College sports

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves field at the end of the half against Michigan of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Washington overpowered by Michigan in national title game

The Huskies’ unbeaten run ends in a 34-13 loss against the Wolverines.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves field at the end of the half against Michigan of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Washington punter Jack McCallister walks on the field before an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Punter is lone Snohomish County player in UW-Michigan title game

University of Washington fans hope they won’t see much of Jack McCallister, of Edmonds, as the Huskies take on Michigan on Monday.

Washington punter Jack McCallister walks on the field before an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
West Virginia Guard RaeQuan Battle looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Dec. 6, 2023, in Morgantown, WV. Battle, formerly of Montana State, has yet to play this season. College athletes like Battle who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition, for now, after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, against the NCAA. (William Wotring/The Dominion-Post via AP)

Marysville Pilchuck grad earns 2nd straight Big-12 POTW award

Plus, Archbishop Murphy High School alum Abraham Lucas’ status is in doubt for the Seahawks’ season finale.

West Virginia Guard RaeQuan Battle looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Dec. 6, 2023, in Morgantown, WV. Battle, formerly of Montana State, has yet to play this season. College athletes like Battle who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition, for now, after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, against the NCAA. (William Wotring/The Dominion-Post via AP)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) scrambles with the ball against Texas defensive end Justice Finkley (1) during the second half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Penix Jr. leads Washington past Texas for spot in national title game

The Huskies hang on for a 37-31 victory in the Sugar Bowl.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) scrambles with the ball against Texas defensive end Justice Finkley (1) during the second half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Everett Community College’s Ethan Martin (1) moves with the ball during a game against Tacoma at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Martin carries on family basketball legacy at Everett Community College

Ethan Martin, the grandson of legendary men’s coach Larry Walker, is excelling on the court that bears his grandfather’s name.

Everett Community College’s Ethan Martin (1) moves with the ball during a game against Tacoma at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Arlington’s Jenna Villa reacts to a teammate drawing a foul call during the 3A quarterfinal game against Meadowdale on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Community roundup: Arlington grad Villa earns 1st Pac-12 honor with WSU

Plus, a Silvertips center receives an invite to a prospects game, and the Edmonds College men’s hoops team surges up the NWAC rankings.

Arlington’s Jenna Villa reacts to a teammate drawing a foul call during the 3A quarterfinal game against Meadowdale on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle (21) lays the ball up for a basket against Northern Arizona in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Big Sky men's tournament in Boise, Idaho, Wednesday, March 8, 2023.  (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

Multi-transfer NCAA athletes can play through the spring, judge rules

Ex-Marysville Pilchuck basketball star RaeQuan Battle, now at West Virginia, is now eligible to play for the remainder of the season.

Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle (21) lays the ball up for a basket against Northern Arizona in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Big Sky men's tournament in Boise, Idaho, Wednesday, March 8, 2023.  (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch in front of Oregon defensive back Jahlil Florence (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Inside Odunze’s long, painful journey to starring against Oregon

How UW’s star receiver endured a broken rib, a punctured lung and a 23-hour drive to overcome the Ducks.

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch in front of Oregon defensive back Jahlil Florence (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State running back Nakia Watson (25) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

State Supreme Court denies review of Pac-12 appeal

The decision hands control of conference to Washington State and Oregon State.

Washington State running back Nakia Watson (25) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert reacts after making a three pointer against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Community roundup: King’s to retire Kispert’s number

Plus, Monroe High School alum earns All-American honors, Jackson grad receives NWAC award and the Silvertips add up a forward.

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert reacts after making a three pointer against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
West Virginia Guard RaeQuan Battle looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Dec. 6, 2023, in Morgantown, WV. Battle, formerly of Montana State, has yet to play this season. College athletes like Battle who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition, for now, after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, against the NCAA. (William Wotring/The Dominion-Post via AP)

Battle eligible to play, for now, after judge’s order against NCAA

A federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order against the NCAA from enforcing its tranfer rule.

West Virginia Guard RaeQuan Battle looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Dec. 6, 2023, in Morgantown, WV. Battle, formerly of Montana State, has yet to play this season. College athletes like Battle who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition, for now, after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, against the NCAA. (William Wotring/The Dominion-Post via AP)
The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Community roundup: MP grad Davis earns silver with Fiji national team

Trina Davis helps Fiji women’s soccer at the Pacific Games, hammer throwers earn All-American nod, and locals take home collegiate all-league honors.

The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Washington safety Makell Esteen (24) celebrates making an interception against Washington State with cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

UW, Oregon meet with Pac-12 title, potential CFP spot on the line

The final season of the Pac-12 is set to close with a massive rivalry clash.

Washington safety Makell Esteen (24) celebrates making an interception against Washington State with cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle celebrates after scoring against Kansas State during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Community roundup: MP grad Battle ‘devastated’ by NCAA ruling

Plus, Jadyn Edwards joins New Mexico’s Hall of Honor, and Daniel Arias is back with the NFL’s Cardinals

Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle celebrates after scoring against Kansas State during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) throws during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

State Supreme Court puts Pac-12 ruling on hold

The University of Washington and the Pac-12 made the request after a lower court’s ruling gave Oregon State and Washington State control of the league.

Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) throws during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates throwing a touchdown to wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

No. 3 UW needs offense to start clicking again

The Huskies’ high-flying unit will be key in the Pac-12 title game against Oregon.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates throwing a touchdown to wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a pass for a touchdown as Oregon State defensive back Jaden Robinson (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)

UW, WSU meet in last Apple Cup as Pac-12 foes

The Huskies seek an unbeaten regular season in a rivalry game ripe with storylines.

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a pass for a touchdown as Oregon State defensive back Jaden Robinson (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)
The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Community roundup: Skoog takes 2nd at NAIA cross country championships

Also, Taylor Roe posts an All-American time, Efton Chism III earns All-Big Sky honors, and a slew of athletes receive All-NWAC selections.

The Everett Elite Flag Football 14-under team practices Sunday morning at Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington on January 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle (21) shoots over Arizona guard Courtney Ramey during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

MP grad Battle denied appeal to play for West Virginia

The NCAA upheld its ruling that RaeQuan Battle is ineligible to play this season after transferring from Montana State.

Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle (21) shoots over Arizona guard Courtney Ramey during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
A Washington State fan holds a "Pac-2" sign before an NCAA college football game between Washington State and Colorado, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. Washington State is one of two schools remaining in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Fans, coaches, players sound off on final weeks of Pac-12 football

The last week of the regular season is evoking many emotions across the lame-duck league.

A Washington State fan holds a "Pac-2" sign before an NCAA college football game between Washington State and Colorado, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. Washington State is one of two schools remaining in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)