Kalskag slips past King Cove

Alex DeMarban

March 19, 2008 at 7:48PM AKST

The Kalskag boys overcame a 22-point deficit to beat King Cove 61-59.

 

King Cove boys had whipped up on Kalskag in the first half, despite having lost their coach to a heart attack after their first-round game.

 

At halftime, King Cove led by a hefty 35-18.

 

Coach Ralph Lindquist suffered a mild heart attack shortly after Tuesday night’s game, when King Cove slipped past Fort Yukon 55-49.

 

“(The score) was too close I guess,” said Joe Calver.

 

Calver, filling in as coach for Wednesday’s game, is usually the chaperone and referee when the boys play in King Cove.

 

Lindquist had arteries blocked in three spots, but is recovering after an operation, said Calver.

 

“He’s out for at least three days,” Calver said.

 

Helping Calver is former coach Gary Mack, father of players Darcy Mack and Cody Mack.

           

If the King Cove boys make it to the finals on Thursday, they’ll dedicate the game to Lindquist, Calver said.

           

“It’s why they’re working so hard today,” Calver said.