Local report — Wyckoff steps down at WV

YAKIMA, Wash. — After 16 consecutive years in the West Valley baseball program, the last nine of which were as head coach, Klayton Wyckoff is making a “bittersweet” move away from the sport.

Wyckoff, previously a teacher in the district, is moving into administration, accepting the position of athletic director and student activities coordinator at West Valley Junior High. The time commitments of that job led him to resign as the Rams’ head baseball coach.

“This is an opportunity that I always wanted to pursue, and the timing feels right in my career,” Wyckoff said. “But at the same time it’s bittersweet to walk away from something I absolutely love.”

Wyckoff compiled a 155-64 record in his nine seasons, with two state trophies — second in 2003 and third in ’09 — and was the Class 3A coach of the year in ’03.

“We’ve have had such massive support out here from parents, the community, staff and administrators — that made my experience very positive,” added Wyckoff, a 1987 West Valley graduate. “It was a great situation to be in as a head coach and I would have liked to continue on, but this move is better for me in the long run.”

Kevin VanDeBrake would be a strong candidate to replace Wyckoff. Not only was he an assistant throughout Wyckoff’s nine seasons but he preceded him as head coach.

Siebol leaves RC for Highland

Bruce Siebol, who directed Riverside Christian’s boys basketball program to 170 wins in 10 seasons, has left the Crusaders’ program to take the head boys job at Highland.

In those 10 seasons at RC, Siebol posted a 170-69 record and led the Crusaders to three Class 2B state trophies.

“I had 10 great years at Riverside with great kids and wonderful parents,” he said. “I accomplished what I set out to, building up the program, and I guess now I was ready for a new challenge.”

Siebol will replace Josh Borland, who resigned after six seasons.

“I’m excited to coach in the SCAC,” he added. “The Riverside program is in good shape (all starters return), so this was a good time to pursue another challenge.”

COLLEGES

CWU ranked 5th by D2 website

Central Washington has been ranked fifth by D2Football.com in a preseason poll released Tuesday.

The Wildcats, who were 12-1 last season and lost 21-20 to eventual national champion Northwest Missouri in a playoff quarterfinal, followed, in order, Northwest Missouri, Grand Valley State, North Alabama and Abilene Christian.

Minnesota Duluth, Central’s season-opening opponent at home on Saturday, is ranked sixth.