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VIDEO: Madison celebrates its champions
June 21, 2024 9:31 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Before the school year ended, Madison Middle School celebrated its championship winners during lunchtime on Thursday. Above are members of the district-champion volleyball team, as announced onstage by Madison principal Dr. Robert Gary:

Then it was time to cheer members of Madison’s district-champion boys’ soccer team:

As reported here, both teams won their championships a month ago, both vs. Robert Eagle Staff Middle School.

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SUMMER: Four unique free (or almost) camp opportunities, from fish to football
June 19, 2024 10:29 pm
|    Comments Off on SUMMER: Four unique free (or almost) camp opportunities, from fish to football
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police | WS & Sports

(Tonight’s sunset, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)

Summer officially arrives tomorrow afternoon. By Friday night, everybody’s out of school. But if you haven’t totally scheduled the entire summer yet, these four free/low-cost possibilities might be of interest:

FREE ONE-DAY ENVIRONMENTAL CAMP FOR ALL AGES: Puget Soundkeeper sends word of an intergenerational day camp as part of its Salmon and Legacy Debris Project (individual youth or adults, parents with kids, or grandparents with grandkids are all welcome!). This is happening in West Seattle, at Heron’s Nest Outdoor Education Center (4818 Puget Way SW):

Join Puget Soundkeeper for a free, one-day-only intergenerational summer camp on Saturday, July 13th from 10 AM to 4 PM! Come explore the connections between salmon, stormwater, and tires with Puget Soundkeeper and Heron’s Nest!

Some things to look forward to include exploring examples of green stormwater infrastructure; experimenting with DIY stormwater filters; learning about the natural and industrial history of the Duwamish River; and learning to navigate by scent, just like a migrating salmon! Rumor has it we may be making edible Grattix boxes as an afternoon snack! If you are interested, signup will be on a first come, first serve basis. Here is the registration link

WEST SEATTLE HS YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP: This is also on July 13, 10 am-noon at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW), free to the first 100 kids to register, open to students who will be in K-8 as of this fall.

“Non-contact skills and drills” are promised, with West Seattle HS coaches and players. Here’s the registration form.

SOCCER CAMP: Also at Hiawatha, 10 am-noon this Saturday and Sunday (June 22-23), Dream Wings Youth Soccer Foundation is offering a two-day soccer camp for $10, ages 7-10. Here’s the registration form.

CRIME SOLVERS CAMP: SPD is offering a one-week camp for middle schoolers, July 22-26, noon-5 pm each day, in SODO:

The Relational Policing Innovation Team at the Seattle Police Department, in partnership with the City of Seattle Attorney’s Office and Target, are thrilled to announce our Crime Solvers Youth Camp this summer! Our aim is to educate and inform the campers about the criminal justice system from start to finish through a multitude of different topics and diverse presenters. Throughout the week of programming, we will be walking our campers through an entire case, starting with CSI evidence gathering, teaching about witness/suspect interviewing, trial prep and a mock trial jury, alongside presentations on other safety topics and specialty units.

This unique experience, tailored specifically for Seattle Public Middle School students, aspires to bridge an educational gap between students and the court system to explore a better understanding of our judicial system together! Here is the link to the application.

Here’s the flyer. Registration is open through the end of this month.

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YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Soccer Club finishing spring season, signing up players for fall
June 16, 2024 1:39 pm
|    Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Soccer Club finishing spring season, signing up players for fall
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Got a prospective soccer player under your roof? Not signed up for fall soccer yet? The West Seattle Soccer Club asked us to share this reminder that now’s the time:

Hey, West Seattle Families!

Founded in 1968, The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is a recreational soccer club for youth who reside in the southwest neighborhoods of Seattle. All youth ages 5-18 are eligible to play and experience is not required.

As we gear up for the Fall Soccer Season, excitement is booming with well over a thousand players already registered! With the Spring Season wrapping up this weekend, it’s time to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors join in too! Registration closes June 30th, so act fast. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting out, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Registration and anticipate the adventures ahead.

The Fall Season kicks off September 14th and 15th with seasons spanning 8, 10, or 12 games based on age division.

Secure your child’s spot or learn more at westseattlesoccer.org. Questions? Reach us at wsscboard@gmail.com.

Make this Fall Soccer season unforgettable! Enroll today to see your child thrive on the field, make friends, and create lasting memories. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Don’t miss out – register now!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Southside Revolution Rebels headed to national roller-derby competition
June 11, 2024 9:00 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

A local junior-roller-derby team is rolling into national competition this weekend! Thanks to Andrew for sending the report and photo:

Our local junior roller-derby team, Southside Revolution Rebels Travel Team, is heading to Denver this coming weekend (June 15-16) to face some of the best teams in the country in the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. Seeded number two in their regional, they have a season record of 10-2 against other teams in the area and the country.

Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, the Rebels travel team is part of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league. In its 10th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves 90+ skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels. The Rebels team travels throughout the year to play high-level opponents across the country.

The teams will make an appearance at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year as well. For anyone interested in signups for new skaters to learn about derby at SSR’s September clinics, contact info@southsiderevolution.com

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COUNTDOWN: 5 days until Morgan Junction Community Festival, featuring MJ All-Wheels Association’s next community meeting
June 10, 2024 10:57 pm
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 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

(WSB photo – banner on kiosk at Morgan Junction Park)

We’re counting down to the next major summer event in West Seattle – the Morgan Junction Community Festival, 10 am-2 pm Saturday (June 15) in and around Morgan Junction Park (6413 California SW). Among the festival features will be your next chance to participate in planning the “all-wheels area” that’s on the drawing board for the southwest side of the soon-to-be-expanded park. The Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association has sent their official announcement of what they’re planning as part of the festival:

The Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association (MJAWA) is excited to announce our second community meeting for the Morgan Junction Park expansion.

Hosted at the Morgan Junction Community Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the three skate spot design options from legendary West Seattle-based skatepark builder Grindline, participate in the interactive Skate Like a Girl “MJ Ramp-age,” and be entered to win a skate prize from By and By skate shop or project t-shirt. All community members are invited to vote for their favorite design on-site on Saturday, June 15.

“We are excited to present these design options to the Morgan Junction community,” said Matt Fluegge, CEO of Grindline. “Our goal is to create a space that not only meets the needs of local kids, but also enhances the overall park experience for everyone. The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable, and we’re committed to building a park that the community will be proud of.”

Grindline has incorporated feedback from the first community meeting on April 27, as well as a Seattle Parks and Recreation survey at last year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival.

In addition to the design presentations, Skate Like a Girl will be sponsoring the “MJ Ramp-age” feature. This interactive area will allow attendees to move real ramps around a 1,500 sq ft space, providing a hands-on experience to explore how different park features might feel and flow together.

Kristin Ebeling, executive director of Skate Like a Girl, added, “Skateboarding has the power to transform lives. It is both a physical and creative outlet with the power to build intergenerational community. We are proud to be part of a project that will create an accessible entry point for emerging skaters and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Morgan Junction neighborhood.”

“Skateboarding teaches perseverance, creativity, and resilience,” said Jason Glover, Chief Sealth International High School teacher and local skateboarder. “I’ve seen firsthand how students who skateboard develop a strong sense of self-confidence and community. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a way for kids to express themselves and build essential life skills.”

Look for MJAWA in Morgan Junction Park during the festival, 10 am-2 pm Saturday. As the week continues, we’ll preview other festival features – entertainment, vendors, activities. (WSB is media sponsor for the festival, which is presented by the Morgan Community Association.)

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FYI: Steve Cox Memorial Park tennis courts closing for 2+ months
June 10, 2024 2:11 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | White Center | WS & Sports

(File photo of Steve Cox tennis courts, after 2012 renovations)

Given the popularity of racquet sports, we’re mentioning this here as well as on partner site White Center Now: King County Parks says the tennis courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park are closing starting this Wednesday (June 12) through August 20. The announcement says the courts will get some work done including “resurfacing the tennis courts, constructing a new ADA ramp, installation of root barriers, sidewalk repair, and fire lane striping.” It’s been 12 years since the courts got a major overhaul.

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See the first-place Mariners at a discount with West Seattle neighbors
June 10, 2024 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on See the first-place Mariners at a discount with West Seattle neighbors
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Out of the WSB inbox, sent by Malia, who asked us to share this with you:

West Seattle HS is having a night at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, June 12th. We have a special link to buy tickets at a discounted rate. Here is the poster. We’d love to get the West Seattle community out for this! Deadline to get the tickets is tonight at 10 pm!

The Wednesday game is vs. the Chicago White Sox and starts at 6:40 pm. The M’s currently lead their division by five games!

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Field full of fun for Loop the ‘Lupe 2024
June 8, 2024 6:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos, video)

They ran, they climbed, they walked, they rocked! More than 700 people – plus friends-and-family cheering sections – converged on Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point today for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, a suite of events that fill the field with fun. The first two events of the day sent runners out onto Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course:

The 5K was offered as an option without obstacles, too. And for participants in their golden years, Loop the ‘Lupe offered a short, flat course for the Senior Saunter:

Final race of the day was the Youth Dash; you can find results for all the events by going here. Part of the Loop the ‘Lupe fun is everything happening around the field, like the live music courtesy of West Seattle School of Rock:

Community organizations and businesses supporting this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe included three WSB sponsors – Bryan, Charlie, and Zoe were there from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:

Mark and Jack were there for Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle on Harbor Ave:

Gene and Michele were at Loop the ‘Lupe on behalf of West Seattle Runner in Admiral:

Part of today’s fun – a memento for Loopers – these medals!

Post-race food and drink was available too:

Race organizer Brian Callanan says the turnout was a bit above last year. Proceeds go toward the extensive social outreach done by Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose parish and school are next to today’s venue.

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One-time chance to see West Seattle filmmaker’s award-winning ‘Ultimate Citizens’ at The Admiral!
June 8, 2024 4:15 pm
|    Comments Off on One-time chance to see West Seattle filmmaker’s award-winning ‘Ultimate Citizens’ at The Admiral!
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

When we told you a month ago about West Seattle filmmaker Francine Strickwerda‘s award-winning film “Ultimate Citizens“ screening at SIFF, the showings were only scheduled off-peninsula. But now you have a chance to see it at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) – thanks to a local school team! The screening is 6:30 pm this Wednesday (June 12). It’s organized by Lafayette Elementary‘s first-ever Ultimate Frisbee team, in partnership with the filmmaker. From the announcement:

ULTIMATE CITIZENS is the story of Mr. Jamshid, a Seattle primary school counselor who uses the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to help immigrant and refugee children find belonging on their way to compete in the world’s largest youth tournament. Please join us for a special screening of this inspiring and award-winning documentary, fresh from the Seattle International Film Festival. Filmmaker Q&A to follow the screening. Bring your family, your Ultimate Frisbee team, or your school class! Tickets are $10.

One showing only – buy your ticket(s) by going here.

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CONGRATULATIONS! 8 more West Seattle High School student-athletes sign with colleges
June 7, 2024 7:01 pm
|    Comments Off on CONGRATULATIONS! 8 more West Seattle High School student-athletes sign with colleges
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Congratulations to eight more headed-for-college student-athletes! The report and photo are from West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson:

We had our Spring Senior Signing Day for West Seattle High School the other day. In photo, left to right:

Marisela Giomi – Competitive Cheer: Northern Arizona University
Carmen Cruz – Women’s Basketball: University of Puget Sound
Aleister Alfstad – Men’s Soccer: Lewis & Clark College
Devon Ghali – Men’s Soccer: Lakeland University
Nate Schiavo – Men’s Basketball: Grays Harbor College
Milo Stover – Men’s Golf: Bellevue College
Sabin Tomlinson – Men’s Baseball: Long Beach City College
John Langen – Men’s Baseball: Wenatchee Valley College

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YOUTH SPORTS: Duwamish Rowing Club relaunches teen program
June 7, 2024 2:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photos courtesy Duwamish Rowing Club)

The Duwamish Rowing Club wants you to know it’s relaunching its program for high-school students this summer! From the announcement:

Duwamish Rowing Club is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to providing affordable rowing opportunities on Seattle’s only river. Our organization operates on a site generously donated by a neighbor to introduce rowing to the youth in our community and cultivate a space that fosters discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and enhances personal growth and self-confidence. Our adult rowers support our youth programs by donating time and subsidizing program costs.

During the pandemic, our youth rowing program was temporarily halted. In February 2024, our volunteers relaunched our youth rowing team through a partnership with Rainier Prep Middle School, a charter school a few minutes from our boat house. Throughout winter and spring, a sixteen-week rowing program introduced 16 students to rowing, first through an eight-week on-land coached program utilizing rowing machines at their middle school, followed by another eight-week on-water coached program. Financial support from the George Pocock Rowing Foundation allowed us to hire our new coaches, Lead Youth Coach McKenna Niemer and assistant youth coach Jay Olson. The Washington State Parks Boater Program donated 24 life vests to help us meet our safety requirements to welcome students to not only the Duwamish River, but also to the greater rowing community.

This June, we are shifting our focus to high school athletes, offering a new introductory summer program to get new rowers ready for our fall rowing season.

You can read more of what they’ve done so far and what’s ahead by going here. This flyer has information on two sessions for teens this summer, including dates and costs.

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VIDEO: Celebration time for West Seattle High School’s state-championship baseball team
June 3, 2024 11:43 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Nine days after winning the state baseball championship in Pasco, West Seattle High School players and coaches basked in applause in their own gym tonight, with family, friends, and fans there to cheer them:

Tonight’s celebration included proclamations – one from one of WSHS’s best-known alums, King County Executive Dow Constantine (Class of 1980), saying “West Seattle couldn’t be more proud to call you their own”:

His proclamation declared today “West Seattle High School Baseball Day” in King County. The city had a proclamation too, brought by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka:

Saka and Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed this “West Seattle High School Baseball Championship Day,” and Saka urged the champs to show gratitude to everyone who’s helped them along the way. That’s exactly what player Caden Fahy did during his turn at the microphone, as well as marveling, “We did it!”

And more gratitude from player Matthew Henning, who declared, “This victory is as much yours as it is ours”:

And a mound of acknowledgments from head coach Dylan Mclauchlin, including warm words for those who had been mentoring his players all the way back in youth baseball:

This was the third consecutive year the Wildcats had reached the final four at the state 3A baseball tournament. As the coach noted, their road to the state championship was an eight-game winning streak, starting with their last regular-season game and continuing through the Metro League and state tournaments.

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SPORTS: New locally based collegiate baseball team Seattle Samurai to debut
June 3, 2024 1:02 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

First the DubSea Fish Sticks … now the Seattle Samurai: Another locally based collegiate baseball team is about to debut. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

The Seattle Baseball Group, LLC announces a new collegiate summer baseball team based out of West Seattle. The Seattle Samurai has been accepted as an expansion team into the Pacific International League (PIL), where they will be competing in a limited schedule against other PIL teams including games against the popular DubSea Fish Sticks out of White Center. In addition to the current college players on the roster, there are many graduating seniors from our own Washington 3A State Champions West Seattle High School baseball team as they prepare to head off to their college baseball careers in the fall.

“The Seattle Samurai is a much needed organization to provide more opportunities for college baseball players to compete in the Seattle area through the Summer,” said Mark Terao, Seattle Baseball Group, LLC CEO. “Seattle has a large amount of college baseball players that are looking to keep their game fresh during the off-season and the Seattle Samurai will provide them with this opportunity and strive to provide them with a quality experience to help them improve their game.”

The Seattle Samurai roster will be comprised of current college players along with graduating high school seniors committed to play in college this coming fall. Many of the graduating high school players are from our own 2024 Washington 3A State Championship team from West Seattle High School. As an expansion team this first year, the Samurai will be playing a limited schedule but will attempt to get in 14-20 games this summer. The team will be led by experienced coaches starting with their Head Coach Jacob Terao, who just finished up his 2nd year coaching at Hendrix College in Arkansas, along with the assistant coaches Nate Santiago (Centenary College, Bellevue CC, Pierce CC and Edmonds CC) and Ryan Ramsower (Lower Columbia, Utah State [SB] and Maggie Gallagher Baseball for All).

The Seattle Samurai strives to provide a great competitive baseball environment for the Seattle community to come out and enjoy. By establishing itself in the Seattle area they will look for ways to support the local youth in the community. Go Time Athletics Indoor Baseball Facilities, located in Georgetown and West Seattle, will be the home for the Seattle Samurai baseball team. Go Time Athletics is also the home of Washington Baseball Academy with select baseball teams ages 8U-18U.

Seattle Samurai home games will be held at local Seattle baseball fields including Mel Olson Stadium in White Center and a game against the DubSea Fish Sticks at University of Washington Husky Baseball Stadium on July 21st at 5:00pm. The first game of the season will be June 6th (this Thursday), game start 3:30 pm at Mel Olson Stadium in White Center against the Northwest Honkers. Seattle Samurai home games admission $5, kids 13 and under free. For our complete schedule visit us at www.seattlebaseballgroup.com

So far the schedule includes three games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle (2801 SW Thistle).

UPDATE: The game scheduled for Thursday in White Center has been postponed.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Athlete of the Week honors for member of West Seattle High School’s state-champion baseball team
May 31, 2024 11:09 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Just days after the West Seattle High School baseball team won the 3A state championship (WSB coverage here), one of its seniors has received Athlete of the Week honors from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Here’s how WIAA announced it:

CADEN FAHY – WEST SEATTLE BASEBALL (SR)

(Photo by Joe Christian for WSB, from WSHS state semifinal victory over Eastside Catholic)

West Seattle senior Caden Fahy earned first-team All-Metro League honors this past week. Fahy helped the Wildcats win the Metro Championship and come out victorious in their first two games of the 3A State Baseball Championships. Over the past three games, throughout the Metro Championship and two games at State, Fahy had 11 at-bats, coming away with two singles, four doubles, and four runs. He also took the mound at the end of his last game, earning a save and helping his team move on to the 3A Semifinal game.

The Wildcats went on to win that game and last Saturday’s championship game vs. Mount Vernon. As noted here earlier this week, a community celebration for the champs is planned Monday (June 3), 5 pm, at the WSHS gym (3000 California SW).

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FOLLOWUP: Seattle Parks updates on pickleball and tennis
May 30, 2024 3:57 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

(October 2023 WSB photo of Lincoln Park ex-site)

One week after Seattle Parks announced it had ditched the plan for converting former tennis courts in Lincoln Park to pickleball courts, it’s out with a citywide update on pickleball and tennis, including a reiteration of its Lincoln Park intentions, and a bit about Solstice Park (both of which we’ve boldfaced below for emphasis):

Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to announce several developments based on the 2022 Outdoor Pickleball Study and the recent 2024 SPR Pickleball and Tennis Vision presented to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners …

… First and foremost, SPR is announcing the establishment of two sport-specific hubs: Green Lake Park (East Courts) will be a dedicated pickleball hub, and Lower Woodland Park (Lower Courts) will be a dedicated tennis hub! These two locations are excellent models for the start of sport-specific hubs in the city. SPR will use these models to pilot new initiatives as we refine the “hub specific” model for implementation elsewhere.

Additionally, the Belltown Pickleball Courts at the intersection of 5th Ave. and Taylor Ave. are now conducting a “Quiet-Paddles” only pilot. Players must use their own paddles – or check out a loaner paddle from nearby businesses – that meets criteria for Quiet-Category paddles certified by USA Pickleball. These products deliver essentially 50 percent or less of the acoustic footprint of equipment commonly used in the play of pickleball.

SPR is moving forward with new outdoor court capital development. This summer SPR will be resurfacing and restriping the tennis courts at David Rodgers Park tennis courts, Amy Yee Tennis Center outdoor courts, and, if budget allows half the tennis courts at Solstice Park (with the other half planned for resurfacing in 2025). Additionally, we will be adding noise-reducing fence technology to the courts located at Miller Park and Laurelhurst Park to mitigate noise associated with pickleball play.

SPR will not be pursuing the proposed pickleball courts at Lincoln Park. The fence surrounding the existing court slab will be removed and the area will remain “undeveloped” until a more suitable site can be identified and agreed on by community members.

SPR has launched a new online engagement hub at Project: Racquet & Paddle Sports (seattleparksandrec.com) which will be a one-stop shop for all racquet and paddle sports in the City. The community who visit the online hub may engage with planning efforts, connect with other community members, get updates about planned events, and provide feedback on SPR’s efforts to improve and increase all racquet and paddle sports courts and programs.

Lastly, SPR is working through re-vamping the online reservation system and the “Rules of the Court” at all facilities to simplify and clarify when and how the courts are used for the sports of pickleball or tennis. Look for changes coming to the online system, as well as new signs and banners posted at courts over the next few months.

We’re seeking comment from Parks on one followup point – whether the old slab at Lincoln Park will stay or go. As for Solstice Park, it was originally scheduled for resurfacing and restriping last year – and after we learned and reported the plan to add pickleball striping, the now-scrapped Lincoln Park pickleball alternative emerged.

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SAVE THE DATE: Community celebration planned for state-champion West Seattle High School baseball team
May 28, 2024 9:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Saturday photo by Joe Christian for WSB)

In case you missed the holiday weekend’s biggest story – the West Seattle High School baseball team won the state championship on Saturday night (WSB coverage here). The game was played in Pasco, so not many West Seattle fans could be there to cheer for them, but you’ll get a chance to help celebrate the championship – WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson tells WSB the date is set for a community celebration, 5 pm in the school gym next Monday (June 3). Stand by for more details.

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PHOTOS: West Seattle High School baseball team wins state championship!
May 25, 2024 9:34 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Added: Photos by Joe Christian for WSB)

9:34 PM: The West Seattle High School Wildcats are the state 3A baseball champions! The Wildcats roared out to a big lead over Mount Vernon HS early – six runs in the top of the 1st inning – and went on to victory, 9-3, playing in Pasco. This caps a sterling season in which WSHS also won the Metro League championship. Full story and photos to come!

ADDED 3:10 AM: The trophy-hoisting celebration on the field was three years in the making. In the team’s third consecutive year of reaching the state’s final four – every year Dylan Mclauchlin‘s been head coach – they finally made it all the way to the top. And from the opening moments of the game, it was never in doubt that it would end up that way.

Thr Wildcats were up 6-0 on four hits and five walks before the Bulldogs even came up to bat; among those with RBIs in the first inning was winning pitcher #17 Matthew Henning:

He struck out five and yielded only two runs and four hits over five and two-thirds innings. Meantime, West Seattle hitters were relentless, and piled up a 9-2 lead before Henning made way for #9 Sam Waskowitz in the sixth. He gave up one run in the seventh before closing out the biggest victory in West Seattle High School baseball history.

#2 Bobby Trigg had one of the hottest bats of the night, going 2 for 4 – both doubles – with 1 RBI, and scoring twice, including the ninth and final WSHS run in the third, on a single by #24 Lukas Cheha, who went 3 for 3.

#13 Parker Eley had 2 RBI on a second-inning double; seven other Wildcats had one each.

Now it’s time for the trip home with the trophy.

This was WSHS’s first appearance in the title game since May 25, 2013, exactly 11 years to the day before this win resulted in the school’s first-ever state baseball championship.

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YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH signups open for softball, baseball, T-ball
May 25, 2024 3:51 pm
|    Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH signups open for softball, baseball, T-ball
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

West Seattle Baseball wants you to know that its Summer CRUSH signups are open until June 17. Here’s the announcement:

Summer CRUSH is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with more of the fun, summery vibe from sandlot-style baseball with your friends. It is also an opportunity for players to take advantage of more reps, plus try new positions and new facets of the game in a fun, low-stress situation. There generally are no practices and the baseball feels more like sandlot games or scrimmages. Again our focus is on having fun and playing more baseball.

CRUSH is divided into three divisions, Pinto 8U, Mustang 10U, and Bronco 12U. 8U and 12U are scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays. 10U is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Softball is back and expanded to two days per week! Softball will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. The goal is to identify their knowledge and skill set to aptly teach and help gain confidence in their abilities. Division will probably be in the Pinto (8U), Mustang (10U) and Bronco (12U) range; however, this is subject to registration.

New to Summer CRUSH, we will be adding a Shetland/T-Ball instructional division one night per week. This division of T-Ball (6U) will be on Thursday nights 5-6 pm and continue to be a fun level of baseball to run around and play some ball.

Team rosters are built with summer vacations in mind. Larger rosters can sometimes mean that the batting order gets long, more often, however, it prevents teams being too short-handed to realistically play when multiple players are out of town on family trips. Again, games are scheduled only for weeknights, leaving weekends completely free.

Registration fee for CRUSH Baseball and Softball is $125; cost includes a ballcap and team jersey for each player. Registration fee for Shetland/T-Ball is $100. The CRUSH season will begin the week of July 8 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 18.

West Seattle Baseball’s Summer CRUSH registration is open through June 17th. For more information about Summer CRUSH, go here.

West Seattle Baseball is volunteer-run and nonprofit.

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PHOTOS: Semifinal shutout triumph sends West Seattle High School to state-championship baseball game
May 24, 2024 10:59 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Joe Christian for WSB)

10:59 PM: The West Seattle High School Wildcats will play Mount Vernon HS for the state 3A baseball championship on Saturday night. That’s after West Seattle’s just-concluded shutout defeat of Eastside Catholic, 6-0 in Pasco. This is the third consecutive year the Wildcats have made it to the state final four – but the first time since 2013 that they’ve slugged their way into the title game. Details from tonight’s win, plus photos, coming up later!

ADDED 3:01 AM: #27, senior Miles Chandler, got the win for the Wildcats, pitching 5 shutout innings – with five strikeouts – despite a bit of turbulence in the 1st inning, when he got into a bases-loaded jam, but got out of it without yielding a run. That was the biggest threat the Crusaders posed for the entire game.

#7, senior Caden Fahy, had four of the six WSHS RBI, starting with two when he hit a triple in the top of the third.

That brought in #13, senior Parker Eley, and #14, junior Clay Pecore, who had a 2-for-3 night.

With a single in the fourth, Fahy brought in Pecore again, and #1, junior Dex Pudduck.

That was after #5, senior Matthew Hazelgrove, had smacked a two-run single of his own, which scored #24, junior Lukas Cheha, and #42, senior Sabin Tomlinson.

#6, senior John Langen, closed the shutout by holding Eastside Catholic to two hits in two innings.

Head coach Dylan Mclauchlin and the Wildcats are scheduled to take the field at 7:15 tonight (Saturday, May 25).

The time might vary depending on the games that precede it (which is why this game started so late). The Mount Vernon Bulldogs got the other championship-game spot by beating Edmonds-Woodway 9-7 earlier in the evening. While this is WSHS’s third year in a row to reach the semifinals, it’s the first trip in almost a quarter-century for Mount Vernon.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Stadium rainbow as Junction FC gets first win
May 24, 2024 9:24 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather | WS & Sports

Thanks to Jason Grotelueschen for the photo from Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where a rainbow graced West Seattle Junction FC‘s first regular-season victory tonight, 1-0 over Lane United FC from Eugene. Tonight’s lone goal came 12 minutes in, by Junction FC’s co-captain #7 Jafer Mustafa. The club plays again at home at 2 pm Sunday vs. United PDX.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 months until West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K – want to be part of one or both?
May 20, 2024 7:02 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 2 months until West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K – want to be part of one or both?
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Exactly two months from today, on July 20, a huge summer doubleheader takes over California Avenue SW between Admiral and The Junction from morning through early afternoon – the West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K. Both are looking for participants right now – here’s how to be part of either or both!

(WSB photo, 2023: Joyas Mestizas in West Seattle Grand Parade)

GRAND PARADE: This year, the Grand Parade celebrates its 90th anniversary! Your business, organization, school, etc., can inquire about parade participation by emailing WestSeattleParade@gmail.com to get an application. And the parade is seeking sponsors – the permits, no-parking signs, and other costs add up big time, and sponsorships help the all-volunteer parade organizers cover those costs – no sponsors, no parade! Read this to find out how to become a Grand Parade sponsor.

(WSB photo, 2023 Float Dodger 5K)

FLOAT DODGER 5K: Before the Grand Parade starts down California SW from Lander at 11 am on July 20, the Float Dodger 5K sends hundreds of runners and walkers onto the route (starting at Hiawatha Playfield) at 9:30 am, raising money for the West Seattle Food Bank. This is the 10th anniversary of the Float Dodger 5K, founded and coordinated by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). It’s preceded by a free Kids’ Dash at 9 am and followed by root-beer floats! Sponsors are welcome – email info@runforgoodracingcompany.com – and registration is open now – just go here!

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VIDEO: It’s more than a match as soccer traditions accompany West Seattle Junction FC’s debut
May 19, 2024 8:59 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

If you aren’t steeped in soccer match-day traditions, this is a great time to learn, as West Seattle Junction FC starts its first-ever season. Above, our video shows supporters approaching Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex to conclude their March to the Match, which started about half a mile away at The Westy. Those arriving at the stadium found a banner emblazoned with West Seattle neighborhood names:

Inside the stadium, a chance to buy merch:

Community businesses there included WSB sponsor Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle:

On the field, the players walked onto the field with youth accompanying them:

But first, a huddle with head coach Erik Oman:

In the stands, even before the match, a sense of fun:

So what about the soccer? you ask. The match, against Capital FC from Salem, Oregon, ended in a draw, 2-2. The match was streamed, and archived on YouTube – watch the first half here, second half here. Junction FC’s two goals were by Jacen Stein and Mani Diop. Next home match: Friday (May 24), 7 pm, vs. Lane United FC (also from Oregon); tickets are available online.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Pathfinder team wins Ultimate championship
May 19, 2024 7:33 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We have word tonight of another team of local middle-schoolers who won a citywide championship this weekend. Lilyanna, a member of the Pathfinder K-8 Ultimate team, sent the report and photo:

I am an 8th grader at Pathfinder K-8, I am on the Ultimate Frisbee team and we won the championship on Saturday! We won 11-4 and our season ended 7-1. My team and I can’t believe that we made it that far. We went to Spring Reign and completed against so many amazing teams. We won 3/6 games we played. It was an amazing experience and we all had so much fun!

The reason for this email is I want our team to be recognized. I have one of the most amazing and talented teams that I’ve ever been on. As a 8th grader leaving Pathfinder and going off to High School, it makes me really happy that I got to experience this. I love Ultimate so much, but what I love most is the people on my team and at my school. We have amazing coaches! Coach Jonah and Coach John. They’ve taught not only me but our team how to work together and build the community that we have now. Thank you so much, Pathfinder, for the amazing opportunity to be a part of the team.

The leaving 8th graders on the team are
Anna
Willa
Taylor
Salem
Ronan
Elias
Milo
Ian
Will

Lilyanna says they beat Eckstein MS in the title game, played at Magnuson Park.

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