Smith takes fourth Slippery Gulch toss

The field was diminished as a drizzly sky hung over the Slippery Gulch Days egg toss last Saturday. A perennial name, nonetheless, took to the winner's circle.

Gabe Smith and partner Brandon Stroebel, both of Tekoa, won the annual event, which stretches most of the downtown length of Crosby Street. It was Smith's fourth win.

“Gabe's good throws,” said Stroebel to announcer Chris Smith afterward when asked what explains their win.

“Brandon's soft hands,” said Gabe.

The two picked up $50 each from Banner Bank.

In the final eight, announcer Chris Smith called out a pair of women still in it and at the last stage – with two teams remaining – Alan Haas of Pullman, who farms at Tensed, called the first-ever timeout in the Slippery Gulch egg toss.

He and partner Justin Hoffman of Tekoa huddled in the street.

On the next throw, their egg broke.

What was discussed in the timeout?

“It was just for show,” Haas said.