Sports briefs

Cross country teams selected first, second in coaches poll

The three-time defending WAC Champion Idaho women’s cross country team was selected to finish first by WAC coaches in the conference pre-championship poll. The Vandal men were picked to finish second. The Idaho women, who will be gunning for a fourth-consecutive championship this weekend in Seattle, garnered seven first-place votes and 63 points, while hosts Seattle U trailed with one first-place vote and 54 points. On the men’s side, Utah Valley received six first place votes and finished atop the coaches poll, while Idaho attained 42 points and received one first-place vote. The championships will take place on Saturday.

Idaho gets commitment from Marysville quarterback

Jake Luton, a senior quarterback out of Marysville, Wash.,  committed to Paul Petrino and the Idaho Vandals via Twitter, Tuesday evening. The Marysville Pilchuck senior stands at 6-feet-6-inches and received interest from Tennessee and Washington State, according to ESPN Recruiting Nation. Luton spoke to The Argonaut about Idaho’s rebuilding process and where he hopes to fit into that.

“I’ve talked to Petrino a lot and all the coaches and I believe they’re on the rebuild and on the rise to be a good program,” he said.

Luton will be one of four quarterbacks on Idaho’s 2014 roster, as redshirt freshman Chad Chalich, junior Josh McCain and true freshman Matt Linehan all return. Luton is ranked as a two-star recruit on Scout.com.

Charlston honored with national award

Idaho senior Alyssa Charlston was named a candidate for the 2013-14 CLASS Award as one of 30 women’s basketball players across the nation to be honored. A total of 60 men’s and women’s basketball players are nominated for the award, which recognizes excellence both on and off the court. The award considers four areas of excellence, including community, classroom, character and competition.

“It is always an honor to get recognized for this kind of award. I have only my coaches, teachers, teammates and everyone in the athletic department to thank for having such a great influence on me,” Charlston said. “They have pushed me to be a better leader on the court and in the community. While I’ve been at Idaho, I have surprised myself at how much I have improved. I can only credit that to the amazing people surrounding me, including my parents.”

The winners of the award will be announced during the 2014 Men’s and Women’s Final Four.

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