-freestyle relay, Men’s 400-medley relay, Men’s 800-freestyle relay; Women’s 200-freestyle relay; Women’s 200-medley relay; Women’s 400-freestyle relay, 400-medley relay, 800-freestyle relay.

NAIA BONUS CUT QUALIFIERS (must have at least one “A” qualifying time): Casey Walker – 100-butterfly; John Green – 500-freestyle; Alphonsina Savell – 50-free, 100-free, 100-back, 200-IM, 400-IM; Ellen Judd – 100-breaststroke.

NEXT STOP, SAN ANTONIO: The Yotes will next compete at the NAIA Championships in San Antonio, Texas. Last year, the Coyote men finished tenth overall, while the Lady Yotes finished 15^th – both the highest finishes in program history.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more on the Coyote swim team, head to the official homepage of The C of I, www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/swim.htm.