Northwest Notes April 26, 2024

Vandals spring football game tonight

MOSCOW — The Idaho Vandals close out spring football tonight with the annual spring game at 6 at the Kibbie Dome.

For the first time in third-year coach Jason Eck's tenure, the spring game will have players split into two teams, wearing black and white jerseys and competing in a traditional football game, with a few adjustments.

The game will consist of four 15-minute quarters with a 10-minute halftime. The format will include a two-minute warning at the end of each half in accordance with the new NCAA rules that will be in place for the 2024 season.

The coaching staff will be split with cornerbacks coach Stanley Franks Jr. acting as the head coach of the black team, while offensive line coach Cody Booth will act as the head coach of the white team. 

The black team will consist of the Vandal first team with a few key backups, with the white team consisting of the second and third teams. The white team will start with a 14-0 lead. 

Eck will observe the game and coach individual players, but the team decisions will be made by the team head coaches.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Former NIC standout signs to play volleyball at LC State

LEWISTON — Middle blocker Abby Beaton of North Idaho College, the MVP of the East Region in Northwest Athletic Conference volleyball last fall, has signed to play at Lewis-Clark State, the school announced.

Beaton, who will be a junior hails from Pasco, Wash., and prepped at Chiawana High where she was voted Second-Team All-State. She went on to play two seasons for NIC and hit .313 with 59 block assists and 10 solo blocks.  

"Adding Abby to our roster is a full-circle moment for me,” LC State coach Katie Palmer said. “During her prep career she was selected to the Evergreen Region’s team for USA Volleyball’s High-Performance Championships, and I was on the coaching staff. She has grown so much as an athlete and leader. She is quick off the ground, has a high volleyball IQ and immediately connected with the team during her time on campus. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach her again after a tremendous career at North Idaho College.” 

Beaton helped NIC to a perfect conference season in 2023 and a second-place finish in the NWAC tournament. She was named an AVCA All-American. 

Beaton is the sixth signee for the incoming class, joining freshmen Taylor Boyce, Teagan Scott, Ella Stosich, Hannah Dotson and Kate Schneider.