West Seattle, Washington
05 Wednesday
While out looking around this morning, we noticed runners with bibs, and found out it’s a a big day for dozens of hardy runners. They’re on the Tukwila to Alki Half-Marathon, which this year is offering a full-marathon round trip too. We stopped to talk with the crew at the turnaround near the Alki Bathhouse. No big banners or canopies – just a cone:
This is a volunteer-led, free run, from the same people behind the Green River Marathon. More than 60 runners signed up this year, about two-thirds of them for the half-marathon, the others for the full.
Teams at both local public high schools have just been announced as recipients of $5,000 grants from the Mariners Care program, explained by the team as “part of On BASE (Baseball And Softball Everywhere), a strategic effort by the Mariners to leverage new and existing partnerships to break down barriers that may prevent some children from participating in baseball and softball, whether that is because of high registration fees, lack of equipment or access to playable fields.” From the Mariners’ announcement:
Chief Sealth High School Baseball & Softball
The students who make up Chief Sealth’s six baseball and softball teams are among the most ethnically and economically diverse in Seattle Public Schools. Head coach Ernest Policarpio says, “We never want the financial burden of baseball to be a reason a kid doesn’t play,” so coaches take it upon themselves to buy supplies and equipment with their own money. The grant will allow Chief Sealth to purchase shoes, gloves, bats, balls as well as pay for needed repairs to the scorekeeping system and provide nets and other safety equipment for practices.
West Seattle High School Softball
The West Seattle softball program does not receive any funding from the school or Associated Student Body and, because of COVID-19, they have not been able to independently fundraise for two years. The grant will help purchase basic equipment like bats, balls, gloves, socks and pants, that will be available to any player who needs them, as well as training equipment like weighted balls for hitting and a safety screen for batting practice.
The two local schools are among 10 schools around the region receiving the grants. The Mariners created the program in 2017.
(Reader photo, 2021)
Pickleball just might be the hottest sport right now. The city’s wondering how best to support it, and hitting a few questions your way:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking input from tennis and pickleball players on how we can best support the growth of pickleball. Everyone is encouraged to participate in a short survey, whether you play pickleball or not – your thoughts are invaluable as we plan for the future of this sport in Seattle.
Your answers to the survey questions will inform how we:
-Approach immediate improvements such as dual striping existing tennis courts for pickleball (for which some funding is available now);
-Add pickleball lines to tennis courts during programmatic resurfacing and renovation projects; and
-Develop options for future dedicated pickleball courts (yet to be funded).
This survey is part of the 2021-2022 Pickleball Study funded by the Seattle Park District. An advisory committee is meeting throughout the study and additional community engagement will include two public meetings. Dates and venues for the meetings will be posted on the project page.
High-school sports continue this winter, though with reduced schedules in some cases. Seattle Lutheran High School north of The Junction has four home boys-basketball games ahead this week, and notes that fans are welcome (masks required). The schedule:
Saturday, January 22: Saints vs Fellowship Christian School @ 3:00 pm
Tuesday, January 25: Saints vs. Northwest Yeshiva High School @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 27: Saints vs. Evergreen Lutheran High School @ 6:30 pm
Saturday, January 29: Saints vs. Summit Atlas @ 3 pm
The SLHS gym is at 4100 SW Genesee.
With the new year here, it’s not that long until spring … and baseball! Starting today, registration is open for West Seattle Baseball. Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle Baseball is excited to announce the opening of player and volunteer registration for the 2022 spring season!
Registration will be open through February 16 at the league’s new website. An early-registration discount is available to all registrations completed by January 20. [UPDATE: If that link doesn’t work, use this one.]
West Seattle Baseball offers six different divisions for players ages 4 through 18, with tee-ball and coach-pitch divisions for younger participants.
Prices start as low as $130 for the season. Registration 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 is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit youth baseball league. Our goal is to provide comprehensive baseball programming which appeals to kids of all levels of enthusiasm and ability. The league prides itself on being a fun and enjoyable program that our players, their families, and their coaches want to participate in again each succeeding season. If you have questions about the league, please contact league president Peter Parker at president.wsbb@gmail.com
We hope to see you at the West Seattle PeeWee Fields soon. For the love of the game . . .
Practices Begin
Practices are set to begin on March 13 for the Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony divisions. Shetland players will begin practices on April 5.Opening Days
Barring unforeseen delays, league play for Pinto, MuStang, Bronco, and Pony divisions will begin the same day Shetland begins practice, April 5. Shetland will begin on either April 17 or April 24.The Big Pee-Wee Clean-up Day
Every year, volunteers gather at our baseball venue to help get the fields prepared for the season. There is plenty of work needed to have the fields and surrounding area ready for even the start of practices and tasks available for any and all levels of experience and capabilities. So please, if you are able, be ready to come to the fields on March 20th to help in any way you can!
Spring is in sight! As West Seattle Little League opens registration for next year, it’s also announcing the launch of two new programs – Softball and Challenger. Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle Little League Spring 2022 registration is now open for all youth ages 4-14. We’re excited to announce that we have added 2 new programs:
West Seattle Girls Softball has merged with West Seattle Little League to form a single and cohesive league for our community. By combining resources as well as leveraging the Little League® International brand, we will be able to enhance our support for baseball and softball. Softball players will be offered a variety of opportunities to participate and benefit from the Little League experience.
This season we are adding the Challengers Program, Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. The Little League Challenger Program is open to West Seattle residents between the ages of 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. There is no fee to participate in the West Seattle Little League Challenger Program.
Each year, we want to make sure all kids have the opportunity to write the next chapter in the Little League story, regardless of their situation. Thanks to the generous support of T-Mobile, financially challenged families in our community can apply for the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant, which helps cover registration fees associated with WSLL for the upcoming season!
The WSLL baseball and softball spring season will run from March – June and features fun activities like the jamboree, sandlot days, and end-of-the-year picnic. Interested to know more details? Check out westseattlelittleleague.com to find information about boundaries and divisions of play.
We look forward to seeing you on the field!
From the West Seattle RoadRunners:
This past weekend, 47 youth athletes from West Seattle RoadRunners, our local youth running team, competed in the 2021 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Paris, Kentucky, with over 2,800 athletes from all over the country.
This was the largest contingency of youth athletes ever to represent our community at this meet. Our runners competed in 7 different divisions in ages 7 to 14 (1st to 9th grade). For many of our runners, this was their first trip to the National Championship meet.
Our 7-8-year-old girls team finished in 3rd place (the highest finish of any team we have ever sent to this meet). Additionally, our 9-10 girls finished 5th, and our 7-8 boys, 9-10 boys, and 11-12 girls finished 6th,
Two of our 7-8-year-old girls (Beau Sitzmann and Teagan Kemper) finished in the top 25 individuals in their division and were awarded All-American honors.
Congratulations to all!
With snowy Cascades scenes like the ones we just grabbed from the WSDOT webcams at Snoqualmie and Stevens Passes, skiers and snowboarders are probably making plans to head up as soon as they can.
So Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) just sent word that they “have a full tune area for snowboards & skis” and this is a great time to come in and get yours ready. They’re promising “quick turnaround” for a tuneup and hot wax. Just drop in – they’re open until 6 pm – or call 206-938-3322.
The return of the West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Light Run brought out dozens of runners defying the rain tonight. Not a competition – just a few-miles-long fun run to admire decorated homes. First, a group photo:
WSR’s Lori McConnell and Tim McConnell skipped it last year because of the pandemic but like many West Seattle holiday traditions, this one – which dates back to 2009! – returned for 2021.
If you missed it – here’s the route, courtesy of WSR.
P.S. If you’re already pondering the new year’s fitness goals, WSR is again presenting its free Get Fit West Seattle couch-to-half-marathon program starting in January. And you can find out more at an info night this Wednesday (December 15th), 7 pm at the shop (2743 California SW).
Even here in the dim rainy months, it’s not too soon to start thinking about next year – and that includes youth sports. The Southwest Lacrosse Club has announced that signups are open:
Do you have kids who are looking for a fun new sport with which to get involved? The Titans, our local lacrosse league for kids K-8, is recruiting and registration is open for the 2022 Season. If you’re interested in finding out what is so fun about the “fastest game on two feet,” keep reading and visit us at swlacrosseclub.org.
Founded in 2008, the Southwest Lacrosse Club (SWLC) is dedicated to the promotion, organization, and development of lacrosse in the south end. 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 have the opportunity to develop their game, and we will prepare each athlete for the next level of play.
The club and region have had exciting growth and expansion over the past two years, helping initiate a new West Seattle Lacrosse Club (WSLAX) last season to support high-school players within the West Seattle High School boundaries.
This year, both clubs are working to grow the girls’ program (hosted by WSLAX) and field a full program of teams for 3rd through 8th grade girls. The joint program is actively seeking first-time players from throughout the Southwest region, West Seattle to Des Moines and Federal Way. If your child is interested, please email us – swlctitans@gmail.com – we’d love to welcome them to a practice to get a feel for the game.
2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, 26.2 miles of running, in under 17 hours: – A little over two months ago, we reported on 17-year-old Herman Meyer‘s accomplishment, and now his friend, filmmaker Riley Nachtrieb, has released her nine-minute film about it. Here’s the announcement and video:
Back in September, West Seattle High School senior Herman Meyer completed a solo Ironman-length triathlon, going back and forth along Alki Beach.
You can now watch his Ironman journey with the film ‘Tri-ing To Solo’, by WSHS alumni and award-winning filmmaker Riley Nachtrieb, available on YouTube.
Thank you to the West Seattle community for supporting Herman on that Saturday from 8am to 1am. So many people came out and offered so much. Some include: Ryan Connolly, Wes & KT Meyer, Grant Howard, Brendan & Jodi Connolly, Lily & Jac Howard, Mykenna Ikehara, and Rose Feliciano.
Herman had never done a triathlon before his “solo Ironman.”
We’re just back from the Edgewater Hotel on the downtown waterfront, where the owner of the former Highline Bears summer collegiate baseball team (a WSB sponsor) chose a maritime setting for the ceremonial reveal of the team’s new name: Dub Sea Fish Sticks. Back in October, we reported that the team had narrowed a field of 200+ suggestions down to two finalists. 5,400+ votes later, Dub Sea Fish Sticks emerged victorious (not surprising, given the reaction to the other finalist, Dub Sea Seal Slingers). Here’s our video of the announcement event hosted by team owner Justin Moser:
The slicker-clad fisherman is just a temporary mascot, Moser says – there’ll be a naming contest soon for the permanent mascot, too.
But the new nickname for the team’s home field, Mel Olson Stadium at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, will, well, stick.
And Moser promised fish sticks will be offered at the concession stand.
The team usually plays home and away games June, July, and early August, but missed the past two summers because of the pandemic. Opening day for next summer is set for June 4th. If you want to be notified when tickets go on sale, join the list at the team’s new website, GoFishSticks.com.
SIDE NOTE: This isn’t just about sports – the team says it’s helped local groups and nonprofits raise $10,000 over the past five years, and the players are required to do volunteer work every week during the season.
On Friday we showed you the sendoff for West Seattle High School cross-country athletes who qualified for the state championships. Here’s how they did in the events held Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. The boys – the first WSHS cross-country team ever to make it to state – placed 12th; team members are Elliott A., Asher M., Tao N., Ewan K., Dylan W., Elliott B., and Ethan K.. Two WSHS girls competed individually; the results list shows Anika P. finished 91st, Sylvie G. finished 95th in a field of nearly 200. Congratulations to them all!
Thanks to Eric Odegard for sending this report on a West Seattle student/athlete’s accomplishment:
Brigit O’Rourke of West Seattle realized a long-held ambition when she made the rowing team at the University of Washington this past week.
As one of approximately 40 “walk-ons” trying to make the crew, O’Rourke was evaluated through a series of tests that involved the rowing machine, long runs, and on-water rows, and was over the moon when she was told that she had made the prestigious squad, which is consistently at or near the top of US college rowing.
“Since the first time I walked into a boathouse when I was 13 years old, I realized rowing is my passion. I’m overjoyed and grateful to have earned this opportunity to continue living my dreams,” said O’Rourke, who is studying pre-med.
O’Rourke rowed as an 8th grader and then took a few years away from the sport. But she found she really missed rowing, and was drawn back to it in 12th grade when she joined the Burton Beach Rowing Club (BBRC) on Vashon Island. Unfortunately, Covid prevented any official racing in her senior year, but Brigit dedicated herself to training, taking a very early ferry to Vashon from her West Seattle home six mornings per week to be on the water under the guidance of BBRC coach Richard Parr.
“Brigit’s work ethic has always been amazing, and throughout Covid she actually dug deeper every day, even though there was no racing for her. She is incredibly driven, and a great teammate. Brigit may well be the smallest Husky rower, but she’s just so easy to coach and there is always 100% commitment from her, which is why her selection at UW doesn’t surprise me at all,” said Parr.
O’Rourke said, “Through rowing at Burton Beach, I learned the importance of dedication, integrity, and teamwork. These ideals and Richard’s unconditional support are what inspire me to grow as a rower. At UW I will continue to push myself to become faster and stronger every day, and I know I can always count on the support of my teammates and coaches, both at UW and at Burton Beach.”
The only downside to O’Rourke’s selection is that her planned race as a Burton Beach crew this weekend at UW’s Head of the Lake regatta in the Parent/Child double sculls with her dad Shawn now has to be withdrawn.
But both father and daughter wouldn’t have it any other way.
As that traffic-camera image from mid-afternoon shows, it’s already snowing in the mountain, and skiers are looking ahead – including organizers of the West Seattle High School ski bus, which is open for registration:
WSHS parents & students, ski/snowboard enthusiasts: The WSHS ski bus will be back this winter. This is primarily for WSHS students, but if we don’t fill the bus, others can join! We have a few changes coming this year, as SPS’s risk management team will not allow the buses to pick up from HS parking lots, due to social distancing, nor will they allow equipment to be stored in the school. The bus will stop on Walnut or California, in front of WSHS, & gear will have to be stored in cars or dropped off after school. Ski bus will run on Fridays, Jan 28th-March 11th 3:45-11 PM.
Bus only is $350. More info & registration can be found at>
skimohan.com/school-program/seattle-public-schools/west-seattle-snowsportsCovid protocols in place. Bus has new ventilation system & masks must be worn at all times. Temp & health questionnaire done daily.
Scholarships available at 25-100% off registration fee.Reach out to fridaynightskibus@gmail.com w/ any questions.
As reported here last weekend, West Seattle High School‘s cross-country athletes are making history this year – the first time an entire WSHS cross-country team has qualified for the state championships. The boys’ team, and two individual girls, will compete at state. So this morning, before heading to the Tri-Cities for the championships, they led a parade – with cheerleaders and the marching band – in the school hallway:
The championships are tomorrow (Saturday, November 6th) at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.
The photo and report are from Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio:
Congrats to the Volleyball team for a huge upset win vs #3 Lincoln 3-1 in the first round of the Metro Championships. They play Seattle Prep on Thursday at Prep, 7 PM.
The team’s head coach is Desiree Johnson.
Seattle’s newest pro-sports team, the Kraken, play again at 6 pm tonight. If you’re not going to Climate Pledge Arena for the game, perhaps you’d be interested to know West Seattle has an official Kraken-watching bar. The Admiral Pub tells WSB that the pub is the first West Seattle venue in the Kraken Anchor Alliance: “We will have all games on the big screen with sound.” Tonight the new NHL team (3-4-1) is hosting the New York Rangers (5-2-1). Admiral Pub is at 2306 California SW.
The photo and report are from Erin, after West Seattle High School cross-country athletes – the boys’ varsity team and three varsity girls who qualified individually – competed in the district meet today at Lake Sammamish State Park:
West Seattle HS XC boys’ Varsity team and 3 individually placed varsity girls ran AMAZING races today at Sea-King District 2 Championships at Lake Sammamish State Park!
Here’s the team members’ names:
Boys: Elliot A, Asher, Tao, Ewan, Dylan, Elliot B, Ethan
Girls: Anika, Sylvie, Jhana.So proud of all these runners! They all did amazing.
The varsity boys’ team moves on to the state championship meet next Saturday in Pasco, as well as 2 of our girls who qualified (Anika & Sylvie)
Here’s the Team & individual Statistics at links below:
Important to note: this is the first time EVER that WSHS varsity cross-country has made it to state championship as a TEAM !!!
Huge thank you to coaches Shelley, Will, Greg, Ralph, and Joe. Thanks to all the athletes, students, parents, friends, and family members who showed up to cheer on these amazing athletes today!
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(Photo by Sam Seumae)
9:35 PM: In a downpour at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex tonight, West Seattle High School took back the Huling Bowl trophy with a 42-0 win over Chief Sealth International High School. The Seahawks had won the past four editions of the crosstown-rivalry game.
(WSB photos from here down)
11:11 PM: WSHS’s tally included three 2-point conversions. The Wildcats were up 28-0 at halftime.
Despite the miserable playing conditions, the victory gave WSHS head coach Jeff Scott a reason to smile.
Game’s end was major photo-op time.
And though the game was devoid of pre-pandemic-style festivities, the traditional trophy hoist went on:
It was West Seattle’s first Huling Bowl win since 2016. The Wildcats are now 5-3 on the year; the Seahawks are 1-7.
Maybe you’ve seen Alisha Timm out running in her orange shirt. She is in training for this year’s New York City Marathon, just a week and a half away, and wants to explain why:
Hi There! My name is Alisha Timm and I am a proud five-year West Seattle resident – I’m also the girl running around in the orange ‘Imagine a World Without Cancer’ shirt. It’s been so fun to run around all of the neighborhoods in West Seattle and fall even more in love with this beautiful community
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Growing up I played competitive soccer and ran cross country, but after a terrible knee injury and a horrific car accident found myself being told I shouldn’t run any more. Well, twelve half-marathons later, I’ve found myself training for my first marathon, the 50th New York City Marathon. After being postponed last year, it is officially happening on November 7th this year.When I started on the pursuit of completing the NYC Marathon, it was a check off the bucket list for me – but, I couldn’t bring myself to a place where I could imagine not taking the opportunity to raise awareness and do good for something bigger than myself. Joining Fred’s Team was a no-brainer for me as every single person in this world has been impacted by cancer; driving awareness and funding research is critical to making a change. Fred’s Team is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY, the largest and oldest private cancer center in the world. As part of the team, you can select if you’d like to contribute to a certain type of cancer – I went with childhood.
Raising awareness for childhood cancer was my choice for several reasons, but the largest being that these kids have their whole life ahead of them and are starting out with this unfathomable battle, I cannot even begin to imagine being the child or family in that situation. Below are some statistics that really surprised me when I started digging in:
-#1 cause of death in children
-Only 4% of research dollars spent annually are on childhood cancer
-95% of survivors have significant health-related issues due to treatment options
-43 kids per day in the US are diagnosed with cancerStatistics are based on US only; imagine adding in the rest of the world.
Should you decide to learn more, my page is here.
Thank you for your interest in reading about this, it means a ton and is such a large part of my life!
While covering the Chief Sealth International High School softball-championship game on Tuesday, we learned a new date has finally been set for the annual CSIHS-West Seattle HS football game, aka the Huling Bowl. It was originally scheduled for September 17th, but canceled in the wake of a tumultuous day on the Sealth campus. The game is now set for Thursday, October 28th, 7 pm, at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); both teams play home games at the stadium, but WSHS will be the home team for this one. (Before then, the teams each have games this week – WSHS plays Roosevelt at NW Athletic Complex, 7:30 pm this Thursday; CSIHS has a road trip up to Anacortes for a 1 pm game this Saturday.)
That’s the Chief Sealth International High School slow-pitch softball team, which played for the Metro League championship this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
The Seahawks’ game against Cleveland was a battle, and they were leading in the final inning, but a late rally won it for the Eagles, 10-5. Chief Sealth’s season isn’t over yet, though – CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio tells us they’ll be playing a TBD opponent Friday, 4 pm at NCSWAC, to see who advances in the postseason. All welcome to be there to cheer them on.
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