CHENEY — Blackhawks track and field head coach Derek Slaughter has always had confidence in the skills and abilities of his athletes and has never expressed apprehension about facing teams from larger schools.

That includes Cheney’s first foray in its return to the Greater Spokane League as a 3A school. That took place April 16, with the Blackhawk boys edging 4A Gonzaga Prep 73-71 in action at Tom Oswald Field.

While losing 94.5 – 46.5 to the Bullpups, Cheney’s young girls team was competitive despite missing a number of athletes due to spring break.

The Blackhawk boys showed balanc...