RSSA celebration of success at YVCC
Yakima Herald-Republic
YVCC basketball players Andrea Blodgett, Shaunte Nance-Jahnson and Anthony Johnson talk to the media with their coaches Cody Butler and Ray Funk during a press conference celebrating their move to Division 1 programs at Sherar Gym Friday, June 13, 2008.
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Joe Blodgett, an understandably proud papa, brought up a fact that had not yet been touched on during Yakima Valley's basketball celebration Friday at Sherar Gym.
"Andrea," he said of his daughter, "will finally be playing for a new A.D. (athletic director). She's had the same one since middle school."
Meaning Ray Funk, the longtime White Swan administrator and boys hoops coach, who has served in similar capacities the past three years at YVCC.
And it's not only Andrea Blodgett who will move on to a bigger and better things at Idaho State, the husband-wife tandem of Anthony Johnson and Shaunte Nance-Johnson will do likewise at the University of Montana.
All three signings had been previously announced and reported, but the Yaks felt that three players advancing to Division I -- all in the same year -- warranted further observance.
"We're doing this to celebrate and recognize what these players have done," said Yakima Valley women's coach and assistant A.D. Cody Butler. "While Shaunte and Andrea were here we went 24-1 at home, 55-10 overall and won an Eastern Region championship."
The Yaks also twice reached the NWAACC Tournament, finishing third in 2007 and fourth last season.
The men, meanwhile, rode the gliding form of Johnson last season to the NWAACC championship.
"I don't know what else can be said about Anthony," Funk said. "He was MVP of our region during the regular season, and then somehow turned it up a notch at the NWAACC Tournament."
And in doing so, the cat-quick 6-foot-3 guard from Tacoma got the attention of several Division I coaches. Johnson also ignited discussion among many longtime YVCC observers as to where he might rank among the college's all-time greats.
Johnson and Shaunte Nance came to the Yaks in 2006 after Nance had played one season at Northwest Nazarene. They were married Nov. 1 of that year in Yakima.
Nance-Johnson, having exhausted her first two years of athletic eligibility, spent last winter coaching the Riverside Christian girls team while Anthony's star rose at YVCC.
"This is something we've always strived for," said Johnson.
"It's more than I expected," said Blodgett.
Then Nance-Johnson was asked about opposing the fleet-footed Blodgett.
"Wow," she said. "I've been away from the game for a year, now. I just hope these old bones can keep up with her."
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