Sports history at Chief Sealth: 1st Nels Enquist Alumni Game

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Not only did he organize Chief Sealth International High School‘s first-ever Nels Enquist Alumni Game – that’s Sealth athletic director Sam Reed refereeing as Tosha Brown (’08) gets post-tipoff air supremacy for the women’s Blue Team. That was the color of victory in both games, each one a “red vs. blue” match.


(Click image for larger view)
But the night was not about who won or lost – but really and truly, about how they played the game. And that they played the game at all. It was in tribute to former Sealth athletic director Nels Enquist, who’s in the group photo above, holding a plaque. As Reed explained in the original announcement of the event earlier this month, “Enquist has dedicated a majority of his life to Chief Sealth and has walked the halls and athletic facilities as a student, coach, teach, athletic director, assistant principal, and now a retiree who still makes (time) to substitute regularly” – more than 40 years of involvement. The event proceeds will go toward alumni projects including dedicating the gym foyer to Enquist and replacing the championship banners in the Sealth gym. And the hundreds who came Friday night got to enjoy some spirited hoops:

That’s Devon Hall (’02) during the men’s game getting blocked by, from left, John Boyd (’82), Jaray Austin (’02), and Jason Hutson (’93). Along with the alumni games, the night included scrimmages with current girls’ and boys’ players, and a ceremony honoring Enquist – more than two dozen additional photos, ahead:

The night began with the scrimmages, important since the season is about to start. From the boys’ game, here’s LeAndre Dickerson looking for the pass:

L.J. Burns driving down the court:

The boys-varsity team plays Lakeside at home this Tuesday night, 7 pm. That same night, the girls-varsity team is scheduled to be on the road at Auburn Riverside, 7:30 pm Tuesday. A few views of their scrimmage preceding Friday night’s alumni game:

Above, Samantha Scroggins and Sidney Proctor. Next, Lani Taylor taking a shot:

Also playing Friday night: Musicians from the Sealth band, soldiering on despite a long day that had started with an appearance in the Friday morning Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown (WSB coverage, with video, is here):

Back to the alumni – more from the women’s game:

From the victorious Blue team, here’s Charmaine Barlow (’08) headed up:

Kim Stille (’96) fought to keep control of the ball:

Along with the players mentioned already, the women’s Blue squad also included Lilly Siatunuu (’96), Leslie Fausto (’96), Regina Rogers (’07), Natalie Mackey (’11), and Alyssa Palermo (’12). From the Red team, here’s 2001 alum Arlana Angel:

The women’s Red squad also included Usufono Kei-Satele (’96), Dorothy Talamaivao (’96), Sheila Lambert (’98), Leah Stewart (’00), Katie Jo Maris (’01 and the current Sealth girls’ head coach), Jasmine Walker (’10), and Kayla Modica (’10)

For the men, Melvin Jones (’07) helped pace the Red squad:

On the charge, Paulino Pablo (’04):

And John Boyd – not only a 1982 alum, but also immediate past principal – cheered a 3-pointer from the sideline:

But Blue was victorious. Here’s Robert Brewer (’87) shooting over Mike Anderson (’89):

The men’s Blue team also included Elgin Lambert (’83), Marcus Subblefield (’89), Michael Vo (’94). Jimmy Rainwater (’95), Devon Hall (’02), Elliott Holte (’03), JoeEvan Jones (’04), Robbie Graham (’07), and Reggie Rogers (’07).

But the spotlight shone brightest on the event’s namesake, Nels Enquist:

Sam Reed (with the microphone) says they’ll honor a different person or group each year, but it will remain the Nels Enquist Alumni Game: “The plan for next year is to celebrate what will be the 25th anniversary of the 1989 boys’ basketball state championship,” he says – since the game will happen just a few months before that anniversary.

5 Replies to "Sports history at Chief Sealth: 1st Nels Enquist Alumni Game"

  • Pibal November 25, 2012 (9:43 am)

    So, after seeing that great picture of Devon Hall hemmed in by three red defenders, the curiosity is killing me.

    Did he go up and take the foul or was he able to patiently await gravity’s effect and take a delayed and uncontested shot???

    Enquiring minds…

  • Ted Newton November 26, 2012 (10:14 am)

    Harold was my very best friend in the good old Chief Sealth High School days. We both ran track and cross country together. As well as hanging at with each others homes. Congrats buddy!

    Ted

  • Catherine November 26, 2012 (6:58 pm)

    I can tell you that the picture labeled Arlana Angel isn’t Arlana, but she is in the picture below it on the far right.

    Neat to see all of the alum back together and playing again! Good coverage.

    • WSB November 26, 2012 (7:22 pm)

      Thanks, Catherine. Photojournalist Nick does an ASTOUNDING job getting names during the very name-intensive assignments (sports, parades, etc.) that he’s handled for us – something Patrick and I are a bit weak on – but without numbered jerseys, something might have gone awry, and I apologize.

  • Catherine November 27, 2012 (2:22 pm)

    WSB does a great job with coverage of everything. No big deal- I didn’t know if it was something discoverable that could easily be corrected.

    Thanks again for the great coverage and pictures!

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