West Seattle, Washington
01 Friday
APRIL 16TH BENEFIT: Big season thus far for West Seattle High School baseball fans, cheering on a winning team. Kim Gearon sends word that fans can take the next step – helping raise money during the first annual West Seattle Baseball Night at Christo’s on Alki, April 16th. A percentage of any purchase from 5 pm-closing, food or beverages, will go to the West Seattle Baseball Booster Club to help cover operating expenses. Christo’s is at 2508 Alki SW.
BIG FRIDAY WIN: The second straight shutout victory over Ingraham, and first game of the year at Hiawatha:
The final score: WSHS 16, Ingraham 0. The photos and report are courtesy of Greg Slader (thank you!):
The season opener @ Hiawatha was a beautiful day for baseball. The student-filled stands were not disappointed by the offensive output of the Varsity Baseball team. Spencer Elder hit the team’s first home run and Bobby Swamy added the Big Blast with another home run in the First Inning (top photo). Rex Lackey (photo below) pitched very well (three innings, no hits) as West Seattle cruised to its fourth league win.
West Seattle’s next game is Wednesday, 3:30 pm @ Nathan Hale.
(TK Snow, throwing a strike in the 2nd inning)
In the first of two games this week against Ingraham, West Seattle High School‘s varsity baseball team came away with a big win on Wednesday afternoon – a 10-0 shutout. The photos and report are from parent Greg Slader (thanks!) –
Three pitchers combined to shut out Ingraham. TK Snow, Kevin Cuddy, and Andy Snook held Ingraham hitless and combined for seven strikeouts. Spencer Elder went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Sam Hellinger had two hits and two RBI, as the defense was solid once again.
(Morgan making the play at second)
The two teams play again at 3:30 pm Friday at Hiawatha.
A Monday win for the West Seattle High School boys-varsity baseball team – 3-2, reports parent Greg Slader, who also shared the photos:
Sam Hellinger pitched a complete game with 7 strikeouts, one walk, and only three hits. Tim Adams supplied the Big Blast with a two-out, two-RBI single ripped down the right-field line.
West Seattle is now 2-0 in League play and heads to Ingraham on Wednesday for a 4 pm game.
Monday’s game was played at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center.
(Photo courtesy Coach Colin Slingsby)
It’s more than a sports camp – and it’s back for the 16th year. You can sign up now for the Sealth Basketball and Life Skills Camp, as announced by Chief Sealth International High School‘s Coach Colin Slingsby:
We are excited to host our 16th annual summer of Sealth Basketball and Life Skills camp at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School this summer. Last year, we hosted more than 350 campers in our multiple sessions. The emphasis of our program is to teach the fundamentals of the game in part of a fun and competitive basketball experience, but also to emphasize the Life Skills necessary to be successful in school and life, both intellectually, and socially.
The camp is run by the coaching staff at Sealth with the help of many high school and college students who are put through a lengthy mentorship training in order to be prepared to work with our many campers. While we enjoy teaching the game of basketball and providing a positive week on the court, we pride ourselves on our Life Skills curriculum, which includes a classroom session daily, emphasizing the values of our program.
Camp runs from 9 am-4 pm each day, and each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and Camper Handbook which will include hand-outs and topics from our Life Skills classroom sessions. In addition, we are excited to offer an ‘Advanced Concepts’ session this year (August 19th-23rd). This session is geared toward campers 6th grade and up.
Brochure with further information and registration forms are available on the Chief Sealth International High School website link here. Contact Coach Colin Slingsby at caslingsby@seattleschools.org with any questions about the program.
Thanks to Paul Hamaker for sharing the photo; after seeing this mention of the 11-year-old girls’ all-Hiawatha citywide basketball championship game, he sent a note to report “that the boys 11-year-old team from Delridge also won their championship game yesterday, beating Jefferson 28-25 at Rainier CC.” Congratulations to them too!
(P.S. – Thank you to EVERYONE who shares youth-sports photos/reports/tips [as well as the many other types of news reported on WSB] – there’s so much going on in youth sports, that updates from parents and coaches are the best way to let us know what’s up so we can share the news with tens of thousands of your neighbors! E-mail editor@westseattleblog.com any time.)
Thanks to Mike Jensen for sharing that photo and the story behind it:
It was all West Seattle (Saturday) afternoon in the Seattle Parks & Recreation U11 Girls basketball championship game. Hiawatha (green) won a close game over Hiawatha (white). Great season by all the girls!
The Parks/Rec Citywide Athletics programs span a variety of sports/age groups – find out more here.
West Seattle High School‘s varsity baseball team spent sunny Saturday afternoon at The Safe, in the opening weekend of the High School Baseball Classic. Team parent Greg Slader shares the photo and this report:
Perfect day for a game at Safeco Field. The West Seattle baseball team got to enjoy fantastic weather and playing on their Field of Dreams. Unfortunately, the mighty Kentridge 4A proved to be too much, as West Seattle lost 5-11.
Next game is Monday 3:30 at Steve Cox Field in White Center, against Seattle Prep.
“A dream come true” is how a new Southwest Pool women-only swimming program was described at a special event this afternoon thanking Mayor McGinn for supporting it. It was his second stop in West Seattle, after an hour-plus walking tour and roundtable in The Admiral District (coverage of that, coming up). Above, the mayor received a thank-you photo from Denise Sharify of Neighborhood House, which has long supported women’s-only swims (including some held as private rentals), to support women whose culture prohibits mixed-gender swimming. A new program of women’s swims on Saturday afternoons, followed by women’s swimming lessons, starts next month. The staff will be all-female, and the pool windows are covered, as was in evidence today
The lesson component is an important addition – so that more people can learn how to swim, vital, as the mayor noted, in a city surrounded by water. (We’ll add video later with his comments and those of three of the women who advocated for the program.) Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams and other dignitaries including former 12-year State Rep. Velma Veloria were among those on hand for the celebration, which included refreshments.
Here’s a flyer with the schedule for the SW Pool programs as well as two other pools in the city that plan to have it on Saturdays, beginning April 6th. And yes, today’s visit was the reason for this sign outside the pool and neighboring SW Teen Life Center:
P.S. Neighborhood House issued a news release with more background on the event and its pioneering involvement with the swim programs:
Neighborhood House’s Be Active Together (BAT) program and swim participants would like to thank Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle Parks and Recreation officials for offering single-gender swim programs in 2013. In the spring of 2013, the City of Seattle will begin to offer single-gender swim programs at Southwest, Medgar Evers and Meadowbrook community pools, following BAT’s model of affordability and meeting community needs. A fourth single-gender swim program will begin at Rainier Beach Pool in the fall of 2013.
Neighborhood House’s Be Active Together (BAT) program explored single-gender swim programs at local pools beginning in February of 2010 to help expand exercise opportunities for women who cannot swim in a co-ed environment because of cultural, religious or personal reasons. BAT’s Women of the World Swim has provided access to swimming to over 400 women ages 12 to 70 and who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. The program has greatly contributed to water safety, as a majority of participants didn’t know how to swim when they joined. Some have also registered their children for swim lessons for the first time. BAT’s funding ends in 2013 and this popular program was at risk of being canceled. In response to the need to continue to offer this important program for Seattle’s women, Mayor McGinn decided to adopt it at four of the city’s pools.
(Ben Wexler pitching)
Another win for West Seattle High School‘s baseball team, reports parent Greg Slader, sharing photos and this summary:
The varsity baseball team improves to 2-1 on the season. Seven pitchers combined to hold Lakeside to one run. Spencer Elder had two hits as the offense executed when they needed to, in order to score four runs. Next game is Saturday @ Safeco Field – 4 pm, come support your team!
(Kevin Cuddy pitching)
As noted in this comment earlier this week, the Saturday game is WSHS vs. Kentridge at the Safe, and admission is free.
Even this morning’s chill can’t chase away the spring daydreams – like getting out and golfing. Ruthi Winter shares the annual invitation from the West Seattle Women’s Golf Club for prospective new members:
Dust off your clubs! It’s time to get ready for the 2013 Golf Season!
The West Seattle Women’s Golf Club is welcoming new members for the 2013 season. Applications may be found on the West Seattle Women’s Golf Club Website.
Our organization began in the 1940s and has been in continuous operation since then. On this well established and beautiful course, you will enjoy breath-taking views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and even Mt. Baker on occasion.
Our organization is made up of women of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced golfers from all areas within Seattle and the surrounding communities. We offer weekly competitions as well as other special tournaments that are free to all members. This is a great group of women who love to play golf and socialize fter a rousing game at our outdoor café, rated by Golf Digest as one of the 50 best 19th holes in the country.
We’d love to have you join us for the 2013 season at the West Seattle Golf Course, one of the best public courses in the Northwest. For more information, please contact Ruthi Winter, West Seattle Women’s Golf Club New Member Chair, at 206 251 2031 or ruthi.winter@gmail.com.
Photos by Nick Adams for WSB
(Sealth’s Elijah Lazo and Roosevelt’s Charlie Spurr fight for ball control)
On the first afternoon of spring, a wintry wind blew as Chief Sealth International High School‘s boys-varsity soccer team hosted Roosevelt on Wednesday afternoon. They fought to a scoreless tie – which gives them a 3-1-1 record after the first five games of the season.
(Sealth’s Anthony Masundire drives down the field)
More of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ scenes from the game, ahead:
Last year, West Seattle High School’s baseball team went to state – this year, they’re off to a good start, reports Greg Slader, sharing the photo and this report (thanks!):
West Seattle wins over Lakeside 3-1. Sam Hellinger (top photo) pitched a complete game, giving up only one run on three hits and no walks. Solid defense and timely hits helped West Seattle to a 3-0 lead as they cruised to their first win. The Wildcats are 1-1 on the season and 1-0 in league play.
(Spencer Elder makes the play)
Next game is Thursday against Lakeside, before they head to Safeco Field this Saturday @ 4 pm.
ADDED 10:17 PM: Slider reports in comments that WSHS softball beat Lakeside today too, 9-1.
Four weeks till spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others that follow their schedule – and it’ll feature a weeklong Sounders FC youth camp based at Delridge Playfield. The organization e-mailed us to help get the word out, as well as news of their three summer-camp weeks. Spring-break camp is April 15-19; summer camps are July 15-19, August 5-9, and August 26-30, described as “week-long training courses that are designed for the beginner to intermediate level player ages 4 – 15 years old,” with half-day/full-day programs. Details and registration info are on the Sounders’ website.
Big news for soccer fans – the Women’s Premier Soccer League – largest women’s league in the world – has a new team that will play home games at Delridge Playfield this summer. That news comes with a request for host families for players. We received this from AC Seattle‘s Katie Milne:
The 2013 season of Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is right around the corner and we have an exciting new team – AC Seattle PH America. It is an Italian-made team as most of its players will be coming to the USA from Italy. This is a unique project with two souls: Soccer and life experience in the United States. As such, we are looking for host families for these players.
My family had the pleasure of hosting one of these players, Alessandra Nencioni, last year when she played with Issaquah Soccer Club. It was a wonderful experience for our family and we will be hosting her again this year. Once your interest is confirmed and the roster is finalized, players will be matched with families.
The commitment level for interested families:
• Housing for June and July
• Healthy meals and snacks
• Possible transportation to and from practices and home games. Are you close to public transportation? Or would you have a car the player can use while in town? (we may be able to figure out carpooling as well- we do not want this to be a burden and will work with you to figure this part out). The team will provide transportation for away games.
• Access to washer and dryerThese women are excited for this opportunity to play soccer and experience life in the United States, but it would not be possible without the support of area families. We hope you will take this opportunity to welcome one of these players into your home and show them around the great Pacific NW. They are expected to integrate into the family and share some household chores and possibly childcare or other light work. If you are interested in hosting a player, please email or call me and I will put you on a list of prospective homes.
The players range in age from 18 to 27. More than a dozen host families are needed; you can reach Katie at jkmilne@mac.com or 425-427-8139. She adds that “the team is looking for American players to play with them as well. They have scheduled open tryouts for Mar 30th and 31st, at 6-8 pm,” both nights at Delridge Playfield. “Talented women soccer players over the age of 16 can try out.” More details here. For prospective spectators – read more details here about the new team’s plan.
As part of last night’s winter-sports banquet at West Seattle High School, the history-making girls’ basketball program took time to celebrate. We caught up with head coach Sonya Elliott – Metro League Coach of the Year and Star Times Coach of the Year – and her players and coaches:
Big day for West Seattle Little League on Sunday – so they want to make sure everybody who signed up knows about this:
One more reminder of the West Seattle Little League tryouts for Majors and Minors divisions, taking place this Sunday, March 10 at the Bar-S playfields, RAIN OR SHINE!
Key items to note:
– Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night for Daylight Saving Time!
– Your player(s) must attend the tryouts in order to be eligible for a Manager to select him/her to their team in the draft (registered players who do not attend tryouts will be randomly assigned to a team).
– Majors division: Arrive at 8:45, tryouts go to approximately 11:00
– Minors division: Arrive at 1:30, tryouts go to approximately 3:45
For questions, please contact WSLL President Brian Pare (bppare@comcast.net) or Player Agent Laurie Rasmussen (playeragent@westseattlelittleleague.com).
Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Sam Reed usually ends each sports season with a detailed recap of the Sealth athletes, coaches, and others’ accomplishments. This morning, we’re presenting his latest recap along with photos taken by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams at last night’s Sealth winter-sports banquet:
How quickly time flies. As I sat down to work on this season’s recap – something that has become one of my favorite parts of this job – I looked through my files to see that this is my 11th season recap over the past 4 years. And while this season didn’t bring State rankings, divisional championships, or the local media blitz that’s been associated with so many of our recent sports seasons, these recaps remind me what is special about high school athletics. 181 Seahawk student-athletes participated in a winter sport and they did so not because they were promised their name in the paper, a State title, or event recognition by their peers. Instead, they sweated through 14 weeks of practices and games because they valued the camaraderie of their teammates and the bond that comes out in competition.
No team bond might have been stronger this season than that of the swim team.
(Swim team head coach Les Holland)
Led by the ‘12-‘13 Metro League Coach of the Year Les Holland, the CSIHS swim team spent countless early morning hours in the pool, hours which paid off in a big way.(Sealth swim-team members)
The Seahawks were represented at the 3A State level by junior Michael Stewart, who qualified in both the 100 and 200 freestyle, placing 17th in the state in the 100M. Senior captain Kelsey Hastings capped off an impressive swim career by leading the girls’ team to multiple regular season team wins. This season could well be a stepping stone toward future success, as 23 members of the team were either 9th or 10th graders this year.3rd year head coach Katie Jo Maris felt confident about the girls basketball team’s odds heading into this past summer.
Photos by Nick Adams for WSB
Roxhill Elementary PE teacher Chellie LaFayette and her students are getting national attention for unique teaching/learning techniques, and a round of one-handed basketball today was part of it.
It takes practice, as Adam Mendoza learned:
A recent New York Times story pointed to Roxhill as a school where PE class had integrated other forms of learning – like computers, with an iPad helping demonstrate the throwing technique today:
Photos by Nick Adams for WSB
That’s Alan Thorne, left, and Jonathan Evans, right, tightening their slackline in Lincoln Park today, photographed by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams. Slacklining – explained here – is legal in Seattle public parks, reports Nick; slackliners say the best practice to protect the trees from harm is to only put lines around thick trunks and also by padding the trunk. These two set up a 250-foot line. Here’s Evans, who usually practices on a shorter line, 150 feet:
And Thorne:
The sport kicked up some controversy two years ago …
Going skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing in the weeks ahead? Do this first! From Greg Whittaker at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle:
Join Mountain to Sound Outfitters in a free Avalanche Awareness Course on Tuesday Evening at 6:30 pm.
This course is designed as an Awareness Course and is not a certification. It is a great primer if you are getting ready to travel in the local backcountry via ski, snowshoe, or snowboard this spring for the first time, or if you are an experienced veteran looking for a good presentation. Techniques and equipment will be presented, and for those interested, there will be gear available at special pricing.
Signups required, and can be found here.
M2SO is at 3602 SW Alaska.
Two close games in a row for the Seattle Lutheran High School boys’ basketball team. Two nights after their one-point last-seconds win over Auburn Adventist (WSB coveage here), the Saints went into double overtime in La Conner tonight – losing to LC 56-53. Here are the game stats as published by our partners at The Seattle Times.
(WSHS’s Lexi Ioane)
It’s a season to remember for the West Seattle High School girls-varsity basketball team, and tonight it ended at Bellevue College with the Wildcats losing to Juanita High School, 63-36. With head coach Sonya Elliott chosen as Metro League Coach of the Year as her team won their division and moved into the playoffs, the memories are many. As for tonight’s game ….
(WSHS’s #10 Charli Elliott, #24 Lydia Giomi, #21 Gabby Sarver)
The game was the second tough one this week for the Wildcats, who led at the end of the first quarter and stayed close through the second, despite having trouble hanging onto the ball.
(WSHS’s Shelby Walker)
In the second half Juanita became more assertive, grabbing the ball and maintaining a full-court press till the end.
Youth-sports signup season continues. Young players and their families are invited to check out Shetland Baseball. From Fritz Araya:
West Seattle Baseball invites parents of 5 year old and 6 year old girls and boys to register their children now for Shetland Baseball for the spring 2013 season. Shetland baseball is the first organized baseball experience for many children. The focus of Shetland baseball is first and foremost, to have fun while learning the basics of the game of baseball along the way.
You can sign up online at westseattlebaseball.com
More on how it works, ahead: Read More
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