14 Kamiak athletes sign letters of intent

The largest signing class in Kamiak history made it official during a National Letter of Intent recognition and signing ceremony last week.

Fourteen Knights will be continuing their athletic careers in college in sports ranging from football, baseball, soccer, swimming, cross country, and track and field. Family and friends gathered in the school’s career center to celebrate their achievements.

Eight of the graduating seniors will be staying in Washington state. Three are headed to California and three are going to Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.

The athletes were asked by the school what it means to be a Kamiak athlete and to share some words of appreciation. Here is what they had to say:

Emma Arceo (Cross country/track, University of Arizona)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete:

I get to represent the face of Kamiak in the media as a positive influence through my accomplishments. My freshman year, The Guam Daily Post wrote a story on me as a Chamorro female standout in the States. I get to represent my school and my island. I will forever remember my experiences as a competitor, but also with all the people I met and the friends that I made.

Words of appreciation:

I want to thank my momma for being my #1 support and my rock as a woman and as an athlete. She has always been there cheering me on at every race and there with me through every struggle. I want to thank my dad for always sharing his best words of wisdom with me. He’s helped me through my anxiety before my best races and my sobbing despair after the worst ones. I know they are both so proud of what I’ve done, but really, I couldn’t have done it without them.

They’ve always put my best interest first and given me the greatest opportunities. I want to thank my coaches, LeWarne “L-dogg,” Ms. Bakketun “Miss B,” and Shelly Davis “Shell.” You all have been there – giving me a hard time – since the first day of cross country my freshman year when LeWarne said, “I wouldn’t believe another girl would show up until I saw it.” Sure enough, I was there and I had no idea what I was getting into. From workouts where I’ve wanted to curse their names to victories and defeats, I couldn’t have asked for better mentors and coaches.

Ethan Cox

(Baseball, Bellevue College)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: For me, it means completing schoolwork before baseball. Education comes first and is necessary. As an athlete at Kamiak, I’ve made many of whom are my best friends today. It’s given me a sense of community and allowed me to pursue my sport with friends and caring coaches.

Words of appreciation: I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me throughout my athletic career. Whether it was driving me to games or just

KAMIAK watching in the stands, they were always there.

Aidan Drought

(Soccer, Seattle Pacific University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: It takes some difficulty multitasking difficult classes and returning to do some more work on the field. I met some very compassionate and understanding teachers that I won’t forget past graduation.

Words of appreciation: I would like to thank these teachers for keeping my head up through my difficult times: Frau Storr, Mr. Crane, Mrs. Ordway, Mrs. Bakketun, Mr. Bowker, and especially Mr. Davis.

Jack Fenton (Baseball, Columbia Basin College)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: To me the experience with my teammates made it fun for me. I will never forget the bus rides to and from games.

Words of appreciation: I want to thank by parents for everything they’ve done for me up to this point and more specifically my dad for coaching me and teaching me everything I know, and I also want to thank my mom for helping me improve my mental game.

Wesley Garrett

(Football, Eastern Washington University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: It means a lot to represent Kamiak High School at EWU. I hope that I can inspire other football players and student-athletes.

Words of appreciation: I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me and for believing in me. I appreciate all of the coaches I’ve had throughout my athletic career.

Jackson Hammons (Cross country/track, University of Nevada, Reno)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: Being a leader in my sport and supporting other sports. Attending all the theme nights for football, volleyball, and basketball.

Words of appreciation: Thank you to my coaches for supporting me and helping me reach my goals, and to my parents for driving, however far needed, to cheer on me, and my brother for a 15-minute race.

Oliver Holod (Swimming, Seattle University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: It means to work hard and be a good example to others. I will remember all of the people I was on the team with.

Weston Joyner (Soccer, California State University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: Playing soccer on the same team with my friends at Kamiak has been a lot of fun since I don’t get to play with them in club soccer.

Words of appreciation: I’d like to thank my parents and also everybody who helped me.

Athlete of the Week

The Athletes of the Week for Unified Track are Ally Cihak and Jake Cheff. These two truly embody the unified sports movement and are both senior leaders on and off the track. Ally ran a personal record in the 100M dash at the last home track meet. Her dedication to improving her running stamina and strength over the last year has paid off! Jake helped his Unified relay team place second in the 4 x 100M race. Jake goes above and beyond to support the success of this teammates. He inspires others to include all people of all abilities. GO KAMIAK UNIFIED!

425-374-8218

827 128th St. SW, Suite B Everett, WA www.everettbraces.com

Kamiak athletes signing letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college were: back row, Cayden Wotipka (baseball, Lower Columbia College); Jackson Hammons (cross country and track, University of Nevada, Reno); Nolan Martin (football, George Fox University); Weston Joyner (soccer, California State University, Chico); middle row, Jack Fenton (baseball, Columbia Basin College); Emma Arceo (cross country and track, University of Arizona); Sophia Ryu (swimming, Chapman University); Alessandra Valmonte (track and field, Pacific Lutheran University); Cade Weatherbie (soccer, California State University, Vallejo); bottom row, Samuel Shigematsu (football, Pacific Lutheran University), Wesley Garrett (football, Eastern Washington University); Aidan Drought (soccer, Seattle Pacific University); Ethan Cox (baseball, Bellevue College). Not pictured: Oliver Holod (swimming, Seattle University)

Nolan Martin (Football, George Fox University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: It means having a second family. I will remember turning the program around.

Words of appreciation: Thank you to my coaches.

Sophia Ryu (Swimming, Chapman University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: The friendships I made and connections with such an amazing community of athletes.

Words of appreciation:

I’d like to thank all of my past and current teammates and coaches, my family, and friends for all the support!

Samuel Shigematsu (football, Pacific Lutheran University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete: Balancing school and sports. Being a role model for my peers, on and off the field. Representing Kamiak in the best way possible.

Words of appreciation:

Thanks to all of my family, friends, teammates, and coaches, both inside and outside of my school, who’ve been there for me on and off the field. I would also like to especially thank my mom and dad for always being there to support me in every way, through the ups and downs, to cheer me on, and uplift me throughout my entire life.

Alessandra Valmonte

(Track and field, Pacific Lutheran University)

What it means to be a Kamiak student-athlete:

To me, being a Kamiak student-athlete means being surrounded by a community that always supports and pushes you. I will always remember taking the time to make connections with my teammates, as they later became my second family. And all the success, laughs, and even frustration we all shared with each other. I will always have see LETTERS OF INTENT page 11 u

Follow Us On

@mukilteobeacon