Two weeks ago Scorebook Live hosted the Les Schwab Bowl draft, and Ethan Burkhead and Walker Bonar of Thurston High School were both drafted. The Les Schwab Bowl is Oregon’s All-Star football game, and has taken place under various names since 1948. This year’s edition will take place Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Linfield University.
Central Catholic coach Steve Pyne and his staff made the picks for Team Columbia, while Sheldon’s Josh Line headed up Team Willamette. Of the 250 players nominated, only 90 were drafted to the two teams. Burkhead, a wide receiver for the Colts, was taken 18th overall by Team Columbia. Bonar, also a wide receiver, was taken with the 60th pick by Team Willamette.
Creswell, Pleasant Hill announce alumni basketball game
Rivals Creswell and Pleasant Hill announced last week that there will be an alumni basketball game between the two schools. The event was spearheaded by the two boys head coaches, Darwin Terry of PHHS and Jesse Thomas of CHS, and will take place sometime in November of this year. While it remains to be seen whether notable alumni such as Luke Jackson (CHS State Champ 2000) and Kevin Broderick–Kartye (PHHS State Champ 1999) will play, it should be a grand event regardless.
Springfield offensive coordinator takes over Sprague
AJ Robinson, offensive coordinator for the Springfield Millers football team last season, has accepted a job to be the next head coach at Class 6A Sprague in Salem. Robinson was the head coach at Churchill in Eugene from 2016-’21, taking the team to the state title game in 2017. Robinson stepped down in 2021, and after a year off took a job under Miles Haley at Springfield. Under Robinson last season Springfield’s offense scored 29.8 points-per-game. It remains to be seen at this point who the Millers will replace Robinson with.
Pleasant Hill boosters celebrate Billies at fundraiser
I was out of town last weekend, but The Chronicle’s Noel Nash, publisher, and Rachael Landi, sales & marketing director, were able to attend the big event at the Emerald Valley Golf Resort in Creswell. Jennifer Jordan organized the well-run dinner and activities. Rory Tyler and Point S were well-represented. He told our folks that he’s “doing it all over again next week” at Creswell’s booster dinner and auction. The Chronicle has donated several pieces of memorabilia from the 2004 state champion Bulldogs –including basketballs autographed by the team.
TrackTown USA, Kidsports earn Oregon22 grants
While the 2022 World Athletic Championships in Eugene ended 9 months ago, Oregon22, the organization that put on the event, is still making a difference. Last month Oregon22 announced a gift of $275,000 each to Kidsports and TrackTown USA. Kidsports and TrackTown USA both encourage youth particitaption in sports, and the money will be going towards things like scholarships and equipment.
