West Seattle, Washington
04 Monday
(WSB photo by Tracy Record)
In this afternoon’s sunshine, with Super Bowl kickoff soon, the 12th Man flag flies beneath the Stars and Stripes at Alki Lumber. We featured the flag last month – but just in time for the big game, there’s something new beneath it:
(Photo courtesy Alki Lumber)
Alki Lumber owner Jim Sweeney died on Super Bowl Sunday two years ago; as of this week, there’s new landscaping and a memorial plaque beneath the flagpole. Matthew Pedersen, who shared the plaque photo, wrote:
It is only fitting that the memorial was completed just days before the Seahawks play in Super Bowl XLVIII. Jim Sweeney will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, business savvy and advice.
We miss you, Jim!
Friday was a big night for high-school sports, starting with swimming – last dual meet of the year for Chief Sealth International High School, as Trisha Montemayor reports:
Chief Sealth hosted West Seattle, winning the meet. It was Senior Night for Sealth, recognizing the following seniors: Carlos Montemayor, Michael Stewart, John Woefel, Chris Rodriquez, Anthony George, Danica Langaynor, Kenaia Neumann, Rachel Varney and Katy Carter.
Here are the results:
(If you can’t see the embedded document above, view it as PDF by clicking here.) Metro League competition is Friday-Saturday, February 7-8; Trisha notes, “Chief Sealth will be will be well-represented at this meet.”
Greg shared two photos, explaining:
Living on Manning Street is not fun this weekend …
So, we made a little adjustment …
Much better!
Lots of spirit around town – especially at schools. Our photo roundup starts at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor):
Big group photo outside the library at noontime. And yes, even SSCC president Gary Oertli is in 12 Mode:
Of course there was a flag – as you’ll see in our video:
Student Services team members who helped rally everyone included Christie Williams:
Other schools in Fan Mode – Alki Elementary (photo taken Thursday, since school’s out today):
(Thanks to Hominee for the photo)
Hope Lutheran School – this is also a Thursday photo but school IS in session today and we’re told it’s Blue Friday all the way:
(Thanks to Sally for the photo)
And from West Seattle Montessori (WSB sponsor), a tailgate party for the young fans:
(Thanks to WSMS for the photo)
Still adding to our Super Bowl page … if you have news of anything from Super Bowl viewing parties to special takeout deals for Sunday to businesses closing early (or all day) to Seahawks gear … let us know! we’re continuing to update through early Sunday. editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
(M/V Tillikum, aka Michael Robinson, with Seahawks-fan flags in September; photo by Paul Brannan)
Washington State Ferries is honorarily and temporarily renaming its vessels after Seahawks on Super Bowl Sunday, according to this news release. The big names go to the boats on the big routes, like Seattle-Bainbridge; for the three vessels currently on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route, you will be traveling Sunday on:
M/V Issaquah: “M/V Russell Okung”
M/V Klahowya: “M/V Bruce Irvin”
M/V Tillikum: “M/V Michael Robinson”
(Full list here.) We will be adding this to the WSB West Seattle Super Bowl page – where we’re collecting a variety of Big Game-related info (and updating until game day – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!).
(Video by Craig Baerwaldt, added 4:07 pm)
West Seattle’s most famous flagpole now flies the blue 12th Man logo – in a big way:
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli and Patrick Sand for WSB)
Hundreds of people came to West Seattle Corporate Center, to see it go up:
Ex-Seahawks Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson and Robbie Tobeck raised it, with assistance from Paul McNicholas (below center), chief engineer for Development Services of America, which manages the building:
DSA is one of the West Seattle Corporate Center companies, along with the organizers of today’s mega-flag rally, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and Bartell Drugs. Yes, a Broncos fan tried to crash the party:
The hoopla also included what you might call a mini-bronco, but Dreamland Ponies had it decked out in Seahawks mode:
The 12th dogs were on hand too:
Some fans brought their own flags:
Oh by the way – about the scale of the “official” 1,500-square-foot flag (made by Flags A’Flying in Tacoma) – this gives you a bit better idea:
With the game three long days away, it was a moment to savor and remember:
A few more photos on the way – check back!
(West Seattle’s #10 Spenser Elder, Sealth’s #12 LJ Burns and #40 Evan Moe)
In the last scheduled game of the year between the boys-basketball teams from our area’s two biggest high schools, the home team won last night – West Seattle 69, Chief Sealth 56. The Wildcats’ #22 DeAndre Love led all scoring with 31 points:
More photos ahead:
New information about the West Seattle Cup soccer tournament that’s being planned for June 14-15, as reported here last week, described by organizer Terry Kegel as follows:
The West Seattle Cup aims to engage and build community by creating opportunities to play, teach, learn, and connect across generational and cultural differences. The free event will bring together teams of 448 elementary-age children and their parents representing different countries to participate in a World Cup-style tournament that celebrates soccer, culture, and community.
We’ve learned that for the West Seattle Cup to happen, more local businesses and organizations must sign up as sponsors by the end of this week. Choose one of two levels, $500/$100, and make a commitment online. Volunteers are urged to sign up ASAP too – here’s where you can do that (check out the wide variety of things you can help with, starting now!).
The Seahawks‘ trip to the Super Bowl isn’t just about sports. For local students, it’s about … writing! Last week, a local elementary teacher shared students’ thoughts on the now-legendary Richard Sherman interview. Now, teacher Kathy Saxon from Denny International Middle School shares the “persuasive essay” written by sixth-grade student Della (photo at right) – as a letter to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, explaining why the Seahawks deserve to win. It came in as a scanned PDF so we’re publishing it in the reader window below (or, click here to download):
Thanks to Della and teacher Kathy for sharing! More West Seattle Super Bowl updates to come today. P.S. In case you missed it last night – here’s our story about what’s billed as the world’s largest 12th Man flag, going up in West Seattle Thursday (and you’re invited to be there).
Thanks to Mike for the tip: Just announced in an e-mail to Bartell Drugs customers, Bartell and Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) will raise what they call “the world’s biggest 12th Man flag” at the West Seattle Corporate Center on Thursday. That of course is the building at Delridge and Andover where both are headquartered, famous for flying a gigantic U.S. flag most of the time. You’re invited to be there for the flag-raising, 11 am on Thursday (January 30th) – we’re told the custom-made flag will be raised by White Center’s own Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson and Robbie Tobeck, who was on the Seahawks’ first Super Bowl team.
ADDED TUESDAY MORNING: One other detail we’ve learned – the flag is described as 30 feet by 50 feet. In other words, 1,500 square feet – bigger than many houses!
(We had one of the special Seahawks drinks at Hotwire Coffee [WSB sponsor] this morning)
By mayoral proclamation, it’s Seahawks Blue Week! With the Super Bowl less than a week away, we’re assembling a page of info you might find helpful – and hoping for your help collecting it. Including:
*Where to watch the game (we’ll break it out into adults-only and all-ages; White Center venue info welcome too)
*Seahawks gear and decorations – for example, PB&J Textiles (WSB sponsor) has a 2 x 3 12th-man banner at the shop, just $12, larger sizes available – 3805 Delridge Way SW or call 206-243-3053
*Who’s offering special takeout/delivery treats/times – we’ve heard of a few already:
–Harry’s Chicken Joint (WSB sponsor) will be open noon-3 pm, and is suggesting pre-orders
–West 5 will be open 9 am-2 pm Sunday and suggests: “Give us a call today (WE5-1966) to pre-order Mac N Cheese for your house party and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up and put in the oven Sunday morning.”
–Mashiko has listed specials that, if you order in advance, will be ready for pickup 1-2 pm Sunday (otherwise, they’ll be closed that day)
–Ma’Ono Fried Chicken & Whisky is offering a Super Bowl Fried Chicken Party To Go, ready @ 1 pm Sunday if ordered by 8 the night before
*Who’s closing for the day, or closing early (let us know so potential customers aren’t disappointed)
–Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) says it’s closing at 3 pm (open at 8 am as usual)
And anything else you want people to know. Best way to get us non-breaking-news info is ALWAYS e-mail – editor@westseattleblog.com – but our other contact channels are listed here. We’ll launch the info as a special Super Bowl page by tomorrow. Thanks!
Saturday morning, we shared news that the West Seattle Y (WSB sponsor) Dolphins swim team would be competing in the statewide YMCA championships later that day in Federal Way. Now, the team sends word of the results!
Congratulations to the following swimmers of the West Seattle Y Dolphins on their advancement to the state finals held last evening at the King County Aquatics Center.
In the above photo starting with the upper row; Coach Kyle, Ty Lindblom, Ameena Bouzerktoune, Maya DeGasperi, Emma Murray
Bottom row: Jeffery Kasahara, Michael Stewart, Darlavanh Long, Karen Woodworth, Theresa Tran
Those that advanced but not in the photo: Rose Morgan and Tyler Barker
The girls’ team placed 3rd overall and the boys placed 7th overall. Those that had qualification times swam in the Prelims session 1; the top 8 in each event advanced to the Finals. They scored 12 and under finals in session 2, and awards were held for the top 3 in each event. Then the finals were held in session 3 last evening. This was a team effort by the 12-and-under and the 13-to-18-year-olds for the team’s overall ranking. Go, Dolphins!!
We’ve received two updates to share on competitive swimmers in our area:
DOLPHINS IN STATEWIDE Y COMPETITION TODAY: Good luck to the Dolphins from the West Seattle Y (WSB sponsor) in state Y competition today – see the 42 team members listed here. The meet is at King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way, starting at 9 am for 12-and-over swimmers who have made qualifying state times; at noon, swimmers working toward qualifying times for Regionals (in Boise next month) swim; and at 3 pm, we’re told, it’s the final session “for the top eight swimmers in all eligible events of the morning prelim sessions, after which there will be an awards ceremony for the winners of the finals events.” Public welcome, no admission charge. The KCAC is at 650 SW Campus Drive (map).
SEALTH MEET RESULTS & STATE QUALIFIER: For Chief Sealth International High School‘s swim team, Trisha Montemayor sends results of Friday’s meet against Franklin – the Seahawk girls won, the boys lost (team scores here, individual results here), but along the way, Trisha says, Carlos Montemayor qualified for state in the 100 breaststroke; he already had qualified for the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. She also notes that Sealth will host West Seattle High School next Friday (3:30 pm January 31) in its final Southwest Pool home meet of the year – Senior Night for five graduating swimmers.
From Friday night’s high-school basketball slate, in the regular season’s waning weeks:
(Sealth head coach Katie Jo Maris; WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
RAINIER BEACH AT CHIEF SEALTH: Lopsided games for both varsity teams – the Seahawk girls beat the Vikings 66-24, led by #4 Labrea Denson with 15 points:
Full scoring list here.
(Sealth #22 Sydney Thomas, #33 Brandy Hoskins)
In the boys-varsity game, final score was Rainier Beach 103, Chief Sealth 52. #1 Khaleef Griffin (photo below, with #24 Jamari Smith) led the Seahawks’ scoring with 21 points:
The Viking boys ran up the score in no small part thanks to a large number of three-pointers. Scoring list is here.
WEST SEATTLE AT INGRAHAM: Victories here for both WSHS varsity teams – a 63-22 win for the girls, with Sarah Cooper and Gabby Sarver the leading scorers with 16 points each, and DeAndre Love leading the boys with 27 points in the Wildcats’ 81-37 win.
NEXT UP: WSHS hosts Sealth – boys Tuesday, girls Wednesday, tipoff times here.
(Photo tweeted by Richard Sherman – new fan-gear shirt he’s selling)
If you think you’ve heard every viewpoint imaginable about the famous Richard Sherman TV moment right after the Seahawks‘ NFC championship win last Sunday – here’s one more: Schmitz Park Elementary fifth-grade teacher Chris McCall e-mailed us and a couple of citywide news organizations, explaining, “I asked my students to sound off on their blogs about Sherman’s tirade. Their comments are unedited, but interesting. So, I thought I might try to get a few published by sending them to you.” We’ve already had more than a few (presumed) grownups speak out about this, so why not hear from younger fans? Read on for the (unedited, as sent) fifth-graders’ thoughts:
Wednesday night home games for two local girls-varsity basketball teams:
CHIEF SEALTH VS. FRANKLIN: The Seahawks defeated visiting Franklin, 53-43. Above, Lani Taylor led Sealth scoring with 14; the rest of the stats are here.
WEST SEATTLE HS VS. CLEVELAND: The Wildcats lost at home to another division-leading team, Cleveland, 61-36.
Two WSHS players tied for top scorer, both with 11 points each, Lexi Iaone and Lydia Giomi. The rest of the stats are here.
NEXT GAMES: Sealth hosts Rainier Beach Friday night; girls-varsity tipoff is at 6:15 pm. WSHS will be on the road that night at Ingraham, same start time.
FOOTNOTE: This is truly a footnote – related to the pink shoes WSHS head coach Sonya Elliott was wearing:
As explained in the WSHS online newsletter Westside Weekly, this week the school was participating in Coaches Against Cancer, collecting donations for the American Cancer Society in the stands during basketball games.
You know West Seattle loves soccer – from the hundreds of kids in local leagues, to the grownups who play pickup games every weekend, to the pro-soccer fans who fill the Water Taxi in the summer, headed for the stadium downtown. Alki Elementary kindergarten teacher Terry Kegel is hoping to get the community together – all ages – this June for a new way to celebrate not only the sport, but each other. The video above is a trailer of sorts, and he shares it with this announcement:
In June 2014, as billions of fans from around the world tune in for the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup, our neighborhood will host a soccer tournament of its own. The West Seattle Cup will bring together hundreds of parents and children representing different countries to celebrate soccer, culture, and community. Players, fans, and volunteers: visit www.westseattlecup.org to learn how you can join the fun!
We’re all on the same team!
The West Seattle Cup aims to engage and build community by creating opportunities to play, teach, learn, and connect across generational and cultural differences. Our neighborhood is strongest when we know each other and work together. We invite you, children and parents, to join our team and celebrate soccer, culture, and community. Come play!
Registration isn’t open yet, but Terry is starting to get the word out now. You can get on the mailing list for pre-registration announcements by going here.
Two home games in the high-school spotlight Tuesday night:
At West Seattle High School, the Wildcats fell to visiting Cleveland, 69-46. Here are the stats via our partners at The Seattle Times; Ruslan Burduzha led the Wildcats’ scoring with 16, with Joe Hey right behind at 15.
And at Chief Sealth International High School – the boys’ varsity final was Franklin 84, Sealth 56.
At right in our photo is Khaleef Griffin, the Seahawks’ top scorer Tuesday night with 25 points. See the stats here.
The same matchups as above will play out tonight for the schools’ girls-basketball teams – Cleveland at WSHS, Franklin at Sealth, 5:45 pm JV, 7:30 pm varsity.
(Rerunning Scott Nelson‘s photo since we’ll see this from WS for two more weeks!)
7:02 PM: Fireworks are echoing around West Seattle (and we’re guessing the rest of the city) with news that the Seahawks have defeated the 49ers 23-17 and are headed to the Super Bowl, where they will face the Denver Broncos two weeks from today! First official political news release, from King County Executive Dow Constantine:
“What a tough, hard-fought game. On to the Super Bowl! It’s Denver vs. Seattle, cowboy boots vs. hiking boots, the Rockies vs. MUCH taller Mt. Rainier – Bring home the trophy! Go Hawks!!”
Since Washington and Colorado both have legalized marijuana, this has also already been widely dubbed The Pot Bowl (or similar).
ADDED 9:03 PM: Via the WSB Facebook page, Kristan shared this photo of fans she spotted on a mini-parade around Westwood Village after the game:
As Super Bowl excitement booms over the next two weeks, let us know if your business/school/workplace/etc. is doing something special – share a pic, a tip, an announcement, whatever – here’s how.
West Seattle High School‘s basketball teams headed across Puget Sound last night, and the boys- and girls-varsity teams both won. First, this coaching-staff report on the boys’ game:
The West Seattle boys’ basketball team took a trip across the water last night to Bainbridge Island to take on the Spartans.
The Wildcats, coming off a tight contest at O’Dea the night before, played a gutty game in front of a rowdy crowd and knocked off the Bainbridge Spartans, 62-50.
WSHS was led by senior DeAndre Love, who had a game-high 19 points and added 9 rebounds. Ruslan Burduzha added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Joe Hey had 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Freshman point guard Nate Pryor was perhaps the game MVP with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He controlled the pace of the game and made great decisions down the stretch, helping his team pull out the win. This was a valuable league win for the Wildcats, who next play Cleveland on Tuesday at WSHS; game tips at 7:30 pm.
As for the Wildcat women, they defeated Bainbridge 53-31, according to this report from the Bainbridge Review. They too play Cleveland next, at home, with the games on Wednesday, 5:45 pm JV, 7:30 pm varsity. (P.S. Here’s our coverage of Friday night’s busy basketball slate, including photos/narrative from the WSHS girls’ faceoff with Holy Names.)
Since the first time we showed this now-famous skyline scene, you’ve probably seen dozens of variations. But look closely at Scott Nelson‘s photograph taken from Jack Block Park tonight, and you just might notice a few extra touches – other buildings getting more subtly into the spirit. Then off to the north, the beacon of victory hope shining up from the Space Needle:
That photo also is courtesy of Scott. Meantime, Karen shared the next one – not visible from West Seattle, but if you drive northbound on Highway 99, as we noticed last night, it’s crystal clear:
That building is The Wave, part of the Stadium Place development, built on what used to be part of a parking lot north of CLink.
GAME-RELATED SIDE NOTES: If you’re going to the game in person and thinking about taking the bus, here are the schedules and related info. We got a text today asking if the Water Taxi has special game runs – sorry, NOT during the winter (it doesn’t run on Sundays at all). If you’re staying in West Seattle to watch and not so sure you want to just do that at home – a WSB Facebook friend asked for suggestions; see the replies here (and add your suggestion[s]!).
(US Youth Soccer photo of Chris Twombley, via Instagram)
For the second time in three years, West Seattle Soccer Club is celebrating a National Coach of the Year award from US Youth Soccer. This time, WSSC board member Tim McMonigle tells WSB, it’s for National Girls Recreation Coach of the Year, just announced Friday night at a gala attended by more than 1,000 people: “Chris Twombley has been coaching in the West Seattle Soccer Club for 12+ years and is a great representative for our youth. He made his way up the award hierarchy, winning the award for our Association, District, State, Region, and now at the National level back at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia. We are very proud of him.” Twombley’s award-winning style was described in the official announcement:
Any player looking to get in the game can find a welcoming home on Chris Twombley’s team at West Seattle Soccer Club. Twombley communicates well with his players and provides a positive energy. He uses soccer to teach lessons and build character, and acts as a role model for his players to follow. Off the field, Chris is always offering to help and volunteer in any way the club may need.
In 2011, WSSC’s Jean Robinson won the same award for boys-team coaching, and McMonigle observes, “Both of these very visible national awards have put West Seattle and the West Seattle Soccer Club on the national soccer map.” WSSC’s spring-season registration opens February 1st.
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(West Seattle’s #21, Gabby Sarver, with 10 points on the night)
For WSB: photos by Patrick Sand, text by Tracy Record
All the local high-school basketball action Friday night was on the road – topped by the marquee game, West Seattle High School‘s girls-varsity faceoff at Holy Names Academy on Capitol Hill, two division-leading teams with big win streaks going as the game began. When it was over, the Wildcats’ streak had been snapped with a 63-48 loss – but that final score didn’t reflect the intensity of the second half, as WSHS went on a comeback tear before falling back.
The Wildcats’ #10 Charli Elliott (photo above), second-leading WSHS scorer of the night with 13 points, got two of them in the first basket of the game. Then the Cougars went on a 10-point run before WSHS managed to score again – with Elliott sinking a foul shot – and they were up 18-5 at the end of the first quarter. WSHS managed to wrangle themselves plenty of shots, but didn’t convert enough of them to keep pace until late in the second quarter, and they went into halftime down 34-18.
“Whole new half!” shouted a member of the spirited Wildcats’ cheering section as the second half tipped off, and once again, Elliott was the first to score, with a basket shortly after the half began.
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