College sports

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: Johnston named D-II football All-American

Plus, MP grad Jake Luton signs a futures contract with the NFL’s Saints, Edmonds College names a women’s soccer coach and more.

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 quarterbacks Sam Huard (7) during an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

UW backup QB Sam Huard entering transfer portal

The former 5-star recruit and son of ex-Huskies QB Damon Huard was relegated to a No. 3 role this past season.

Washington quarterbacks Sam Huard (7) during an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Everett Community College forward Tucker Molina. (EvCC photo)

Molina powers EvCC men with superb all-around skill-set

The standout forward and Glacier Peak graduate has the Trojans in contention entering league play.

Everett Community College forward Tucker Molina. (EvCC photo)
NWAC basketball.

Local NWAC basketball teams | At a glance

Capsules of Snohomish County’s Northwest Athletic Conference basketball teams as North Region play begins Wednesday.

NWAC basketball.
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: Monroe alum Rybar named D-III All-American

Plus, Edmonds-Woodway graduate Ali Gaye decalares for the NFL draft, Jackson alum Jon Cook competes at the swim world championships and more.

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 players celebrate their win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Commentary: UW’s season worth celebrating, future looks even brighter

With many of its key players coming back, the Huskies appear primed for a huge 2023. But fans should take a minute to celebrate a stellar 2022 season.

Washington players celebrate their win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) fails to make a catch in front of Texas defensive back Ryan Watts (6) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

No. 12 UW holds off No. 21 Texas in Alamo Bowl

Michael Penix Jr. threw two TD passes and the Huskies finished the season on a seven-game win streak.

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) fails to make a catch in front of Texas defensive back Ryan Watts (6) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to pass against Colorado during an NCAA college football game Nov. 19, 2022, in Seattle. Penix has opted to put off the NFL for another year and college football's leading passer leads the No. 12 Huskies against No. 21 Texas in the Alamo Bowl. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)

Penix, Ewers highlight Alamo Bowl between UW, Texas

The quarterbacks square off Thursday in the Alamo Bowl.

FILE - Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to pass against Colorado during an NCAA college football game Nov. 19, 2022, in Seattle. Penix has opted to put off the NFL for another year and college football's leading passer leads the No. 12 Huskies against No. 21 Texas in the Alamo Bowl. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against Oregon during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)

UW football stars return to finish what they started

Unfinished business is a big reason why many Washington football players have decided to return next season.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against Oregon during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
Fresno State running back Jordan Mims (7) scores a touchdown during the first half of the LA Bowl in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Washington State defensive back Jordan Lee (13) is at left. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Mims, Haener lead Fresno St. past WSU in LA Bowl

Jordan Mims rushes for 205 yards and former UW QB Jake Haener tosses two TDs in the Bulldogs’ 29-6 victory.

Fresno State running back Jordan Mims (7) scores a touchdown during the first half of the LA Bowl in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Washington State defensive back Jordan Lee (13) is at left. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Marysville Getchell senior Kirsten Crane is signed to play for the UCLA women's soccer team next year. She recently watched the Bruins win the NCAA Division I national title. (Photo courtesy of UCLA)

Marysville soccer star to play for national champion UCLA

Kirsten Crane, a senior at Marysville Getchell H.S, has always wanted to be a Bruin. She recently watched the team claim NCAA Division-I’s top prize.

Marysville Getchell senior Kirsten Crane is signed to play for the UCLA women's soccer team next year. She recently watched the Bruins win the NCAA Division I national title. (Photo courtesy of UCLA)
FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2019, file photo, Washington State head coach Mike Leach walks onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Colorado, in Pullman, Wash. Two people with knowledge of the decision says Mississippi State has hired Washington State's Mike Leach as its new head coach. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, because the school has not yet officially announced the move. Leach will replace Joe Moorhead, who was fired last week after two seasons. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)

Former WSU football coach Leach dies at 61

The unfiltered coach, who helped revolutionize the game with the Air Raid offense, died following complications from a heart condition.

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2019, file photo, Washington State head coach Mike Leach walks onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Colorado, in Pullman, Wash. Two people with knowledge of the decision says Mississippi State has hired Washington State's Mike Leach as its new head coach. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, because the school has not yet officially announced the move. Leach will replace Joe Moorhead, who was fired last week after two seasons. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
Colorado wide receiver Daniel Arias (6) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Folsom Field Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Community roundup: Jackson grad Daniel Arias invited to all-star bowl

Locals earn postseason football honors, Snohomish grad to play for D-II national championship and more.

Colorado wide receiver Daniel Arias (6) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Folsom Field Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Western Washington's Dayana Diaz, a Granite Falls graduate, celebrates during an NCAA Division II national semifinal game against Columbus State on Dec. 1, 2022, at Interbay Stadium in Seattle. (WWU photo)

Granite Falls grad plays key role in WWU’s national title

Dayana Diaz was a key piece for the Vikings women’s soccer team this season that recently won the D-II national championship.

Western Washington's Dayana Diaz, a Granite Falls graduate, celebrates during an NCAA Division II national semifinal game against Columbus State on Dec. 1, 2022, at Interbay Stadium in Seattle. (WWU photo)
Gonzaga forward Drew Timme, left, and Washington guard PJ Fuller II go after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

No. 18 Gonzaga rolls to 7th straight over Washington

The Bulldogs roll 77-60 the first matchup between the two in-state rivals since 2019.

Gonzaga forward Drew Timme, left, and Washington guard PJ Fuller II go after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian takes part in a news conference for the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in San Antonio. Texas will play Washington in this year's Alamo Bowl. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Texas coach Sarkisian recalls ‘special time’ at Washington

The 48-year-old spent five seasons in Seattle from 2009-13 before leaving to become head coach at Southern California.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian takes part in a news conference for the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in San Antonio. Texas will play Washington in this year's Alamo Bowl. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer paces the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. DeBoer earned AP All-Pac-12 coach of the year honors on Thursday, Dec. 8. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

UW’s DeBoer named AP Pac-12 Coach of the Year

Six Huskies and one Cougar are named to either the first or second All-Pac-12 teams.

FILE - Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer paces the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. DeBoer earned AP All-Pac-12 coach of the year honors on Thursday, Dec. 8. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Washington guard Jamal Bey drives with the basketball against Colorado guard Luke O'Brien during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)

Washington, Gonzaga set to meet for first time since 2018

UW travels to face No. 18 Gonzaga on Friday night. It will be the Bulldogs’ first game against a state foe in two years.

Washington guard Jamal Bey drives with the basketball against Colorado guard Luke O'Brien during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker of USA perform during the ice dance free dance of the ISU figure skating Grand Prix Espoo 2022 competition in Espoo, Finland, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Hawayek and Baker came second in the event. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP)

Community roundup: Baker qualifies for Grand Prix Final

Plus, Meadowdale grad Rover Stewart is named the NWAC Athlete of the Year, Aussie football is coming to Lake Stevens and more.

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker of USA perform during the ice dance free dance of the ISU figure skating Grand Prix Espoo 2022 competition in Espoo, Finland, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Hawayek and Baker came second in the event. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates as he leaves Autzen Stadium after defeating Oregon in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)

Commentary: Possibilities endless for UW with Penix’s return

The standout quarterback surprisingly announced this week that he was returning to Washington for one more season.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates as he leaves Autzen Stadium after defeating Oregon in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)