West Seattle, Washington
29 Friday
Two more local high-school athletes are swimming at the state championships starting today! We just received this report and photo:
Two West Seattle High School athletes qualified for the Boys 3A State Swimming Championships, February 16-17 (today and tomorrow) at the King County Aquatic Center. 9th grader Ben Wrenholt (left) will be competing in the 500 Free, and his twin brother Tom Wrenholt (also a freshman) will be competing in the 100 Back. The swim team is led by outstanding first-year coach Logan Rysemus.
The West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team were already guaranteed a spot in state competition before tonight’s district semifinal game against Rainier Beach – but their hard-fought 57-51 victory puts them in contention for another prize, the district championship.
WSHS #13, senior Nathan Schiavo, led the Wildcats’ scoring with 15 points. Right behind was #23, senior Pawlose Aschalew, with 14:
And #3, senior Bo Gionet, contributed 12:
The Wildcats took a while to get in the groove – after the first quarter, they were down by 9. But in the second quarter, they took up residence under their opponents’ basket and held Rainier Beach to just five points.
The second and third quarters both ended in a tie – but aggressive rebounding and a late scoring run put WSHS aheadin the late going and secured the win. Head coach Dan Kriley and the Wildcats will play Eastside Catholic for the district title at 6:30 pm Saturday, also at Bellevue College. (The Wildcats won their last matchup with ECHS three weeks ago and have won eight of their last nine games.)
When the Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy came to West Seattle a little over a year ago, a big crowd turned out. This weekend, Buoy’s back – for a Story Time at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library on Sunday morning (February 18). Here’s the announcement we received today:
Sunday, February 18
10:00 – 11:30 am
Doors open at 10:00 am, story time 10:30 – 11:00 am, meet Buoy 11:00 – 11:30 am
West Seattle Branch, Seattle Public Library
Address 2306 42nd Avenue SWStory times with Seattle Public libraries are interactive learning opportunities. At story time, kids and their families can enjoy stories, songs, and fun learning activities. Registration is not required. Kids and families will also have the opportunity to meet Seattle Kraken Mascot Buoy! Buoy will be available for photo opportunities and fun.
Buoy is the Seattle sea-troll who inhabits the caverns of Climate Pledge Arena and for who nothing beats a day filled with Kraken hockey and the team’s fans. Folks are drawn to Buoy’s many talents, high-energy, and fun-loving spirit. Odds are you’ll see the troll roaming out and about around the Pacific Northwest as well as hanging with the Fremont Troll, who happens to be Buoy’s Uncle.
When you get to the library, check in with staff for your free tickets to this all-ages event.
More congratulations for a local student headed into statewide competition – tomorrow marks the third consecutive year at state for West Seattle High School diver Giovanni Slye. Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle High School senior Giovanni Slye will be competing in the 3A Diving Championship this coming Thursday morning. The event will be held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. This is his third year in a row qualifying for the state-level competition.
Giovanni has been diving since age 9, including a recent opportunity to train in Mexico City with renowned coach Serafín Bratt.
Swim and dive teammates, coaches, and school community are very proud of Giovanni. Special thanks to Coach Stephanie Hunt [in the photo above with Giovanni] for her dedication and commitment to her athletes. Best of luck to the two of them.
Go Wildcats!
You can find tournament info here. 3A diving begins at 8:30 am tomorrow (Thursday, February 15).
Jubilation tonight for the West Seattle High School boys after their 53-52 come-from-behind win over Bellevue HS in the district tournament’s second round, playing at Sammamish HS. Seldom has a free throw been as thrilling as the one #3, senior Bo Gionet, hit to win the game with three seconds to go:
He had 16 points total tonight. The Wildcats were behind for most of the game – down by 8 points after the first quarter, down 7 after the second, 10 points behind after the third – but then in the fourth quarter, they managed to shut down the inside shooting that had kept Bellevue ahead, and then it was comeback time. After Gionet, West Seattle’s second-leading scorer tonight, with 10, was #0, junior Alex Pierce.
Next, the WSHS boys play Rainier Beach at 5 pm Thursday (February 15) at Bellevue College – and regardless of how that turns out, per the bracket, it’s on to state.
In the first of two back-to-back district-tournament games tonight for West Seattle High School‘s varsity basketball games, the Wildcat girls fell to Lake Washington, 38-35, playing at Sammamish HS in Bellevue. WSHS led 14-10 after the first quarter but the Kangs had pulled ahead by halftime and went on to win.
(added) Top scorer for WSHS was #21, junior Alyssa Neumann, with 12:
#4, senior Carmen Cruz, had 9:
And #20, junior Colby Timmons, collected 7:
The Wildcats get another chance at districts, playing Roosevelt at 5 pm Friday (February 16) at Bellevue College.
Now that the regular season is over for high-school winter sports, practices and tryouts for spring sports are about to begin. West Seattle High School asked us to publish this reminder that student athletes need to register ASAP to get ready – Monday, February 26, is the day it all begins, practices for softball, tennis, and track/field, and tryouts for baseball and boys’ soccer. Here’s the info-sheet with everything athletes and their players need to know; when ready to register, here’s the link.
An update on Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers – 14 are heading into statewide competition. Here’s the update, following regional competition, from CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio:
Congrats to the following Wrestlers who will be representing Chief Sealth at the Tacoma Dome this weekend at the State Championships!
125 lbs Sr. Sophia Andreini Regional Champ!
135 lbs Sr. Jennie Brown 3rd Place
155 lbs Sr. Amelia Wright 4th Place
145 lbs So. Lanu Amituanai 5th Place
140 lbs So. Lucy Self Alternate
190 lbs Sr. Elyse Leger Alternate165 lbs Jr. Micah Policarpio Regional Champ!
175 lbs Fr. Eli Policarpio 2nd Place
144 lbs Jr. Xavier Nguyen 2nd Place
120 lbs Fr. Xander Gomez 3rd Place
157 lbs Jr. Jay Johnson 4th Place
285 lbs So. Shane Allen Tino 4th Place
113 lbs Fr. Brandon Tran 5th Place
165 lbs Sr. Prince Maota Alternate
The championships are this Friday and Saturday (February 16-17); you can find links to the brackets, and other tournament information, here.
By the numbers, Roosevelt HS looked to be a formidable opponent for the West Seattle High School boys’ district debut – undefeated in Metro League play, and with an 8-game winning streak overall. Instead, the Wildcats sent the visiting Rough Riders home Friday night with a 21-point loss, 83-62. WSHS #23, senior Pawlose Aschalew (top photo), owned the night with 27 points, starting with a 3-pointer half a minute in (first of his four 3’s). Next-highest point total for WSHS was #0, junior Alex Pierce:
Third was #2, sophomore Sully Janiwade, with 14:
Head coach Dan Kriley‘s Wildcats led throughout the game, but only really opened it up toward the end.
At the half, WSHS was up 35-29, and then throughout the second half, Roosevelt’s cold shooting and WSHS’s superior rebounding enabled them to just keep building until it was too late for an adequate comeback challenge. About half their winning margin came from foul shot in the last few minutes, plus a triumphant dunk by Pierce that capped it off. Next up for the Wildcats as the postseason continues is Bellevue HS, 8 pm Tuesday (February 13) at Sammamish HS (right after the WSHS girls’ game).
We’ve reported before on the impending launch of a new high-school girls’ water-polo team. The players fought for, and won, permission – but that doesn’t come with funding, since it’s a “club sport.” So they’ve planned a unique fundraiser for tomorrow – outside West Seattle, but you can support online. Also note they’re still recruiting players! Here’s the announcement:
Members of the newly formed girls’ West Seattle Water Polo Team are holding an event to raise funds for startup costs associated with their first season. The Tread-a-thon is this Saturday, February 10, from 3-5 pm at Medgar Evers Pool. Players will tread for 100 minutes without touching the sides or bottom of the pool and without using floatation devices. Sponsors are invited to pledge per minute or a flat amount. Members of the team invite the West Seattle community to help by donating to their cause!
The girls forming this team attended several of [former School Board director] Leslie Harris’s community meetings in an effort to gain permission to field a team in the local high school league. Permission was granted by the league, but no funds are being provided by the school or district for the team. Donations will fund scholarships, pay for pool-rental time, league fees, and equipment.
Girls from any high school are welcome to join the team. Head coach Truly Dorland is ready to quickly bring new players to proficiency. Practices will be 2 mornings per week before school with home games on Friday evening. Season starts February 26th and runs to mid-May.
For more information, email wshswaterpolo@gmail.com.
Donations can be made to WSBooster by putting “Water Polo” in the notes.
The postseason continues for West Seattle High School varsity basketball teams, both of which played Metro League tournament games tonight:
The girls played at home against Holy Names, winning 53-41.
(WSHS #10, freshman Seneca Lucas)
They finish fifth in the Metro tournament and move on to districts, starting at (updated) 5:30 pm Saturday vs. Bishop Blanchet, at WSHS.
(updated) Right after that game, the WSHS boys play again, after their 65-58 win over Nathan Hale tonight at Lincoln HS. They too finish fifth in the Metro tournament; their Saturday night 7 pm opponent will be Roosevelt.
Congratulations to eight West Seattle High School athletes who will continue their studies – and their sports – at college. The school held a National Signing Day ceremony for them today; athletic director Corey Sorenson sent photos. Here are the seniors and where they’re going:
From left:
Lucy Larson – Basketball, Seattle University
Caden Fahy – Baseball, University of Pennsylvania
Tristan Buehring – Baseball, Whitman College
Bobby Trigg – Baseball, Bellevue College
Miles Chandler – Baseball, Washington State University
Matthew Henning – Baseball, University of Washington
Simon Vance – Golf, Southwestern Oregon College
Bo Gionet – Football, Central Washington University
A reminder from the Southwest Lacrosse Club this morning – practices start soon, so it’s signup time now:
Are you looking for a fun and fast-paced team sport for your K-8th grader? Registration is currently open for the 2024 Seattle Metro Youth Lacrosse season.
Founded in 2008, the Southwest Lacrosse Club promotes, organizes, and develops K-8 youth lacrosse from West Seattle to Federal Way. Our mission is to teach lacrosse fundamentals and good sportsmanship while emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. Players of all skill levels can develop their game, and we will prepare each athlete for the next level of play. No prior lacrosse experience is required; the club can provide all equipment if needed. We offer full and partial scholarships for those who qualify and have equipment available to loan.
Practices begin mid-February, and games run from March through the end of May. Check out our website or contact us at swlctitans@gmail.com with any questions.
The club is open to all for kindergarten through 2nd grade, boys for 3rd through 8th.
(Photos courtesy Chief Sealth International High School)
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers for success at the Metro League tournaments – starting with the girls, who once again took the championship. Athletic Director Ernest Policarpio shares the recognition:
Here are your 2024 Girls Metro Champions!! They have won the Metros 5 years in a row, Congratulations to all the placers.
100 Tara Kankesh – 2nd
100 Lynnasia Nichols – 3rd
115 Elia Lopez – 1st
120 Petra Sheppard – 3rd
125 Sophia Andreini – 1st
130 Alyssa Reyes – 1st
135 Jennie Brown – 3rd
140 Lucy Self – 1st
145 Lanu Amituanai – 2nd
155 Amelia Wright – 1st
170 Naomi Kindem – 2nd
170 Shawn Hudson – 3rd
190 Elyse Leger – 1st
235 Natalia Allen – 1stYour boys wrestling team placed 3rd during this year’s Metro tournament! Congratulations to those who participated and those who will be moving on.
Also shoutout to Micah Policarpio for winning the 2024 Metro Outstanding Wrestler Award and finishing 45-0!
106 Stevens Nguyen – 5th
106 Carlos Garnica Gil – 7th
113 Brandon Tran – 5th
120 Xander Gomez – 2nd
126 Kody Stout – 4th
144 Xavier Nguyen – 2nd
157 Jay Johnson – 3rd
165 Micah Policarpio – 1st (Metro Champ)
165 Prince Maota – 5th
175 Eli Policarpio – 3rd
175 Nigel Wiggins – 8th
215 Anais McDaniel – 7th
285 Yusuf Donzo – 7th
285 Shane-Alen Tino – 3rd
Regional competition is set for this weekend.
All four local varsity high-school teams had opening-round Metro League postseason games tonight. Only one was a home game, the Chief Sealth IHS girls vs. Nathan Hale:
(WSB photos: #24, Sealth junior Fahima Mohamed)
The Seahawks also had the only victory of the night among the four local teams, 48-18.
The CSIHS girls (10-10) play next at Bishop Blanchet, 5:30 pm tomorrow. As for tonight’s three road games:
CHIEF SEALTH BOYS: The Seahawk boys’ season ended tonight with a 68-64 loss at Ingraham and a 3-18 record.
WEST SEATTLE BOYS: After tonight’s 74-48 loss at Rainier Beach, the Wildcat boys (12-10) play Nathan Hale at Lincoln HS, 5:30 pm Thursday,
WEST SEATTLE GIRLS: The Wildcat girls (11-11) lost tonight at Seattle Prep, 50-42. Their next game is also at 5:30 pm Thursday, at home vs. Holy Names.
High-school softball season is still about a month away, but some of West Seattle HS‘s team members were on the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this morning for a special event – mentoring younger players.
The clinic was for West Seattle Little League softball players in two groups – first the Rookies and Minors (League age 7-10 or for beginners), then Majors and Juniors (league age 11-14 or for advanced players):
Participants got to practice hitting, throwing, catching, fielding, and running:
The clinic was created three seasons ago by Kamil Ygnacio, now a senior, to help raise softball’s community visibility:
Clinic participation has doubled over the years – 60 players this time around. The clinic was free of charge for WSLL players but donations were welcome to help the WSHS softball program (you can chip in here – specify that it’s for softball).
As that WSDOT camera view shows, there’s plenty of snow in the mountains (today Stevens Pass reported a four-foot base). Taking care of your skis and/or snowboard will keep them in good shape, so that’s why Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is offering another class:
Unlock the secrets to maintaining peak performance on the slopes with our “Intro to Waxing Class!” on Wednesday, February 7th at 6 pm. Led by our expert shop manager, Chia, this workshop will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to keep your gear in top condition. The class includes:
Expert Demonstration – Our skilled shop manager will guide you through the art and science of ski and snowboard waxing. Learn essential techniques and gain insights into the importance of proper waxing for maximizing your equipment’s performance.
Understanding Wax Types – Dive into the world of waxes! Learn about different types of waxes and their specific applications based on snow conditions, temperatures, and your skiing or snowboarding style. Discover the right wax for your needs and preferences.
Equipment Maintenance Tips – Beyond waxing, our expert will share valuable insights into general equipment maintenance. Discover how small adjustments and care can make a big difference in your overall experience on the slopes.
Community Connection – This class is not just about waxing; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow shredders in the community. Share your passion for winter sports, swap stories, and make new friends who share your love for the mountains.
Register here. The $10 fee can be used as a credit toward buying your own waxing supplies at M2SO, which is in The Triangle at 3602 SW Alaska.
Lots of youth-sports news as spring approaches – including this announcement from West Seattle Baseball:
Last Chance to Sign Up for West Seattle Baseball 2024 Spring Season!
Registration for West Seattle Baseball closes on Monday, February 12th. Don’t miss out on the fun-filled season for Spring Baseball.
West Seattle Baseball is offering Baseball for five different divisions. Registration is open now through February 12th. Also available are scholarship assistance and multi-sibling discounts.
Sign up at: westseattlebaseball.com
Pricing:
Shetland/T-Ball (6U) – $130
Baseball:
Pinto (8U) – $185
Mustang (10U) – $195
Bronco (12U) – $250
Pony (14U) – $300Registration costs include a ballcap and team jersey for each player, in addition to a full season of baseball with events three times per week from mid-March through early June.
West Seattle Baseball believes that every child deserves to benefit from the games of baseball. For families needing financial assistance, we offer reduced-fee league registration through the West Seattle Baseball Scholarship Assistance program. If you wish to apply, please contact wsbbregistrar@gmail.com
The high-school basketball season is close to the end, but first, a cross-town showdown last night.
The gym was packed as West Seattle High School hosted Chief Sealth International High School last night. The first varsity game of the night featured the girls:
The Wildcats got out to a fast lead, 4-0 in the first half-minute, and never looked back. Final score was WSHS 73, Chief Sealth 34. Leading scorer was Sealth’s #24, junior Fahima Mohamed, with 25:
For West Seattle, #21, junior Alyssa Neumann, had 17:
And the total for WSHS’s #4, senior Carmen Cruz, was 15:
Both teams have postseason games Monday at 7 pm: Head coach Mario Martinez‘s Seahawks (9-10) play Nathan Hale at home.
And head coach Darnell Taylor‘s Wildcats (11-10) will play at Seattle Prep.
WSHS also took last night’s nightcap, the boys’ varsity game, 73-45. We were there for the first half. Early standouts included West Seattle #3, senior Bo Gionet:
And Chief Sealth’s #2, senior AJ Williams Bradley:
Both boys’ teams also have postseason games at 7 pm Monday – head coach Dan Kriley‘s Wildcats (12-9) play at Rainier Beach:
And head coach Richard Stephens‘ Seahawks (3-17) will play at Ingraham:
One of the most unusual events on our calendar happens early Saturday morning at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor):
We are going to host another viewing party for the Olympic Marathon Trials!! We will open the doors at 7 am; the (regular weekly) run will take place as usual at 8 am for those interested. Either Tim or Lori will stay at the shop rather than run so those who wish to stay and view can do so. It will be going still for folks as they return from their run (depending on their distance).
You are also welcome to just show up for the 8 am run.
(December photo, courtesy WSHS Cheer)
A reader emailed to remind us that the West Seattle High School Cheer Team‘s competing at state again this year, and the tournament starts tomorrow (Friday, February 2). It’s happening at Battle Ground High School in southwest Washington. According to the tournament schedule, WSHS competes in coed tumbling, starting just after 7 pm tomorrow. As noted here two months ago, the cheer team – coached by Nadine Nguyen and Walker Layne – earned the state spot by winning their division.
The local youth-baseball team Seattle Tigers have launched a unique fundraiser to pay for a dream trip to the home of baseball’s history. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:
The 12U Seattle Tigers, a local West Seattle travel bseball team, are gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime – a trip to Cooperstown, the home of legendary baseball memories. They’ll get to play Summer tournament baseball with other 12U teams from across the US, visit the Hall of Fame and participate in a 7-day sleep-away camp with teammates and coaches.
To help turn this dream into a reality, the Tigers have launched a unique Valentine’s fundraiser – a raffle for a dazzling 1-carat diamond ring.
The 12U Seattle Tigers includes a dedicated group of 11 young baseball players, and dedicated coaches who have played together for years on various West Seattle BB, West Seattle LL, All Stars and travel teams. Each player has shown growth of talent and sportsmanship throughout their years. Competing in Cooperstown is both an honor and a challenge, requiring financial support beyond their usual means. The Tigers team is thrilled to invite the local West Seattle community to join them on this exciting journey.
The fundraising efforts center around ‘Raffle for a Ring’ – happening now until Feb. 12th. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this raffle is for a 1 carat round, brilliant cut diamond ring ($8,500 value) generously donated by Menashe & Sons Jewelers. Raffle tickets are priced at $50 each, providing community members with a chance to win this stunning prize while contributing to the Tigers’ Cooperstown fund.
=Members of the 12U Tigers Baseball Team will be in-person at the West Seattle Farmers Market Feb 4th + 11th, to interact and say hello to the public. Each player will have flyers in hand with information on how to purchase a $50 raffle ticket, and talk about Cooperstown!
Join us in supporting the 12U Seattle Tigers as they aim to hit a home run toward Cooperstown. Together, we can help these young baseball players achieve their dreams.
Spring gets ever closer, and so do baseball and softball seasons. So West Seattle Little League has updates!
Thank you to the families that have already registered for the upcoming season. If you still need to secure a spot on the roster for your Little Leaguer, registration will remain open until Feb 11th. Registering early helps streamline our league operations – sign up today!
West Seattle Little League is excited to announce the third year of the Challenger Program! The Challenger program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program, which offers additional support for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. The Challengers program is free to all participants and open to West Seattle residents between the ages of 4 and 18 or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. Inclusion and opportunity are the cornerstones of Little League®, and it’s our passion to ensure everyone has an opportunity to play. Find more info HERE or email challenger@westseattlelittleleague.com with any questions.
Lastly, we have two exciting opportunities for our softball players!
February 4th – Softball skills clinic led by WSHS softball players! Your player will learn and practice the basics of softball.
February 11th – Softball pitching clinic led by Kalimar Pettit. Over one hour, your player will learn the fundamental softball pitching skills.
We look forward to seeing you on the field!
| 6 COMMENTS