Allured steps down as Badger boys basketball coach

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry High School head boys basketball coach Gordon Allured has stepped down for health reasons.

The 56 year-old coached the Badgers for six years, leading them to three Intermountain League championships, three 3A District 1 titles and four trips to the state tournament.

Allured, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 26 years ago, initially considered stepping down at the end of the 2008-09 season.

A 1972 Bonners Ferry High School graduate, Allured earned a degree in health science education in Portland, Ore., where he coached middle and high school football, basketball and track for two years.

n Everidge hits grand slam in Mariners’ win

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Vargas went two innings, minor leaguer Tommy Everidge hit a grand slam during Seattle’s six-run eighth inning and the Mariners beat the San Diego Padres 9-3 on Thursday.

Vargas, a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation, allowed one hit, and Ryan Garko also homered for Seattle.

n M’s closer Aardsma tweaks groin against Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Seattle closer David Aardsma tweaked his groin during his one-inning outing Thursday against San Diego, but the Mariners do not believe he will miss much time.

“We don’t think it’s very serious and he might miss one outing hopefully and that’s it,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “It was the very last pitch and he felt something in his groin. Hopefully, we caught it before it gets to be anything serious.”

Aardsma worked the third inning, issuing a walk to leadoff batter Yorvit Torrealba. He then got Everth Cabrera to hit into a double play. He induced Tony Gwynn Jr. to end the inning with a left-side groundout.

Aardsma started last season as the team’s set-up man, but when Brandon Morrow lost his effectiveness, Aardsma assumed the closer’s role on May 15. He had 38 saves in 42 opportunities after going 128 big-league appearances without a save.