Menu

Author: Nick Lilja

Lilja is long-time sports journalist - working in sports media for a decade utilizing every medium. His work has been recognized by multiple organizations. Most recently, in 2009, he was awarded the "Best Sports Column" by SPJ in the state of Oregon. In 2008, he was recognized as the "Best Columnist” by Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. He earned his undergraduate degree in Earth Science from Oregon State University and his Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University.

Gaston girls hunting for league title

When The Discovery Channel shows, Planet Earth, it often features a pack of lions tracking down a wildebeest or gazelle. Each one instinctually knows where to be and how to react. Fans enjoy watching and learning that instincts can overcome […]

Banks boys find first win

After a difficult first half of the season, Banks boys basketball coach Pat Marlia had a few extra wrinkles on his forehead. He and his players were left scratching their collective heads as the team – comprised mainly of juniors […]

Banks tops YC

After a difficult first half of the season Banks head coach Pat Marlia had a few extra wrinkles on his forehead. He was surprised. Meanwhile, the players of the Banks Braves boys basketball team were scratching their collective heads. The […]

Winning young

It’s an interesting year for our area. A lesson in sports psychology. Teams seem to be littered with young, talented players but teams are still struggling. Of course, experts will say, winning young rarely happens. And it’s true. It takes […]

Gaston survives De La Salle

The Gaston girls basketball team is doing something it hasn’t done in years – winning. The Lady Greyhounds have won six of their last eight games and are looking down on the Northwest League standings instead of up. Two weeks […]

Lady Hounds looking good

Don’t look now, but Gaston’s girls basketball team – a program that is averaging three wins a season over the last five years – is now 7-1 after taking out Neah-Kah-Nie and Vernonia over the weekend to win the Gaston […]