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Dispatch 11052025

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November 5, 2025

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ISSUE 45

IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Hunting for a job? In the market for a new home? Have something to sell? Turn to the Classifieds in The Dispatch and at dispatchnews.com

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he Eatonville Youth Football Senior JV team proved once again why it stands atop the Thurston County Youth Football League, dominating the Black Hills Wolves 24–0 in the 2025 championship game to secure back-to-back league titles. Behind a ferocious defense, explosive special teams, and a determined offense led by quarterback Maddox Chopic, the Cruisers completed their championship run in decisive fashion, capping an undefeated season in which they outscored their opponents 208–19. The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams trading punts through the first quarter. Eatonville’s opening possession was marred by two bad snaps, pushing them deep into their own territory, and forcing a punt that gave Black Hills favorable field position at the Eatonville 30-yard line. But the Cruiser defense held strong, forcing another Wolves punt to end the first quarter deadlocked at 0–0. Starting deep in their own territory at the 9-yard line, the Cruisers methodically marched down the field on a long, punishing drive that chewed up most of the second quarter clock. The effort was capped when

Chopic powered his way across the goal line on a quarterback sneak for the game’s first score. Kale Noble added the conversion run to make it 7–0 with 1:45 left in the half. Black Hills managed to push into Eatonville territory just before halftime, but a fumbled snap was recovered by Christopher Burlew to preserve the 7–0 lead at the break. Eatonville’s momentum carried straight into the second half. Noble fielded the opening kickoff and sprinted 80 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Cruiser sideline. Colby Rath added the conversion run to extend the lead to 14–0 early in the third quarter. The Eatonville defense then went into full lockdown mode. Lucas Bernt intercepted a tipped pass to halt one Wolves drive, and a few minutes later, Rath snagged another interception at the Cruiser 34-yard line to snuff out another threat. By the end of the third quarter, Eatonville had moved deep into Black Hills territory once again, setting up the final surge in the fourth. After a series of penalties pushed the Cruisers back near midfield, Chopic connected with Bernt on a big passing play to move the chains down to the 12-yard line. On a later fourth down, TJ Kralik broke free for what

The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) has announced that the Eatonville School District Board of Directors has been designated a Board of Distinction for 2025!

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n its recognition, WSSDA stated, “We enjoyed reviewing your district’s application materials and thought that your board provided a compelling example of strategic leadership with a clear and actionable strategic plan. The positive description of engaging the community, excellent connection with board standards, and your recognition that learning can't happen until the opportunity to learn is in place shows thoughtful and intentional governance. Great work!” This honor celebrates school boards across Washington that demonstrate exemplary governance practices, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to student success. Eatonville’s five-member Board will receive formal recognition on November

20 at the WSSDA Annual Conference. After learning about the announcement, Superintendent Jay Brower shared: “Wow! This is incredible news! Thank you so much! Our five elected school board members and our executive assistant to the board certainly deserve this honor! Their consistent dedication and focus on student achievement and

wellness is paying off in a big way! Eatonville Strong!” Please join us in congratulating our Board of Directors for this well-deserved recognition. The Eatonville School District Board of Directors continues to model strong, collaborative leadership that supports the district’s vision of empowering every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The 2025 Thurston County Youth Football League Senior JV Champions, the Eatonville Cruisers, pose for a team photo following their dominate 24-0 victory over the Black Hills Wolves. appeared to be a touchdown but fumbled just short of the goal line. Burlew was there again, falling on the ball at the 1-yard line. Chopic finished the job on the next play with another quarterback sneak. Tommy Zurfluh booted through the two-point kick to make it 22–0 with 4:04 left to play.

Moments later, Eatonville’s special teams struck again when Black Hills fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Burlew recovered at the Wolves’ 28-yard line. Although Eatonville

JR CRUISERS, 11

Eatonville Girls Swim Team Surges to Second at SPSL Championships, Qualifies for Districts By Skip Smith

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he Eatonville Cruiser girls swim team capped off a season of relentless work and steady progress with a stellar performance at the 2A South Puget Sound League (SPSL) Championships on Wednesday at Foss High School, earning a secondplace team finish and setting up a strong run into the postseason. The Cruisers scored 320 points to secure the runner-up spot behind Steilacoom (429) and ahead of Fife (296), thanks to an impressive mix of individual breakthroughs, clutch relay swims, and a display of determination that turned close races into medal moments. Head coach Andrea Stammen said the team’s energy and effort at the meet exceeded every expectation. “These girls exceeded expectations,” Stammen said. “They left coaches and spectators hoarse from cheering. Every swim had that extra spark — those ‘stolen finishes’ where a quick hand made the difference.” In the week leading up to the meet, the Cruisers studied a race from one of

ANDREA STAMMEN

By Skip Smith

RYLEA FOEHL

Jr Cruisers Complete Back-to-Back Championship Run with Shutout Victory

the world’s fastest swimmers — American star Kate Douglass, who last week became the first woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle (49.93). Stammen said her team focused on Douglass’ finish, where a lightning-fast reach to the wall secured her record. The lesson stuck. “We watched how she finished — how she stole that world record by darting her hand forward when it mattered most,” Stammen said. “The girls took that inspiration and ran with it.”

And run with it they did. Eatonville swimmers turned close races into thrilling finishes, with hands darting for the wall just fractions of a second ahead of opponents — a skill that translated directly into podium places and personal records. Senior captain Nicole Tomyn led the charge, capturing gold in the 50 freestyle with a blistering, lifetime-best performance that shaved 1.06 seconds off her previous record. She also added two silvers and a

CHAMPIONSHIPS, 3


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