Cubs Edge Past Braves in a Nail‑Biter
The Lewis‑Clark Cubs secured a 9‑8 victory over the Nampa Braves in the opening round of the American Legion Idaho A state baseball tournament, a game that swung in the final inning when Cody Blackwell recorded the decisive strikeout.
Ridge Wimer powered the offense with two runs and three hits, highlighted by a triple, while Slater Kuther added two doubles and two RBIs, underscoring a balanced attack that kept the Cubs ahead.
The win propels the Cubs into a second‑round matchup against the Bonneville Bees, a prospect that has fans eager to see whether the early‑season momentum can translate into a deeper run.
Across the Palouse, the University of Idaho celebrated its Hall of Fame class, honoring a diverse group that includes former football coach Keith Gilbertson, who guided the Vandals to a top seed in his third season, and Megan Cummings Knowles, a three‑time All‑Big West soccer standout.
The Hall of Fame also recognized Jason Shelt, now second in school history with 461 tackles, and Steve Brown, who captured the NCAA outdoor high‑jump title in 1967, linking past athletic excellence with present recognition.
Alumni achievements extend beyond the diamond; former Vandal men’s basketball squad from the 1981‑82 season went 25‑4 and claimed a Big Sky championship, while Kevin Burton, a former PGA golfer, previously competed on the PGA Tour and other professional circuits.
In Pullman, Washington State announced the hiring of Parker Hughes as its new assistant swimming coach; Hughes previously contributed to Michigan’s 2019 Big Ten Conference title before joining the Cougars’ staff.
The same university’s volleyball program earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the third consecutive year, reflecting a commitment to both athletic and scholarly excellence.
A separate storyline involves Seth Brown, a Lewis‑Clark State alum who opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees in June; as of the article’s publication, Brown remains unsigned, leaving his future in professional baseball uncertain.
The roster also features players such as Karl Johnson, Kristin Johnson, Don Monson, Brian Kellerman, Ken Owens, Phil Hopson, Ron Maben, Russell Whitaker, Austin Pillado, Kendrix Jones, and Conrad Kress, who have all been part of the team's recent campaigns.