West Seattle, Washington
01 Monday
FIRST REPORT, 9:54 AM: Again this year, the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s “wheel” parade float is what runners and walkers in the Float Dodger 5K are “dodging” at California/Alaska. The race, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank, precedes the West Seattle Grand Parade, which is just about an hour away. Development director Robbin and volunteer Michelle were at Hiawatha selling $5 tickets to the WSFB’s raffle of Taste of West Seattle (September 25!) tickets:
More than 550 participants were registered as of pre-5K:
(Photos from here by Dave Gershgorn for WSB unless otherwise credited)
My Team Triumph started the race, as has become a tradition.
As for the first finishers – we’ll add coverage later – participants will be off the parade route in time for the parade’s start with SPD motorcycles around 10:45! And if you’re in or near Admiral, West Seattle Runner is hosting a beverage garden and parade-watch party to raise even more for WSFB; you can buy raffle tickets there too.
ADDED 3:46 PM: The results are here. First finisher, timed at 16:10, was 22-year-old Jonathan Grothe:
Next was 17-year-old Mason Murison, timed at 17:04:
First female finisher was 43-year-old Megan Heuer, timed at 19:02:
Second female finisher was 22-year-old Adeline Roza, timed at 19:35:
One more Float Dodger 5K note: There was a moment of silence before the race for Christi Rohlena, sister of WS Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell; she died in a car crash this past February, Lori explained when we stopped by the shop post-parade to find out more. Lori said many family members were visiting from out of town and showed us the special race bibs they had made in Christi’s memory:
Thanks for the report on what the sender calls a “record-breaking summer at Arbor Heights”:
e Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club 12 and under Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay for a record setting race against Kent (Tuesday night). The girls finished 2:07:27 breaking the 1997 Arbor Heights record of 2:09:86. Congratulations, ladies!! [Dior Webb (backstroke), Katie Trainor (butterfly), Amanda Trainor (freestyle), and Caroline Arthur (breaststroke)]
We’ve had some great success stories about local athletes recently, and here’s the latest: Local ultramarathon swimmer Denise Simens, who also coaches high-school swimmers, competed at nationals in Portland last weekend, and her friend Chelsie P sent the story and photos:
I wanted to shine a spotlight on a West Seattleite making a splash! My good friend Denise Simens just swam the Portland Bridge Swim in Portland, OR (last weekend). This event is an 11-mile long open-water swim in the Willamette River. The event was the official 2025 United States Masters Swimming Ultramarathon-Distance Open Water National Championships.
Denise improved her time from last year by 41 minutes, and took first place in her age group by 17 minutes. In addition to being ranked #1 in the Country by age group, she also finished 6th overall female and 22nd overall athlete (out of men and women). Entries were limited to the first 100 qualifiers across the country and registration closed quickly this year! The qualifying standard was to complete either a 5,000M or 5,500YD swim in less than 1:40 (an hour and forty minutes.)
For a bit of context, any swimming event over 10K is considered an ultramarathon, and the distance swum yesterday nearly doubles the distance of the minimal requirement. Next up for Denise is an inaugural event in September called the Mt. St. Helens Classic, hosted by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association (NOWSA). This event is four ultramarathons in 4 lakes, swam in just 4 days after Labor Day Weekend.
I would like to mention that Denise is also the Head Women’s Swimming Coach for Chief Sealth International High School! She has been a West Seattle resident for nearly ten years.
Chelsie also sent the results from last weekend.
Saturday’s doubleheader is getting ever closer – you can run or walk the Float Dodger 5K, and then watch (if you don’t happen to be among the hundreds of people set to participate) the West Seattle Grand Parade! We have a few more notes tonight, looking ahead:
(WSB file photo)
FLOAT DODGER 5K: Still time to register and avoid the last-minute price increase! The 5K starts from the field at Hiawatha at 9:30 am Saturday (July 19). Even if you’re not running/walking, come down early and visit the booths – among them, the West Seattle Food Bank, to which West Seattle Runner (which presents Float Dodger) donates proceeds. They’re offering an extra way to support the WSFB (which needs it more than ever) – a new raffle for $5/ticket, with your chance to win tickets to the September 25 Taste of West Seattle. (The WSFB’s other raffle, the Summer Raffle with prizes from local businesses, sold out for the first time ever!) Bring your $5 and look for the WSFB tent at Hiawatha on Saturday morning. And if you want to register for the Float Dodger 5K, do that here!
(WSB photo, 2024 Grand Parade)
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: Official parade start time from California/Lander is 11 am, but the leadoff group, the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team, will likely start at about 10:45 am. They’re expecting at least eight motorcycle officers this year, twice the size of the comeback unit last year. One big decision if you haven’t made it already is where to watch – this year there’s an official list of “watch parties” – including:
Cherry Consignment
Falafel Salam
Hotwire Coffee
Sebastiano’s Natural Wines
WEND Jewelry
West Seattle Realty
One of those businesses has an entry in the parade too – Falafel Salam. Parade coordinator Michelle Edwards explains that the businesses on the list “are the businesses that the West Seattle Grand Parade Committee is currently aware of having and promoting a parade watch party at their business. There may be others that we don’t know about, but we are excited to see so many businesses bringing the community together for the parade and would love to know if anyone else is having one!” Email westseattleparade@gmail.com (and tell us too!). … For previous parade previews, click “West Seattle Grand Parade” under the headline and scroll through our archive!
More big news from West Seattle Little League – Jen sent the photos and report:
What a time for West Seattle Little League!
WSLL’s Softball 10U All Stars are 4-0 in the State tournament and are in the finals this Thursday at 6 pm! While they are battling it out in Vancouver, WA – we can still unite to cheer them on locally! Our friends and WSLL sponsors at West Wings are holding a watch party on: Thursday, July 17 at 6 pm. Come cheer the 10s on and have some good food and drinks!
WSLL is honored to host the Baseball 10U State Little League Tournament from July 19 – 26 at our home field, Bar-S Playfield! This statewide tournament rotates between 13 districts, and after many years, it’s finally our turn to shine.
Even more exciting, our very own Baseball 10U All Star team won the District 7 Championship and kicks off their first game on Sunday, July 20 at 3 pm!
This event is bigger than baseball – it’s a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Let’s come together and show visitors from across the state what makes West Seattle special!
The Bar-S fields are on SW Admiral Way north of 63rd SW.
Thanks to Melissa for the photo and update:
Thought I would pass an update along about the West Seattle Little League Softball 10s playing in State in Vancouver, Washington. They are 3-0 in the tournament, playing tomorrow at 5:30 in the semifinals against Pacific Little League. Mackenzie Hart threw a perfect game and no-hitter to beat Issaquah 11-0 yesterday.
Thanks to Katherine for the photo and report:
The combined West Seattle/Southwest Little League Juniors Softball All-Stars have advanced to the semi-finals of the Juniors Softball State Tournament with a 9-7 win today over the team from Redmond/Sammamish/Eastlake. The team has won three games so far in the state tournament, the most wins at state of any softball all-star team in the history of West Seattle and Southwest Little League!
West Seattle/Southwest Little League plays against the team from Shoreline/North Central/Queen Anne Little League tomorrow [Friday] at 6 pm at Northshore Athletic Fields in Woodinville.
Come cheer them on!
PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WSB
West Seattle Junction FC, the pre-pro soccer team in its second season, played its final home match of the year last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, and it was a thriller. Team owner Jessica Pierce shares the highlights, to go with our first-half photos from WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn:
(Forward Alex Mejia waves as the team is introduced before the match)
Down 0-3 at the half, Coach Oman made some front line change-ups, adding in Joschi Schelb from Rutgers and Mani Diop, defender at UW.
Schelb quickly fueled the fire adding a point to the board! West Seattle fans and the drum line pounding in the stands were all on their feet.
From the 70th minute on, Diop delivered goals 2 & 3 to tie up the game, including a brilliant header off a corner. Schelb with the winning goal with a key assist by Will Maschmedt in the 87th minute, making it 4-3. With 6 minutes of stoppage added, the crowd remained on their feet until that final whistle blew.
West Seattle loves this tenacious team and we love West Seattle! The support you’ve all shown us in year 2 has been incredible! We can’t wait for year 3!
Other game scenes:
Junction FC wraps up the season Friday night on the road vs. FC Olympia. … One more note from the organization, if you have a young player in the household:
The Rhodies & Junction FC host a youth player clinic from 10 am-12 pm on Saturday at Delridge playfields. Visit the Junction FC website to sign up and train with the team & staff!
The clinic is $65 and geared for (updated) U8 through U15 age groups.
Before we get to what else is happening today/tonight, a reminder from West Seattle Junction FC owner Jessica Pierce – last chance this year to see them at home!
Come out to WS Junction FC’s final match of the season. It’s more than just a game – it’s a celebration of community, commitment, and the incredible support from every corner of West Seattle. Let’s pack the stands, make some noise, and remind our players why the Westside is the Bestside!
Location: Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, 2801 SW Thistle St.
Kickoff: Tonight 7:00 PM sharp, gates open at 6:15
Admission: $15.00, 3 & under free. Tickets available online or at the gate.
Fan Appreciation Night – We’re celebrating YOU, the fans who’ve stood by us thru the highs and lows. Enjoy great food, live DJ, giveaways, 30% off all merch, and much more!
See you under the lights one last time in 2025!
Congratulations to the West Seattle Little League softball players who are on their way to state competition. Thanks to Ashley for sending the photo and report:
Just wanted to shout out the WSLL 10s All-Star softball team clinching their district title last night, sending them to the State Tournament in Vancouver. These girls were undefeated and allowed only 1 run over 3 games . The State tournament begins July 12 – let’s go, girls!
From left to right:
Bottom row: Ada Sten, Sosie Smutka, Molly Wintermute, Ainsley Fraser, Mackenzie Hart, Laurel Wharton, Edith Bonaci
Middle row: Marina Mattison, Norah Fox, Leona Hill, Emory Sizemore, Carmen Procopio, Maeve Saka
Back row: Coach Nick Sten, Coach James Fraser, Coach Brent Bonaci
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Junction FC drew their fourth match of the season Sunday against Tacoma Stars FC. But what has been an otherwise difficult month of games had a bright spot: A community event hosted by Junction FC to highlight local artists, coinciding with their newest merchandise release, a line inspired by well-known West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen.
(Photo by Erik Sandvik)
It was a tensely fought game with three injuries, mostly springing from a series of close shaves in both team’s goal boxes. Junction FC managed to keep up a strong defense, as goalkeeper Liam Ryan fended off several close calls in the first twenty minutes, and pressed the offense with an especially close shot by James Lear at the thirty-minute mark. The game resulted in yet another draw for both teams, though Junction FC managed to hold up with one player out of commission for the second half of the match.
Sunday’s match also marked the release of Junction FC’s third kit (a version of the team’s uniform fans can purchase and wear) inspired by Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen. The kit draws from his experience as a street artist, moving from graffiti into professional mural painting. “I’ve designed my own shirts, but never a jersey,” Hansen said. “I knew I wanted to do something colorful and incorporate actual spray paint.”
The jerseys incorporate layered spray-paint effects, giving them an identity unique to Hansen’s style, and to the West Seattle artist community.
(Photo courtesy Junction FC)
During the game, attendees were able to browse through several artist stalls set up behind the bleachers, purchase Junction FC merchandise and add to the community mural. The artist alley was a mix of established painters, community organizations and up-and-coming artists. At the end of the alley was Lora Radford, the lead artist of Potterings (WSB sponsor), a new pottery studio in the Harbor Avenue ActivSpace.
Radford started doing pottery as a form of self-expression, and as a self-described “community builder,” wanted to bring the experience to her community. Since opening in May, she’s been able to help people without any prior experience enjoy pottery.
“I decided that potters needed a place,” Radford said, “If you took a pottery class in middle school and you want to make a gift for a friend or a piece for yourself, this is the perfect place. That’s what we’re about.”
Further up the alley was Sunshine Arts and Crafts, owned by artists Marcia and Dennis Schramm. They moved back to West Seattle recently from Colorado, and have found painting as a hobby in their retirement. Marcia has been painting with acrylics for three years, and Dennis painted a set of Seattle-themed lazy susans.
Setting up an elaborate metalwork piece across the walkway, West Seattle native Jerry Austin is the founder of Mindful Metal, specializing in metalwork installations that utilize recycled metal pipes. Austin started his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Finally, sitting next to the Junction FC booth was Johnny Gillespie. Sunday’s event was his first time tabling. Gillespie has been drawing since he was a kid, and focuses on artwork that centers on animals.
Next home match for Junction FC (0-4-4) is Sunday (June 29) at 2 pm vs. Portland Bangers – tickets are available here.
In our last update on the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league, we mentioned its travel team was headed to regionals. The results are in, along with some other team news – here are the updates we received to share with you
On the weekend of June 13-15, the Southside Revolution Rebels travel team traveled to Salem to compete in the Northwest regional tournament for the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. After two challenging, physical games against Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby from Tacoma and the Pixies from Spokane, the Rebels came up short in Sunday’s championship game verus the Pixies and took second place. The Rebels end their season with a 12-2 record.
(Photos courtesy Southside Revolution)
Southside Revolution is saying goodbye to four seniors this season, three of whom played in Salem: Peyton Welsch (Lincoln High School), Malia Barker (West Seattle High School), and Sophie Aidlin (WSHS). Rubie Gonzalez was honored at the league’s last home bout in May, and the three others were part of a special ceremony in Salem. The four of them are also known as Jinx #33, Helen Wheels #9, Gear Shift #46, and Pinkerton #123 on the track. The league wishes them the best of luck in whatever comes next (maybe more roller derby?).
(Coach Jaycee Chavez, Jinx, Helen Wheels, Gear Shift, Head Coach Chuck Hendrick)
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. Finishing its 11th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves about 80 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.
Next up: The league will be a part of the West Seattle Grand Parade this year. Coming up after the parade: Travel Team tryouts and New Skater Clinics (sign up here) in early September. Questions? Contact info@southsiderevolution.org
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Rhodies FC)
West Seattle Rhodies FC players and team leaders have a huge reason to smile – a huge win on the road vs. crosstown rival Salmon Bay FC, previously undefeated, as the Rhodies look toward the last two home matches of their first season. Here’s the recap!
Wednesday night, at Interbay Stadium in Ballard, West Seattle Rhodies FC played game 2 in their derby vs Salmon Bay FC (game 1 was a 0-0 draw at home). Prior to this match, SBFC was the only USL W semi-pro women’s soccer team in the country boasting an undefeated and no-goals-conceded record.
That ended in Ballard on Wednesday night when Hailey Still, #13, delivered a stunning goal in the 22nd minute to a massive round of applause from Rhodies fans who trekked to Ballard for the match.
The defense held strong throughout and closed out the night with an important W for the Rhodies!
You can catch their last 2 home matches of the 2025 regular season, Wednesday 6/25 @ 7 pm (Fan Appreciation Night) & Saturday 6/28 @ 2 pm (Pride Match) at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Tickets are $15, and free for 3 & under.
The Rhodies are siblings to West Seattle Junction FC, which has five home matches left this year.
Thanks to player parent Erika for sending the report and photo:
Last Thursday, the Southwest Little League Majors Rat City softball team won the regular season championship for District 7! They defeated Rainier Little League 15-0 to round out their nearly undefeated season with a record of 15-1-0. Many of these girls have been playing together for several years and were led by Head Coach Matt Talmadge and Assistant Coaches Melissa Rosenberg, Mike Stanfill, and Walker Hatton.
Southwest Little League spans the southern part of West Seattle and into White Center/Burien but most of these kids are West Seattleites!
Congratulations, Rat City softball team! Catch the SWLL softball team in the D7 All Star tournament this week on June 19th & 20th at 6 pm (PacWest Fields).
Just as summer vacation begins, it’s time for families to make some plans for fall – like sports! The West Seattle Soccer Club asked us to share this registration reminder with you:
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 nearly a thousand players already registered! With the Spring Season wrapping soon, 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 13th and 14th 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!
Today’s the deadline to buy discount Mariners tickets benefiting Chief Sealth International High School sports teams – they asked us to mention it one more time before it’s too late:
Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on our flyer or by clicking this link: schoolpay.com/pay/for/Mariners-vs-Astros–July-18th-710PM/Sd5GIel
The game is Friday July 18th at 7:10 PM against the Houston Astros. It is also an ’80s-themed fireworks night!
View Level Seats – $20 each
Main Level Seats – $30 each
Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, June 13th (today).
Proceeds will directly support Chief Sealth Football and Chief Sealth Girls Bowling.
Ball player in the family? Less than two weeks left to sign up for West Seattle Baseball‘s Summer Crush. And WS Baseball has a few other announcements to share:
Crush is Focused on the FUN!
Summer Crush is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer games only league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with some of the sandlot-style baseball fun. It is also an opportunity for more reps and new positions in a fun, low-stress situation.
Crush is divided into three divisions, 8U, 10U, and 12U (in PONY-speak, that´s Pinto, Mustang, and Bronco). Scores are kept but there are no standings or playoffs. There are not even practices! It’s just “show up and play ball”.
The season runs from the week of July 11 through the week of August 11. 8U Pinto and 12U Bronco are scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 10U Mustang is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
For more information visit the West Seattle Baseball website at westseattlebaseball.com
And beyond summer …
Girls Softball is back for its 3rd season!
This division will spend its first week of the 6 weeks going through introductions and assessments to allow a safe and balanced team format for the remaining weeks. 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 that is subject to registration. Weeks to include instruction, games, and guest Coaches.
Shetland/T-ball is back this season!
This division will be 6 weeks on Friday nights 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and continue to be a fun T-ball (6u) level of baseball for the kids to run around and play some ball.
Using Crush to Try a New Division
Often, players who are going to move up a division the following spring will play in the higher division in Crush to get a light introduction to their future age group, but by no means is that a rule or even typical. Most commonly, players play in the same division and level that they played during the Spring season. Players are not allowed to ¨play down,” however.
Taking Vacations? No Problem!
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.
Coaches Needed
And why should all the fun go to the kids? Whether you have had the pleasure of helping as a volunteer coach in the past or have just seen how much fun all the coaches have working with these kids, Crush is a great time to get involved. Every team needs as much coaching help as they can get to make games run smoothly and efficiently. If you are ready to join the ranks of WSB volunteer coaches, be sure to note your interest when registering your player or contact league officials to start the process! Please reach out to Andy and Doug at crush.commish@westseattlebaseball.com with any questions regarding the season.
Important Dates
Registration is scheduled to close on June 23. Crush season will begin the week of July 11 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 15. Sign Up for Summer Crush: go.teamsnap.com/forms/485126
We recently reported on our area’s Junior Roller Derby league, Southside Revolution. As noted in our story, their travel team The Rebels were expecting to head to regionals and possibly to nationals – their journey is about to begin, according to this update we received:
Our area’s junior roller-derby travel team, the Southside Revolution Rebels, is off to Salem, Oregon this coming weekend (June 14-15) to face some top PNW teams in the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. The Rebels enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the region, with a record of 11-1 in sanctioned games vs. teams across 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 11th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves about 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 league will also appear at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year. Coming up after the parade: Travel Team tryouts and New Skater Clinics in early September. Anyone interested should contact info@southsiderevolution.com.
P.S. The playoffs will be livestreamed here: youtube.com/@cherrycityrollerderby/featured
Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
When Rain City Ropeworks held their annual community show at the Holy Rosary School gym on Sunday, it was more than just a chance to show off what they’ve learned – it was also a key moment of preparation for nine team members who will be representing Washington at the World Championships in Kawasaki, Japan, next month.
The show was a great way to get an understanding of what they need to improve on, said team coach and Rain City Ropeworks founder Rene Bibaud. She is a 5-time Jump Rope world champion, as well as a former performer and coach for Cirque Du Soleil, a motivational speaker, and ESPN color commentator.
In the past nine months, the students have drilled, practiced, and perfected their own freestyle routines. “It’s a consistent upgrade of skills,” Bibaud remarked. These routines are completely original and structured around a song, chosen by the students themselves. In the process of learning these routines, accepting and learning how to deal with mistakes is a vital skill, the coach explains. “The most important skill to have is learning how to recover. You’ll make mistakes, and it’s important to learn how to keep your footing.”
This is an especially important lesson for the older athletes to internalize, as the team is a mix of older students and younger ones. Often, the older team members will be called on to help mentor those with less experience. In order to facilitate this process, the program has a team leadership council. This is a group of experienced team members who help teach the new athletes.
It’s a rewarding experience for the Leadership Council as well, according to Ethan Im. As a member of the Team Leadership Council, Im has found a community in RainCity RopeWorks. Starting at the age of 7, he said the sport was intimidating at first.
He’s managed to channel this former fear as a guide to the younger athletes, however, by meeting them where they’re at. “It’s a little tricky, since they’re usually shy, but that changes once you show them the ropes,” Im said. “I like to tell that that ‘you’re only competing with yourself’.“
Im has grown into both a confident performer and a leader. From July 27th to August 3rd, he’ll be one of 9 team members going to Japan to compete in the World Championships. He says, above all else, he hopes that by participating in this sport he can help lend it more legitimacy. “A lot of people see it as a playground sport, but I hope this team can show them otherwise.”
Also headed to the World Championships is Alia Lundborg. She’s in her 4th year and is also a member of the Team Leadership Council. She’s nervous, but excited, to compete in the championships. Lundborg will be performing a Double Dutch, a group exercise using two larger jump ropes. “It takes so much practice to get these routines down, but it’s definitely brought us a lot closer together,” said Lundborg.
Lundborg’s progress stuck out in particular to Bibaud: “Alia has been at every possible practice; she’s one of the most skilled and consistent members of the team. I’m thrilled that she’s going to the world championships this year.”
Reflecting on the last ten months, Bibaud is most proud of the team for their growth as a community. Throughout the event, other athletes were consistently cheering each other on during their performances and congratulating each other afterwards. This supportive culture is in large part due to the Team Leadership Council, according to Bibaud. “They all want to do their own personal best, they care deeply about one another, and I’m very proud of that,” Bibaud said.
To learn more about the team, see the Ropeworks website here. For information about the world championships, check here.
Thanks to Tim O’Neill from O’Neill Plumbing (WSB sponsor) for the photos and report on a big win:
All of us here at O’Neill Plumbing are pretty dang proud of our Pee Wee team that just won the championship Saturday !!
We’ve been sponsors since 1974 and don’t have any record of them ever winning the championship !!
Way to go, TEAM OP !!
This is part of the West Seattle Baseball organization, which is now signing people up for Summer Crush – more on that in a separate report!
Plenty of reasons to cheer at this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe today at Walt Hundley Playfield! Organizer Brian Callanan verified it’s the biggest one ever – 770 people registered before and at the four-event fun(draiser). The signature event is the obstacle-course 5K, only one of its kind in the Seattle area – photographer Oliver Hamlin captured the spirit for WSB:
The obstacle course started with “elite” entrants taking off in waves so there wasn’t too much of a traffic jam.
(WSB photos and videos from here down, by Tracy Record)
Three-quarters of an hour later,the “family waves” headed out:
If you didn’t want to climb, jump, or get muddy, a 5K fun run was the perfect option:
And if you wanted a simple walk, the “Senior Saunter” was perfect:
The last of the events was a Kids’ Dash. Even if you weren’t running, walking, dashing, jumping, etc., Loop the ‘Lupe offered both a party atmosphere and a chance to learn about the local businesses and organizations who were community co-sponsors, including some WSB sponsors – here are Kemberly and Alison from Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle:
And Charlie and Hsi Yen from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:
(WSB was media sponsor again this year.)The West Seattle School of Rock provided a lively soundtrack, and the Knights of Columbus grilled up lunch. Loop the ‘Lupe proceeds support Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s community and social work.
Another school fundraiser happening right now – the Westside Pickleball League‘s “Rally on the Rock” tournament at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex racquet-sport courts. 150 players an 201, with players ages 16-82, according to the league’s Rosina Geary, who adds that it’s a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School athletic department. CSIHS principal Hope Perry (below left) was there helping hand out medals earlier this afternoon:
Westside Pickleball League presented two $2,000 scholarships to graduating Chief Sealth seniors this year. Today’s tournament continues until around 4 pm, and there’s plenty of spectator space around the courts, which are west of Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle).
Thanks to Julie Rajaratnam for the photo and report:
Seattle’s history in the sport of rowing is well known, thanks to Daniel James Brown’s best-seller The Boys in the Boat. What you may not know is how West Seattle is doing its part to cultivate rowing prowess. Meet four exceptional young women from West Seattle who have earned their way to the US Rowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida, June 12-15.
[L-R: Kiran Rajaratnam (rowing for Vashon Island Rowing Club in the Women’s U17 4x and coxswain for the Men’s U16 4x+), Anna Urelius and Genevieve Ide (both from Mount Baker Rowing and in the Women’s U17 8+), Claire Gordon (Greenlake Crew, Women’s Varsity 8+]
Each athlete shared a brief word about what the sport of rowing, and the opportunity to compete at Nationals, means for them:
Kiran: “Rowing has taught me so much: determination, confidence, discipline, and most of all, the value of teamwork. My boat mates and I have been there to support each other, push one another to be better, and share a friendship on and off the water. After all the meters we’ve rowed and the time we’ve dedicated, our hard work has paid off. We made it to nationals! I’m super excited for this opportunity, and we’re ready to give it our all!”
Anna: “Rowing at Mount Baker is like a second home to me. It’s the place I can go to take a break from the stress of school and life to be able to focus on something that I really enjoy while getting stronger and forming amazing relationships with my teammates. I feel so lucky to be able to go to nationals with this amazing group of girls that I love so much!”
Genevieve: “Nationals is what the whole year has been leading up to, every practice, race, and even recovery day has been preparing me for this. When I’m doing a hard piece or start wanting to give up, I always remind myself that my body can do so much more than my mental ‘limit’.”
Claire: “Nationals to me is a great opportunity to compete at a higher level and on such a large scale. I’m so excited to represent the PNW along with these other girls as well as race my hardest for the last time this season!” Claire, a junior at West Seattle High School, recently committed to rowing at the University of Washington!
These clubs all fundraise to support the costs of athlete participation and enable greater access. If you’d like to support them, here are three links: VIRC’s Nationals Fundraiser, Mount Baker’s Annual Fund, or Green Lake Crew’s STEM to Stern initiative. As these four young athletes take to the starting line in Sarasota, we wish them flat water and fast strokes!
Rowing culture—and the tight-knit communities built within and across clubs—offers an ideal environment for young athletes to thrive. Check out the clubs’ websites for more information on how you can get involved. In addition to these three clubs, the Duwamish Rowing Club in South Park also offers rowing opportunities for youth. The summer months are particularly ideal for dipping your toes (and oars!) in the water.
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