PSU Magazine Spring 1998

MEN'S BASKETBALL (10-6, 15-12) The team made a seriou run at the Big ky Conference championship in just the second season of the program' reinstatement after 15 years on the sidelines. Coach Ritchie McKay's Vikings Junior forward Jason Hartman talks with Coach Ritchie McKay. were within one game of first place with two games remain– ing, but lost a pair on the road to econd-place Weber State (61-51) and Ea tern Washington (93-86) that had a combined 15-1 home-court record. After placing seventh in the Big Sky in 1996-97, PSU ended this season tied for third place. In pre-conference play, the Vikings beat University of Oregon for the first time in PSU history, and lost three other Pac-10 games by only three or fewer points. The Vikings completed their home schedule with a perfect 8-0 record in Big Sky game and in one of the most excit– ing games in PSU history, won a 101-100, three-overtime thriller over Montana State. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (6-10, 10-17) In its econd season in Division I, Coach Jenny Yopp's team was led by sophomore Shannon Spies, an All-Big ky selection. Junior Carrie Hawes earned honorable mention, and Heidi Hatcher, a freshman, became the first Viking to earn conference Player of the Week. Jennifer Bu cher led the Big Sky Conference in three-point field goals, and Monique Zampera led the conference in steals. With only one senior, Jenny Haselton, who played full-time, the outlook for 1998-99 i bright. WRESTLING (2-13) R. J. Gillespie had the best record for the Vikings, 18-17, thi past season. Many of Coach Marlin Grahn' best wrestler were red hirted to save a year of eligibility. Portland tate joins the formidable Pac-10 Conference next eas n, ending the team's independent tatu . BASEBALL The return of Rick outhall (.415), 1997 PAC-10 North batting champion, and center fielder Rusty Keith, who hit .396 against PAC-10 opponents last eason, has given the Vikings a strong three-four batting order punch this spring. PSU's upgraded schedule includes three– game series again t Arizona, UCLA, and USC, the latter coming to Civic Stadium on May 14-15 and again to the Salem-Keizer Stadium on May 16. Portland State will play it regular 24-game PAC-10 North schedule against the University of Washington, Washington State, and Oregon State University. SOFTBALL Coach Teri Mariani, now in her 22nd ea on, reached 500 win at the Central Wa hington Tournament on March 6. She is the winningest women's coach in PSU history. Leading the Vikings this season are two of the top pitchers in the West Region: Beth Stidham and Shevaun Seibert, both juniors. Top hitters are sophomore Megan Corey and Alicia Russell. Mariani's team is completing its final year as an independent and is looking ~ rward to 1999, when PSU will be playoff-eligible in Division I, perhaps as a member of a new conference. Coach Teri Mariani advises sophomore first baseman Megan Corey. FOOTBALL With 17 starters returning, Portland State has been poised for the 1998 season. As a team new to Big ky, PSU has been ineligible for the pa t two years to compete in the tournament and NCAA playoff. During thi probationary period, Coach Tim Wal h opted for freshman-based recruiting, redshirting 18 players in 1996 and 17 in 1997. The wait is now over. Spring practice ends Saturday, May 9, with a match against alumni at noon on the Marshall High School field. Everyone is invited to a post-game barbecue. Fall play begins at home against Idaho State on Sept. 26. GOLF TOURNEYS ON TAP The 13th Annual PSU Golf Scholarship Scramble will take place Monday, May 11, at Riverside Golf and Country Club. The event i sponsored by Subaru. The field is limited to the first 150 players and will be played with fivesomes. Dinner, awards, and an auction will follow at 6 p.m. The P U Women's Go lf C lassic is scheduled for July 27 at Rock Creek Country Club. Now in its third year, the 18-hole scramble tournament is for women only. Coldwell Banker and Barbara Sue Seal Properties are sponsoring the tournament; Racker Investments and Paxson and A sociate are sponsoring the after-tourney dinner. Call 725-5619 for details on either the Scholarship Scramble or Women' Golf Cla sic. The 2nd Annual Pokey Open takes place Sept. 18 at the Resort at the Mountain. Proceeds go to the Pokey Allen Endowment Scholarship Fund. For information call 725-5639 . WINTER 1998 PSU MAGAZINE 29