COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Walkington named Second Team All-PacWest, scores game-winner in first round of DII West Regional

Riley Walkington, Concordia University Irvine Soccer

On Nov. 16, in the first round of the Division II West Regional playoffs against Cal State San Marcos, Sandpoint’s Riley Walkington scored the game-winning goal (1-0) for CUI in double overtime. According to an article written by Ben Rosehart, CUI college sports communicator, “Walkington emphatically slammed her hand to the ground after the clutch goal before being mobbed by her teammates.”

Walkington herself said she was excited, a little bit shocked, and happy she was able to have a part in helping her team advance to the next round. In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime goal, Walkington was named to the All-PacWest Second Team; she scored a team-high six goals and recorded four assists this season. She also led the team in shots and shots on goal this year.

In regards to being named All-PacWest Second Team, Riley said she felt honored to have received the award.

"It's been an honor to represent not only the soccer team, but my university," Walkington said. "It's an exciting achievement and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates."

The Golden Eagles were ranked as high as No. 5 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll this year, the highest national ranking for CUI women's soccer in its entire NCAA DII era.

Rosehart said Walkington has helped CUI win three playoff games in her two seasons with the team, and that it wasn’t her first time scoring a game-winning goal. Walkington also scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 overtime win over Hawaii Hilo in last season's West Regional semifinal. 

A couple of days after her most recent game-winning goal, CUI did fall to Point Loma (2-0) in the second round of the West Regional, which meant Walkington's college career was officially over. Born and raised in Sandpoint, and having played for the SSA, Strikers, and for regional teams in the Seattle area, she had plenty of gratitude for those that have helped her throughout her journey.

"I want to thank the community and everyone who supported me in Sandpoint, my family and friends who have helped me along the way, and Conor (Baranski) and (Alan Brinkmeier) for all they have done."

After transferring from Eastern Washington three years ago, Walkington said she has had a great experience at CUI, and is even planning to work at an MLB sports agency in Newport Beach, Calif. post-graduation.

"I have had a really good experience at CUI," Walkington said. "I was able to have a balanced lifestyle and be a part of a great program ... I'm sad it is coming to a close, but am also excited to move onto the next chapter."

Connor Alexander & Abigail Gorton, Lewis-Clark State College Cross Country

Bonners Ferry graduates Connor Alexander and Abigail Gorton received Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete accolades for their academic success this fall. A student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in standing with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or better and have attended their current institution for at least one year to receive such an accolade.

Jackson Rickter, Waldorf University Wrestling

Bonners Ferry’s Jackson Rickter won a couple more matches at the Younes Hospitality Open held at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Rickter defeated Keeno Theadford of Bethany University (Kansas) by fall (3:45) and Daniel Duarte of Trinidad State by fall (0:47). He went 2-2 on the weekend.

Evan Barajas, NIC Wrestling

Bonners Ferry’s Evan Barajas picked up three victories recently. In a dual against Umpqua Community College, Barajas defeated Haiden Randleas by fall (1:07). At the Spokane Open, hosted by NIC, Barajas defeated Ethan Knigge of Washington State University by technical fall, 16-0 (1:31) and Anthony Hyatt (unknown) by fall (1:03).

Tug Smith, Carroll College Football

An alumni of Newport, and now a senior at Carroll College, defensive back Tug Smith received All-Frontier conference honors for his efforts this season. Smith finished the season with 50 tackles (one tackle for a loss), an interception and four pass break-ups. He was also named the Frontier Conference defensive player of the week for his performance in a win against No. 14 St. Thomas. That week, he recorded a team-high 11 total tackles (eight solo and three assisted), a tackle for a loss, and an interception.