Saturday, May. 10, 2008

Regional hall of fame expands its numbers

By Rocky Morrow, Herald staff writer

Nearly 150 people showed up as two area athletes -- rodeo cowboy Clint Corey and former Pasco High School basketball player Debbie Sporcich -- and the Moses Lake wrestling program were inducted into the Central Washington Sports Hall of Fame during a luncheon Friday afternoon at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel.

Also honored was former Kamiakin High School coach and athletic director Randy Dolven.

Master of Ceremonies Grant Linnen noted that if there was a theme running throughout the ceremony it was that no athlete can become great without a great system of support from the community, family and friends -- and that sports are as vital as ever to the Tri-Cities.

Linnen presented Dolven as the recipient of the Special Contributor Award for his contributions not only to the Kamiakin High School programs, but also as a booster of Tri-City venues as tournament sites.

"This is a pleasure," Dolven said. "Indeed, it's an honor."

Dolven incited laughter when he noted how odd it was that he was being recognized along with the Moses Lake wrestling program.

"They ruled and ruled forever," Dolven said. "What a story there. But they didn't want to let Kamiakin in on what was going on in the world of wrestling."

Corey was introduced next, following video highlights of his rodeo career which raised surprised laughter and not a few awestruck gasps.

Corey took it in stride as he addressed the audience.

"Looks like that hurt," Corey said with a smile. "I'm extremely fortunate to have been that healthy that long. It's a rough sport, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything."

Accepting for the Moses Lake wrestling program was head coach Jamie Wise, who acknowledged the athleticism of Corey.

"I bet you would've made a great wrestler," Wise said, referencing Corey's career highlight reel.

Wise recognized the many coaches who've made for an outstanding, historical Chiefs wrestling program, as well as various club coaches who've had a hand in the success, including Charlie Zamora and Bob Mason.

"This is a community award and we feel honored for that," Wise said for the residents of Moses Lake.

The final inductee of the afternoon -- and for 2008 -- was Sporcich.

Sporcich, who was selected for honorable mention in a USA Today All-American profile during her record-making Bulldogs career, credited her teammates for their "confidence, humor and talent" as well as the "die-hard fans" who made it worthwhile.

Sporcich also credited her parents for providing a well-rounded environment.

"Mom and dad -- you didn't teach me to play basketball, but you taught me everything else."

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