Sports Briefs

Top saddle bronc horse laid to rest

RITZVILLE — Rodeo media is reporting that one of the top saddle bronc horses of the last 20 years has died.

Spring Planting, 22 years old, was the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year in both 2009 and 2013, rodeo media reported, noting the horse died Feb. 23. Spring Planting was inducted into the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, as well.

Rough stock with the Flying 5 Rodeo Co., Spring Planting was also a competitor from 2007-2019 at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev.

Retired in June 2022, the Spring Planting remained at the Flying 5 Rodeo Co. ranch owned by Chad Hutsell of Ritzville.

Ritzville youth baseball program seeking sponsors

Ritzville — The youth baseball program is seeking sponsorships for the upcoming Bi-County Little League season.

Sponsorship funds are used to purchase uniforms and equipment, such as balls, bats and helmets. Funds are also used to update the baseball diamond.

Sponsors receive recognition and advertising for their donations to the program.

For info on sponsorships, email [email protected].

Spring sports action gets underway

Ritzville — Spring sports get into full swing this week as the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos begin competitions.

The Broncos tennis team sees its first action of the season on Thursday, March 14, at Newport beginning at 3:30 p.m. and the track team travels to Lewiston for a 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, meet.

Baseball and softball games get underway Saturday, March 16, at DeSales in Walla Walla. Those games begin at noon against the Irish.

Tennis also travels to Medical Lake for a 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, match against the Cardinals.

Fishing opens at Pampa Pond

LaCROSSSE — The fishing season got underway early this year with some lakes opening March 1.

About four miles southwest of LaCrosse along state Highway 26, Pampa Pond is open for rainbow trout through Saept. 30.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said the pond features warmer water, so fishing is best in early spring.

Two poles are allowed for fishermen with the proper endorsement.

Fishing is only allowed from show; no canoes, kayaks or other floating devices are allowed.