West Seattle, Washington
04 Thursday
Thanks to Jennifer for two updates on West Seattle High School‘s new water-polo team!
The previously undefeated West Seattle Water Polo girls lost a nail-biter in the last minute of play against Shorewood on Wednesday, March 27th, with a final score of 3-5. Marlo Pietsch [above] scored all 3 goals. With no subs due to illness and injury, the Wildcats played strong defense to the end. Their next game will be after spring break against Shorecrest on April 19th at Medgar Evers Pool at 8 pm.
The team has set up an ongoing online auction with the goal of making next year’s team more affordable. Supporters can join the auction to bid on gift cards donated by local businesses at: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@3
As previously reported, the water-polo team is a “club sport” – not supported by district funding – launched this year after students campaigned to get approval to start a team.
… the answer is “tentatively.” A few readers asked us if a flyover is planned tomorrow night as the M’s open the season vs. the Boston Red Sox (7:10 pm Thursday, T-Mobile Park), so we asked the team. M’s spokesperson Sarah Alamshaw replied, “Weather dependent, there will be a flyover tomorrow.” Right now, the late-afternoon weather looks unsettled, like today, but we’ll see how things go. We don’t know (yet) which aircraft will be waiting in the wings – but we’re checking around and will add to this whenever we find out. (Last year, the flyover featured helicopters from Joint Base Lewis-McChord‘s 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.)
West Seattle has a strong running culture, with multiple groups, but none that can claim the milestone that the West Seattle Running Club has reached – founder Dave Howard sent this in celebration of its 30th anniversary!
What started with a simple love for running celebrates 30 years of tying up laces, gathering at the Alki Statue of Liberty, and embarking on what has become three decades of the West Seattle Running Club. In 1994, Founder and President Dave Howard greeted 12 people that March evening. 12 strangers before that night. 12 people who were interested in something more; because in the Pacific Northwest, motivation to run alone in the cold and rain can often be hard to find.
This isn’t just a milestone anniversary of people meeting each week to run. This is a celebration of all the memories and extraordinary moments that have come from this club: More than 300 people have run with the club, marriages happened from people meeting via the club (including the Founder/President), and life-long friendships were formed.
30 years strong, and still going. Whether people are marathon runners or walkers, there’s a place for everyone in the West Seattle Running Club.
The club is a social and casual running club for all levels. Members provide support and encouragement to each other in achieving running goals and having fun along the way.
If you want to get serious about a running goal, whether it’s crossing the finish line of a 5K or qualifying for Boston, here’s how being a part of West Seattle Running Club can help:
-Running will become part of your weekly routine.
-You can share goals and achievements with genuinely interested other people.
-You’ll be more motivated to train in all seasons.
-You’ll meet other people who will love to talk about running and compare gadgets.
-You’ll be inspired to set new goals.
-You’ll learn new training routes.
-You can compare notes and get tips from experienced runners, and you’ll be able to share your experience with others.
-You’ll have support at races.
-You’ll have new cross-training buddies.Check our website for information on when and where to run with us: westseattlerunningclub.org
“I used to run alone. Now I run with a second family.” ~ Dave Howard
Play ball! It’s time for West Seattle Little League‘s season-opening Jamboree this weekend, and they’ve sent this community invitation:
West Seattle Little League (WSLL) will kick off the season with its annual Jamboree this weekend. All games will be held at WSLL’s Bar-S home field!
The games will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, and Sunday, March 24th. Games will be between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both days.
Come cheer on our kids, take pictures with the DubSea Fish Sticks mascot, learn about WSLL, and grab a bite to eat at the concessions.
More info here! Bar-S is off Admiral Way west of 64th, on the back side of Alki Point.
(Photo by Brandon Faloona)
Thanks to the reader who sent the report on the West Seattle High School boys’ soccer team’s win over Nathan Hale on Wednesday, 2-1, five days after a 5-0 loss to the same team. While that loss was at home, Wednesday’s win was on the road; the reader says, “Freshman Noah Ott (#13) scored the game-winner in the second half for West Seattle and was swarmed by his teammates at the final whistle.” The photo above shows that winning goal, a header. According to the Metro League website, this was the first win of the just-underway spring season, and the boys are now 1-1-2, with their next game at 4 pm tomorrow (Friday), at home at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle) vs. Bishop Blanchet.
Almost a year after a group of West Seattle High School students came to a meeting with former School Board rep Leslie Harris to ask for support forming a water-polo team, the team is launched, and the swimmers have played their first official full-length game, after starting the season with a jamboree. Jennifer, who sent the photo and update, tells us the team won the game against Northshore on Friday, 8-4. Their next game is on Wednesday, March 27, at 3 pm versus Shorewood at Innis Arden Pool in Shoreline. They’re playing home games at Medgar Evers Pool in the Central District. The team, coached by Truly Dorland, also expresses gratitude to everyone who donated during their recent fundraiser; you can support them via wsbooster.com (specify “water polo”) – since theirs is a “club sport,” they have to raise their own funding,
You might have seen that green-clad group running in the morning sun around Admiral – they were out on the Leprechaun Leg Group Run organized by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell:
The costume contest winner – by a vote of everybody participating – was Colleen:
This pup joined the fun:
They headed out from Hiawatha:
And afterward, nearby Good Society Brewing and Public House opened early for the runners to stop in. Along with special events like this, West Seattle Runner hosts free weekly runs too – they’re always featured in our event calendar and daily lists.
Six West Seattleites are back from one of the marathons that comprise what’s known as “the most prestigious distance running series in the world.” The achievement completed the series for two of them – including, for a second time, Joe Drake, who sent the report and photo:
(Photo By Antoine Smith)
Residents of West Seattle – from left in above photo, Des Lee, Sarang Shamshery, Patti Shuster, Joe Drake, Sokphal Tun, and Erik Nakich (not pictured) – trekked to Japan this month to run in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon. All of them are avid fans of our favorite running store, West Seattle Runner.
Tokyo is one of six cities that host the annual World Marathon Majors, the premier events for runners worldwide. Completing all six of them to earn the coveted Six-Star Medal is a bucket list item for many marathoners, a journey that often requires several years of planning and training to knock off. Patti Shuster earned her Six-Star Medal in Tokyo. She had been working toward it for the past two and a half years. Joe Drake took home a second one after picking up his first last year in Tokyo.
The others have some work to do to complete their missions. Erick Nakich has only London standing in his way. Sokphal Tun’s finale will be in New York City, someday, after she takes on Chicago later this year. Desmond Lee is halfway there and is strategizing as to which of his remaining cities – Berlin, London, or New York City – will make the best backdrop for his Six-Star Medal photo. (updated) Sarang Shamshery just began his journey with two majors (Chicago and Tokyo) and plans to enjoy the ride to collect the remaining stars as he and his wife are expecting a child in a couple of months and he will be a busy man. You may see him training with a stroller on Hiawatha track every Tuesday!
For more on the World Marathon Majors, see this link.
Spirited student in the family? This announcement was sent by West Seattle High School head cheer coach Nadine Nguyen:
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 March 26th-March 29th from 4:30 pm-8:30 pm @ WSHS. To 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 19th.
CHEER CLINICS – Learn the cheer basics to help prep you for tryouts!
*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 20th @ 4:30 pm-8:30 pm
To participate in tryouts on March 26th – March 29th, 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 Waver
-Up-to-date PhysicalThe Tryout application and required forms are available through the following link tree:
For tips and more information regarding tryouts, follow our Instagram @westseattlecheer
Good Luck and Go Wildcats!! For Questions email: nmnguyen@seattleschools.org
We’re just back from the Morgan Junction Starbucks, where the Mariner Moose has arrived. As announced last month, this is the latest stop on the Mariners’ “March to Opening Day” regional tour, starring the team mascot. You can stop by the shop (southwest corner of California and Fauntleroy) until 11 am to see The Moose. They’re giving away T-shirts, hats, and Starbucks gift cards, plus a drawing for tickets. The Mariners’ home opener is two weeks from today – Thursday, March 28, vs. the Boston Red Sox.
Another local youth-sports team is back from big success on the road, at a big regional tournament. Here’s the report we were asked to share with you:
This past weekend, the 12U team from the Washington Baseball Academy and their families headed to the desert in Phoenix to compete in the USSA Easton Hype Tour Spring Championship. The tournament had a total of 271 teams in all divisions and teams from as far away as Hawaii and Texas. The crew from West Seattle competed in the 12U AA division and got runner-up in the Copper Division.
Coaches: Dale Ross and Peter Tarabochia
Players and Coaches proudly showing their 2nd-place rings!
Ben Datz
Ben Tarabochia
Calvin Carlson
Duncan McKinney
Gavin Ross
Jason Moran
Nathan Shafi
Riley Landa
Lachlan Gosztola
Sidney Stauffer
Cameroon Widman
Garek Wadden
Thanks to Peter Moran for sending the report; he notes that the team practices at a facility on West Marginal Way: “All of the kids are West Seattle and most play West Seattle Little League as well.”
Another jewel in the crown for West Seattle High School‘s basketball prowess – statewide success for the WSHS Unified Basketball team! Here’s the photo and announcement sent to us to share with you:
The West Seattle High School Unified Basketball team has reason to celebrate after placing 2nd at the Special Olympics Washington State Unified Basketball Tournament held in Wenatchee. The team is coached by head coach Tim Bauer and assistant coaches Jessica O’Connor and Brandon Marks.
The tournament was part of the 2024 Winter Games.
If you’re thinking of going to Lumen Field this season to see a Reign FC soccer match, here’s a way your ticket purchase can help local student athletes:
The West Seattle High School Girls’ Soccer team is in dire need of funds for uniforms and equipment this year. The Reign FC has graciously offered to support the team and give $5 for every ticket sold for a Reign FC match this year. See their schedule here.
Use this link to buy tickets as part of the fundraiser.
(WSB file photo)
We told you last month that the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki will be back this year on May 19. As of today, registration is officially open! That means it’s time for full details – here’s what the coordinating organization, the West Seattle High School PTSA, tells us:
All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K provide funding for West Seattle High School to fund monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom-supply needs, and student-led initiatives.
Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years or so. In 2023, we had almost 1,200 registrants and raised $34,000 for West Seattle High School! 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.
Coming back for a second year – we will have a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade 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.
“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.”
Other popular 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. 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 our 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. Pricing:
● Adults are $35 (5/13 and later is $40)
● Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/13 and later is $30)
● West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/13 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: Sea Pines Physical Therapy, West Seattle Runner, Homes By Pia, Space B.A.R. Wellness, and so many more. Please go to 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.
WSB has signed on as media sponsor, as we’ve done every year since the first West Seattle 5K in 2009.
(High Point Community Center, via seattle.gov)
Spring track-and-field season is less than two weeks away at High Point Community Center – which needs volunteer coaches to step up right now! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
High Point Community Center is currently looking for volunteer coaches for the High Point Track Program for the upcoming season. Track practices will start on Monday, March 18, 2024 . Monday practice will be 6:00 – 7:00 pm @ Hiawatha track and Wednesday practice will be 6:00 – 7:00 pm @ West Seattle Stadium. If you are interested in being a coach or know of anyone that is interested, contact Buck for more details at Buck.Buchanan@seattle.gov. We do not want to cancel practice until we find coaches … Thank you in advance for your help.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Despite a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, the West Seattle High School boys’ first game in the state 3A tournament was also their last game of the season, a 60-56 loss to Tacoma’s Lincoln High School this afternoon at Bellevue College. The Wildcats fell behind midway through the first quarter; they trailed the Abes 14-6 after the first quarter, 31-18 at halftime. But WSHS came out fighting for the second half, opening with a three-pointer by #2, sophomore Sully Janiwade. They shaved Lincoln’s lead down to five points twice before the third quarter ended, with back-to-back baskets by #0, junior Alex Pierce:
He was West Seattle’s top scorer for the day, with 15. Second-highest for the Wildcats was #3, senior Bo Gionet, who contributed the first two points of the fourth quarter, bringing them within three of Lincoln:
Half a minute later, #23, senior Pawlose Aschalew, cut the Abes’ lead to one, and followed that basket with a three-pointer, giving WSHS the lead, 47-45, with six and a half minutes left in the game.
The two teams alternated leads and ties until about the two-minute mark, and WSHS fans were on their feet:
But those last two minutes were filled with missed opportunities, and when two foul shots put Lincoln up by four with :14 to go, victory was out of range. The Wildcats finish the season 16-12.
Two more notes: After the game, the tournament organizers announced the Sportsmanship Awards; WSHS’s winner was #13, senior Nathan Schiavo. During the game, head coach Dan Kriley was absent from the bench; we asked athletic director Corey Sorenson and principal Brian Vance, both of whom were at the game, why, but both said they couldn’t comment.
(2022 photo courtesy West Seattle Little League – Mariner Moose visiting WSLL at Bar-S)
The Mariners‘ first spring-training game is tomorrow – so baseball season is on the way. So is the Mariner Moose – scheduled to make a rare visit to West Seattle. The crew at Morgan Junction Starbucks (California/Fauntleroy) sent first word that their shop has been chosen as a stop on the Moose’s “March to Opening Day“ regional tour. You can meet the Moose there 9 am-11 am on (corrected) Thursday, March 14 for goofiness and giveaways, among other things.
(WSB photo from Saturday night’s WSHS-Eastside Catholic game)
In case you haven’t seen the update added to our coverage of Saturday night’s West Seattle HS boys’ basketball district-championship game, the time and location are set for the team’s first game in this year’s state competition: 2 pm Saturday (February 24) at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE). They won’t know who they’re playing until tomorrow night – it’ll be the winner of that night’s game between Lincoln HS (Tacoma) and Lake Washington HS. You can buy tickets in advance online here.
UPDATE: Their opponent will be Lincoln.
If you have questions about the new “pre-pro” soccer team West Seattle Junction FC, which just announced its schedule for home matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this spring and summer, here’s your chance to get answers: The organization will host a community meeting at adjacent Southwest Teen Life Center on February 29th. From the announcement:
West Seattle Junction FC is hosting a community meeting at the Southwest Community Center on 2/29/24 from 4:30-7 pm for any interested parties who wish to hear more about the club or to ask questions of our staff.
WHO: West Seattle Junction FC
WHAT: Community Meeting for those who would like to know about the club or ask questions.
WHERE: Southwest Community Center
WHEN: 4:30 pm – 7 pm on 2/29/2024A new USL League 2 soccer team, West Seattle Junction FC, will be playing their inaugural season May through July of this year at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Center. This Community Meeting will provide an opportunity for people in the community to ask questions about these events. There will be 8 home games this season.
General Game Information:
● We will set-up the field approximately 1 hour to the start and tear down within an hour of each game.
● We will leave the neighborhood as we found it: litter and recycling will be handled professionally.
● During the event hours, we expect between 500-1000 attendees.
● No streets will be closed and our spectators will be encouraged to take public transportation.
● Sound amplification will be limited and non-audible beyond the field. .We are working closely with the City of Seattle Parks Department to minimize the impacts of the event. Our goal is to create an enjoyable and positive experience in the neighborhood.
Junction FC says the meeting will be open-house format – just drop in during that window. See the full announcement, including contact information if you have questions before then, in our calendar listing.
(WSB photo)
When the Seattle Kraken hockey team’s mascot Buoy showed up for story time at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library this morning, children’s librarian Leslie Sumida had the perfect books: “I’m Cool,” featuring a Zamboni (the machine used to smooth the rink for hockey) and “The Three Silly Billies,” starring a troll tending a bridge. We counted about 50 people there (including a few little kids who found Buoy a bit scary!).
Local libraries have regular story times, sometimes with other guests – for example, this Tuesday (February 20th), it’ll be Firefighter Story Time, meant for preschoolers, at 3:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
(WSB photos. Above, Wildcats’ postgame huddle)
Next stop for the West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team is the state tournament, after their second-place finish tonight in the District 2 3A tournament. Eastside Catholic left the Bellevue College gym with the championship win, 87-65. The Wildcats had the biggest cheering section, hoping all game long for a comeback.
But the Crusaders were out to a 13-2 lead by the midpoint in the first quarter, and never gave up much ground. #4, junior Duncan Monnin, was first on the scoreboard for WSHS with a basket at 6:20, after Eastside Catholic opened with a three, and that’s the only time the Wildcats were close.
Top West Seattle scorer tonight was #0, junior Alex Pierce, with 14 points:
#23, senior Pawlose Aschalew, was next with 10 points:
#3, senior Bo Gionet, had 9:
Both sides played fairly ferocious defense, but Eastside Catholic’s hottest outside shooter, senior Kayden Greene, managed to be open time and again for passes that translated to threes; the Crusaders also had the upper hand on rebounds for most of the game. They held a 45-27 lead at halftime, 71-49 at the end of the third quarter; there was a spark of hope when #5, junior Brittin Joyner, and #14, junior Jake Kriley, opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back threes, but Eastside Catholic started running out the clock, inbetween some insurance baskets, and that was the game.
Head coach Dan Kriley and the Wildcats will find out tomorrow afternoon who they’re facing to open state play – and when/where – which starts Tuesday.
SUNDAY UPDATE: The bracket has been released, and so far we know that WSHS will play its must-win opening-round game at home, either Friday or Saturday, vs. the winner of Tuesday’s game between Lincoln or Lake Washington.
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Further refinement of the bracket – WSHS will play at 2 pm next Saturday (February 24) and while they’ll be the “home” team, the game will be at Bellevue College.
(WSB photos. Above, #10, freshman Seneca Lucas)
The West Seattle High School girls simply ran out of time tonight in their district-tournament game against Roosevelt. The two were tied 46-46 with :10 to go in what was a close game throughout, but then Roosevelt sank a three and WSHS didn’t have enough time to get back downcourt to try to answer it, and the buzzer sounded to end their season.
Games don’t get much closer than this one. The first and second quarter both ended in ties, 9-9 and 19-19. The Wildcats had a one-point lead at the end of quarter #3, 32-31. But the Riders went on a run and pulled out to a 5-point lead with 5:50 left in the game, 39-34. West Seattle battled back, in part thanks to #20, junior Colby Timmons, hitting two baskets in short order.
(WSB photos. Above, #20, Colby Timmons, second-leading scorer with 13)
With 3:10 to go, WSHS took the lead, 43-42, after #4, senior Carmen Cruz, nailed one of her trademark threes:
(WSB photos. Above, #4, Carmen Cruz, third-leading scorer with 11)
They swapped the lead again and got it back 45-44 at 1:35 remaining, with a reverse layup by #21, junior Alyssa Neumann:
(WSB photos. Above, #21, Alyssa Neumann)
But they couldn’t pull away – and were on the wrong side of the scoreboard when it hit 00:00. Head coach Darnell Taylor and the Wildcats finish the season 13-13.
With only two seniors this year, the team has a good chance to build on this year’s success next season.
As we’ve been noting, postseason competition is under way for high-school winter sports – and we have late word of two more local athletes who have made it to the state championships: West Seattle High School wrestlers Sam Fordham (126) and Jak Prater-Thaden (124). The state wrestling tournament is under way today and tomorrow at the Tacoma Dome.
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