West Seattle, Washington
09 Friday

(May 2009 photo by John Loftus)
Last year, more than 1,000 people turned out to run, walk and raise money for West Seattle schools in the first-ever West Seattle 5K on Alki. Registration has just opened for this year’s second annual West Seattle 5K – May 23, organized again this year by, and benefiting, the West Seattle High School PTSA – and WSB has joined the team as a co-sponsor. There’s a 25% discount for early registration – you can start from this page.
All four Seattle Lutheran High School basketball teams played host to their rival Sea-Tac League opponents, the Evergreen Lutheran Eagles, on Saturday. Highlights, including video, ahead:Read More
Friday’s Chief Sealth/Bishop Blanchet boys’ basketball game is in Q13’s “Varsity on Q” poll. Sealth athletic director Sam Reed just sent out a bulletin about it – you can help them get a TV spotlight by going here and voting in the poll on the right side of the page.
This announcement’s just out of the postal mailbox (transcribed):
Seattle Parks and Recreation and West Seattle Little League have been working together to improve Bar-S Playfield, located at 6464 SW Admiral Way [map]. They are hosting a meeting to discuss these improvements and encourage you and your family to attend.
Please come and learn about the planned addition of restrooms, the upgrades to the snack shack, and the replacement of the temporary storage sheds.
The meeting is set for 7 pm January 27 at Alki Community Center; Parks contact if you’re looking for more info before then is Raft Hollingsworth, 206-615-1401, raft.hollingsworth@seattle.gov. (P.S. As noted here last week, WS Little League registration starts tomorrow night.)
Two announcements to share this afternoon – first, from West Seattle Little League:
Grab your glove – It’s time to register for Little League! In-person registrations will be held on Tuesday, Jan 12th (in the Library) and Tuesday, Jan 19th (Room 212) – 6-9 pm at West Seattle High School. West Seattle Little League teaches not only baseball, but lessons learned through teamwork, dedication and pride. Divisions include T-ball, Coach-Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors and Seniors. T-ball through Majors play most games at Bar-S Fields, at 6464 SW Admiral Way . For registration forms, payment and more information, go to westseattlelittleleague.com
WSLL is for ages 5-18, says webmaster Cami MacNamara. Meantime, it’s also registration time for these West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) sports:
Adult Basketball 4v4 League Starts Feb 21 – Register Today!
Youth Indoor Soccer – Ages 3-11 – Registration Opens Thursday, January 7, 2010
Register on-line at www.westseattleymca.org or in person at the West Seattle YMCA or Fauntleroy YMCA
Practices start week of February 22nd
Games start weekend of March 6th
Season ends April 25th
The Y is also looking for coaches; if you’re interested, contact Matt Schlede at 206-937-1000 or mschlede@seattleymca.org. ADDED 5:37 PM: Direct link to soccer info on the Y site is here. Also, a comment on Facebook (“friend” us at WS Blog) pointed out that West Seattle Pee Wee is registering now too; here’s the link.
That clip we found on YouTube shows the crazy scene – what another YouTuber described as a “euphoric storming of the field” — after the University of Idaho Vandals’ one-point win over Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise on Wednesday. This is notable for West Seattle, as pointed out in this note Allison sent this afternoon:
Former West Seattle High School standout, Aaron Grymes who now plays college football at University of Idaho, has won his first bowl game with the Vandals in the Humanitarian Bowl. They defeated Bowling Green St. 43-42.
Allison thought Westside supporters would want to hear this, if they hadn’t already. According to these game stats, he had two tackles in the game. (It was a year ago this month that Grymes changed his mind about college and decided to go to Idaho instead of UW.)
The West Seattle High School Wildcats took both ends of the West Seattle Holiday Basketball Classic on their home court Saturday night, with the varsity girls defeating Seattle Lutheran High School 55-26 and the boys pulling off a 42-32 win. In both games, West Seattle used a run-and-gun offense with differing degrees of success. For summaries of, and clips, from, both games, read on!Read More
Another update on the swimming-star grandson of a local couple, who medaled in the nationals in Federal Way two weeks ago:
Nick Thoman (our grandson) broke the world record for the 100 back stroke, short course, in the first leg of the Medley relay, 48.9 seconds (WR 49.2) This is at the ‘Duel in the Pool’ being held in Manchester, England with USA Swim vs. Europe. The USA Swim Medley Relay (4 x 100) also broke the WR with 320.71 (former record 323.33). Next Nick came in 2nd in the 200 backstroke, Grevers 148.74, Nick 150.05 and Peirsol 151.08. Tomorrow, Nick will swim the 100 back stroke. Stay tuned.
Proud Alki Grandparents, Ginger & Glenn Brewer
Here’s British coverage of the competition.
We promised more high-school sports coverage this year, and brought you fairly comprehensive coverage of the high-school football season. Now it’s basketball time, and we’ll be covering many of the games West Seattle’s three high schools play, starting with Seattle Lutheran High School‘s doubleheader in West Seattle Saturday night – read on for the story and video:Read More
Our newest sponsor says customers discovering them have been high-fiving them and saying, “It’s about time West Seattle got a full-service ski shop!” And Mountain to Sound Outfitters offers a lot more – here’s what they want you to know:

(From left: Chris Petry, Jon Steel, Ryan Basilone, Greg Whittaker)
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is a new business from the operators of Alki Kayak Tours and the Seattle Ski Shuttle. Our passion is to get people out actively enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us. We have created customers in the ski and paddlesports world, but till now, were not able to provide the retail goods for the snow-riding and kayaking community, nor were they available to the West Seattle community or anywhere south of downtown Seattle. Now, our brand-new shop offers full-service Ski and Snowboard Service, Ski and Snowboard Rentals, and Retail Ski and Snowboard Gear.
Owner Greg Whittaker has 15 years of experience working as a ski technician and custom boot-fitter and is stoked to provide the service to Seattle – with the technical expertise and machinery to flatten, tune, repair and wax boards, mount skis, and work on any binding. We also have one of the largest rental fleets in Puget Sound, and can offer daily or seasonal ski and board rentals. One specialty that we are really excited about is our THULE dealership. We can provide vehicle racking solutions for any vehicle – you don’t have to drive to North Seattle any more – now you can support local business and get quality service for vehicle racking.
Mountain to Sound Outfitters also hopes to support the community by facilitating a non-profit West Seattle Snowsports Council to get middle-school and high-school students up into the mountains weekly. With the connections we have created with the ski areas, we can make it an affordable endeavor for local West Seattle young adults. Overall, Greg says, “Both in the kayaking world, and the snow-riding world, we are helping people discover the natural beauty in our area and giving the technical tools, instruction, and access to the Mountains and the Sound.” (The ski shuttle is in full swing, by the way, leaving at 7:30 am Monday-Friday, returning around 6:30 pm.) You’ll find Mountain to Sound Outfitters at 3602 SW Alaska (map) and online at m2soutfitters.com.
We thank Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
First, from Bil Hood at Seattle Lutheran High School:
Congratulations to the Seattle Lutheran Saints boys and girls varsity basketball teams. They are both coming home tomorrow with the first place trophies from the Portland Lutheran Basketball Tournament. After winning blow-outs against the Portland Lutheran High teams yesterday the Saints both matched up against Mt. Rainier Lutheran High today. The girls won a close one 35-34 and the boys walked away with a 65-55 win.
Second, from proud grandma Ginger Brewer, reporting on the Short Course National Championships for swimmers, being held at Federal Way:
The grandson of Ginger & Glenn of Alki, Nicholas Thoman, won two gold medals at last night’s meet. The 100 back stroke 52.07 ( the meet record timing) and the 200 relay 1:26:02 with swimmers Westby, Jones & Skuba. There are seven of the elete swimmers group Club SwimMac Carolina here to compete. The Brewer fan club are on board every night to cheer them on. Tonight he will swim the 200 back stroke. More excitement in store.
Ginger sent that report this morning, so it looks like we have an update since then — if we’re interpreting the online results correctly, it appears Ginger and Glenn’s grandson came in second in that competition tonight.

Thanks to Kate K for the tip about the Apple Cup-apropos flag flying over Metropolitan Market. WSU’s won the last two; will UW break the streak? Big game’s at 3:30 pm, Husky Stadium (here’s a preview from our partners at the Seattle Times) – via Twitter, just caught a little Husky spirit video from @despeaux – best Coug spirit image we’ve seen on Twitter so far is this one. Game time: 3:30. 7:55 PM UPDATE: If somehow you missed it elsewhere – final score UW 30, WSU 0.
The action on Alki Playfield at midday today might have looked like just another flag football game – but this was no average game – it was the 10th annual Idiot Bowl, replete with celebrity hosts, including State Sen. (and County Council hopeful) Joe McDermott and Seattle Times (WSB partner) sports columnist Jerry Brewer. “The Commish,” Paul Leonardo, took a moment to explain (with a young helper) what the game’s all about:
Still checking on the final results. Added 10:24 pm – From Paul, the results:
The Farmville Freaks beat Squadron C by the final score of 49-23 to win the Commissioner’s Trophy. MVP went to Zach Eastey and Rookie of the Year to brother Luis Eastey. A good time was had by all with no injuries and fun all around.
WSB side note: This story marks the debut of HD video here, courtesy of the recently procured replacement for our first-ever video camera, which gave up the ghost after 2 years of intensive use. We’ll still probably use our non-HD camera more often, but are interested in your feedback on this one … thanks!
On the heels of our report a few hours ago about the Seattle Lutheran girls’ soccer team taking 3rd in the state, we have more big news about local youth sports – thanks to Michael Zuppe for sharing this news:
West Seattle Wildcat Seniors (13 and 14 year old) beat the Renton Rangers 12 to 8, at Husky Stadium, to win the South King County Jr. Football league title. Amazing game…the Wildcats came from behind and won the game on the last play with no time left on the clock. It’s only the second year of the program. Way to go, Wildcats!!
Find out more about the Junior Wildcats here.
Update from Bil Hood at Seattle Lutheran High School:
Congratulations to the Seattle Lutheran Saints Girls Soccer Team on winning 3rd in state. They just beat LaConner 6-2. Ashley Shaw, Melissa Stein and Danya Van Trojen each won tournament sportsmanship awards.
Congratulations! We’ll be covering winter sports too – but your help’s vital – reports, photos, etc. always welcome at editor@westseattleblog.com (or Facebook, Twitter, text, phone, whatever’s convenient for you).
Two girls’ soccer updates: First, Bil Hood from Seattle Lutheran High School reports that the Saints beat Mount Vernon Christian 5-0 today, advancing to the Class 2B/1B final four next weekend in Sumner. Also, Madison Middle School will play Eckstein at 3 pm Monday (Memorial Stadium downtown) for third place in the middle-school tournament.

(Photo courtesy Kathy Meyers)
Another achievement for a talented West Seattle athlete: Last summer, we shared the news of Maddie Meyers‘ high placement in the Seafair Torchlight Run. Maddie, a sophomore at Northwest School, repeated with the 1A state title at the state Cross Country Championship last weekend, setting a new 1A course record – 18:01 – which was the second-fastest of the day, 3 seconds behind a 4A runner. Next up, she’s racing in Border Clash. (Just a reminder, we love to share news of achievements – young or old, sports or academics or contests or whatever, e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com!)
Once again this fall, for the West Seattle High School Wildcats, the varsity-football season all came down to a faceoff with Ferndale, on the road, in Bellingham. WSHS led at halftime last night but came out on the short end, 28-21. We didn’t make the road trip this time; here’s the Bellingham Herald‘s game report.
Just in from Seattle Lutheran High School‘s Bil Hood:
The Saints girls soccer team just won their district tournament. Sophomore Ashley Shaw scored both goals for the Saints. They beat Orcas 2-1. They will start the state tournament next weekend facing the #6 team from their district. Go Saints.
West Seattle High School‘s varsity football team is on the road tonight to play Ferndale at Bellingham’s Civic Stadium. Meantime, Chief Sealth High School played last night at Memorial Stadium downtown, in a game with multiple weather delays (lightning understandably clears the field) – read on for our game report:Read More

Senior night for Seattle Lutheran High School‘s football team, with players and parents introduced just before kickoff Thursday night at West Seattle Stadium. Though the weather calmed as the game progressed, that didn’t help Evergreen Lutheran, beaten by the Saints, 42-14. Seattle Lutheran’s Fred Lisko turned in the big play of the night. In the second quarter, Evergreen moved the ball steadily down the field, only to fumble on the five-yard line. Lisko recovered that fumble and ran straight down the sideline to score. The play pretty much reflected Evergreen’s night. Each time the Eagles made some progress, the Saints managed to wrangle the ball back. During the first half, the Saints managed to successfully hang onto the ball, despite the wind and rain. Here’s Alex Reese scoring the first touchdown of the night.
The win advances the Saints into the 2B playoffs, where they’ll meet Adna next week, details TBA. (For more play-by-play notes from Thursday night’s game, check out @wsblive, where we tweeted it as it happened.)

ADMIRAL SAFEWAY ALLEY VACATION: If you’re proposing a street or alley “vacation” – in which the public right-of-way is relinquished, for development or another reason – the Seattle Design Commission has to review your plan, including the “public benefits” you’re offering to make up for it. That’s why it’ll be looking at the Admiral Safeway redevelopment plan (here’s the most recent public presentation) today, 2 pm, Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall downtown.
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING – BE THERE! West Seattle’s 5 areas with official plans – Admiral, Delridge, Morgan Junction, The Junction, Westwood/Highland Park – did a stellar job of representing at the neighborhood plan status/update meeting on that sizzling July day at Youngstown. Tonight’s the next step – a meeting to review how that information was processed, whether you agree the “status check” represents where things stand in your neighborhood, and what happens next. The WS neighborhoods are sharing a meeting place with a few others, so this meeting is on Beacon Hill, 6 pm, Mercer Middle School (directions). You’re also invited to participate in this online questionnaire.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TONIGHT: In girls’ soccer, West Seattle High School is in the Metro third-place game vs. Lakeside, 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown; in varsity football, *Seattle Lutheran High School plays Evergreen Lutheran, 7 pm at West Seattle Stadium.

The city is getting ready to spend $20 million on its golf courses over the next 20 years, and almost half that sum is designated for the West Seattle Golf Course, the Southwest District Council was reminded tonight. Deputy Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams attended the meeting to brief the SWDC on the status of plans for WSGC improvements (as discussed here in April). Williams said they’ll start pursuing the bond funding for the $20 million in January – leveraging the $1 million-plus profit the city’s golf courses make each year – and that’s also when he expects planning and design to begin for the first West Seattle project that’ll be teed up, a driving range (West Seattle is the only city golf course without one) against the hillside along 35th SW. Williams listed its cost at $4.5 million – that’s up from what was mentioned last spring, and says it’s slated to be built in 2011 after a year of planning and design that he promised will include meetings and other chances for public involvement. Also in the works, the $700,000 “perimeter trail” that will further connect the golf course with Camp Long, but Williams says it isn’t scheduled to be put in until the sixth or seventh year of the 20-year funding plan, and he says the clubhouse/crew facilities wouldn’t be built till “the end of the bond lifecycle.” Not good news, said Fairmount Community Association rep Sharonn Meeks – “that thing [current clubhouse] is falling down.” She also pointed out that nearby residents have concerns about the lighting for the driving range. One last note – Williams said West Seattle is under consideration for electric golf carts; it’s not just a matter of swapping out the carts, he explained, saying electric carts need special paths and a “cart barn” where they can plug in to charge up. (More info on golf-course improvement plans and the city’s Golf Course Master Plan can be found here.)
| 5 COMMENTS