Sports

SLIDESHOW: WSLL Dodgers fall to the Angels in high scoring tournament game

patr — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:39:14 +0000

The West Seattle Dodgers Little League Minor team took on the American Angels in the single elimination game to determine the champion in the 8-10 year old class. Both teams battled through a grueling schedule of games to arrive at this final game match up.

The Dodgers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning and by the third their lead had increased to 4-1, but the Angels battled back and tied the game at 5-5 in the fourth. The score would change hands several times over the next two innings but was tied up at the end of regulation play at 8-8. In extra play the Angels exploded for six runs and held off a Dodgers rally to win the game 14-8.

The game was so exciting that even the coaches of both teams couldn’t recall the score once the game ended.

One coach remarked “Isn’t this fun! I’m so happy for the kids. What a baseball game”!

Even though some of the young Dodgers players were on the edge of tears after striking out it was all smiles after the game when they held their trophies, and isn’t that what it’s all about. Play the game, do your best, and above all… Have fun.

The team won 19 games in a row and ended their season with a 20-2 record.

Congratulations to the Dodgers, Angels and all of the “Boys of summer”.

SLIDESHOW: West Seattle Orioles challenge but lose in Dist. 7 tournament

patr — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:26:00 +0000

An extended stay at the District 7 Major Little League Tournament of Champions was not to be for the West Seattle Orioles.

They took a 9-4 loss to the PacWest Dodgers on Friday to be eliminated in the opener of the single-elimination tournament.

West Seattle jumped out to an early lead with a run in the bottom of the second inning of the game played at the Normandy Park City Hall fields.

Paul Johnson singled to start it off, then came around on a wild pitch, a stolen base and a grounder to short by Ben Trigg.

The Dodgers team that draws from Burien and SeaTac answered with one in the top of the third as Trenton Brown doubled to left center and came around on a dropped third strike followed by a wild pitch.
Mark McLean then scored for PacWest in the top of the fourth, hitting a single and taking second on a wild pitch that led to two errant throws that brought him on in.

West Seattle jumped out front, 4-2, with two runs in the fourth with the help of base hits by Jackson Sullivan and Trigg sandwiched around a pair of PacWest errors.

But the Dodgers jumped out front again with three in the fifth.

Ethan Weets drew a walk ahead of another double to left center by Brown. Two errors on the same play scored Weets and Brown. John Kemp then singled, advanced as Dylan Shaw was hit by a pitch and scored on a single by McClean.

PacWest racked up four insurance runs in the top of the sixth and final inning.

Tim Elliott walked, Weets singled and Brown walked to load the bases. After back-to-back popouts to first, Shaw walked to bring in a run, McClean singled to drive in one to cap off a 3-for-3 day and Will Roberson reached on a dropped third strike. Alonzo Zaragoza walked to force in the fourth run of the rally.

McClean then capped off two innings of perfect relief for the Dodgers by inducing three straight ground outs. McClean had struck out three straight in the fifth.

West Seattle actually finished with more strikeouts than PacWest by a 16-10 margin.

The Orioles of West Seattle included Chris Frost, Joe Pare, Jack Summers, Jackson Sullivan, Paul Johnson, Eli Dever, Ben Trigg, Corey Zarowski, Greg Cramer and Adam Chin.

SLIDESHOW: 2013 Gravity Gran Prix comes to White Center

patr — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:07:37 +0000

The third year of the Jubilee Days Pinewood Derby Gravity Gran Prix arrives at Big Al Brewing. This coming Sunday June 23rd racers from around the Burien, White Center, and West Seattle area will compete in the 2013 Gravity Gran Pre. The event is an all age’s affair with food and music in big Al’s beer garden. The car weigh in period will begin at 2pm with the first qualifying race shortly after.

A new competitor in this year’s races is TEAM FOTO54. TEAM FOTO54 will be filming the races for an upcoming documentary and word from the pits is this team has put together a very fast and competitive race car. I was able to meet up with the team during a testing session at their secret White Center location to see for myself what all buzz is about.

Team owner Greg McCorkle met me at Big Al’s and insisted that I be blindfolded so as not to reveal the location of TEAM FOTO54’s secret workshop.

Upon arrival I was greeted by the entire team. Along with team owner Greg McCorkle there was the team's ace driver Greg McCorkle, Crew Chief Greg McCorkle, head mechanic Greg McCorkle, and lead photographer Greg McCorkle. All were excited to have coverage of their new car and talk about the documentary.

Driver Greg McCorkle was the most animated about the race. “I just came in from our test course and the car behaved beautifully. The crew has found the sweet spot and I expect this car to be extremely fast on race day”.

Driver Greg McCorkle

What improvements have been made to the car? “if I told you I’d have to kill you” McCorkle jokingly responded. “No, just kidding. It really comes down to weight distribution. With the camera gear that GoPro has provided for the documentary the cars center of gravity had to be radically altered. We contacted Greg McCorkle at Weight Distribution Systems and he was able to come up with a radical frame design that still meets the race rules”.

How has the car performed in the past? “We did well last month in Sao Paulo with a fourth place finish but that was due mostly to a late race pit stop to change tires, other than that with the new body design she’s running well and I expect better results this Sunday.”

Crew member Greg McCorkle fuels up the car which oddly enough uses no fuel

Do you expect to move up in the world ranking before the season ends? “The car holds the number thirteen ranking in the world but I expect that to change on Sunday… I’m referring to winning on Sunday and increasing our points standing in a very tight points race. Several teams are within 3 points of one another so finishing strong will help. We’d like to finish the season with a number four ranking and we can go a long way to accomplish that with a win on Sunday”.

Crew Chief Greg McCorkle talked about the challenges that came up with the new car. “Like Greg was saying we had to create a new frame design that was lite enough to cut weight and at the same time be strong enough to hold up to the stresses that will be put on the frame during the many heats the car will be involved in over the course of the entire race day. I think Greg McCorkle and the folks over at Weight Distribution have done a fine job”. Head mechanic Greg McCorkle chimed in “The frame matched up well with our new body design. It really was a kind of plug and play match up thing”.

Team FOTO54 L-R Owner Greg McCorkle, driver Greg McCorkle, Crew members Greg McCorkle and Greg McCorkle

About the body, which is very sleek indeed, I asked team owner Greg McCorkle how this new design came about. “We decided a few weeks after the Sao Paulo finish that an entirely new concept needed to be explored. We worked with new plastic compositions and developed a new process that got us to this design. Wind tunnel testing validated the math and along with our new frame design we were able to bring the car in at 2.1 ounces. That’s really important because the camera is over half of that cars weight. We should easily come in under the 5 ounce weight limit”.

Team owner Greg McCorkle-left- talks strategy with driver Greg McCorkle

Has weight been an issue in the past? “Last year at Montauque Le Bonne in Quebec we came in a tenth of a gram over weight but we had plenty of time to correct issue before the first qualifying lap and the car ran well and Greg drove it to a third place finish. Everybody pushes the weight thing, it’s the competitive nature that all of the teams have so there will be overs but there is usually plenty of time to correct the problem and get re weighed before the first qualifier”.

Lead photographer Greg McCorkle was very excited to be part of this racing event. ‘The folks at GoPro went above and beyond in helping me with my concept for this documentary. After doing still photography at last years race I really wanted to show the people on the West Side how much fun the Grand Pre event here at Big Al’s really is. Doing a short film, I thought, was the best way to show the splendor and the magnitude of race day. Besides having a camera mounted in the car- which Greg McCorkle gets big props for allowing me to place a camera in his car- I’ll be filming the races throughout the day, with aerial shots, crowd activities and music performances. I’m hoping to keep the documentary under three minutes”.

We're feeling very confident about our chances on Sunday says FOTO54 team

Where will the public be able to view your documentary? “I’m working with the folks from Jubilee Days and they will allow me to post it on their Facebook and web site”.

When will the documentary be released? “I’m hoping to have it done before the fireworks show on the 17th of July which kicks off Jubilee Days”.

As Team owner Greg McCorkle drove me (blindfolded) back to Big Al’s I couldn’t help but wonder what the other competitors were doing to their cars. Would anyone have a machine capable of beating TEAM FOTO54’s entry? Or would the number 13 car simply run away and take the title at the 2013 Pinewood Derby Gravity Grand Prix…. Come to the races and find out.

West Seattle Little League Juniors win Dist. 7 Tournament of Champions

patr — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:32:54 +0000

Information from West Seattle Little League

West Seattle Little League Juniors wins District 7 Tournament of Champions (TOC) narrowly defeating the talented Angels from PAC West with a final score of 4 to 3 today.

The tournament was hosted by Renton Little League with the games played at McKnight Middle School in Renton.

Pitchers were starter Grayson O'Neil through 5 innings and Jacob Terao was the closer through the 7th.

Coaches are Mark Terao and Mark O'Neil.

Players are:
Jax Cramer
Chris Drake
Blue James
Jackson Oehling
Grayson O'Neil
Trifon Papahronis
Elijah Phouangphet
Timmy Roach
Gage Rowlands
Jacob Terao
Zach Gerhardt DNP Injury
Marcus Titialii DNP NA

SLIDESHOW: WSLL Dodgers win Minors Division in 11-2 triumph

patr — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:30:14 +0000

By Laurie Rasmussen

West Seattle Little League Dodgers won the Minors division championship on Saturday against the White Sox with a score of 11-2. The Dodgers had an amazing season with a record of 18-1 losing only one game this year early in the season.

They went on to win 17 games in a row.

Yesterday they were led into battle by their ace pitcher Michael Schwartz who pitched an amazing five inning game . Their bats were hot yesterday as well allowing for everyone one of their players to get on base during the game with a hit or base on balls. Then the Dodgers were able to bring in pitcher Nate Rasmussen to come in and close the game out in the top of the sixth inning pitching only to three batters to end the game.

The Dodgers get to move on to the Tournament of Champions next weekend in Burien.

SLIDESHOW: Orioles defeat the Braves 6-5 in dramatic WSLL Championship game

patr — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:08:01 +0000

By Porter Hammer

The West Seattle Little League Majors Division Championship game was played Saturday June 8, and featured great performances by three 12-year old boys who are in their last season of 12U Little League play. The Orioles played the Braves in a dramatic game, which featured a come from behind walk off win in the final inning.

Chris Frost started the game pitching for the Orioles, and gave up 5 runs through 5 innings. Kai Osaka started the game pitching for the Braves, and went 5 + innings in an outstanding effort.

Additionally Kai hit the game's only homerun, a solo shot. Joe Pare (son of current West Seattle Little League President Brian Pare) won the game for the Orioles with a walk off two out hit.

The Orioles won 6-5.

The Orioles move on to the Little League Tournament of Champions for District 7. The first game will be played this Friday at 6pm at Normandy Park.

SLIDESHOW: Red Star Pizza shines in Pinto and Mustang Leagues

patr — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 01:05:49 +0000

By Greg McCorkle

The Red Star Pizza company was likely a happy and jubilant place on Saturday.

Two of the Pony League teams they sponsor won their respective league titles Saturday afternoon at Riverview Park in West Seattle. In the Mustang League the Red Star Pizza team beat the team from Alki Lumber 6-5 and over on the adjacent field the Red Star Pizza Pinto League team defeated the team from Tom’s Automotive 10-2. The kids couldn’t wait for the awards ceremony to end so they could reward themselves with pizza and sodas provided by their sponsor.

When I was ten playing baseball was everything. Putting that uniform on was a transformative moment for me. I became Mickey Mantle, my boyhood hero. Striding out onto the field I felt ten feet tall, the master of my world. And that world was a simple place. No school, no parental rules, just the game. And in the game everything is possible. Dreams can be fulfilled in the ballpark like no other place for a young person.

The crack of the bat contacting the ball sets in motion a dreamy scenario. Feet making contact with the bag as the turn is made toward the next base. The defense, reacting to the play, races to the correct position to cut off the runner, cleats churning up the grass releasing that unmistakable smell that says summer. Rounding third base focusing on that point on the diamond where destiny happens. The shouts of “Slide! Slide!” from the coaches’ prompts the normally unnatural act of diving head first onto a hard surface. But that doesn’t matter because all you see is home plate and destiny. That’s the place that creates legends in a young person’s reality. As I watched both games I saw in every players eyes the reality of that better place where the moment is prefect and all dreams are possible.

Congratulations to the teams from Red Star Pizza and all of the young players that aspire to Americas past time.

Stay forever young and keep the dream alive.

WSHS Wildcats honored by West Seattle Pony Baseball

patr — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:15:09 +0000

The West Seattle Pony Baseball team welcomed several members of the 2nd in state West Seattle Wildcats baseball team at the opening of their League Tournament. The coach and players for the Wildcats were presented with a commemorative baseball, honoring their season.

Many of the High school players played their first baseball at the Peewee Fields by Riverview.

Even Coach Velko Vitalich was once a baseball player in the West Seattle League.

Highline Schools will offer youth sports camps over the summer

patr — Tue, 28 May 2013 23:47:27 +0000

Information from Highline Public Schools

Highline Public Schools Athletics is offering sports camps this summer for students entering grades 1 through 12. Twenty camps will cover ten sports: Basketball, Cheer, Cross Country, Dance/Drill, Football, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.

The summer sports camp program is a new initiative of the school district. The camps are taught by Highline coaches and teachers, and are geared for young athletes at all levels of experience.

“Our summer camps program is an effort by district coaches to provide fundamental skills instruction to students throughout the district,” said Highline Athletic Director Terri McMahan. “It is an opportunity for younger students to learn from skilled coaches and high school student-athletes in a fun and instructional environment.”

Registration forms are available online at www.highlineschools.org/athletics. Information can also be obtained by contacting Debbi Mathews at debra.mathews@highlineschools.org, or 206-431-2418.

SLIDESHOW: Derby Liberation Front unloads on the Pink Pistols 223-67

patr — Mon, 27 May 2013 01:09:19 +0000

White Centers Southgate Roller Rink hosted an invitational bout against a team from rival league Jet City Rollergirls of Everett. The “Pink Pistols” of Everett took on the Derby Liberation Front from Seattle’s own Rat City Rollergirls.

A packed house greeted the skaters and the cheers from viewers pumped up the athletes. The DLF jumped out to a fast start and never looked back. By the time the Pistols scored their first point the DLF had 101 points on the board. At the half it was a 118-38 DLF advantage. Half time was used to raffle off team merchandise and fans were quick to the merch booth to pick up their winnings. In the second half DLF continued the pressure on the Pistols and as the bout ended the score was overwhelming. A 223-67 win for the vocal women of the Derby Liberation Front. Who’s motto is “Smash the State”.

Announcer and master of ceremonies Professor Jake Stratton explained some Rollergirls history. “The Rollergirls have been around for ten years. This is our ninth season but ten years ago practice began at the Southgate Roller Rink and the following year the teams began to compete. We now compete at Key Arana and five to six thousand people come to watch our events”.

The DLF is ranked 6th in the nation, according the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), out of 155 registered teams.

For more information about the Rollergirls and upcoming events go to www.ratcityrollergirls.com and for information about the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association go to www.wftda.com

West Seattle Wildcats come up short at state fall 7-1

patr — Sun, 26 May 2013 17:14:41 +0000

Playing for their first ever WIAA State 3A title the West Seattle Wildcats were in uncharted waters. How does a team navigate the emotional currents that an inexperienced group like this will encounter when faced with a first time situation? West Seattle has never made it this far in the state baseball playoffs since the school was established. To say it was exciting would be an understatement. For graduating seniors a game of a lifetime, for returning players a taste of future possibilities.

Those possibilities seemed concrete after a tight 3-1 win against Mt Si. Steady play and no mistakes. Playoff experience has no substitute. They were as ready as any team could be for the final push towards the title. Sam Hellinger got them here on steady pitching but Hellinger would not be on the rubber for this game pitching a one hitter in the Mt Si win the day before. Ben Wexler would be the Wildcats mound manager this day.

Wexler’s counterpart Shawn Guinn is in the same position. Pitching in the “big game”. Nerves are a part of every game but in a game where everything is on the line and it’s a winner tales all situation the cooler heads always prevail.

The Auburn Mountain View lions came from behind the day before to put themselves in the final swing for the title. They exploded for five runs in the 6th inning to push past Kennewick 6-4 and set themselves up to face the Wildcats for all of the marbles.

The first three innings between these two teams turned out to be a pitching duel with both hurlers dominating the diamond with crafty pitching choices. But there were cracks forming. Auburn hitters had managed two hits off of Wexler while Wildcat batsmen posted a goose egg and in the fourth with a lion runner on first Wexler’s attempt to hold the runner there threw wide of the bag, the runner advanced to second and the Lions had their first scoring opportunity of the game. The Lions Maso Cerillo then connected with a hard single that brought around the first run of the game and Auburn had a 1-0 lead. The Lions would load the bases on a second hit and a walk by Wexler, but he would pitch his way out of the inning and the game was still in control.

West Seattle would get their first hit of the day in the bottom of the fourth when leadoff hitter Morgan McCullough singled and the Wildcats had the tying run on base. Lion’s pitcher Shawn Guinn didn’t blink and retired the next three batters in order and the Wildcat threat was extinguished.

The Lions smelled blood at this point and put together a classic small ball scoring scenario. After their leadoff hitter singled Auburn put together two sacrifices and a bunt to bring in another run for a 2-0 advantage. A wild pitch by Wexler would allow the Lions to threaten again with runners on second and third but that threat was extinguished before more damage was done.

West Seattle had another scoring opportunity in the bottom of the fifth when Guinn tallied his first walk of the game with one out but he settled down and excited the inning and the treat was over.
The top of the sixth proved to be Wexler’s undoing giving up three earned runs set up by a hit batter and an error on third baseman Slater wide throw to first base. Now the Wildcats were in trouble. A two run lead is not insurmountable, but down by five runs and the inability to put together an offensive strike was troublesome and didn’t bode well for coach Vitalich’s team. Velko would likely be telling his squad to relax, play smart, and have fun. That’s how he rolls. Things can and often do change in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately for Wexler his day was done and Vitalich brought in Jamie Maples to get things under control. Maples inherited a base runner. Trying to stem the tide Maples first pitch was taken to shallow centerfield for a single. Two pitches later a heartbreaking double brought in another run. Maples got out of the inning but the Wildcats were in a deep hole down 6-0.

Guinn didn’t flinch. With a six run lead he bared down and stymied West Seattle batters to end the sixth. The Lions would tack on another run in the top of the seventh when a baulk by Maples brought in a run. Vitalich pulled Maples for Snook in hopes of stopping the defensive hemorrhaging. Snook pithed himself out of a bases loaded situation and the Wildcats had one more chance at the plate to make some magic happen.
Tim Adams got things rolling with the third hit of the day. Jimmy Mai singled and the Wildcats had runners on the corners. A comeback was looking possible. The West Seattle faithful in attendance erupted when another hit brought in Adams for the Wildcats first run of the game with no outs and two runners in scoring position. That’s when Lions pitcher Shawn Guinn left the mound after six innings of championship pitching. West Seattle loaded the bases on another single and the west side crowd got louder but a collective groan came from the crowd when Jimmy Mai, attempting to score, was thrown out at home. Lions reliever Joey Cassano, with the bases loaded and only one out, got the next two wildcats to fly out stranding three on base and ending the game for West Seattle.

This was heartbreaking for West Seattle fans. The team made history by reaching the final game. Unfortunately the outcome was not what everyone hoped for. The 7-1 loss will serve as a reminder of what things could have been. Maybe another inning would have made the difference, but that inning wouldn’t be available.

The team made an outstanding run. The best in team history. The loss is disappointing but no heads should be down. Velko Vitalich’s squad battled through adversity all year long to put themselves on the field at Gesa Stadium for the chance at the title. There is no shame in losing the last game. Every other 3A team in the state fell by the wayside and only two battle for the crown. Number two is still a good place to be. That is what will carry the returning players through the off season and through fall and winter to spring camp.
Next year.

That is the mantra of all fans and the teams they support. Next year, wait till next year.

See a Mariners game and support WSHS Baseball too

patr — Fri, 24 May 2013 23:33:59 +0000

The West Seattle Wildcats being in the state playoffs for the first time is big news but the Wildcats need more support.

They are selling tickets to the Monday, June 3rd Mariners game against the Chicago, White Sox. The game starts at 7:10 pm and the price per ticket is $10.

Over the last 4 years the team has partnered with the Mariners to sell 1,000 tickets to a designated ballgame. In return, each Spring, the team has had the privilege to play against another area high school team at Safeco Field.

The team needs to sell 200 tickets by Friday, May 31st. If they fall short of this goal they will lose the opportunity to play at Safeco Field for many years or possibly forever because there is a long waiting list and only a handful of schools get to participate in this program each year. If the current participating schools continue to sell the allotted number of tickets each year they continue to participate in the program, if they don't they are placed at the bottom of the list.

For tickets please contact Gina Coats at (206) 779-9793.

Thank you for supporting the West Seattle High School Baseball Team.

UPDATE: West Seattle Wildcats win 3-1; Headed to state championship

patr — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:18:18 +0000

This morning in Southeast Washington the fur flew when the Wildcats of West Seattle defeated the Mount Si Wildcats 3-1 and advance to the final game of the WIAA 3A State Baseball championship.

West Seattle has never advanced this far in team history. They did it today on the strong pitching arm of senior Sam Hellinger and freshman shortstop Morgan McCullough’s standout defense. Hellinger is a member of the Seattle Times All Area Team for 2013 and McCulluogh is the 2013 recipient of the Josh Dickerson Inspirational Award.

West Seattle struck first when in the top of the first Spencer Elder was advanced to second base on a baulk. That brought up Sam Hellinger who took a first pitch deep to right field for a stand up double. Elder was held on third and the Wildcats and runners in scoring position. Next batter up was Tim Adams who took a 2-0 pitch just past the second baseman for an RBI single and West Seattle jumped out to 2-0 lead and would never look back.

The score would remain 2-0 until the top of the fifth when leadoff hitter Morgan McCulluogh blasted a double bagger. Spencer Elder hit a deep dribbler up the first base line that forced the Mt Si pitcher to take the easy out at first allowing McCullough to stand up at third. Hellinger was next at the plate. He hit the ball sharply towards first base and again forcing the play at first allowed McCulluogh to score and that was all that West Seattle needed.

Mount Si threatened in the bottom of the seventh when Hollinger’s throw to first base went wide and allowed a Mount Si runner to score but that would be all the runs the other Wildcats would muster.

Hellinger went the distance on the mound using his pitches effectively allowing six hits, one run, and four K’s. Surprisingly neither pitcher had a walk in the game.

The Wildcats will face Auburn Mountain View (who defeated Kennewick 6-4 in the afternoon game) tomorrow at 4 pm for all of the marbles.
It was looking like West Seattle was going to face Kennewick, leading Auburn 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth AMV exploded with a five run inning and held on to win 6-4.

In an odd sports note the morning game was between two teams with “Wildcats” as their moniker and the afternoon game was between two “Lions” teams.

You can view an on demand video of the game through the PlayOnSports website here:
http://www.playonsports.com/channels/participant-88825/events/61670

A look back: 2013 CSIHS spring sports season recap

patr — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:27:36 +0000

By Sam Reed
Athletic Director/Activity Coordinator
Chief Sealth International High School

Last spring I led my season recap by saying that it was “my belief that the ‘12 spring sports season at Chief Sealth International High School will be one that sets a new standard for excellence and success.”
That statement proved true this year, as our athletes turned out in droves this spring, driven by high expectations. Led by a strong senior class, 254 student-athletes donned Seahawk apparel and demonstrated the “Sealth pride” that’s now come to be expected. Now, as this season and year comes to a close, it’s difficult to conger up the words to express what this group of seniors has meant to the school and to the athletic programs they’ve participated in. While it will be hard to see them go, the list of successes of all below should help demonstrate the strength of the program they’re leaving behind.

Let’s begin on the diamond where head coach Ernest Policarpio and the boys baseball team finished 4th in the Metro Sound Division (9-14 overall) and headed into the playoffs playing their best ball of the season. After an extra inning loss to Eastside Catholic and a clean win over Nathan Hale, the boys saw their season come to an end in a 4-1 loss to Seattle Prep. Seniors Max Sarver (1st team all-league), Michael Hafermann, Marley Lucas (2nd team) and others now turn the reigns over to a team that will be led next season by Izac Bauer (2nd team), Merle Rowan-Kennedy and Blaine Steele (both honorable mention).

Moving across the diamond, the softball team and head coach Mike Depew have established something of a Metro Sound Division dynasty, as they finished off their 2nd consecutive undefeated division title (17-7 overall). The team finished 4th in the Metro League tournament before falling to Mercer Island in Districts. All-league honors went to seniors Malia Dewey, Chloe Behar (1st team all-league), Corie Schwinger and Alana Sullivan (1st team all-division) , and sophomores Sophie Boyd, and Megan Hafermann (1st team all-division).

When building a program, the numbers usually come first, the success later. The ’13 tennis team continues to grow at a record pace, add this year added another division championship to our spring collection. Led by new head coach Alex Kattar, the varsity team finished 4th in Metros and advanced ten individuals into the league tournament. Outstanding sophomore Maria Nguyen made her way back into the District tournament for the 2nd straight year, while captain Andry Xevandry received the prestigious Jill Curan Award, given annually to the Metro League tennis player who shows the greatest display of teamwork and sportsmanship.

The track and field team, led by head coaches Lorna Considine and Asosa Sailiai, had perhaps their most well-rounded team in recent memory. The team received contributions and scored points in nearly every event this season, and was paced by a strong group of jumpers, throwers and distance runners. Senior Vidal Griffin II is headed to State this weekend in both the Triple Jump and High Jump, while sophomore Lorna Sailiai will be headed there as well, as she qualified in Discus for the 2nd straight year.

Once again it was the boys soccer team capturing the attention of many, both in the school and statewide. Head coach Ron Johnson earned his 2nd consecutive Metro Coach of the Year honors, as he and Metro Sound Division MVP Xahil McDonald led a veteran roster to a undefeated division season (13-3-3 overall), a 3rd place finish in the Metro League Tournament and their 2nd straight trip to the State tournament. The team was featured in The Seattle Times and spent most of the season ranked #1 or #2 in the state rankings. The all-league teams was peppered with Seahawks, including McDonald, Kristian Nilssen, Mori Tsuchiya, Devon Offord, Paal Nilssen, Elijiah Lazo, Ben Lee, Abdinur Galgalo, Eduardo Cardoza (1st team all-division), Rafael San Pablo, Sean Umeda, Tore Kelln, Anthony Masundire, and Joe Thayer (2nd team).

There’s another soccer team that deserves recognition this spring. Our Special Olympics Unified Soccer team, now in its third year of existence, has established itself as a model program both in the District and at the state level. Led by coaches Don Freitas and Andrew Saldana, the team – comprised of both students with and without mental disabilities – will be headed to its second consecutive Special Olympics State Games in June as recently sent a student, Christian Freitas, to Costa Rica to compete as part of Team USA on the National Level.

Finally, I was excited to partner with Supersonics Lacrosse this season to form a JV-level lacrosse program. Under the leadership of Scott Pattison, a dedicated group of Seahawks and other area high school students laid the groundwork for a team – and a sport – that continues to gain interest. I look forward to seeing this program grow into a varsity-level team in the near future.

An accomplishment I am even more proud of though, is how our student-athletes have succeeded in the classroom. They are leaders not just on the field, but in the halls and in our community, in student government and music, and in some of the most challenging classes offered at Chief Sealth. Their success is proven by the strong team GPA’s turned in by our sports teams, led by varsity baseball (3.39 combined GPA), varsity soccer (3.3) and varsity softball (3.26). The majority of our graduating student-athletes are moving on to further education, and while some will be participating in athletics, all will be taking what they learned as a Seahawk with them, both in the classroom and in competition.

West Seattle Wildcats headed to state baseball tourney in Pacso with two wins

patr — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:30:22 +0000

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

One road trip paid off in another for the West Seattle baseball team.

The Wildcats won two loser-out games in a row at the Mount Vernon Dream Field on Saturday to earn their way into the state Class 3A semifinals in Pasco.

West Seattle opened regional action in Mount Vernon with a 6-0 win over nearby Ferndale, then defeated Bonney Lake, 7-2, to clinch the semifinal berth.

Next up the Wildcats will face Mount Si in the 10 a.m. semifinal at GESA Stadium in Pasco this coming Friday.

The winner goes on to play for the state 3A championship against the 1 p.m. Kennewick vs. Auburn Mountainview winner Saturday.

The losers of those games will play for third and fourth place, also on Saturday at GESA Stadium.

SLIDESHOW: Track finals see some talented West Seattle Athletes move on to state

patr — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:24:28 +0000

The big winners of the day were the private schools, but the public schools performed well with local West Seattle talent moving on to the state finals next week in Tacoma.

West Seattle Highs DiAndre’ Jackson 23.05 time placed him third in the boys’ 200 meter dash. Chief Sealth’s Vidal Griffen III’s triple jump distance of 42’8” and Lorna Sailiai’s 1kg discus throw of 98’ landed the two Seahawks a solid two/three in their respective events and will send them to Tacoma as well.

The West Seattle Herald spoke with Vidal Griffen III briefly after his high jump event and while he missed on 6’ he was happy he maintained his personal best of 5’10”. Vidal finished with a 5th place height of 5’10”. Griffen III is excited about next year when he’ll be attending Whitworth University in hopes of playing basketball and running track.

Hats off to all of the competitors that participated at the SWAC. Over the last two weeks these athletes gave everything for their schools and themselves.

Below are the stats for the athletes that made it through Friday’s finals from Chief Sealth and West Seattle. (Taken from athletic.net)

Boys 200 meter dash
3. Diandre Jackson 23.06 West Seattle

Boys 400 meter dash
8. Diandre Jackson 52.91 West Seattle
10. Eliot Nichols 53.44 Chief Sealth

Boys 4x400 Relay
10. Thomas Kovacs
Michael Ahrens
Diandre Jackson
Samias Tsegay 3:43.30 West Seattle

Girls 4x400 Relay
10. Ameena Bouzekto
Brooke Sarver
Alison Nichols
Kenaia Neumann 5:07.73 Chief Sealth

Boys high Jump
5. Vidal Griffin III 5' 10.00 Chief Sealth

Girls Shot Put 4kg
7. Lorna Sailiai 31' 2.50 Chief Sealth
9. Lexi Loane 31' 2.50 West Seattle

Girls Discus 1 kg
3. Lorna Sailiai 98' 0.00 Chief Sealth

Boys Long Jump
7. Brennan Newquist 20' 1.00 West Seattle

Boys Triple Jump
2. Vidal Griffin III 42' 8.00 Chief Sealth
10. Brady Crane 39' 5.75 Chief Sealth

Girls long Jump
10. Natalie Fuller 15' 6.75 West Seattle

Girls Triple Jump
7. Lindsey Hage 32' 7.25 West Seattle
8. Natalie Fuller 32' 6.50 West Seattle

Sports Roundup 5-13-13

patr — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:02:56 +0000

Friday, May 10

Fastpitch
Holy Names 9, Chief Sealth 1
Chief Sealth took a loss to Holy Names in a Metro League playoff Friday.
The Sea-King tournament runs Wednesday and Thursday at Lower Woodland Park in Seattle.
The West Seattle-Interlake winner plays Bainbridge at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Fife 19, Evergreen 0
The Wolverines dropped their first of three West Central District sub-district games Friday, losing to Fife by a 19-0 score.

Foster 12, Evergreen 6
Evergreen lost a high-scoring game to the Bulldogs of nearby Foster High School this last Friday.

Orting 17, Evergreen 4
Evergreen's stay at the sub-district tournament ended with Friday's 17-4 loss to Orting.

Track and field
Metro League meet
The Metro League sub-district meet ended on Friday at the Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle, which will also host the Sea-King District meet this Wednesday and Friday.

West Seattle and Chief Sealth both scored 14 points on the boys side of the Metro League meet to tie Eastside Catholic for eighth place.

The West Seattle girls also scored 14 points to come in ninth as a team and Chief Sealth finished with 12 points to tie Rainier Beach for 10th place.

Mixed tennis
The Sea-King tennis tournament runs Tuesday and Wednesday at the Lower Woodland courts.

Saturday, May 11

Boys soccer
Kingston 3, Evergreen 0
The Wolverines' season came to a screeching halt with last Saturday's loss to Kingston at Silverdale Stadium.

Chief Sealth
Chief Sealth's Seahawks will ride Thursday's 3-0 win over Ingraham at Interbay Stadium into the state playoffs starting Wednesday.

Chief Sealth is scheduled to visit Glacier Peak for a 6 p.m. game at Snohomish High School.

SLIDESHOW: Two run homer powers West Seattle into number three seed

patr — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:08:32 +0000

After a devastating loss to Bainbridge Island to open the post season, the West Siders team game, that had eluded them against Bainbridge, showed up and the Wildcats put together a seven run inning against Ingraham and moved on with a 11-7 victory for the right to meet Eastside Catholic on Friday.

With a pitching duel apparent, and the Crusaders holding on to a one run lead coming into the top of the fifth Graham French #25 singles to bring Tim Adams in to tie the game 1-1. RBI’s by Sam Hellinger and Tim Adams in the sixth make the score 3-1 West Seattle. In the seventh Morgan McCullough’s single added another run getting #28 Ben Wexler across the plate and the game ended in a 4-1 West Seattle win. That left Seattle Prep Panthers on Saturday.

Prep got here by losing to Bainbridge Island on Wednesday. The Panthers had two days rest while the Wildcats needed to battle through the week. Sharpening their skills could be a way of looking at it. Getting comfortable with winning may be another.

Baseball is about being relaxed as much as having skills. Joking and kidding around is so important in a clubhouse that a team that’s too intense can make errors on the field. Baseball is Zen. Deep breath and focus. Relax and have fun. That’s what the Wildcats did before the game on Saturday. Joking and laughing, the boys in blue were almost lackadaisical in appearance in warm ups. That is Velko Vitalich’s way. Don’t be too serious, just have fun and enjoy the moment. But that belied their attitude once the first pitch was thrown. It was all business.

Seattle Prep is a good ball club. They have a fine bullpen, above par fielding, and smart hitters. That’s why they’re in the post season. When you go this deep in the playoffs that’s the type of team you’re going to face, but the Wildcats knew they were a good squad as well. Just relax, have fun, and play smart ball.
With the score tied 0-0 in the top of the fourth Panther infielder #13 Jack Roger hit an RBI single to put Prep on the board with a one run lead 1-0.That score would remain constant for the next inning and a half.
Relax, have fun, and play smart ball. Do these things and good stuff will happen.

In the bottom of the sixth inning Wildcat third baseman Morgan McCullough led off with a sharp single and West Seattle had the tying run 270 feet away. The Prep pitchers were very good all day keeping West Seattle’s on base percentage low but all it takes is one errant pitch to have a good effort collapse. That’s what happened when Sam Hellinger stepped up to the plate and took a fastball that was up in the zone and sent it into the playfield on the other side of the left field fence. The Panther left fielder took two steps and stopped, knowing any effort was futile. All he could do was watch it bounce among the monkey bars and slides. That two run bomb was all that was needed to propel West Seattle into the #3 seed at the state tournament.

After the game coach Vitalich talked about his team. “It’s nice to see them keep believing. My big guys came through big time” referring to Sam Hellinger and shortstop Morgan McCullough “Sam the man pitched an awesome game the day before to get us here and the defense at the end (that) the shortstop made, he’s made then all year. Morgan makes plays that nobody ever made”.

McCullough was honored after the game with the 2013 Josh Dickerson Inspirational Award. Named after O’Dea baseball star Josh Dickerson who passed after losing his battle with cancer. The award is given to the player that best exemplifies the spirit of continuing to live life in the face of adversary. Morgan lost his father in the fall but continued his focus for the sport he loves. As a freshman McCullough not only made the team but became a starter. His exemplary play on the field helped propel West Seattle into the #3 seed and a trip to Mt. Vernon this Saturday to play for the state title.

A visibly emotional Vitalich couldn’t say enough about this young man. “He’s unbelievable for us. He’s an inspirational kid in the way he plays and the way he acts. My dad died at fifty and it was harder than hell on me. I can’t imagine what it’s like on a fourteen year old kid”. Vitalich went on to say “He’s a ninth grader hitting leadoff (and) playing shortstop. Other coaches go what grade is he, is he a senior? Hoping he’s gone. I say no he’s a freshman, he’ll be around for three more years”.

A hand full of games is all that’s needed next week- Earn Everything- that’s the Wildcat way.

Sealth heading to state tournament; Soccer skills camp registration now open

patr — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:49:46 +0000

By Sam Reed
Athletic Director/Activity Coordinator
Chief Sealth International High School

Following a 3-0 win over Ingraham last Thursday in the Metro League tournament, the Chief Sealth International High School boys soccer team is headed back to the WIAA 3A State tournament for the 2nd straight season.

Reigning 2-time Coach of the Year Ron Johnson will lead the Seahawks back to the tournament after their 2nd consecutive undefeated Metro Sound Division season and as one of the true favorites to fare well in this year's tournament.

The Seahawks, ranked in the top 5 in State all season long, will travel north to play Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, May 15th at 6pm at Veteran's Memorial Stadium (on the campus of Snohomish High School).

There is a new opportunity for area youth to experience the Chief Sealth soccer culture first-hand, with the debut of the Chief Sealth Soccer Skills Camp. Modeled in part after the long-standing success of the Chief Sealth Boys Basketball Camp, now in it's 16th year, this soccer camp will take place July 22-26th and is open to all kids entering grades 3rd-9th (Fall 2013 grade level). The camp will be directed by Reed and Johnson and will feature many of the boys and girls players that have built their respective program's into regional powerhouses. Registration is now open!

Download the form at the link above.

SLIDESHOW: Chief Sealth and West Seattle win at Steve Cox Park

patr — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:58:41 +0000

In the early game at Mel Olsen Stadium the Chief Sealth Seahawks took control of the Raiders of Nathan Hale. After getting through a scoreless first inning the Seahawk put three runs on the board in the top of the second and never looked back. Steady pitching, as always, came from Marley Lucas. Lucas went the distance with seven steady innings allowing only one earned run and three “K’s” in a 6-4 win.

Lucas pitched himself, and the team, out of what could have been a disastrous seventh inning. With a 6-4 lead in the seventh inning and two outs Lucas got into trouble when he walked two batters to load the bases for Ingraham. But Lucas got the next batter to ground out to first baseman Mason Moe for the final out of the game. It was smiles all around for head coach Ernest Policarpio and his staff.

Coach Policarpio told this writer on the sly he hasn’t officially announced his starting pitcher but it would be his Knuckleballer Blaine Steele. “I really want to keep him (Steele) a secret from the private schools” said Policarpio. Obviously coach “P” thinks highly of tonight’s starter against Seattle Prep.

Sealth will play the late game against Seattle Prep tonight (Friday) at 7pm in the game ten bracket.

West Seattle Wildcats vs. Ingraham Rams

The second game of the day featured the Wildcats of West Seattle hosting the Ingraham Rams in a contest under the field lights at Mel Olsen Stadium.

The Cats got off to a shaky start when in the top of the first inning two errors allowed two runs to score for the rams. Starting pitcher “TK” Snow over threw first baseman Rex Lakey in an attempt to hold a Rams base runner. That allowed a Rams base runner to score from third. Then catcher Jimmy Mai had a ball get by him to let another run come in. West Seattle would get out of the inning but starting a playoff game down two runs is not where West Seattle head coach Velco Vitalich wanted his squad to be.

The Rams would pick up two more runs in the top of the second when Ingraham catcher Darby Blake blasted a shot that bounced off of the top of the right field fence and into the parking lot of an adjacent apartment complex for a two run homer. Snow would get out of the inning but the Wildcats headed into the dugout with a 4-0 deficit to overcome. West Seattle would pick up a run in the second and fourth inning but still found themselves down 6-2 in the bottom of the fifth. That’s when the offensive floodgates opened up for the Wildcats scoring two runs off Rams starting pitcher Scott Sieverson and five runs off Rams reliever Jason Vickers. Two more runs were added by West Seattle in the sixth and after a dubious start the Wildcats cruise to a 11-7 tournament win. One of the highlights of the game for West Seattle came in the bottom of the sixth when Morgan McCullough blasted a shot over the left fielder, who was playing shallow.

The ball rolled all the way to the fence and by the time the cutoff throw reached the infield McCullough was sliding into home base for a solo inside the park home run. Unfortunately there was a West Seattle lowlight when in the top of the sixth inning Wildcat third baseman Cameron Slader was run into by a Rams base runner. The play was legal but resulted in Cameron being carried off the field with a knee injury. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time. The Wildcats next game will be today (Friday) at Mel Olsen Field against the Crusaders of Eastside Catholic at 4pm in the game nine bracket.

If both Sealth and West Seattle win tonight’s games they will face each other Saturday in the game eleven bracket listing to determine the #3 and #4 Metro seeding’s. Good luck to both squads tonight.

Sports Roundup 5-10-13

patr — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:42:54 +0000

Monday, May 6
Baseball
Eastside Catholic 4, Chief Sealth 3
The Seahawks took a one-run loss as they dove into Metro League playoff action Monday.

Tuesday, May 7
Mixed tennis
Metro League tournament
West Seattle's duo of Lee and Carow teamed to capture the mixed doubles title at the Metro League tournament that concluded Tuesday.
Lee and Carow took the championship match by a 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-1 score over Seattle Prep.

Wednesday, May 8
Boys soccer
Lakeside 5, Chief Sealth 2
Chief Sealth traveled to Interbay Stadium and took a 5-2 Metro League playoff loss.

Fastpitch
Holy Names 18, West Seattle 0
West Seattle was knocked around by Holy Names, 18-0, in Wednesday Metro League tournament action.

Thursday, May 9
Fastpitch
Bainbridge 15, Chief Sealth 5
Bainbridge battered the Seahawks by 10 runs as the Metro League tournament continued Thursday.

Boys soccer
Chief Sealth 3, Ingraham 0
The Seahawks stayed afloat in the Metro League tournament with a 3-0 victory over Ingraham at Interbay Stadium this past Thursday.

SLIDESHOW: Sealth Ladyhawks refuse to lose and win 10-7

patr — Thu, 09 May 2013 23:30:31 +0000

The measure of any contending team is the willingness to win no matter how bad things look. The Sealth softball team showed why they deserve to be in the post season.

Down 5-0 to the Panthers of Seattle Prep in the first inning the Lady Hawks all but shut down Prep over the next six innings of play to win an astounding come from behind victory and go into the next round of the Metro Playoffs as a team to be reckoned with.

Allowing one run in the second inning and another in the fourth, the Seahawks battled back to a 10-7 thrashing of Seattle prep on the pitching of Chloe Behar.

Behar recovered from the first inning to pitch a game that would impress any fan of softball. Throw out the first inning Behar gave up only runs while her team mates found their stride offensively and defensively. Behar contributed with her bat as well, hitting a two RBI home run in the third and a three RBI home run in the sixth inning to break a 7-7 tie and win the game 10-7.

Sealth will play their next post season game at the lower woodland Park Field tomorrow at 3:30 against the winner of today’s Bainbridge- Ingraham matchup.

West Seattle girls advance, beating Eastside Catholic 7-6

patr — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:12:59 +0000

By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

In the case of the West Seattle girls fastpitch softball team, hopefully it's alls well that begins well.

The Wildcats leapt into the Metro League tournament with a vengeance, edging Eastside Catholic, 7-6, Monday and earning the right to advance into a second round game Wednesday, May 8.

West Seattle will pay a visit to Holy Names of Seattle for a 4 p.m. game that day as it continues its quest for a berth into the upcoming Sea-King District tournament.

The game joins an already busy spring sports postseason dockett for that day.

The Metro League track and field meet opens at 4 p.m. at the Southwest Athletic Complex located by Chief Sealth High School. (It will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the same site).

Chief Sealth is still alive in boys soccer and plays a 5:30 p.m. match against Lakeside at Interbay Stadium on Wednesday, with those playoffs taking place every day through Saturday.

Both the West Seattle and Chief Sealth baseball teams are alive for a playoff double-header at Mel Olson Stadium in the Steve Cox complex in White Center on Thursday, May 9.

Chief Sealth plays Nathan Hale at 4:45 p.m. and West Seattle takes on Ingraham at 7:45 p.m.
Evergreen of White Center will play in Friday's 2A fastpitch sub-district tournament starting with a 4 p.m. game against Fife at the Boise Creek Six Plex in Enumclaw.

Evergreen is also involved in 2A track and field action starting at 3:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at Sumner High School.