Three coaches among finalists for SWAB honor

Two Colfax coaches, Corey Baerlocher and Sue Doering, and Colton’s Clark Vining are among five nominees for girls team coach of the year at the Spokane Regional Sports Award Banquet.

Doering’s volleyball team brought home a sixth straight state trophy to Colfax in November. Doering has coached 10 title teams.

Baerlocher’s Colfax hoop teams have won state titles in five of the last six years with a 28-2 mark last season in their run for a first trophy in the state 2B show at Spokane.

Vining’s girls hoop team at Colton went undefeated last year on their way to the first 1B title at Yakima. Vining also led the Wildcat football team into the 1B quarter-finals this year.

Mead volleyball coach Judy Knight and Coeur d’Alene hoop coach Dale Poffenroth are the other two nominees.

Baerlocher’s Colfax hoop team is one of five nominated for the girls team honor, and Colfax senior Kayla Johnson is among nominees for the top girl athlete honor. She has won MVP honors at both state volleyball and basketball tourneys.

Pullman’s Shelby Cheslek, state 2A MVP in volleyball, is also a nominee.