Schools call for athletics to start

Drew Lawson, Davenport Times | Dec 17, 20200

COLFAX – Several school officials across Whitman County have signed a letter calling for 1B/2B/1A sports to resume.

The letter was written by superintendents Eric Sobotta of Reardan and Jim Kowalkowski of Davenport. Colfax’s Jerry Pugh and David Gibb have signed onto the letter as have 17 others from Whitman County.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 71 Eastern Washington coaches and educators had signed onto a compact calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to allow local sports leagues to compete.

The letter is also being sent to the state Department of Health and the Legislature. It requests the return of all sports and other extra-curricular activities in schools.

The letter argues that students need sports and other activities to succeed academically, mentally and emotionally.

Others from Whitman County joining the effort include:

Colton – Paul Clark and Jim Moehrle

Garfield-Palouse –Mike Jones, Scott Thompson, Kyle Dodge, Nathan Holbrook and Zane Wells

LaCrosse –Jeff Gates and Jordan Jennings

Lamont-Washtucna –Todd Spear

Oakesdale –Ken Lindgren

Rosalia – Matt McLain

St. John-Endicott – Ken Gering, Suzanne Schmick and Billy Ray

Tekoa-Rosalia – Rosie McLain

Tekoa -- Mark Heid

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has delayed sports this year to be in compliance with the governor’s coronavirus lockdown orders.

Those who signed the letter could form their own leagues, outside of the WIAA, and compete as they did before the organization existed. Or, with approval of the WIAA, resume competition in leagues comprising those willing to get underway.

Author Bio

Drew Lawson, Reporter and sports writer

Drew Lawson is a reporter and sports writer for Free Press Publishing, including the Cheney Free Press and Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.