Every so often, there are brief reports about local folks doing good in sports-related arenas, not long enough for a full story, but interesting none-the-less. Here are a few for your perusal.
Evina Westbrook
Westbrook—the former UConn and South Salem High School standout has played nine games to date for the WNBA’S Minnesota Lynx since being signed by the team on May 12th.
The 6-0 guard is averaging 3.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Lynx, while playing an average of 14.4 minutes per game. The Lynx have a record of 3 wins, and 9 losses—11th among the 12 WNBA teams.
Minnesota starts a three game home stand tonight with a 7:00 pm CT contest vs. Washington. Saturday, the Lynx hosts the Seattle Storm—the team that originally drafted Westbrook this spring—at 6:00 pm CT. That contest will be broadcast on ESPN-2.
Ron Burkhart
Burkhart—the retired Salem-area school teacher—now hardware store employee—worked extensively during the Women’s College World Series—won for a second straight year by host Oklahoma.
Burkhart was part of the championship series umpiring crew. Oklahoma won the best of three series with two straight wins over Texas.
Ron also worked the consolation contest between Pac-12 foes Oregon State and Arizona.
Ryan Brown
Brown is a redshirt freshman pitcher from South Salem High School and key relief pitcher for the Oregon State Beavers baseball team. He is expected to see some action for OSU in their Super Regional Series with Auburn, which starts Saturday night at Goss Stadium in Corvallis.
Ryan has a record of 5-1 for the Beavers, making 27 appearances in relief. He has recorded nine saves in 31 innings of work—recording 34 strikeouts against 13 walks, while yielding 18 earned runs. He has also given up two home runs.
Brown struck out three, working 1 2/3rd innings and earning the win in Oregon State’s 5-4 regional victory over New Mexico State on June 3rd.
Salem Beacons
There is still time to buy tickets for the Salem-Keizer High School Sports Booster Club's annual Beacons Awards—back after being paused due to the COVID pandemic.
The June 18th event takes place at Salem’s Elsinore Theater, and will honor 10 school and community members for their longtime service to local prep sports. In addition, players of the year awards will be presented to top performers in OSAA-sanctioned sports, as well as a single coach of the year award among all sports.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for this event, with presentations scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.
The Salem-Keizer High School Sports Booster club uses funds raised from donations and this annual event to help student-athletes offset the costs associated with competitive athletics.
Those desiring tickets ($25 plus processing) can obtain them through this link: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/4873502/beacon-awards-salem-elsinore-theatre