Photo: Former Roughrider Jack Gladfelter of Corban College will run in the NAIA Nationals this Friday.

By Oly Archibald

PORT ANGELES — Friday marks an important milestone for former Roughrider long-distance runner Jack Gladfelter of Corban College, as he competes in the NAIA National Cross Country Meet in Columbia, Missouri. The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m., and fans can catch the action live via webcast at naianetwork.com.

Meanwhile, several former local basketball stars are shining on the college stage. At Linfield College, Eve Burke, a former Roughrider, has been instrumental in leading her Wildcats to an impressive 3-0 start. In a thrilling 71-70 victory over Pomona-Pitzer, Burke delivered a standout performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. She is currently averaging 14 points per game.

Former Roughrider Eve Burke has lead Linfeild to a 3-0 record and had a game high of 24 points

Another former standout, Peninsula Pirate Keeli Jade Smith, has been contributing to Saint Martin’s University’s unbeaten 3-0 record. Smith recently scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in a win over Evergreen State and is averaging four points per game this season.

Former Pirate Keeli Jade Smith Is having a solid season for 3-0 Saint Martins

At Pacific Lutheran University, senior Jami Woods, a former Roughrider, has made appearances in all three of PLU’s games, continuing to be a reliable presence on the court.

Further north, Millie Long, who previously played for both the Roughriders and the Pirates, is making a significant impact at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Long has helped her team to a strong 6-1 start and is averaging an impressive 14 points per game. On the men’s side for UAA, Malik Jackson, another former Pirate, has been contributing solidly, averaging four points per game. In a matchup against Hawaii Pacific, Jackson added seven points, three rebounds, and three assists to the Seawolves’ efforts.

In the Arizona desert, former Pirate and All-NWAC guard Ese Onakpoma is heating things up for Arizona Christian University. Onakpoma has led his team to a perfect 8-0 record, shooting 54% from the field and 52% from beyond the three-point line. He is averaging 14 points, four rebounds per game, and has accumulated 18 steals, proving to be a force on both ends of the court.

Former Pirate Ese Onakpoma is heating up the Arizona desert for a 8-0 Arizona Christian University team

Closer to home, high school bowling continues tomorrow as the Roughriders, currently 1-1, travel to face Olympic.