Sports High school sports compete for students’ time BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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tudents benefit in many ways by being involved in extracurricular activities at school. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which oversees athletics and fine arts for nearly 800 member public and private schools in Washington, cites a number of studies to bolster its case that “Activities Matter.” One study concluded that those who participate in sports or other organized programs attend, on average, 21 more days of school than students not involved in activities. Research has also found that participation in interscholastic programs is associated with decreased high school dropout rates. While some parents may not have viewed sports as a positive use of time in the past, research suggests tangible benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. A study found that 67 percent of high school students who earned mostly A’s reported playing for at least one sports
team. An online survey by Harris Insights and Analytics concluded that students who participated in interscholastic athletics were 19 percent more likely to go on to some level of higher education. Research also concluded that for female athletes, playing high school sports increased their odds for graduating college by 41 percent compared to non-athletes. So given the mounting evidence of the benefits of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, are high school students taking advantage of these opportunities? Unlike their parents, today’s teenagers are being constantly pulled in different directions – from their families, friends, jobs, different school clubs and activities, other forms of entertainment, obligations from select teams and just an overall societal shift away from sports. Even in the face of all of these other activities, the overall numbers of students who participate in high school athletics generally remain steady. Not surprisingly, the most obvious decline in numbers is in football.
The potential long-term effects of concussions and other injuries associated with the sport seems to have contributed to less interest in football. In 2015, Kamiak High School had 115 athletes participating in football. Since then, the numbers have declined to 110 in 2016, 85 in 2017 and 58 in 2018. Some of the drastic change in numbers from 2017 to 2018 likely was due to the retirement of longtime coach Dan Mack, who stepped down after 20 years at the helm of the program. Mariner had 100 players out for football in 2015, 95 in 2016, 95 in 2017 and 75 in 2018. In the last four years, Edmonds-Woodway’s football numbers have been 105, 93, 83 and 76, while Meadowdale saw its numbers drop from 109, 85, 75 to 72. Edmonds-Woodway athletic coordinator Angie McGuire speculated that specialization might be contributing to the lower football numbers. For many years, McGuire noted, football was the kind of sport that, even if it wasn’t the main sport for a particular athlete, he still
2019 BEACON GUIDE – PROGRESS EDITION 19
Sports would participate. “Kids just deciding to play one sport … hurts other programs,” she said. “We’re seeing more of that.” Jackson’s football numbers also were trending downward, with 75 players in 2015, 66 in 2016, 76 in 2017 and 60 in 2018. Glacier Peak remained relatively unchanged with 122 players in 2015, 146 in 2016, 124 in 2017 and 116 in 2018. Here is a look at the state of high school athletics in the Mukilteo, Edmonds, Everett and Snohomish school districts.
Mukilteo School District
(Kamiak and Mariner) The overall participation numbers for sports at Kamiak have increased in each of the last four years.
20 2019 BEACON GUIDE – PROGRESS EDITION
The school had 887 student-athletes in 2018-19, up from 857 in 2017-18, 812 in 201617 and 753 in 2015-16. Kamiak added C teams for boys and girls soccer, Unified Sports (Special Olympics) and a girls wrestling program in recent years. “We’re seeing more participation in some areas and expanded opportunities for students to get engaged in student-athletics,” Kamiak athletic director Sean Monica said. Kamiak also has many athletes who have bucked the trend of focusing on only one sport. The school generally has about 60 twosport athletes, and last year had 20 three-sport letter winners. “We believe strongly that specializing in one sport leads to burnout, more injuries and less enjoyment for our student-athletes who play
one sport year-round,” Monica said. Twenty of Kamiak’s teams qualified for WIAA Scholastic Awards. Fourteen teams earned an outstanding academic team award (3.50 or higher GPA) and six earned distinguished academic team awards (3.00-3.49). Mariner High School’s overall numbers – 686 – are down slightly from last year – 703 – but are higher than the two previous years – 666 and 665. The school faces a number of challenges that its district counterpart does not. Sixty-one percent of the Mariner student body is eligible for free or reduced meals as opposed to Kamiak, which has 18 percent eligible. Mariner also has a more transient student body, with a turnover of 600 to 700 students each year. “It’s more of a challenge to get kids out,” Mariner athletic director Kyle Axelson said. “So many of our kids have other responsibilities outside of school, such as work and taking care of siblings. That’s a huge piece that we’re competing with. Our coaches have to be really flexible.” Axelson has noticed that kids will often be involved in sports during their freshman and sophomore years, but as they get older, parents start expecting more help from them. As a result, many stop participating in sports. This year, Mariner’s baseball and softball programs did not field junior varsity teams. Axelson noted that those two sports are ones in which players need to start early to build up their skills and reinforce those skills year after year. “We don’t have a ton of youth programs in our neighborhood,” Axelson said. Mukilteo School District director of student services and athletics Beth VanderVeen cited a recent article on the impact of poverty on youth sports. “The gist of it is that families who can access youth sports, their kids are making the varsity team,” VanderVeen said. “Kids aren’t just going to start something new when they get to high school. Access to youth programs and quality youth programs is huge. We need to continue to help provide opportunities for kids when they are younger.”
Sports Sports at Mariner also face internal competition as the school has other strong programs, such as band, dance and other clubs. “Our band is one of the best in state,” Axelson said. “A lot of people want to be a part of that. We want kids to find their passion and get involved in those things.” Schools need to continue to work on being flexible with students, VanderVeen added. The idea that if you do band, you can’t do football, is not acceptable. “We have to learn how to share kids,” VanderVeen said.
Edmonds School District
(Edmonds-Woodway and Meadowdale) Athletic participation at EdmondsWoodway and Meadowdale high schools has remained steady. From 2015-16 to 2016-17, EdmondsWoodway saw a dip in numbers from 759 to 733, but since then, the numbers have climbed – 754 in 2017-18 and 771 in 2018-19. Meadowdale has similar numbers – 644 in 2015-16, 594 in 2016-17, 601 in 2017-18 and 620 in 2018-19. For the first time in recent history, Meadowdale did not field a junior varsity softball team this season, due to low numbers. The Mavericks ended up with only 14 players this year after having rosters in the high 20s the previous three seasons. Edmonds-Woodway hasn’t had the numbers to support a junior varsity program since 2015. Meadowdale’s success might play a role in lower turnout for softball. The Mavericks won a state title in 2016, and the team advanced to the state tournament seven out of the last eight years. “It might have to do with whether you feel you can compete with these young ladies, most of whom play year-round,” Meadowdale athletic coordinator Beth Marriott said. “There could be some self-selection in that some students think they can’t compete at that level.” Edmonds School District athletic director Julie Stroncek noted that strong youth programs should help bolster high school numbers. “Sno-King and Pacific Little League are
great feeder programs,” she said. “We definitely have the programs in place to have successful programs at the high school level.” Both Edmonds-Woodway and Meadowdale saw significant increases in their track and field programs this year. Edmonds-Woodway saw its numbers rise from 124 to 154, and Meadowdale had an increase from 90 to 114. Marriott noted that unlike baseball or softball, track and field doesn’t require specialized equipment. “There’s a lot of camaraderie. It’s social,” Stroncek added. “It offers such a range of activities. There’s something for everybody. It’s a great chance to be out there.” Girls’ wrestling also is another major area of growth for Edmonds-Woodway, which
had three girls in 2015-16 and had 21 out in 2018-19. Everett School District and
Snohomish School District
(Jackson and Glacier Peak) Participation in high school sports was down at both Jackson and Glacier Peak high schools. Jackson had 900 student-athletes for 201819, a decrease from 994 in 2017-18, 939 in 2016-17 and 938 in 2015-16. Glacier Peak had 728 students involved in sports in 2018-19, less than the 742 athletes out in 2017-18. Glacier Peak had 754 and 844 student-athletes the two previous years. SPORTS continued on page 30
2019 BEACON GUIDE – PROGRESS EDITION 21
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SPORTS continued from page 21 Both schools saw drops in their cross country and track and field programs in recent years. Jackson had 75 fewer students out for track and field this year –188 in 2018-19 compared to 263 in 2017-18. Cross country also saw a decline from 92 to 71. The departure of a popular middle school teacher/coach, who was instrumental in encouraging students to get involved in track and field and cross country at the middle school level, may have played a role in the decline in numbers. The teacher/coach is now at Jackson High School. Jackson athletic coordinator Alan Briggs said the school is concerned about the lower numbers, but he added that 188 track and field athletes still is a robust number. Glacier Peak also saw a significant decline in boys’ track and field from 106 in 2016-17 to 66 in 2017-18. Turnout for the girls stayed the same, at 59 for both years. Glacier Peak athletic director Kevin Judkins attributes part of the decline to the natural ebb and flow of the student body. But he added that students have a lot more activities to occupy their time – both at school and out of school. “The bottom line is that there are just more opportunities to get involved in more things,” Judkins said. Judkins said that many Glacier Peak students are active in lacrosse, water polo,
hockey and equestrian competitions, all sports not offered at the high school. “Those are all cool opportunities,” he said. “They impact the school teams.” The overall numbers at both schools also may not necessarily reflect the interest or lack of interest in sports. For the first time in school history, Glacier Peak had to cut players from its baseball program due to high turnout. Even with the addition of a C-team, tough decisions had to be made. Even though Jackson likely would have the numbers for a C baseball team, the lack of ball fields means the school has only varsity and junior varsity teams. Then there’s the success of the Jackson softball team, which won its second straight state championship this spring. The numbers for softball have consistently been in the high 20s or low 30s, but likely could be higher. Potential players may not want to try out for the team due to the high skill level of players. “Kids aren’t turning out because of how talented the group is,” Briggs said. If they aren’t involved in sports, the hope is that kids will find something else to be involved in. “As educators, we want as many of our kids participating in extracurricular activities,” Briggs said. “We want to try and find something kids can feel connected to.” – All sports photos by David Pan
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w w w . e d m o n d s b e a c o n . c o m INSIDE:
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Edmonds 806 5th Street, Mukilteo, WA 98275
Volume XXXV
Relief in sight for flooding problem
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Beacon YO U R H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R
Number 14
February 20, 2020
READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER
New water pump will help, City says BY JOSH EDDY FOR THE BEACON
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looding on and around Dayton Street and SR 104 in Edmonds has been a problem in the past for businesses and commuters, but a new pump has potential to eliminate those problems, said Public Works and Utilities Director Phil Williams. The days of driving through footdeep water for residents are likely numbered, as construction is planned to be finished in May. “All the heavy work will be up front,” Stormwater Engineer Zachary Richardson said. “Once we get the stuff in the ground, there will be a lot of cleaning up and programming and doing stuff that’s not real destructive. So we hope to be out of the public’s hair quicker than that.” The intersection of Dayton and SR 104 is an important cog in the city’s main arterials, as it is leads to the waterfront and is adjacent to many local businesses, Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds Landing assisted living and retirement, and the holding lanes for Washington State Ferries. “We’ve got stormwater that ends up coming down Dayton, and it also drains a little bit out of the ferry holding lanes; this whole area is collected in drainage pipes,” said Williams. Despite primarily helping the flooding on the intersection of Dayton and SR-104, the pump will be located a few blocks west, on the corner of Dayton Street West and Railroad Avenue. Nearly the whole system will be underground. The construction is primarily off roads, and a strip of a parking lot will be decommissioned, according to Richardson. There are even some makeshift walkways to help pedestrians get to the public fishing pier. The price of the project is budgeted see
FLOODING RELIEF page 17 u
Beacon photo by David Pan Edmonds-Woodway’s Mutdung Bol, left, chats with younger brother Nuer on the bench during the Warriors’ district playoff victory over Meadowdale Saturday, Feb. 15, at Edmonds-Woodway High School.
E-W senior Mutdung Bol weighing options after high school BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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ll Mutdung Bol could think about was his parents. The Edmonds-Woodway standout, whose first name is pronounced MAHDOON, had just received the first of three Division 1 basketball scholarship offers. Bol, whose parents came to the United States from South Sudan, was a little overwhelmed to know that his future education was secured. “When I got my first offer, the first thing I thought was my parents,” Bol said. “They don’t have to pay for anything. They’ve been providing for me ever since they came from Africa as immigrants. So I know the struggle they’ve been through. I know that paying for college would be a struggle
for them. So once I got the offer, I was ecstatic about it.”
Soccer, not basketball It might come as a surprise to know that basketball was not Bol’s favorite sport growing up. “My first love was soccer,” he said. Bol’s father enjoyed the sport and encouraged his son to play. But in the third grade, one of Bol’s cousins introduced him to basketball, and he immediately connected with the sport. “After I started playing, I saw how much fun I had with it,” Bol said. “I fell in love with it.” Bol wasn’t aware that there was a nearby park with a basketball hoop. So, instead, he constructed his own basket with crates in his backyard. “That was my first memory of basketball, shooting hoops in the crates
of my backyard and just dribbling outside my house in front of cars, hoping somebody will pick me up and let me be part of a team,” Bol said. Two years later, Bol joined an AAU team and started down the path that has led him to a college scholarship.
Life lessons Bol attributes much of what he’s learned in life to basketball “Basketball teaches you real life lessons – teamwork, self-accountability, being respectful,” he said. “It’s a whole lot of lessons we can learn in life.” On the court, Bol strives to be the best player he can. But his goals extend beyond being an athlete. Though he hopes to make basketball his full-time career after college – possee
MUTDUNG BOL page 8 u
Mike Nelson: From California, to D.C., Spokane, and finally, Edmonds New mayor has plans, but says they don’t include Seattleficaiton BY BRIAN SOERGEL EDMONDSEDITOR@YOURBEACON.NET
Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part feature on new Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson. To read the entire series, go to edmondsbeacon. com. t didn’t take long for Mike Nelson to rise to the top of Edmonds’ power structure, as the 44-year-old California native defeated challenger Neil Tibbott last year just six short years after his appointment to City Council. He went on to win two subsequent campaigns.
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To some who follow local elections, Nelson’s mayoral run – announced in January 2019 before two-term Mayor Dave Earling announced he wouldn’t seek reelection – was unexpected. He was earning a healthy paycheck as the executive director of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Leadership Council 14, representing more than 100,000 employees. As a councilmember, he was a vocal supporter of firefighters, even walking out of a council meeting once to express his disappointment at a reduction in personnel.
However, Nelson was frequently mum on issues as other councilmembers expressed their opinions on the dias, occasionally breaking his silence to read passionately from prepared scripts. But here he is, almost halfway into his second month of his four-year term as mayor. His salary isn’t too bad, either – his $130,972 a year paycheck will jump to $136,211 in 2021. Whether Nelson’s mayoral term is a stepping-stone to bigger things see
MAYOR MIKE page 19 u
Community Sports
8 - Edmonds Beacon
www.edmondsbeacon.com
u from MUTDUNG
February 20, 2020
BOL page 1
sibly playing overseas – Bol also is planning for his future after his athletic career winds down. His plan is to study psychology, sociology, or business, and to leave school with a double major. “I want to make basketball my job. But at the same time, after I make basketball my job, I want to do business because I don’t want to be labeled in a box as a basketball player. I want to be known as a businessman.”
Not even 100 pounds
Beacon photos by David Pan Meadowdale’s Alicia Morrison and Soriah Swinton (right) pressure Snohomish’s Averie Allbaugh Friday, Feb. 14, at Snohomish HIgh School.
Mavericks stay alive at districts BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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eadowdale found the Stable to be a far more hospitable environment. The Mavericks rebounded from a road loss at Snohomish with a 63-42 victory over Everett in a loser-out 3A District 1 tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Meadowdale High School. The Mavericks opened district play with a surprising sub-par performance, losing 57-39 to Snohomish in a firstround contest Friday, Feb. 14, at Snohomish High School. The Panthers jumped out to an 1810 lead in the first quarter and then extended the advantage to 27-13 at halftime. “We buried ourselves too deep in the hole,” Meadowdale coach Arie Mahler said. Meadowdale turned the ball over 13 times in the first half. Four of the turnovers were unforced. “We didn’t appear to be playing basketball. We were just so tight,” Mahler said. The Mavericks played better in the second half after making some adjustment, Mahler added. Senior Lilly Williams scored 11 points and Alicia Morrison had 8. “We didn’t give it our best showing. I know our team is better than that,” Mahler said. “We’ve got to play 32 min-
Meadowdale’s Kaisha Stark drives to the basket against the Panthers. utes. That’s something that we’ve been trying to really emphasize is playing 32 minutes. And we didn’t play 32 minutes today.” Meadowdale will face Ferndale in another loser-out game at 7:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, at Shorewood High School. The Golden Eagles fell to Arlington in the semifinals.
MEADOWDALE
Athlete of the Week Senior #12 Maia Austvold is an excellent athlete, an excellent student, and an excellent contributor to our community. This is Maia’s 4th year on the Lady Mavs Basketball Team where she excels at defense and rebounding. Maia has been playing basketball for the past 10 years and considers herself very lucky to have had such a successful run. With a 4.0 GPA in her high school and college classes, Maia has been a leader in the classroom taking AP courses. She plans to continue her education after high school at a four year university and hopes to study abroad. Recently Maia was selected as the Alderwood Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. Maia has been a basketball referee for the past 4 years and a part of the program since she was five years old. With this honor, Maia will be participating with 24 other high school students from Snohomish County as they compete to find one youth to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County at the regional, state, and national levels. That is why Maia Austvold is our Meadowdale High School Athlete of the Week.
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Edmonds-Woodway coach Robert Brown first met Bol when the young player was in the eighth grade. Later as a freshman, Bol made the varsity squad. Bol’s slight frame was in sharp contrast to his basketball knowledge, and his willingness to express that knowledge on the court. Brown recalls that Bol weighed 98 pounds. “He was just always really vocal,” Brown said. “He knew the game, even if it wasn’t about scoring. He knew the game of basketball. He could fit in with the older kids. He had more knowledge than a lot of kids who were seniors.” Each year Bol put on about 10 pounds. He now tips the scales at about 145 pounds on a 6-foot-4 frame. Bol was named co-captain his junior and senior years. “Kids look to him because of his skills and abilities,” Brown said. “Coach (Michael) Richards (the JV coach and varsity assistant) called him the Pied Piper. People would just follow him because he leads by example.” This season, for the first time in his high school career, Bol has assumed the reins of the offense as the point guard. “I probably, most of his career, used him out of position,” Brown said. “He’s probably a natural point guard.” Bol has excelled this season, helping to lead the Warriors to a tie for third place in the Wesco 3A and a first-round victory in the district playoffs. The team played Marysville-Pilchuck Wednesday night after the Beacon’s deadline. “He makes the offense go a lot more because he’s really decisive,” Brown said. Earlier this season, Bol achieved a personal and team milestone by scoring his 1,000th career point during a game against Everett. Bol appreciated the significance of the achievement, but also kept it in perspective. “It was just another chapter in my journey,” he said. “It wasn’t something super big for me. But at the same time, it was, because not a lot of people achieve it. It just showed the hard work I’m putting in daily. I’ve got to continue to keep getting better, keep being focused on my craft.”
Family matters Looking back on his senior season, Bol will have many memories to cherish. None will ever be as meaningful as the opportunity to play with and help mentor younger brother Nuer, a junior, whose role on the team continues to grow. “It’s memory-building,” Bol said of his time with Nuer. “Just watching him grow in life, in school and in basketball has been dope to watch and dope to be a part of. I’m going to miss him when I go to college.” Bol’s family moved around before settling in Puget Sound. Bol was born in Colorado, and is in many ways a typical teenager. He’s in his second year of Running Start and recently began a part-time job at McDonald’s. But Bol doesn’t take anything in his life for granted, given what his parents
Photo courtesy of Michael Richards Edmonds-Woodway’s Mutdung Bol celebrates scoring his 1,000th career point during a game against Everett in January. went through to come to America. South Sudan was a war-torn country marked by racial and ethnic strife. Bol’s parents wanted to leave; massacres were common throughout the country embroiled in a civil war. “They were blessed to be picked out of a refugee camp,” Bol said. “Only a select few are chosen.” Bol wants to know more about the circumstances that led his parents to leave South Sudan. “So, I’ve been asking them, but they don’t want to really talk about it at times,” Bol said. “They got picked and they moved out here with my two older siblings. They moved out to Tennessee and started their life from there. Ten years later, I was here.” Bol has five other siblings, ranging in age from 12 to 26. When he was in the fourth grade, he met current EdmondsWoodway junior varsity coach Michael Richards at a Boys & Girls Clubs basketball clinic. Richards started coaching Bol in the sixth grade. The two became close. “I’ve always seen him as a role model,” Bol said. The Bol family was going through some tough times, Richards said, and he and his wife talked about ways to help Mutdung and his family. They floated the idea of having Bol live with them. The timing just didn’t seem right, Bol recalled. “The relationship grew with him and his family,” Richards said. Then, when he was in the eighth grad, Bol, his parents, and the Richards decided that the time was right for Bol to live with the Richards family. Michael Richards also became Bol’s legal guardian. “It’s an extended family,” Bol said. Bol sees his parents, who live in Auburn, on a regular basis. The sacrifices they made and continue to make inspire Bol. “It impacts me every day,” he said. “Every day I think about what if I was in that situation. Most kids right now that are my age in Africa don’t have shoes. They don’t know about a free life. I have access to everyday things like food, water, and a bed. I appreciate the little things. I have gratitude. “I know what my parents have been through. I want to be great for my family.”
E-W takes
Warriors win regional wrestling title The long drive to Kelso turned out to be well worth it for the EdmondsWoodway wrestling team. The Warriors walked away with five individual titles and captured the team championship at the 3A Region II boys wrestling tournament Saturday, Feb. 15, at Kelso High School. Winning titles were Ethan Nguyen
(106 pounds), Reece LeCompte (120), Ousman Fatty (126), Alex Rapelje (138) and Alec Rust (160). Edmonds-Woodway runner-ups included Baylor Denkinger (113), Howie Hare (145) and George Kartono (220). Meadowdale heavyweight Alex Krueger won his weight see
WRESTLING page 9 u
Community Sports
8 - Edmonds Beacon
www.edmondsbeacon.com
March 12, 2020
Knights crowned state boys basketball champions
King’s Will Pohland cuts off a piece of the net after the Knights won the 1A state title.
King’s sophomore Linhardt named 1A tournament MVP BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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KING’S SCHOOL
ing’s won its fifth state boys basketball title in school history the old-fashioned way. The Knights earned it. King’s first had to overcome a 10-point, third-quarter deficit to pull out a 68-59 victory over Zillah in a first-round, loser-out contest. Then to cap off an unforgettable state tournament, the Knights battled their way past two familiar opponents – Seattle Academy and Lynden Christian – in semifinal and championship games that both went into overtime. Tournament MVP Tyler Linhardt scored a team-high 25 points as King’s erased a 6-point deficit with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter to stun Lynden Christian 70-67 in the 1A championship game Saturday, March 7, in the Yakima Valley SunDome. The victory came a day after the Knights edged Seattle Academy 68-66 in a semifinal game that King’s won when Linhardt sank a shot with 1.8 seconds left in overtime. The King’s sophomore had an opportunity to clinch the victory in regulation but missed two free throws with 6.9 seconds remaining and the Knights leading 54-51. Seattle Academy responded with a game-tying 3-pointer to force overtime. King’s coach Rick Skeen noted that the No. 14 seed Knights played four games in four days, while higher seeded teams only had three. “It speaks to the heart and toughness and character of our kids,” Skeen said of the program’s fifth state crown. Linhardt admitted the Knights were
Photos courtesy of Hunter Reeves King’s players and coaches celebrate winning the 1A state boys basketball championship Saturday, March 7, at the Yakima Valley SunDome. The Knights defeated Lynden Christian 70-67 in overtime. struggling when the Lyncs took a late lead in the finals. A 3-pointer by Jason DeBoer gave Lynden Christian a 57-48 lead with 2:07 remaining in the game. “It was tough. A lot of us were losing motivation,” Linhardt said. King’s Jordan Hansen hit a 3-point shot to cut the deficit to 57-51 with 1:10 to go. “We kept hacking away at the lead,” Linhardt said. “It was like the Zillah game. We hacked away at the lead. We found a way.” Linhardt was fouled on a successful layup and he made the subsequent free throw and junior Shane McGaugheyFick followed with a jump shot, as King’s trailed 57-56 with 32 seconds remaining. DeBoer extended the Lyncs’ lead to 59-56 with two free throws. Hansen then made his fourth 3-pointer of the game to tie the score at 59 with 10 seconds remaining. He finished with 16 points. “He was huge,” Skeen said of the Knights sophomore guard. In overtime, senior Jaron Hansen scored to give King’s a 61-59 lead and McGaughey-Fick later followed with a 3-pointer and two free throws to extend the Knights’ advantage to 66-60 with 42 seconds remaining in overtime. Lynden Christian fought back and
Athlete of the Week Congratulations to sophomore Jordan Hansen for being named King’s High School Athlete of the week. Jordan is a 6’5” guard for the King’s Knights. Jordan was named to the 2nd team All State Tournament with some outstanding stats. In the 4 game run to the King’s State Championship he shot 10 for 21 from 3 point range, 47.6% and was 17 for 19 from the foul line. Many of the 3 point shots and free throws came at critical times as the Knights closed out the semi -final and final games. Jordan averaged 15.8 points and 4.3 rebounds a game. Assistant coach Joe Stack had this to say, “Jordan throughout the season demonstrated a calm consistent attitude that served him well at critical situations in our season. He was clutch.” WAY TO GO JORDAN!
trailed 68-67 after two free throws by DeBoer with six seconds to go. Jordan Hansen sealed the victory with a pair of free throws. “Jordan takes pressure off of me and he takes pressure off of other players,” Linhardt said. “He is super clutch.” McGaughey-Fick scored 19 points and Jaron Hanson finished with 9. King’s (19-10) defeated Lynden Christian 69-57 in the district title game three weeks earlier. The Knights’ overtime victory over Seattle Academy matched the title game in both in terms of intensity and drama. Two weeks ago, King’s lost to Cardinal 76-57 in the Bi-District finals. “The biggest thing is we played harder and we played together,” Skeen said of the rematch. “It was a battle. It was tough.” A pair of free throws by Linhardt gave King’s a 54-48 lead with 23 seconds left in the game. But Seattle Academy’s Teja Singh hit a 3-pointer to cut the King’s advantage to 54-51. Linhardt was fouled with 6.9 seconds to go but misfired on both free throws, allowing Seattle Academy’s Leo DeBruhl to tie the score at 59 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. The Knights were stunned as they headed back to the bench. “It was shocking,” Linhardt said. “We ran back to the bench. Everybody was scrambling. The coaches did a good job of calming us down. We said we’ve got to go play. It’s 0-0.” Said Skeen, “You can’t live in the
past. We have that next play mindset. Obviously, we were disappointed. We gave up a lead. Our kids rebounded. They went on.” Linhardt was glad for the chance to make a game-winning shot for his team. “It was thrilling,” he said. “I missed the free throws to seal the game.” Linhardt led the Knights with 22 points. Will Pohland and Jaron Hansen each scored 13 points and Jordan Hanson had 10. Skeen wasn’t surprised by Linhardt’s performance. “Tyler came up big in every game,” Skeen said. “That’s why he’s the MVP.” Linhardt said the award was a shared accomplishment. “I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates,” he said. “I feel honored. I’m just happy we won the state championship.” KING’S GIRLS GO 1-2: Samantha Skaggs scored 18 points to lead King’s to a 65-43 victory over Montesano in a first-round 1A state girls basketball tournament game Wednesday, March 4, in the Yakima Valley SunDome. Mia Flor and Claire Gallagher each added 13 points. The Knights then lost 41-37 to LaSalle in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 5. Skaggs scored 11 points. King’s (19-10) was eliminated by Annie Wright in a 61-58 loss Friday, March 6. Gallagher scored 14 points and Ashely Gray added 13. Flor finished with 12 and Skaggs had 11.
Team Larway captures senior title Jordan Hansen Boys Basketball
GO KNIGHTS!
Team Larway, representing Seattle’s Granite Curling Club, defeated Team Wright 8-3 in the championship finals to win the 2020 U.S.A. Senior Men’s Curling Championship Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Fairbanks Curling Club in Fairbanks, Alaska. With the victory, Team Larway (Joel Larway, Doug Kauffman, Darren Lehto, John Rasmussen and coach Ken Trask) will move on to represent the United States in the 2020 World Senior Curling Championships, April 18-25, in Kelowna, B.C., Canada. All four members of Team Larway curl out of Seattle’s Granite Curling Club, and they became the 60th team
from the Granite Curling Club to win a national championship, the most of any curling club in the United States. After finishing the round robin portion of the senior Championships with a record of 6-1, Team Larway advanced to the semifinals on Sunday. In the semifinals game, the Seattle foursome fell behind Minnesota’s Team Pustovar early, but rallied in the later ends, scoring two points in the eighth end for a come-from-behind 7-6 victory. In the men’s finals game, Team Larway started out strong with a 3-point first end against Team Wright. see
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May 2, 2019
Former Pacific Little Leaguers treasure lifelong bonds 2014 all-star team played in the Little League World Series BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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Top photo courtesy of Michelle Corsi, bottom photo courtsey of Joe Michael Above, the 2014 Pacific Little League all-star team gathered for an informal reunion Saturday, April 27, at Lynndale Park. The team included (back row, left to right) coach Robley Corsi II, Tygan Duncan, Karsen Tjarneberg, Tai Starchman, Nate King, Colton Walsh, Tyler Durbin, Ben Grant, assistant coach Eric Grant; (front row) Mason Vaughn, Matthew Turcotte, Robley Corsi III, Ian Michael, Logan Kruse, Read Carr. Below, the Pacific Little League team celebrates winning the regional championship, which earned the team a trip to the Little League World Series.
“Before that I knew pretty much none of them on a friend level,” Vaughn said. “After that summer, I still hang out with a good six or seven of them quite a bit. I keep in contact with all of them. If we wouldn’t have gone that far, I wouldn’t have those relationships that I do now.” Eight of the 13 all-stars are still playing baseball in high school. Tjarneberg, Starchman, Corsi III, Michael, Kruse and Carr are at EdmondsWoodway, while Vaughn is at Meadowdale and Durbin is at
King’s. Corsi III had not talked to some of his former teammates in a long time, but they were able to pick up right where they left off. “Even when we haven’t seen each other in years. … we still feel like we’re really close and we’re good friends,” he said. Many of the friendships grew out of the hours and hours of practice at Lynndale Park. Practice also is where Durbin started to realize how good the team was. At batting practice, he and his teammates were hit-
Athlete of the Week Congratulations to freshman Hannah Hawkins for being named King’s High School’s Athlete of the Week. Hannah is a sprinter for the King’s track team. At the Saturday March 27 Lakewood Invitational, Hannah placed first in the 400m, second in the 100m, and third in the 200m. She has also made a name for herself on the all-time King’s record list. Currently, she is ranked 6th all time for the 200m and 400m, 7th for the 300m, and 8th for the 100m. Head coach Rod Wilcox said about Hannah, “Freshman Hannah Hawkins won the prestigious Lakewood Invite 400 meter sprint Saturday. She also placed 2nd in the 100m and 3rd in the 200m. Hannah broke the school freshman record in the 200m with a time of 26.46 seconds. She is ranked top 5 in state in both the 400m and the 200m as well as anchoring the #1 ranked 4x2 and the 4x4 relay teams. So far Hannah is having a pretty good freshman year. We’ll see how she rises to the challenge at state.”
Way to go Hannah!
Hannah Hawkins Girls Track & Field
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KING’S SCHOOL
he summer of 2014 holds a special place in the hearts of 13 baseball players. Starting in mid-June and ending in late August, members of Pacific Little League’s all-star team, spent almost every day together practicing, playing games and just being a kid. The Pacific Little League allstars won district, state and regional championships and were one of eight teams from the United States that played in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But what the players remember the most – more than the successes on the diamond – are the lasting friendships that were forged during that threemonth time span. All 13 players – Karsen Tjarneberg, Tai Starchman, Robley Corsi III, Ian Michael, Logan Kruse, Read Carr, Mason Vaughn, Tyler Durbin, Tygan Duncan, Nate King, Colton Walsh, Ben Grant and Matthew Turcotte – along with head coach Robley Corsi Jr. and assistant coach Eric Grant gathered together for an informal reunion, organized by Vaughn’s mother Amy, on Saturday, April 27, at Lynndale Park. Saturday likely will be one of the last times all of the players are together in the same place, at least in the foreseeable future, since many of them are graduating high school next month and heading off to college. Edmonds-Woodway senior Ian Michael has no doubt he and his teammates will remain close even as they spread out across the country. “I think it’s definitely a lifelong bond,” he said. “We can all get together and have fun together because we were best friends for three months. It’s probably one of the closestknit teams I was ever on. The bonds still last to this day.” Coach Corsi noted that the core of the team came together as 10-year-olds and ending up playing together for three years. Mason Vaughn joined the 11-year-old all-star team and at the time wasn’t too familiar with his future teammates.
ting home run after home run. “You don’t see that very often,” Durbin said. “A lot of these teams they have one or two good players, but every single one of us was good.” As talented as they were, the players never let success go to their heads. “We were never cocky,” Tjarneberg said. “We always just played our game and let other teams try to beat us. For the most part, we ended up on top. We always competed. We were just a bunch of fighters.” Coach Corsi said the players’
love for the game made his job easy. “The kids just wanted to play. They enjoyed each other’s company,” he said. “Everything came together – all the pieces. They had the talent. They had the pitching. They had the mindset that they couldn’t lose.” Of course, coaching 13 boys wasn’t always easy and Corsi relied heavily on assistant coach Eric Grant. “None of this would have been possible without him,” coach Corsi said. “It was like we were married and we had 13 kids. It was a constant battle figuring out who’s doing what.” Corsi’s dedication to his players was an integral part of the team’s success. “He was personally invested in every single player,” Durbin said. “He was willing to do anything it takes to make every person the best player they could be.” That desire to help players extended beyond team lines. Vaughn recalled how coach Corsi helped him with his swing during the regular season one year even though Corsi wasn’t his coach. Vaughn was hanging out with Corsi’s son at their house. “He goes and take me outside in his backyard and we hit off see
PACIFIC page 9 u
Athlete of the Week This week’s Edmonds-Woodway Athlete of the Week is senior Brianna Schalk. In her fourth year on the EW Varsity Golf Team, Brianna is a strong leader who has served the role of team captain two years in a row. This week Brianna led her team in a victory over Cedarcrest and Lynnwood as a medalist with a low score of 41 . Her best memory of high school sports was competing at state golf as a sophomore. Brianna’s biggest inspiration in the competitive arena has always been her sister who is an incredibly focused, and strong golfer. Outside of sports, she is inspired most by her mother who has given her the gift of a strong work ethic and strong morals. Brianna is also grateful for EWHS Athletic Hall of Fame Coach Art Snoey who has helped her become a better golfer and taught her the important lesson to never let one bad hole ruin your round. Next fall Brianna plans to attend San Diego State University and pursue a degree in biology with the hope of becoming a pediatric physician’s assistant. Best of luck to Brianna and the EW golf team as they head into the postseason!
Brianna Schalk Girls Golf
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E-W senior standout back on track
Meader-Yetter hopes to finish strong after battling injuries
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t’s taken about a year, but EdmondsWoodway senior Olivia MeaderYetter is finally back in her element – running on the track. The road back has been lengthy and full of twists and turns for Meader-Yetter, one of the Warriors’ top distance runners. Injuries kept Meader-Yetter on the sidelines for the most part since last May when she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in the neck of her femur, also known as the thighbone. The injury is most common to runners or other athletes who engage in repetitive impact to the lower part of their bodies. “That’s probably the riskiest injury a runner can have,” Meader-Yetter said. Meader-Yetter was on crutches for six weeks and not allowed to put her left leg down. She then was progressively adding weight for another six weeks. So for three months, Meader-Yetter was on crutches. e game made his job Then just as cross country practices started in early August, Meader-Yetter s just wanted to play.suffered another major setback when -she broke her left foot in multiple said. “Everythingplaces. The Edmonds-Woodway senior her – all the pieces.ended up not running in the state cross he talent. They hadcountry championships for the first ng. They had thetime in her high school career. hat they couldn’t Meader-Yetter finished fourth at the 3A meet her junior and freshman e, coaching 13 boysseasons and placed eighth during her ays easy and Corsisophomore campaign. As a junior, the avily on assistantEdmonds-Woodway standout took sixth in the 1,600-meter race and eighth in f this would havethe 3,200 at the state track and field ible without him,”championships. She also finished ninth si said. “It was likein the 3,200 during her sophomore year. married and we had Looking back, Meader-Yetter said was a constant battlethat getting up for a morning Intert who’s doing what.”national Baccalaureate class coupled edication to his play-with a ramping up of her mileage integral part of theduring track season likely led to her physical problems. personally invested “I got less sleep, which means less ngle player,” Durbinrecovery time,” she said. “There was a was willing to dolot of fatigue with not enough rest.” t takes to make evthe best player they
ire to help players
Meader-Yetter felt pain in early April but didn’t get the injury diagnosed until May. The delay is common. “Usually it takes about 14 weeks for that kind of fracture to be diagnosed appropriately,” she said. “People think it’s a tight muscle or something like that.” Meader-Yetter said it was extremely difficult not to be able to run. At the time, she was at one of the fittest points of her life. “Once I got knocked off that pedestal that I thought I was on, it was hard to see my teammates doing well and I hate to say that because as a teammate you want to be supportive all the time,” she said. “But emotionally it was absolutely devastating.” Meader-Yetter found herself feeling depressed and have to deal with anxiety. “I had never been that way before in my life,” she said. “I can with confidence say I was depressed for multiple months.” But Meader-Yetter still found ways to contribute to the team. “She was always here supporting her teammates,” Edmonds-Woodway cross country coach Alan Bonney said. “She was always giving them a pat on the back or a kick in the butt, whatever they needed. She’s just been awesome.” Meader-Yetter kept in shape by cross training and as she gradually was able to do more forms of cross training, she started get over the hump. Meader-Yetter noted that she had to put in more work when she was cross training to keep up her aerobic output than she would have if she were running. She started out using a hand bike where she sat on a chair and moved her arms fast. Meader-Yetter then transitioned to swimming for an hour and a half, but only with her arms. She didn’t start progressing her running until January. “I don’t think that I fully came out of the fog until about early February or so,” Meader-Yetter said. Even though she ran her season’s
King’s baseball, soccer teams advance
The King’s baseball team wrapped recalled how coachup the regular season with two series ped him with hissweeps over rivals Granite Falls and ng the regular sea-Sultan in North Sound Conference ar even though Corsibaseball action. coach. Vaughn was The Knights (10-5 in the league, 11-9 ut with Corsi’s son atoverall) finished third in the league and will face Overlake in a first-round 1A and take me outsideBi-District tournament game at noon, kyard and we hit off Saturday, May 4, at Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham. King’s defeated Granite Falls 6-0, 10-2 and 4-3 then overwhelmed Sultan 20-0, 16-1 and 12-0 to finish with its best league and overall record in school history. The Knights recorded their first series sweep in history over Coupeville
earlier in the season. Christian Engmann and Jack McCallister scored goals to lead King’s to a 2-0 victory over Meridian in 1A District boys soccer tournament game Monday, April 29, at Meridian High School. Senior Gunnar Morehead recorded the shutout for the Knights (9-3-1). King’s takes on South Whidbey in the district championship game at 5 p.m., Saturday, at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo. The Falcons (13-1) blanked Lynden Christian 3-0. South Whidbey defeated King’s 2-1 and 2-0 during the regular season. Regardless of Saturday’s results, both teams advance to the Bi-District tournament.
u from PACIFIC page 8
Tjarneberg said. The players agree that the trip to the Little League World Series lived up to their expectations. The team went 1-2 in the tournament. The atmosphere and attention from fans were overwhelming at times, but the players soaked up every moment. “It was surreal,” Vaughn said. “We were meeting MLB players. Kids were coming up and asking for our autographs. We felt like we were in the Major Leagues.” The memories of the entire summer are seared into Durbin’s memory. “You feel like a movie star for about two months,” he said. “Then you go back to school and everyone knows you again. That experience will stick with a lot of us for the rest of our lives.”
a tee for two hours and he critiques my swing just because he can,” Vaughn said. “The next day I hit a home run off his team. I’ll never forget that. I don’t think any coach would do that for me.” Michael said that coaches Corsi and Grant got the best out of all the players and taught them lifelong lessons through baseball. “Never give up. Work really hard and then if you do work really hard, you can get what you want,” Michael said. Michael said he also learned “how to work with a team and with each other for something bigger than yourself.” Tjarneberg describes Corsi as one of the greatest coaches he’s ever had. “He’s someone who really helped shape me into the person I am today,”
Beacon photo by David Pan Edmonds-Woodway’s Olivia Meader-Yetter runs in the 1,600-meter race Thursday, April 11, at Everett Memorial Stadium. Meader-Yetter finished third. best time in the 1,600 at last month’s Eason Invitational, Meader-Yetter said she still isn’t 100 percent healthy. “Right now, I’m still relying on cross training for a lot of my fitness,” she said. “My mileage isn’t extremely high. … I’m hoping to be 100 percent within the next few months. But I don’t think it will be by the end of track season.” Meader-Yetter is focused more on building up her confidence and reclaiming her race mentality. She will be continung her running career at Gonzaga.
“Ultimately, the goal would be to run well at Wesco and to run well at districts and see if that gets me where I want to go,” she said. “If I can improve as much as possible before the end of the season that would be my goal.” But more than anything, MeaderYetter is glad to be able to finish out her senior year on her feet. “It’s been a really, really long process,” she said. “I think I’m more grateful I can compete with my friends and my teammates because it’s definitely more of a gift that I realized it was at the time.”
Warriors, Mavericks post softball wins Mya Fegler and Sofia Chamorro each drove in two runs to help EdmondsWoodway defeat Shorewood 7-3 in a Wesco 3A softball game Monday, April 29, at Edmonds-Woodway High School. Annika Forseth picked up the victory for the Warriors, who won their third straight game and fifth in their last six contests. The Warriors close out the season against Archbishop Murphy (4 p.m., Thursday, May 2, at EdmondsWoodway), Snohomish (4 p.m., Monday,
May 6, at Edmonds-Woodway) and Marysville-Pilchuck (4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at Marysville-Pilchuck). District rival Meadowdale is closing in on a league title after a 1-0 victory over Archbishop Murphy on Monday, April 29, and a 7-2 win over Shorecrest on Tuesday, April 30. The Mavericks (10-0 in the league, 12-4 overall) are one game ahead of Snohomish (9-1, 13-2) and Everett (9-1, 13-3). Meadowdale defeated both teams earlier this season.
Athlete of the Week
MEADOWDALE
BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
Senior Hana Berisha is an integral part of the Lady Mavs Tennis Team, bringing spirit and a sense of humor to the program. As a captain, her pre-match pep talks lift the team, showing her unique leadership skills. On the court, she is calm and collected in her matches wearing her opponents down with her conditioning and a powerful forehand swing. In addition to tennis, Hana is a member of both our MHS Impressions choir and Treble choir and performed this year in the Miscast Cabaret, as her love of music is equal to her love of tennis. Hana is also a Link Leader and member of the MHS National Honor Society. Following graduation, Hana plans to pursue a career in art. That is why Hana Berisha is our Meadowdale High School Athlete of the Week.
Hana Berisha Girls Tennis
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Edmonds-Woodway plays on its field of dreams Warriors enjoy big league experience at Mariners’ ballpark BY DAVID PAN REPORTER @ YOURBEACON . NET
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contributors on the hree combined for
Beacon photos by David Pan Left, Edmonds-Woodway’s Dominic Farley (20) scores the winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning against Mount Si during the 13th annual High School Baseball Classic Sunday, April 7, at T-Mobile Park, formerly known as Safeco Field, in Seattle. The Warriors won 4-3. Right, Edmonds-Woodway’s Dylan Brower catches a pop fly in the infield.
Left, Edmonds-Woodway catcher Robley Corsi III throws the ball back to the pitcher after the umpire calls a strike. Right, Edmonds-Woodway’s Dillon Rundorff winds up to pitch to Mount Si. for the Edmonds-Woodway sophomore. With the score tied 3, Farley led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a hard grounder that bounced over the Mount Si second baseman. He then stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. With one out and the Mount Si pitcher struggling with his control, the ball again got
away from the catcher and Farley sprinted home to score the winning run as the Warriors defeated the Wildcats 4-3. “I just saw it go past (the catcher) and I ran hard,” Farley said. “…It was crazy. To come into the game, be able to get a chance to hit, get on base in the last inning and then get a chance to score for the winning run, it felt good — really good.”
Athlete of the Week Congratulations to junior Tyler Durbin for being named King’s High School’s athlete of the week. Durbin, a pitcher and infielder for the Knights’ baseball team, struck out 14 batters in a complete-game shutout performance to lead his team to a 5-0 victory over Coupeville in a North Sound Conference game Monday, April 1, at Shorewood High School. Durbin also had three hits in the Knights’ 8-0 victory over the Wolves on Friday, April 5. King’s swept the three-game series over Coupeville. Way to go Isaac!
Tyler Durbin Baseball
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Mount Si scored one run in the first and two in the second before Edmonds-Woodway tied the score with three runs in the bottom of the second. The Wildcats pitcher hit two Edmonds-Woodway batters and an error led to two runs. Every Edmonds-Woodway player that attended Sunday’s game batted, pitched or played in the field at T-Mobile Park. The Warriors used five differ-
ent pitchers after Starchman. “It was really a team win today,” Somoza said. “Everybody got an at-bat. Everybody got on the mound. We switched it up. It was just really cool to see the bench kids really get in and contribute to this game.” The coaching staff ’s message to all of the players was pretty simple – enjoy themselves. see
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Athlete of the Week
MEADOWDALE
nference game against aac Hines struck out 10
KING’S SCHOOL
dmonds-Woodway’s appearance at the 13th annual High School Baseball Classic was a dream come true for players, coaches and fans. The Warriors savored every moment as they faced Mount Si in a nonconference baseball game contested on the Seattle Mariners’ home field at TMobile Park, formerly known as Safeco Field, on Sunday, April 6. “You grew up watching the Mariners and to have a chance to play on the same field is pretty special,” EdmondsWoodway coach Dan Somoza hen hit a game-end-said. “It’s just cool to see teence fly that scored Ca-age kids up here and be in awe n the bottom of theof what they’re going to be a ing. Berry reachedpart of.” error and advanced This was the Warriors’ third on Cumberland’stime playing at the Seattle bunt. Cole DuncanMariners’ ballpark. Edmondsground ball that wasWoodway played in semifinal d to load the basesand consolation games in the 2017 3A state tournament, ne’s confidence iswhich was played at Safeco g,” Hunnewell said.Field. Senior Tai Starchman ving a lot of fun. appreciated the opportunity to ing good baseball.” head out to the mound as the ing their first four Warriors’ starting pitcher. ence games, the “I was really excited obvi(3-1 in the league,ously to pitch,” he said. “We have won five out of played here a couple years ago. I didn’t pitch, so it was really row strikes and playcool.” e’ve got a shot to win Starchman remembered how nervous the team was the last time they played in the Seattle Mariners’ ballpark. This time around he told his teammates to soak in the atmosphere. “We had some more time to enjoy it,” Starchman said. “The last time it was pretty stressful. This time, I personally, and I know the rest of the guys really wanted to take in the moment. It’s a pretty awesome experience.” Edmonds-Woodway’s Dominic Farley will long remember his two innings playing at TMobile Park. Farley came into the game in the fifth inning and ended up made a catch in the outfield. “I think it’s a blessing to be able to play here in high school,” Farley said. “It’s always been my dream to play out here.” But the best was yet to come
to the next hitting id. “You get in and er than in and out the plate to go hit.”
Edmonds Beacon - 13
This week we recognize senior Clay Collisson. His leadership, hard work, and positive attitude have been major factors behind the success of our Maverick soccer team. Clay is a veteran defender who is just as intelligent on the field as he is in the classroom. He is always striving to learn more and shows an eagerness to perform at the highest level. Clay’s experience and leadership qualities have helped create a new soccer culture within our program. In addition to soccer, Clay has a long resume of activities to his credit. He is the ASB Executive Officer in charge of Activities, a National Honor Society member, contributor to the Maverick News weekly video program, and a member of the Hi-Q Team. Clay plans to study Bio-chemistry next fall at Wesleyan University. That is why Clay Collisson is our Meadowdale High School Athlete of the Week.
Clay Collisson Boys Soccer
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April 11, 2019
Gold Medalist raises spirits, funds for E-W wrestler
Edmonds-Woodway’s Emily Hood watches Helen Maroulis discuss a wrestling technique.
U.S. Olympian Helen Maroulis hosts clinic to benefit Emily Hood U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis and the wrestling community came together in show of support for Edmonds-Woodway wrestler Emily Hood, who is battling a rare childhood brain cancer. Maroulis, the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic wrestling gold medal, shared her vast knowledge of the sport during a free clinic that was attended by 120 wrestlers from across the state Saturday, April 6, at EdmondsWoodway High School. At the end of the two-hour clinic, Maroulis announced that more than $10,000 was donated by attendees, their families and supporters of the Hood family. This week Hood, 17, wrapped up radiation treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an extremely rare childhood cancer that affects about 300 children in the United States each year. Hood was diagnosed with the inoperable tumor on her brain
stem in February. She will be taking a four-week break before starting on further treatment. On Friday, Maroulis came straight from the airport to surprise Hood at her radiation appointment. Later that day, the 2016 Olympian gave Hood her World Championship singlet and had dinner with the Hood family. Maroulis then passed around her gold medal for everyone to see. Edmonds-Woodway boys wrestling coach Brian Alfi initially helped arrange what was going to be a visit from Maroulis, who then suggested that they put together a fundraiser. After Saturday’s clinic/fundraiser, the local chapter of Make-A-Wish hosted a party at the Hood home where the organization presented the family with a trip to Paris. The Hoods then spent Sunday showing Maroulis some of the sights of the Seattle area. A GoFundMe account to support the Hood family has been established at: https://ca.gofundme.com/help-emilyhood. Additional updates can be found on the Facebook group Emily’s Army at: https://www.facebook.com/EmilysArmyFightLikeEm/.
Beacon photos by David Pan Above: Edmonds-Woodway’s Emily Hood and U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Maroulis enjoy their time together during a wrestling clinic Saturday, April 6, at Edmonds-Woodway High School. Below, about 120 wrestlers attended Saturday’s clinic/fundraiser.
Helen Maroulis demonstrates a wrestling move during Saturday’s clinic.
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Beacon photo by David Pan Edmonds-Woodway’s players and coaches gather after the Warriors’ 4-3 victory over Mount Si at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
u from WARRIORS page 13 “It’s a special time,” Somoza said. “We just talked about loving the game of baseball. … Just have fun out here and that’s what these guys did today. They really enjoyed it.” Edmonds-Woodway was on a waiting list for several years before being selected to play in the event this year. Schools agree to sell Seattle Mariners tickets as part of the agreement to
participate in the High School Baseball Classic. Edmonds-Woodway exceeded its goal of a thousand tickets. The team will be attending the Sunday, April 14 game against the Houston Astros. Unlike every other fan at the game, the Warriors will be able to point to the diamond with a knowing eye. “It’s going to be fun to come to the game and say ‘hey, we were just there last week,’’ Somoza said.