WWU NOTEBOOK: Simmons finishes NFL rookie camp

JOE SUNNEN

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Former Western Washington University linebacker Shane Simmons wrapped up rookie mini-camp with the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Simmons, who signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent, picked up a sack on the final day of the three-day camp and had a solid showing according to several different blogs.

The Vikings standout wore jersey No. 48 and lined up as an inside linebacker for the camp. He’ll be attempting to make the team this summer as a linebacker and a special teams player.

LEMAY ADDED TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Western Washington University’s Keith Lemay will participate in the men’s 800 meters at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Outdoor Track and Field Championships May 22-24 at Walnut, Calif.

Lemay finished the season ranked 20th nationally with a provisional qualifying time of 1:52.29, established April 25 at the WWU Twilight Meet. After originally missing the 19-man field by 0.02 seconds, he was added to the competition following a pair of injury withdrawals.

Lemay’s addition gives the Vikings a school record-setting five participants.

WESTERN MEN’S BASKETBALL ADDS HEIGHT TO ROSTER

The Vikings men’s basketball team got a little taller last week, signing possibly the tallest player in school history to a scholarship on Friday.

Seven-foot Australian Dave Vanderjagt will play at WWU next season after transferring from the University of Montana. Vanderjagt, a junior, averaged 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds last season. He’ll be expected to contribute immediately at Western next season.

MYHRE NAMED TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WWU junior Kevin Myhre was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference track and field athlete of the week after winning the 400-meter hurdles last week.

Myhre posted his second-best time of the year in the event, finishing in 54.36 seconds at the Ken Shannon/Ken Forman Invitational in Seattle.

Myhre set a personal best in the event at the GNAC Championships two weeks ago with a time of 53.75.

TWO GOLFERS NAMED WEST REGION ALL-STARS

WWU golfers Sean Packer and Jake Koppenberg were named to the Golf Coaches Association of America/NCAA Division II West Region all-star team on Friday.

Koppenberg has placed among the top 10 in individual scoring at eight tournaments this season while Packer has five top 10 finishes.

The two helped the Vikings reach the NCAA Division II National Championships in Texas which began on Wednesday.

SEVERAL WOMEN’S ROWERS NAMED TO ACADEMIC TEAM

Several members of WWU’s topranked women’s rowing team received recognition for their academic accomplishments on Friday, with 12 being named to the GNAC at-large academic team.

Among those receiving the honor for a second year in a row were Audrey Coon, Gina Auriemma, Samantha Marikis, Amelia Whitcomb, and Julia Munger.

To be eligible a student-athlete must be a varsity letter winner and in at least their second year of competition while maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.20.