West Seattle, Washington
15 Sunday
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Our area’s two biggest high schools faced off in a boys-soccer match on Friday – Chief Sealth International High School vs. West Seattle High School at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
The Wildcats got out to an early 1-0 lead, and the Seahawks never caught up.
Final score was WSHS 2, Chief Sealth 0.
Both teams have matches on Monday afternoon – WSHS (2-3) vs. Seattle Academy, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield; CSIHS (1-4) vs. Evergreen, 4:30 pm at NCSWAC.
Boosters of West Seattle High School‘s state-champion baseball team invite you to join them for a dinner and auction Saturday night – and you can bid even if you can’t be there! Here’s the announcement
Come out and support the WSHS Baseball Team by purchasing your auction tickets for the 2025 Grand Slam Social & Fundraiser!
Entry: $40 (Players and kids 12 & under FREE!)
Your support helps fund uniforms, equipment, and program essentials—let’s rally together for WSHS Baseball!
Can’t make the auction? You can still bid online or make a donation to support the team! Every contribution helps!
Scan the QR code or go to WSHS Baseball Grand Slam Social & Fundraiser.
The event starts at 6 pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 29) at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds).
Run fast? West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) could use your help. The shop offers free group runs every week and wants to take them to the next level. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:
West Seattle Runner is looking for a Fast Ambassador (or 3!) to round out our line-up of offerings for our run group!!! This has been an idea in the works for almost our entire 15 years in business. And so we are now officially on the search.
What we are looking for: Fast Ambassadors to help support and grow a fast contingent to our run group. We have a wonderful group of runners already. We have the middle of the pack paces well covered. We have a Walk Ambassador, Rita, who has welcomed, encouraged and supported our Walker contingent. It has been lovely and we look forward to the continued growth there as well. Over the years, we have experienced folks expressing to us that where we don’t meet their needs is that we don’t have fast enough folks in our group. So, we think the time is ripe to grow this aspect of our running group to better serve all people.
What would our Fast Ambassadors do exactly? We would like to have the Fast Ambassadors share run-group duty in order to be here to run with the fast folks. It’s simple. We would like to be able to post your distance and pace ahead of run group initially to ensure confidence in folks that there will be someone their pace to run with. Over time, this will naturally build a wider range of faster paces as the faster folks come and see that they can have run partners here. The most important thing to cover is group runs on Wednesday and Saturday.
What is in it for our Fast Ambassadors? Other than our extreme gratitude, you will be able to be a leader in our community, will create more runner friendships and enjoy the feeling of helping build something special in our run community by carrying out the West Seattle Runner vision and mission. Practically speaking, we will be able to offer shoes and gear rewards as a thank you.
Who should apply? We want nice people only, no egos. Those who are about something bigger than themselves/service-oriented. Someone who understands that our mission at West Seattle Runner is to continue to build the running community of West Seattle and this happens by helping and supporting others and accepting everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. We want someone who will support the principles of training that we stand for since they are sound and time-tested. Willing to respect what we have built here and understand that others come before self. We do not have hard and fast (pun intended) rules on what pace you have to run in order to be considered. We know we need to start somewhere, and we will likely have a few ambassadors with a pace range, and that is great, over time this will expand.
Reach out with your questions, interest in becoming a Fast Ambassador and any input: lori@westseattlerunner.com. We are super pumped about the future of this!!
This morning, we have a two-part announcement from West Seattle Wildcats Junior Football and Cheer:
Calling all young athletes and spirited cheerleaders! The West Seattle Wildcat Junior Football & Cheer league is thrilled to announce that registration for our 2025 season is now open! We proudly serve grades K-8, offering tackle football and cheerleading programs that focus on fun, teamwork, and personal growth.
As we gear up for another fantastic season, we’re also on the lookout for dedicated volunteer coaches who are passionate about working with young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. If you’re interested in making a difference in your community and shaping the lives of young athletes, we’d love to hear from you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the West Seattle Wildcat family! Register today and let’s make the 2025 season one to remember. Sign up now at our website westseattlejrfootball.com or contact us at westseattlewildcats@gmail.com for more information. Roar with the Wildcats!
Congratulations to the West Seattle High School Cheer Squad – member Alice Herron sends the photo and news that their teams won Washington State Cheer Coaches Association championships today!
We competed today at the WSCCA All-State competition and both teams from WSHS won first place!
In All-Girl Intermediate Stunt, Alice Herron, Ava Murray, Sophie McNamara, Amaya Stagi came in first for their division!
In Coed Advanced Stunt, Christiano Solis, Mia Casillas, Sadie Stover, Eva Tatman came in first for their division!
Both are coached by Nadine Nguyen at WSHS.
Spring sports are under way at local high schools. One is asking you to warm up your throwing arm and help. Here’s the request we were asked to share with you:
Baseball and softball aren’t just sports at Chief Sealth International High School — they’re a source of pride, teamwork, and opportunity for our students. But right now, our teams are facing a serious challenge. Many talented young athletes in our community simply can’t afford to play.
The cost of gear—gloves, bats, cleats, and protective equipment—is too high for some families.
Field maintenance and facility upgrades are desperately needed.Without proper funding, fewer students are able to participate, threatening the future of these programs.
We refuse to let financial barriers stop our students from stepping up to the plate.
With your support, we can provide:
⚾ Scholarships for student-athletes who can’t afford fees
🥎 New equipment to ensure every player has what they need
⚾ Team building activities to create a safe and welcoming space
🥎 Coaching and mentorship to inspire and grow our programEvery dollar makes a difference. Whether you’re a proud alumni, a local business, or a fan of the game, you have the power to keep baseball and softball alive at Chief Sealth International High School.
Donate today and help our student-athletes continue playing the game they love!
chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/csihsplayball/give
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Runner)
More than 40 people came out in the early-morning chill for the 4th annual Leprechaun Leg Group Run presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor)! They started from the (mostly) green turf of Hiawatha across the street from the Admiral District shop. and wrapped up at Good Society neaerby. In addition to seasonally themed fun runs like this, West Seattle Runner invites you to show up for regular weekly free group runs too – as listed on their website’s events page (and in the WSB Event Calendar too): Tuesdays at 6:15 pm, meet at the shop (2743 California SW) and go over to the track to run; Wednesdays at 6:15 pm and Saturdays at 8 am, group runs leave from the shop.
(WSB photo, 2024 Leprechaun Leg Group Run participants)
Get your St. Patrick’s Day green on a day early and join West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) on Sunday for this year’s Leprechaun Leg Group Run. Here’s the reminder from WSR co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
This coming Sunday, March 16, at 9 am, we are hosting our 4th annual Leprechaun Leg Group Run with Good Society Brewing. We will gather at Hiawatha Track [2700 California SW] and run a 3-mile route through the neighborhood and end at Good Society. They are opening early just for us!! The start time is 9 am!!! It is only a group run, not a race! Contact the shop for questions: 206-938-0545
We are charging $1 entry fee so that we can give a headcount to Good Society and then we will give all the money to their tip jar. Wear your green! Also email lori@westseattlerunner.com with any questions.
West Seattle Runner – the peninsula’s only running-focused shop – also presents seasonal fun runs for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmastime, plus the annual summertime Float Dodger 5K before the West Seattle Grand Parade – July 19 this year. Regular group runs, too, as featured on our calendar.
(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by David Hutchinson)
It’s official! The West Seattle 5K will bring runners and walkers to the beach on May 18, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle High School PTSA, staff, and students are excited to announce the return of the annual West Seattle High School 5K on Sunday, May 18, 2025. All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K are used by the PTSA to fund classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives, as well as a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session.
Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years. In 2024, we had 1,570 participants, a 27% increase over the previous year, and we raised over $42,000 for West Seattle High School PTSA! Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at the Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in many categories.
(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by Lynn Hall)
Coming back for a third year is a friendly competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to see which grade and/or club gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade or club gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefited the high school so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair. Be sure to select your grade and club when registering.
“As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and limited funding for the programs we know our students need,” says WSHS PTSA president Holly Rikhof. “The WSHS PTSA is dedicated to funding the academic and classroom support we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until 2023, our students benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. This year, we have been able, through your generous donations, to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives.”
There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5k if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is a community neighborhood high school and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to directly give back!
Registration is live now at westseattle5K.com and getmeregistered.com/WestSeattle5K
Pricing:
-Adults are $40 (5/10 raises to $45)
-Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School staff is free (need passcode and can buy shirt for $15)
-Kids under 6 are free (no shirt included, but can buy for $15)We have amazing sponsors to thank: West Seattle Runner, Dragonfly, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, Neighborhood Natropathic, The Joint Chiropractic, Northup Fundraising, Punch Drunk, West Seattle Blog, and so many more. Please go to www.westseattle5k.com to see all sponsors!
The West Seattle PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit Parent, Teacher and Student Association of West Seattle High School. We provide parent education, opportunities for families to connect to the school community, and support for education through fundraising and advocacy.
Questions and sponsorship inquiries, please email: westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.
WSB has been a West Seattle 5K co-sponsor since the very first one in May 2009!
One of our area’s newest high-school-sports teams invites community support for a fundraiser tomorrow – and is welcoming new team members, too! Here’s the update:
Members of the girls’ West Seattle Water Polo Team are holding their 2nd annual Tread-a-thon event to raise funds for their expanded second season, which is already filled with many firsts: first year with 2 coaches, first year with a JV team, first year in Division 2. The team has more than doubled in number of players over last year’s team, so we have added games.
The Tread-a-thon is this Saturday, March 8, from 3:30-5 pm at Southwest 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 formed this team last year and had a wonderfully successful inaugural season after gaining permission from the league to play, but no funds were provided by the school or district for the team. This year, all the teams in the district are additionally managing a 30% increase in pool rental fees. 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 Steve McKinnon and Assistant Coach Jojo Southwell are ready to quickly bring new players to proficiency. Practices will be 2 mornings per week before school with home games on Friday evening. Practices started on this week and the season runs through late-May with 25 players including our first player from Chief Sealth International High School.
For more information, email wshswaterpolo@gmail.com.
Donations gratefully accepted at this link: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@2
Springtime youth sports are revving up – here are some invitations we’ve been asked to share with you:
GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Clinics are coming up this Sunday, according to parent Mike, who says that 7th-8th-grade girls are especially welcome due to openings in the season ahead – here’s the info (note there are clinics for boys too). Signup link for girls in those groups – 14U – is here.
BASKETBALL: Two organizations have events coming up this weekend:
Be a part of Hoops4Life Sunday Basketball Small Group Training at West Seattle High School! Great value small group instruction. The first Spring Session begins Sunday, March 2 and goes through Sunday, April 6. Sessions are at 11:00 and 12:15. Register here: hoops4life206.com/small-group-training
Also, the No Limits Academy has tryouts this Saturday:
Our mission statement: At No Limits Academy, we are passionate about developing the next generation of basketball athletes. Our developmental basketball program is designed to provide a nurturing and empowering environment for young athletes to hone their skills, build character, and help with the mental aspect of the game. We are a year-round basketball program that has travel teams, camps, personal training, and group training.
You can find out more at nolimitsacademyseattle.com.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Chief Sealth International High School‘s athletics program had a lot to celebrate at last night’s Winter Sports Banquet!
First, a signing ceremony celebrating CSIHS’s flag-football star Eleana Lee, who’s already been honored with the new Maxwell Award as the best player in the state, and was Metro League MVP. The sport isn’t offered at every school, noted coach Kyler Gaither, but she’s signed with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes. Her proud family was there to celebrate, too:
Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio gave a recap of the school’s winter success, including the achievements by a girls’ wrestling program that, as he described it, has become a “dynasty” with 6 Metro championships he recounted other championships and state contenders too:
The Seahawk Awards were presented to one outstanding student-athlete in each sport, recognized as outstanding scholars as well as for their leadership on the field or court.
Those winners are (including the seven in our photo): Ryan Nguyen for boys’ swim/dive, Owen Wright for boys’ wrestling, Keimani Proctor-Mills for girls’ basketball, Chase Valdez for boys’ basketball, Evie Nelson for girls’ bowling, Petra Sheppard for girls’ wrestling, Eleana Lee for flag football, Ryan Tran for cheer.
Also presented: the new “Above and Beyond” Awards:
These went to Micah Policarpio for boys’ wrestling, where he took second in state; Xavier Nguyen, also a wrestler, who took third in state; Lucy Self, girls’ wrestling, who took third in state; Gianna Moore, gymnastics, who competed at state; Dominic Milanese, boys’ swimming; and Karen Chiem, flag football.
Next up for local high-school athletes – the spring sports season, starting in March!
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle High School cheer coach Nadine Nguyen asked us to share this announcement:
Are you ready to become a part of the State-Winning West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team? Now’s your chance.
Tryouts will be held in person the following days and times at WSHS:
March 6th- 4 pm-6 pm
March 7th 4 pm-6 pm
March 8th 8 am-TBDTo try out, you will need to fill out all online forms and provide a current Sports Physical.
We will also be hosting Cheer Clinics on March 4th @ 4 pm-5 pm
*For those interested in trying out for our State Winning Competition Team, you are invited to attend our Stunt Clinics where you will learn basic stunt skills.
Stunt Clinics are on March 5th @ 4 pm-6 pm
To participate in tryouts on March 6th – March 8th, Stunt Clinics, and the Cheer clinics, please bring a printed and signed copy of the following items below to the first day of the clinics/tryouts.
-Student Athletic Registration Form
-Signed Parent Waiver
-Up-to-date PhysicalThe Tryout application and required forms are available through the following link tree:
linktr.ee/WSHSCHEERFor tips and more information regarding tryouts, follow our Instagram @westseattlecheer
Good Luck and Go Wildcats!! For Questions, email: nmnguyen@seattleschools.org
(Photo by Oliver Hamlin)
At left, above, is Chief Sealth International High School wrestler Micah Policarpio, who took second in his division (190) at the just-completed state tournament. CSIHS reports head coach Maurice Dolberry‘s team finished 8th in the state and says they’re the highest-placing Seattle Public Schools team ever. Other top-ten finishers from Sealth are listed in their announcement as Lucy Self (3rd, 140), Xavier Nguyen (3rd, 150), Lanu Amituanai (5th, 145), Eli Policarpio (5th, 215), Alex Pando (7th, 175), and Xander Gomez (8th, 132).
P.S. You can find full brackets/results by starting here.
The West Seattle High School boys are the only local high-school basketball team still in the playoffs, after both Chief Sealth International High School teams lost win-or-go-home games tonight: The girls lost to/at Cedarcrest 51-37, while the boys lost to/at Lindbergh, 73-50. The WSHS boys play Garfield at 3:30 pm tomorrow (Friday, February 21) at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) – winner to state, loser out.
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Both Chief Sealth International High School basketball teams played must-win district-tournament games at home Tuesday night.
After the CSIHS girls’ basketball team’s tough loss to Foster High School in the opening round of the tournament, head coach Mario Martinez decided to play up-tempo ball from the initial possession of their game. The Seahawks deployed a full-court man-to-man press the entire first half and wreaked havoc on their opponent, the Lindbergh Eagles (Renton). Sealth forced multiple turnovers and kept Lindbergh from setting up their offense.
Lindbergh tried to stop Sealth’s Alysse Bland (above), but she had little problem shaking off defenders. Sealth’s smothering team defense, along with a couple of key three pointers from Bethel Bisrat and Keimani Proctor-Mills’ dynamic rebounding helped the Seahawks build a 29-20 lead at the half.
At the start of the second half, Sealth started racking up fouls that gave Lindbergh bonus free throws with over 3 minutes left in the third quarter. The free throws kept Lindbergh in the game as they cut Sealth’s lead to three heading into the 4th quarter. But Bland continued driving and scoring.
Presley Williams (above) drained two timely 3-pointers and the team iced the win 50-37. After the game, Coach Martinez was proud of the determination of the team. “If we keep playing with intensity and energy, we can make it through to the State tournament.” Next up for the Sealth girls is an away game at Cedarcrest High School in Duvall on Thursday at 7:00 pm.
Now to the boys’ game:
After a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to Renton High School on Saturday. the Sealth boys’ team played a must-win game in Tuesday night’s Class 2 District Tournament game against the Evergreen Wolverines from White Center.
After head coach Ja’Lyn Combs made an early adjustment to address Evergreen’s defensive press, the outcome of the game was never really in doubt. The Sealth boys combined outside shooting with effective inside play and led by a score of 32-24 at the half.
The Seahawks went on a quick run to start the 2nd half by forcing turnovers and making quick fast-break points. Sealth players repeatedly beat defenders to the basket and Chase Valdez (above) poured in buckets from the outside. By the end of the game, the Evergreen defense was worn down as the Seahawks notched an 83-57 win.
Chase Valdez led the team with 19 points and Taj Washington (above) contributed 13. The team moves on to play an away game on Thursday night at either Foster or Lindbergh.
Yet another reason to think spring, besides today’s semi-surprise sunshine! West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer teams, Junction FC men’s club and Rhodies FC women’s club, have announced their schedules – seven home matches for Junction FC:
Five home matches for the first-year Rhodies:
Single-match tickets are on sale now, and season tickets are still available too – all from this page. Home games are set for Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
Thanks for the reader report and photo! One of the local high-school teams that’s in postseason competition this year has qualified for state – the West Seattle High Schoolboys’ swimmers/divers:
Members of the West Seattle High School boy’ swim team are headed to State this week – February 20-22 @ King County Aquatic Center.
The boys are wrapping up a historically successful season for the WSHS Swim & Dive program, including going 7-1 in dual meets, sending all 25 swimmers to Metros and taking 5th overall, with 12 swimmers qualifying for and participating in 3A Districts this past week. In the season thus far, team records have been set in the 200 Medley, 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay, and sophomore Tom Wrenholt set team records in individual 100 Fly and 200 IM.
Swimmers advancing to State are the 200 Medley Relay team – Tom Wrenholt (10th – Backstroke), Nate Boehmer (11th – Fly) , Jacob Lee (12th – Breaststroke), and Mason Duffy (10th – Freestyle), and alternates Luca Conte (9th), Casey Laplante (10th), Ben Wrenholt (10th), and Mac Rysemus (11th). Tom Wrenholt also qualified individually and will be competing for the second year in a row in the 100 Backstroke.
Congrats to the team and their amazing coaches Karen Boehmer and Logan Rysemus for an awesome season, and good luck at State – Go, Wildcats!
Three of the varsity basketball teams from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School are still in the playoff picture. Here’s what’s next in district playoffs after this weekend’s games:
WSHS GIRLS: Their 56-49 loss to Mercer Island on Saturday was a “loser out” game.
WSHS BOYS: After last night’s 44-41 win over Roosevelt, they play Bellevue at Newport HS, 7:15 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS GIRLS: After Friday night’s 61-54 loss to Foster, they host Lindbergh at (updated) 5:30 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS BOYS: After a 69-68 loss to Renton on Saturday afternoon, they play Evergreen at 7 pm Tuesday.
(Sealth’s Keimani Proctor-Mills)
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Friday night, the Chief Sealth International High School girls’ basketball team played the opening game of the District 2A tournament against Foster High School (Tukwila) at the Sealth gym.
The Seahawks had to play without one of their leading scorers and shot blockers, as Fahima Mohamed was unavailable due to injury. Early in the game, the play was a bit sloppy as both teams turned the ball over repeatedly.
At the start of the 2nd quarter, Sealth’s Mackenna Mack (above) made some nice moves to get free underneath for a couple of quick buckets. But Foster was able to capitalize on some defensive lapses on the baseline and strong three-point shooting to take a 33-16 lead at the half.
Down by double digits, Sealth stepped up the defensive intensity in the second half. The Seahawks’ Alysse Bland (above) put on an offensive clinic, combining drives to the basket with deadly three-point shooting. Each time Sealth went on a run, Foster answered back with a clutch 3-pointer. Late in the game, Bland and Bethel Bisrat drained back-to-back three pointers to pull Sealth within 5 points of the lead, but the Seahawks ran out of time, losing by a final score of 61-54. Alysse Bland finished with 20 points, while Mackenna Mack and Hannah Mueller contributed 8 points each.
(Sealth’s Dajah Johnson)
The District Tournament has a double-elimination format. Head coach Mario Martinez‘s Metro-champion Sealth girls could still make the State Tournament by winning out in the consolation bracket. They will play again on Tuesday night at 7 pm at a location to be determined.
All four local high-school varsity basketball teams are still in postseason play – the West Seattle HS boys play Blanchet at Franklin HS at 7 tonight in a district-qualifier game, the Chief Sealth IHS girls host Foster at 5:30 pm Friday night, (added) after winning the Metro 2A tournament with a 52-33 win over Cleveland Tuesday night:
Thanks to Sealth head coach Mario Martinez for the update and photo!
Meantime, the WSHS girls and CSIHS boys both have TBD games at 7 pm Saturday. The WSHS girls played last night, and WSB contributor Tracy Burrows was there:
(Alya Moore leads the fast break)
Wednesday night at the Cleveland High School gym, the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team lost to Seattle Prep, 41-31, in the Metro League 3A Championship Tournament. The West Seattle Wildcats hung tough against a team with more height and experience at nearly every position. Seattle Prep pressured the ball effectively during much of the first half, causing turnovers and limiting West Seattle’s opportunities to execute their half-court offense. Prep led by a score of 28-14 at the half.
(Colby Timmons shooting from the line)
Scoring opportunities opened up for the Wildcats in the second half, but the shots just wouldn’t go in. The team played the entire game with a 6-person rotation, and fatigue may have contributed to an off-night of shooting. Still, the West Seattle girls played with tremendous intensity the entire game and pulled to within 10 in the fourth quarter after trailing by 15 at the end of the third.
(Seneca Lucas goes up for a shot)
This year’s West Seattle squad is a young team, with two freshmen and a sophomore as members of the starting five. Freshman Alya Moore led the scoring for the Wildcats, with 13 points and senior Colby Timmons racked up 10. Both teams will move on to the District Tournament, which starts on Saturday, February 15. West Seattle will play at either Inglemoor or Mercer Island at 7 pm on Saturday. The full District Tournament brackets will be finalized Friday night.
(WSB video/photos)
Air: A few degrees above freezing. Hearts: Warm. That was the situation on the upper field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this morning, as West Seattle High School softball players led their annual preseason clinic for younger players, ages 7-13. First session was for the youngest participants, ending with a spirited round of base-running (as also shown in our video above):
The players instructed their students in other skills including hitting and throwing. Each of the two groups had takers for every spot – more than 30 per session:
Along with opportunities to practice coaching and mentoring skills, the clinics were fundraisers for the team. Every participant got this special T-shirt:
The clinics were originally organized four seasons ago by player Kamil Ygnacio, who has since graduated – her sister Kaila Ygnacio took the ball and ran with it:
So have newer players’ parents, so the clinics will carry on even as the roster changes over the years. This year’s group stopped down for a players-only group photo while awaiting the next group’s arrival:
(L-R: Hannah, Daeja, Stella, Alice, Julia, Kenzie, Lila, Violet, Molly, Kaila, Marina)
They’ll be starting play in less than a month – spring sports start in early March.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
This year’s night for crosstown-rivalry basketball ended with the boys’ varsity faceoff, as Chief Sealth International High School hosted West Seattle High School on Monday. This one was never close. The Wildcats got out to a 9-1 lead with five of those points contributed by #0, senior Alex Pierce:
Due to his antics among others, Sealth spent a fair amount of time at the foul-shot line, but were fairly cold from there in the early going. The first quarter ended with West Seattle head coach Fred Wilson‘s team up 21-9.
By halftime, they’d widened the lead to 40-17. Sealth tried to put the brakes on them but didn’t have much luck.
About the only bright spot for Sealth and head coach JaLyn Combs in this half was better luck at the foul line.
Final score was West Seattle 84, Chief Sealth 37. The Wildcats (7-12) host Nathan Hale tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30 pm; this was the last scheduled game for Sealth (3-16).
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