Tacoma Athletic Commssion Serving All Schools in Pierce County Since 1942 Dedicated to Sports and Civic Betterment P.O Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411

April 2021 • Volume 1, Number 8

Founded in December 1942

Greetings from President Jim Upcoming Meetings April 8 @noon Greetings and welcome to the April 2021 Speaker: TBD Newsletter. We are now in the frst full month of Spring with better weather and April 15 less rain. Evening Meeting @5:30pm May, 13 The Pierce County high schools are moving into the next set of sports programs and the College Athlete Celebration TAC continues to connect with the schools, May, 20 & 5:30pm leagues, and WIAA. June, 10, This month we are continuing the search for the TAC Executive Director/ Secretary to take the duties from Bill White. We have a couple of solid candidates already and there may be others in the near future.

Please consider stepping up and joining a committee or perhaps the Exec- utive Committee. As we transition from the COVID 19 year there is a lot of re-focus to accomplish for the TAC.

Please join us for the ZOOM meetings this month as the Executive Com- mittee considers when and how we return to in-person meetings. We are looking forward to gathering again, hopefully in the near future.

Cheers!

Jim

The TAC Executive Committee Executive thanks all members for their Committee great support of the Jim Merritt, President Sandy Snider, Past President organization during Terry Ziegler, Finance Willie Stewart, AOY the pandemic. Jay Stricherz, Past President APRIL SPEAKER: MEGAN BLUNK — Determination Leads to International Success BY NICK DAWSON Contributing writer for the Shanaman Sports Museum and a former college sports information director for 22 years in the South Puget Sound region.

Reprinted with permission from the March issue of the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Spotlite— The offcial newsletter of the Shanaman Sports Museum. Become a Sports Museum member and receive their newsletters.

It is one of the greatest sports narratives that hard- ly anyone in the Puget Sound has heard. And yet, Megan Blunk’s story speaks to the kind of charac- ter and values that mark all great athletes whose stories make headlines and thrill those of us who follow them.

Megan grew up in Gig Harbor playing most every sport that an avid athlete might pursue up through her high school years. She participated in soccer, , , track & feld and during her years at Purdy Elementary, Harbor Ridge Middle School and Peninsula High School, where Megan Blunk represented the USA at the 2014 World Champion- she played soccer, basketball and fastpitch. It was ships in Toronto. in 2008, just a month short of her graduation, that tragedy struck. break basket or blast a soccer ball into the back of a net was gone. With that came this realization: “You She was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a don’t have as much time as you think you do.” friend when the motorcycle careened off the road into a cement barrier and plummeted down a 30-foot em- The regret for all the things that Megan had been bankment, breaking 18 of Megan’s bones and paralyz- holding back before the accident began to consume ing her from the waist down. her mind with the fear that she may never get a second chance. As days turned into weeks, months and years, Megan now faced the nightmare scenario of living a the reality that she may never walk again hit her harder life without use of her legs. and harder.

“The honest truth, and it is actually quoted in a news- Upon fnding wheelchair basketball at her local YMCA paper interview I did from the hospital, was that this a year after the accident, she saw it as her second happened for a reason and that it was going to make chance and was determined to not let her mind get in me stronger,” she said. “I just didn’t know in what way her way as it had in the past. Megan’s focus from the that stronger was going to be. I thought I was going to beginning was to make sure she learned all the lessons walk again.” the accident had to teach her and to turn the tragic event into something that was worth the mental and This new disability was, in essence, a physical man- physical pain she felt from it. Megan was determined, ifestation of the mental and emotional fght against she said, “to do something that is bigger than I ever depression that she had been waging for years. “I had would have done before the accident.” already been fghting hard not to waste my life,” she said. For this outstanding athlete, the biggest opponent Did she ever. was her own mind. “I was always in my head, holding myself back and always trying to fght that and get to a Her lifelong love of sports had a new outlet, and an place where I wanted to be.” exciting new world opened to Megan. It also gave her two goals to shoot for: earn a college wheelchair bas- Suddenly, her physical ability to run and score a fast ketball scholarship and play in the Paralympic Games. APRIL SPEAKER continued Megan went from an everyday pandemic forced a cancellation wheelchair, which severely limited of the 2020 Summer Paralympic her on the court, to a borrowed Games in Tokyo. While that compe- basketball wheelchair from Seattle tition has been rescheduled for Aug. Adaptive Sports, and eventually to 24–Sept. 5, 2021, Megan, in addi- a custom ft chair from the Chal- tion to two of her other USA team- lenged Athletes Foundation, which mates, made the incredibly diffcult she says changed her life immense- decision to not continue to 2021 ly. with the rest of the national team.

The difference between an every- But basketball is not the only sport day wheelchair and a top-level cus- in which Megan has enjoyed inter- tom basketball wheelchair, Megan national achievement. Even before said, is like “Running, skipping, she won a Paralympic gold medal jumping and dancing. It’s a freedom with the national women’s wheel- that these kids who grow up with chair basketball team, Megan found disabilities should feel. You pull success away from dry land. with one arm and you spin with ease like a ballerina.” After a year of living away from home and of training and playing with her college teammates, Me- By 2011, Megan had earned a Megan Blunk during tryouts for the Parapan scholarship to play wheelchair bas- American Games in Peru in which the USA gan returned to Gig Harbor in the ketball at the University of Illinois team won the Silver. summer of 2012 where she contin- at Urbana Champaign. While at ued “facing everything I couldn’t do Illinois, she was the 2012 National anymore. I felt like an outsider and Wheelchair Basketball Association All-Rookie Award it made me sad,” she said. To stay busy and motivated, and 2016 NWBA Academic All-America and Sports- and following up on a tip from a woman whose house manship Award recipient. she used to clean, Megan took up kayaking at the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Club. After some early dips She graduated from the University of Illinois with a in the harbor while working out one or two times a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2014 and with a day, Megan found that she was at ease — and fast — master’s degree in social work in 2017. In doing so, on the water. Megan became the frst in her family to earn a college degree. She did the same thing the following summer. “It led me to amazing places and great things,” she said. In the years since discovering wheelchair basketball at the Y, Megan has played an integral role in the success Within a year the former Peninsula High multi-sport of the United States athlete won women’s wheelchair silver medals in basketball national the trunk and team, including gold arms classif- medal performances cation in both at the 2015 World kayak and Cup in Germany, the outrigger races 2015 ParaPan Ameri- at the 2013 ICF can Games in Toron- Canoe Sprint to, and at the 2016 World Champi- Paralympic Games in onships in Duis- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. burg, Germany. A year later She, like many hun- and with barely dreds of adaptive ath- three weeks of letes from the United training behind States and around the her because world, suffered great of basketball, Megan placed disappointment when Megan Blunk competed with San Diego’s military wheelchair basketball team, The the global Covid 19 Wolfpack, as the frst and only female on the team. fourth in both APRIL SPEAKER continued events at the 2014 championships in Moscow, Russia.

Megan, a sponsored athlete and motivational speaker, returned home in the past year. Once Covid restrictions are lifted, she hopes to fnd a role coaching and working with disabled athletes, much like she did following the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

She has much to offer.

“A lot of people who grew up with disabilities didn’t have opportunities,” said Megan, who made her own during what for many would have been the darkest of times. “There are lots of people out there with disabilities and I am determined to show them that their life is not over, it’s just a different way.”

Please Volunteer to Support the TAC. The organization needs a frst and second vice-president. Thank you for considering volunteering for these important positions. Spotlight on TAC Members Sandy Snider—Cheerleader of Life In many ways, Sandy Snider has unnoticed been cheering all of her life. as she was Whether it was rooting for her invited to brothers who were outstanding Atlanta athletes, the Mount Tahoma teams to partic- when she was a student and cheer- ipate in a leader, or anyone she encounters in national her life, Sandy’s infectious enthu- celebration siasm and love for life is always for the present. Sandy’s passion for helping program’s and supporting others is truly ex- success. traordinary. Sandy’s commitment to During taking care of her family, especially the Relay the grandkids who call her “gran- event in ny,” her customers at Columbia Tacoma, Bank, the members of the Tacoma Sandy Athletic Commission, or cancer cheered patients, her heart is always full of as people love, compassion, and care. Sandy walked, began working with the Ameri- raised can Cancer Society in 1999 and money,

and supported her way to Branch Manager. For 13 one other in years, she was the Branch Manag- the drive to er at the Allenmore offce. For the help others. past seven years, Sandy has been the Branch Manager/Vice President Sandy began at the Bank on 21st street. During her profes- our conversation, I asked Sandy sional career what she enjoyed the most about in restaurant working at Columbia Bank. “First, management the customers. Providing them for 17 years. with the best service possible is Twenty-two paramount. Second, are her col- years ago, leagues. She has a great team that she married works well together and collabo- her husband rates freely to better the customer’s Steve, and she experience and the Bank. Finally,

has worked continuously with the realized a blended organization through the Relay For family with four Life. Her work makes a difference children would in helping fnd a cure for cancer. be challenging to Sandy said, “I wish cancer could manage while in be like COVID. A person could the restaurant in- take a shot and be protected.” dustry. Boldly, San- Since 2000, Sandy has organized a dy stepped outside Columbia Bank Team to participate her comfort zone in the Relay For Life fundraiser. and began work- Her leadership and organizational ing for Columbia skills have raised countless funds Bank. She started to help eradicate the scourge of as a teller and cancer. Her efforts have not gone quickly worked SPOTLIGHT continued Columbia Bank for the opportunities she has had and gives her the fexibility to be involved with non-proft organizations like the Tacoma Athletic Commission.”

Sandy loves her work with the TAC. Being President and serv- ing on the Executive Committee were highlights. Sandy said, “Watching the look on the kid’s faces when they are announced as the Athlete of the Year, or Scholarship Recipient makes it all worthwhile.” The joy of celebrating amateur athletics brings her great satisfaction. The TAC is a considerable part of her life, and it allows her to make a difference in her community in yet another way.

Many people talk about making a difference in the communi- ty where they live. Sandy not only talks about making a difference, but she also walks the walk through her Got Willie to join us on the tutu lap! commitment, dedication, and willingness to volunteer. She is the consummate cheerleader, whether it is for her customers, colleagues, employers, the TAC, or every cancer survivor she encounters.

First ever Melanie Dressel Community Commitment awardee. QuickPitch Youth Coaches: How to Keep Kids Loving BY JOE KAISER @joekaisersports from Augie Garrido’s Life Is Yours the infeld every game. For exam- to Win: Lessons Forged from the ple-if a kid can catch but is raw The day my son Purpose, Passion, and Magic of in other areas, frst base is a good was born, we Baseball, I went around my garage infeld option and a position that is stuck a baseball and loaded up my SUV with as involved in a lot of the action. in his left hand much sports equipment as I could and busted out fnd. Not so much baseball stuff, Make it measurable: Adding a little the camera, but other things. We had technology can really make things desper ately balls and rackets, footballs, basket- more interesting for everyone on hoping he’d balls, a couple balls, a putter the team. A Pocket Radar to mea- one day love and rollout putting green. Yes, sure velocity or a Blast Motion sen- the game. Five everyone thought I was crazy, but sor are good measuring tools that years later, hear me out. We split the team into can aid in development. Of course, he was on his frst T ball team two groups, let each give them- you’ll want to make sure everyone and there I was, his proud coach. selves a funny team name, and had knows that they are competing Today, he’s knocking on the door a series of competitions. Several against themselves and not their of high school and I’m still coach- important things happened here. teammates. ing him, for one last year. What a For’one, the kids competed. They ride it has been! This experience learned how much winning meant, Let winning take care of itself: has changed my life and taught and how much they wanted it for Winning is the result of all the hard me more than I could have ever their team. But more than that, work and dedication put in during imagined-about my son, about some new heroes were born. Some practice, both individually and as a life and about myself. I’ve made who were struggling with baseball team. It isn’t the other way around. mistakes along the way, but the ended up saving the day after sink- For kids to play their best, it’s vital longer I’ve coached kids, the more ing a putt or hitting the big shot on to help them focus on the process my focus has shifted away from the the basketball court. It was incred- over the results, just like the coach- scoreboard and towards making ible. Did that added confdence es should be doing. the experience as fun as possible translate onto the baseball feld? so the kids want to keep coming You better believe it! Clear the mechanism: It’s key back. After all, isn’t that one of the for kids of all ages to be easy on main meas ures of success for any Calling all pitchers: Not everyone themselves and play with as little youth coach? is cut out to be a pitcher, but if they fear as possible. The game just gets never get a shot in Little League tougher when parents and coach- Here are some of the things that or in Pony ball, when will they? es are spewing endless streams of have worked for me out here in If someone is eager to pitch, help Foster City, California: them be as prepared as possible, then hand them the ball. If they Roll the ball out: Kids just play struggle, you can always pull them ball without all the rules and out before things get too bad and restrictions. Every once in a while, their confdence is destroyed. If dedicate a practice to letting them they tear it up, it’s a moment they’ll do just that. Kids pick the teams, never forget and possibly the start play the positions they want, of something great. decide safe or out, steal when they want. Coaches can fll in on Everyone plays infeld: One year defense (you’ll be in the outfeld, I came home disappointed after a by the way), keep your mouth shut game, telling my wife that the out- and observe. Okay, maybe you’ll felders weren’t paying attention. need to call balls and strikes. But She responded: “Can you blame what you’ll see is a group of kids them? They went the whole game who plays more instinctively and is and maybe saw one ball!” From able to fourish in a “sandlot” game that point forward, I made sure that without the pressure to perform. everyone on the team was trained Multi-sport competition: Several up for at least one infeld position years ago, after some inspiration and played at least one inning in QUICK PICK continued instruction and critiques. A signal a sense for what’s really important. to remind your players to breathe For young ballplayers to become and refocus can be benefcial, es- the best version of themselves, this pecially whenever they are visibly needs to be coached and repeated struggling. throughout the season. Ken Griffey Jr. said it best: “Talent may get you Emphasize attitude and effort: If on the feld, but it’s effort and atti- all the focus is on winning, it’s easy tude that will keep you there.” for kids to get out of sorts and lose

Thank you!!!! Undefeated Spanaway Lake football on verge of frst league title in 20 seasons

BY THE TACOMA motivated athletes to fnd different Spanaway Lake gave up to the NEWS TRIBUNE places to play. Abes represents the only points the Sentinels have allowed in fve Two decades in the making, “When I was in the fourth grade, games, and they’ve outscored those Spanaway Lake High School’s my dad said I’d never play football opponents, 224–7. Sentinels are just 48 minutes away at Spanaway Lake,” said Sentinels from fulflling the promise. sophomore receiver Jasiah Wag- “Beating Lincoln in the frst game oner, who is considered a four-star just sparked us,” Spanaway Lake That’s four 12-minute quarters of recruit. “There are good athletes in quarterback Dempsey James said. high school football that will be Spanaway. But people thought for a “We just have players everywhere.” played on a strange day, against while that you had to go someplace one of the historic titans of the bigger if you wanted to get recruit- And better fundamental play, Ro- South Sound, with an outright ed. No matter where you play, they bak said. Class 3A Pierce County League title will come and fnd you, though.” within reach. “We actually took advantage of Still, it took a little providence to this COVID year and did a ton of The game in question is the pull this current group together at mental preparation,” Robak said. COVID-19 pandemic-delayed and Spanaway Lake. Wagoner, for in- “That’s what had been our down- shortened season fnale against stance, decided in the eighth grade fall the last couple of years. And the Lakes Lancers at Harry E. Lang he was done playing football. So, it learning the fundamentals.” Stadium in Lakewood. Kickoff is at didn’t matter what high school he 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. went to then. Five seasons ago, Spanaway Lake won just one game in a 1–9 Yes, Wednesday. But Wagoner credits his father, campaign overall. Robak was an Chioke Wagoner, and mentors assistant coach on that staff, and “Honestly, it’s very strange,” Sen- from a local 7-on-7 program for the 2017 staff when the Sentinels tinels coach Cameron Robak said bringing him back to the game. were 2–8. of the midweek game. “But maybe Once that happened, the Wagoners it’ll be a good thing. Mentally, with did look into a potential transfer to He took over as head coach in the strain of this year. We’re excit- Bethel, which was and is again a 2018. Spanaway Lake still won just ed. We’ve been waiting for this.” 4A SPSL school. a single game in the 3A PCL (1–6), but won three total games to go A Sentinels win completes a 6–0 It was too late. 3–7. Last season, the team was 4–3 season overall, 5–0 in the 3A PCL. in league, 4–6 overall. That accomplishment would bring “I feel like this has been building with it Spanaway Lake’s frst league for a few years,” Robak said. “It’s Even before that, though, Robak football championship since 2000 happening on the feld, but also knew Spanaway Lake. He was a — 20 seasons ago. off the feld. In the classroom. We ball boy for that 2000 squad that knew if there was going to be a won the 4A SPSL, and even then Back then, Spanaway Lake won the year, this was the year. If they did was preparing for this day. 4A South Puget Sound League. the work, it could be a special sea- son for them.” “I kinda had a feeling,” said John But several things happened that Robak, the coach of that team and contributed to the dearth of success So far, things have worked exactly Cameron’s father. “He’d come in after that campaign. A third high to plan for the Sentinels. after games and talk football. We school within the Bethel school would even draw up Xs and Os.” district, Graham-Kapowsin, opened The team opened the season six in 2005. That drew away parts of weeks ago by defeating defending Cameron was 8 or 9 years old at the the talent base that had attended 3A PCL champion Lincoln, 34–7. time. He went on to play quarter- Spanaway Lake. That huge victory was followed by back at Stadium and defensive back wins over Clover Park, Mount Ta- at Eastern Oregon before returning As population shifted, so did en- homa, Bonney Lake and Stadium. to his roots and joining his dad’s rollment numbers. The Sentinels staff at Spanaway Lake. He spent dropped from 4A to 3A, which also The second-quarter touchdown three years as the DBs coach, then Undeafeated Spanaway Lake continued two seasons as defensive coordi- “I’m very excited to bring this “A title would be a big jump for nator before his dad stepped down school a league title,” Cameron this program,” said James, also and he took over three years ago. Robak said. “The past couple of a sophomore. “We have a new years, we’ve gotten the better kids beginning. It’s our community. Now Spanaway Lake is on the to stay. People want to be here We really believed we could put precipice of fnally getting back to now. And we’re still young. I hope something together and that’s what the top of the mountain. it continues.” we did.”

March Madness More to come once the tournament is over Here it is!!!! It is defnitely preliminary and winnings will not be given out until the fnal basket is counted. If we are 100% right, we will be the frst to question our fndings. The truth is that this version is about our “umpteenth” try at a correct list of scores from our March Madne$$ pool. Sue Densely is the big winner so far @$200. Rob Tillotson has $150 and Angie Eicholtz and Jack Warnick have $120 each. Min Ahn Hodge and Ralph Hodge have won $70 each (140). Mario Marsillo has $100 and Carol Mathewson has $90. Billly Parker has $80. Here are your $60 winners — Kirk Dornan & Marc Blau. $40 winners are Doug Rohner, Kara Kerrone, Dick Ferguson and Pat Weber. $30 goes to Frank Colarusso, Joan Fabiani, Erica Ahrmendi, Craig Lindgren, P. Rice, and Willie Stewart. If you have won some- thing and it is not listed here, contact us and we will make-up for any mistake. To date we have 22 winners and they have won $1,410 (give or take a few bucks, huh?) We will update you on the remaining schedule of games later in the week but it gets pretty serious by the weekend. It’s no wonder that my good old computer is failing, huh? Cruize Corvin, son of Hall of Famer Curt Corvin, carrying on family running legacy at Lakes

BY THE TACOMA Cruize would be in NEWS TRIBUNE that group of athletes vying for a state title. In 1997, Curt Corvin unexpectedly That’s his goal, and I ran into coach Joe Clark and the think he has the talent Lakes High School cross country and work ethic to team at a local park. be one of those guys doing that.” Curt, a former All-American runner for the Lancers who claimed state What plays a role in titles in both track and cross coun- Cruize’s success as try in the 1980s — and later held both a student and a the 10,000-meter record at the runner is his attention University of — asked to detail. He does the to volunteer for his alma mater, little things, and “just and returned to where it all started. really has an ethic of Lakes High School sophomore cross country runner Cruize making sure things In the present day, it is Curt’s son Corvin and his father, Curt Corvin, at Lakes High School in get done,” Clark said. creating the latest headlines. Lakewood, Washington, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Cruize has the top time in Pierce County this spring and one of the Throughout the Cruize Corvin, who has the third- top time’s in the state. Curt has returned to help coach at pandemic, with Lakes, where he was a Hall of Fame runner in the 1980s. best 5,000-meter time in the state TONY OVERMAN [email protected] schools closed and this spring — a personal-best 15 athletic programs shut minutes, 33 seconds posted in down, Cruize and February — did not lose a race all join the cross country team at all. Curt carried on with their training season. Without any pressure from his fam- schedules. Their daily runs, which ily to follow his father’s footsteps, typically stretch three miles, con- The father-son duo now work Curt said his son’s decision was his tinued on. together on the Lancers’ team, and only his. and recently claimed the Class 3A “I can’t keep up with him any- Pierce County League cross coun- “(The Lakes) team was at the track, more,” Curt said. “He passed me try title, with Cruize topping the and said I should do cross coun- up a couple of years ago. We start leaderboard again at Saturday’s try,” Cruize said. “And so I gave it a out together, but coming around league meet at Fort Steilacoom try, and I ended up really liking it. the turn, he’s long gone.” Park in Lakewood. It’s been good ever since then.” But, surpassing Curt’s high school Cruize ran a 15:54.1 to win the Cruize shaved over a full minute records may be another story. individual title, while Lakes cap- off his 5,000-meter time from last tured the team championship over season, and still has two years Curt’s personal-best in cross coun- Stadium. to improve on his personal-best try was 14:45. In track and feld, 15:33. he ran a 4:06 in the 1,600 in 1983, “It’s outstanding,” Curt said of his which ranked ffth in the nation son’s success. “I’m just really proud He won’t have an opportunity to that season, and his state champi- of him for the way he’s been work- make a run at the state title this onship-winning time in the 3,200 ing hard. Through the whole pan- spring due to COVID-19 restric- that year (9:00.1) ranked eighth. demic, he worked hard. He didn’t tions, but Cruize’s coach believes lose his enthusiasm, he didn’t lose he would be in an exclusive group He is both a WIAA Hall of Famer hope. He just kept training and of runners gunning for it, if given and Tacoma-Pierce County Sports kept working because he knew the chance. Hall of Famer. he’d get an opportunity again. I’m proud of him (for) that.” “I don’t know that he has a ceil- When asked whether he had set ing,” said Clark, who also serves out to pass his father in the Lakes’ Just three years ago, the sophomore as Cruize’s academic advisor at history books, Cruize paused. was still unsure whether he would Lakes. “If state were held this year, Cruize Corvin continued “Careful how you answer that,” were under water,” Curt said. collegiate running career. With his Curt said with a laugh. “Respect academic success — and consider- your elders. I’d like to see him Now, it’s Cruize’s time to shine as ation among the best runners in the break them. If anybody breaks a Lancers runner. And because the state — he should have plenty of them, I’d like to see him do it.” decision to follow his father’s foot- opportunities when the time comes. steps was only his, “it’s his because Things are much different at Lakes he wants it,” Clark said. For now, his focus is on his high now than in 1983, when Curt school career. The track and feld claimed his fnal high school state “During practice, I’ve seen him season opened Monday. title as a member of the track team. change from a typical freshman goofy boy, to a goofy sophomore, “I see myself running for fun all my In addition to a new building, but one that takes things serious,” life,” Cruize said. “I’ll see where it completed roughly a decade ago, Clark said. “He listens. He wants takes me.” Lakes’ practice facilities underwent to get better, and so he listens to massive renovations, and ditched what others say, and really takes the cinder track Curt ran on. that to heart.”

“If it rained, the frst three lanes Cruize says he wants to pursue a Concussions can be diagnosed through a saliva test, British researchers fnd

BY ADAM KILGORE and beyond, helping patients that what this really adds.” WASHINGTON POST range from football players to vic- tims of traffc accidents to soldiers For sports, the endpoint of the study Researchers say they can diagnose on a battlefeld. would be an instant test that could concussions accurately using a bio- be taken on the sideline to validate marker in saliva, a groundbreaking “It is now possible to accurately a trainer’s concussion diagnosis. fnding that raises the possibility identify concussions simply by Barr outlined how it could help in a that doctors and athletic trainers analyzing players’ saliva, extending familiar scenario: If a player resisted could rapidly determine whether the ability to safeguard the brains a physician’s concussion diagnosis, someone suffered a concussion us- of injured players outside profes- the physician could use a saliva test ing an objective test, according to sional ranks,” co-author Valentina as validation. a peer-reviewed article published Di Pietro said in an email. Tuesday in the British Journal of “Is there something you can mea- Sports Medicine. The University of Birmingham sure in a [sideline] time frame?” team, with assistance from Rugby Marker Diagnostics research sci- Football Union and Marker Diag- entist Patrick O’Halloran, one of The implications reach beyond the nostics, relied on recent technolog- the researchers for the study, said playing feld but are signifcant for ical advances in gene sequencing. during a virtual news conference. sports — especially football, which They used a statistical composite of “This research demonstrates that, for years has grappled with how to 14 small non-coding RNAs (sn- yes, you can measure it. There is a diagnose concussions and when to cRNAs), which provide the cellular signal you can measure. The second allow players to return to play after blueprint for certain proteins, to component, then, is: Do you have potentially suffering a brain injury. determine whether a player had the technology to actually measure An objective test would not replace suffered a concussion. it outside of a laboratory setting?” the standard clinical assessment based on symptoms, but it could “What’s exciting about this is we Right now, there is not. It takes a provide a crucial supplement for not only found a very accurate way working day to get test results. But confrming concussions or even of identifying brain trauma, but also researchers could fnd the tech- fnding ones that went unreported. we found it in saliva, which is not nology in a handful of years or invasive,” Belli said. “Everybody, in- less — benefted indirectly by the A team of scientists and doctors cluding myself, has been looking at coronavirus pandemic. O’Halloran studied more than 150 rugby blood for many years. We’ve never said Marker scientists are discuss- players at England’s highest level really seen anything so exciting for ing ways to make the instant test, between 2017 and 2019, compar- mild traumatic brain injury.” an effort that may be expedited ing saliva samples collected before by advancements created in the the season with samples collected Two outside experts — Concussion past year as scientists sought more as players were assessed for con- Legacy Foundation co-founder effcient and more accurate coro- cussions or an injury to another Chris Nowinski and New York Uni- navirus tests. part of their body. The researchers versity director of neuropsychol- found the genetic markers in saliva ogy William Barr — reviewed the Even without a sideline test, ex- determined with 94 percent accu- study at The Post’s request before perts could see the testing mak- racy which players had been diag- publication. Both said it relied on ing a major impact on the NFL. nosed with concussions and which sound, strong science and repre- Nowinski envisioned testing every had not, co-author and University sented exciting progress. player after every game to identify of Birmingham professor Antonio players who suffered concussions Belli said. “Everybody is looking for a concus- but either did not know or were sion test,” Barr said. “The diagnosis hiding symptoms. At present, a diagnostic test for of concussions is really based on concussions does not exist. Doc- clinical fndings. A lot of that is “We know a signifcant share of tors diagnose them by interpreting based on what a person reports. concussions are not diagnosed behavior, symptoms and, in a hos- What we’ve always been looking during the game, and players pital setting, imaging tests. The new for is: Is there something objective? may or may not report them after fndings could change how con- Because, in a lot of cases, they’ll the game,” Nowinski said. “We cussions are diagnosed in sports deny [feeling symptoms]. That’s could fnally get to the bottom of Consussions continued how many concussions are being CTE doctor Bennet Omalu has possible we’d just need a different missed.” profted selling distorted science modeling to diagnose female ath- letes compared to males,” O’Hallo- A diagnostic concussion test also One crucial aspect of the study is ran said. “We don’t think it would could improve how NFL teams han- that only male rugby players were be effective to try and transpose dle players after they suffer a poten- tested, which means more study the markers found in male athletes tial concussion. Nowinski pointed is required before a test would be based on what we’ve seen so far. to the high-profle example of Kan- applicable for women, including We think of ourselves as being a sas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick female athletes. Research suggests step behind where we are with Mahomes in last season’s playoffs. women respond to and experience men’s athletes at the moment for Mahomes wobbled with glassy eyes concussions differently than men, female athletes.” after taking a hit around the neck O’Halloran said, citing the specifc and left the game. While he was example of differing infammatory The Food and Drug Administration placed in the concussion protocol, markers. Female and male athletes, would need to approve any tests reports indicated the Chiefs never he said, may have different sn- before they are used in the United fully determined whether Mahomes cRNA markers. States. The British researchers said had suffered a concussion. A test they hope to submit a test for use could have provided a more sci- “The research we’re currently in hospital settings for FDA approv- entifc determination, clarifying doing in female athletes may show al in the near future. Mahomes’s recovery process. us there’s some overlap, but it’s

3A Boys Cross-Country On Saturday, March 20 Lakes High School hosted a 3A Cross-Country Teams from Pierce County at Fort Steila- coom. Here are some photos from the race. WIAA Players of the Week from Pierce County

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 CAMERON MCCANN Bethel / Cross Country (SR) CIERRA MCCARTY McCann won all three of his JACK PITTENGER Stadium / Swim & Dive (SR) SPSL races last week in Puyallup. Evergreen Lutheran / Football (SO) The senior captain has led the He fnished the 3.1 mile race in In his frst start as the starting Tigers to a 2–0 record this season, 15:45, a personal record, setting quarterback, Pittenger connected with 1st-place fnishes in each of the school’s record, and was one on three touchdown passes leading her four individual events and four second shy of the Bethel School to a 38–6 league win over Tacoma 1st-place fnishes in relays as well. District’s fastest ever. He is in four Baptist. He also contributed on the Her 500 freestyle time of 5:19.55 AP classes, as well as Leadership, defensive side of the ball with nu- would have qualifed for the State and carries a 3.65 GPA. merous tackles, a fumble recovery, Championships. She also holds and an interception returned for a a 4.0 GPA and continues to be a touchdown. strong leader for her teammates. WEEK 4 HUNTER OLSON Emerald Ridge / Golf (JR) CRUIZE CORVIN Olson shot an impressive -4 (31) WEEK 3 Lakes / Cross Country (SO) at Meadowpark Golf Course in the Corvin remained undefeated on frst match of the season. DESTINY CLEMONS the Lancers’ cross country season, Rogers / Swim & Dive (JR) with a time of 15:49.06 in the Clemons earned frst place in 5,000-meter race. He has the sec- each of her events against Curtis, ond fastest time in 3A and the third Sumner, and Gig Harbor, including fastest in the state this season. the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 backstroke. She also continues to push her peers in practice, while keeping a positive attitude and set- ting the example of a great student.

3A Girls Cross-Country Top 30 volleyball players to watch in 2020–21 Class 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A/B Washington high school season

MARCH 11, 2021 CHLOE YEREX, BY MATT BAIDE AND TODD MILLES Setter Gig Harbor, SR. There is a lot of volleyball talent throughout the With soft hands and smooth state of Washington — and SBLIve Washington takes passing, this All-3A South Sound a look at 30 players to watch in this shortened Conference frst-teamer is head- 2020–21 season. ed off to play with Texas A&M Corpus Christi

The list is broke up by classifcation, and players are listed in alphabetical order: Pierce County Athletes Only: SIRENA PEREDO, Outside hitter, HAILEY BROCKWAY, Washington, SO. Outside Hitter Don’t let the frame (5-foot-5) fool you, she easily ele- Graham-Kapowsin, SO. vates over blocks for offense. Looking for best class-of-2023 hitter in the state? This dynamic unanimous 4A SPSL MVP makes compelling case (578 kills, 246 digs as ninth grader).

ADELE HOLLAND, Setter Puyallup, SR. All she does is set up teammates for success (9.7 assists per set in 2019), this frst-team 4A SPSL performer will play next season at WWU. Washington high school volleyball statistical leaders from MaxPreps University of Puget Sound Sports

TACOMA, Washington — Kaitlyn was then hit by a pitch to put two Webster hit her frst home run of runners on base. Smith delivered a the season, and Savanna Smith run-scoring single up the middle, earned a complete-game win in the and Wesbter immediately followed circle as the Puget Sound softball by belting her frst home run of the team beat Willamette twice Sunday. season. The Loggers won three times in the four-game weekend series against Puget Sound put up seven runs in was 21 seconds behind PLU. the Bearcats, and they have won the second inning. The Loggers four of their last fve games overall. benefted from a couple of errors, The women’s varsity-eight crossed and when Keslie Sullivan stepped the fnish line in 7:27.5, a little Between the two games Sunday, up to the plate with the bases Puget Sound scored 24 runs and less than 20 seconds behind the loaded, she cleared the bases with Lutes’ boat. totaled 33 hits. a double to right-centerfeld. The Meyer Cup — which is typi- DeGuzman, Ueyama, Smith, and cally the same day as the Lamberth SOFTBALL Webster all put up three hits in the Cup — is scheduled for April 24. win. Sullivan totaled a game-high fve RBI, and Webster added four. Puget Sound is slated to next com- Puget Sound 8, Willamette pete in a regatta hosted by Lewis & Smith allowed just one earned The Loggers’ 16 runs and 17 hits Clark, April 3. run in seven innings to pick up her are the most in a game since Feb. frst win of the season in the circle. 2019, when Puget Sound beat Oc- She struck out fve and allowed cidental, 19–8. BOYS TENNIS only six hits. The Loggers return home next While she was shutting down the week to host Linfeld — the No. 1 TACOMA, Washington — The Bearcats’ offense, Smith got the ranked team in the country ac- drought is over. For the frst time Loggers’ offense going. In the frst cording to the National Fastpitch since April 2016, the Puget Sound inning, Smith hit a two-run single Coaches Association. men’s tennis team won an NCAA that scored both Hana DeGuzman match. The Loggers beat Pacifc and Hailee Ueyama. In the third Lutheran, 5–4, in the Tennis Pavil- inning, Smith smacked an RBI sin- PUGET SOUND BOATS ion Saturday. gle to put the Loggers ahead 4–0. PLACE SECOND IN The day began with Puget Sound The Puget Sound bats were mostly LAMBERTH CUP RACES winning two of the three doubles quiet for the next three innings, but Posted: Mar 28, 2021 matches, both of which came Ueyama ripped a two-run double down to match point. Nicholas in the seventh inning. LAKEWOOD, Washington — Pulido and Levi Buck won at No. Two Puget Sound women’s boats 2 doubles, 8–7, and Julian Giomi Both Smith and Ueyama fnished went head-to-head against Pacifc and Paul Wallace won by the same the game with three hits. DeGuz- Lutheran for the Lamberth Cup score at No. 3 doubles. man, Webster, Abbi Wong, and Jes- Sunday morning, but the Lutes won sica Moore each had multiple hits. both races on American Lake. Mike Smolskis won his No. 2 sin- gles match (6–3, 6–4). Giomi won The Puget Sound women’s varsi- at No. 4 singles in three sets, and ty-four timed in at 8:41.0, which Pulido needed two sets to win at Puget Sound 16, Willamette 11 No. 6 singles. Holding on to a narrow 12–11 lead entering the seventh inning, Meanwhile, Puget Sound rallied for four runs in Parkland, — including a three-run homer by Washington, the Webster — to put the game out Logger wom- of reach. en lost against the Lutes, 5–4. The rally began with a one-out Andie Machi- single by DeGuzman, and Ueyama da and Lia Van University of Puget Sound continued Steer were responsible for three of the Loggers’ wins. The Loggers have one more game this season — a The pair won at No. 1 doubles, 8–4. Machida then battle against another NCAA D-II opponent at Seattle won at No. 1 singles, and so did Van Steeter at Pacifc, April 10. No. 2 singles. Ainsley Nelson and Tatyana Cox dominated at No. 3 HOSHIDE PLACES FOURTH AT NWC doubles, 8–2. FALL CLASSIC Posted: Mar 28, 2021 The Logger teams return to competition in two weeks against Pacifc. ALOHA, Oregon — Both the Puget Sound men’s and women’s golf teams placed sixth out of nine in the Spence lifts Loggers over NCAA D-II Western Washing- Northwest Fall Classic. The two-round event fnished ton, 1–0 Sunday at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. Posted: Mar 28, 2021 Men’s Leaderboard | Women’s Leaderboard BELLINGHAM, Washington — Cale Spence’s ffth goal of the season lifted the Puget Sound men’s soccer The Logger men shot 64 over par, while the women team to a 1–0 win at NCAA D-II Western Washington fnished +243. Saturday evening. Reynn Hoshide tied for fourth out of 44 overall golfers For the Vikings — the defending Great Northwest Ath- in the men’s event. He shot a 73 in the frst round, fol- letic Conference champions — it was their frst game lowed by a 78 on Sunday, to fnish +7 for the week- of the season. end. Jake Ellison tied for 13th by shooting +13 for the event. He improved in the second round by one stroke Spence entered the weekend tied with teammate by shooting a 78 on Sunday. Marko Babiak for the Northwest Conference lead in scoring. But in the 61st minute at Western Washington, Georgia Lavinder was the Puget Sound women’s top Spence buried his ffth goal of the year. golfer for the second time this season. She tied for 22nd out of 43 golfers by shooting +58. Hayley Hile- Puget Sound’s defense held the Vikings to just one shot manfnished just one stroke behind Lavinder. on goal — and Andrew Matheny was there to make the stop. The NWC Spring Classic is April 3–4 in Walla Walla, Washington. Lutes Capture NWC Fall Classic ALOHA, Oregon — The Pacifc Simon Luedtke rounded out the Lutheran University men’s golf Lute competitors, carding a 165 team remained undefeated on the (83–82). young season on Sunday, leading wire-to-wire to win the NWC Fall GFU’s Mason Koch secured medal- Classic at The Reserve Vineyards ist honors, shooting a 145 (69–76) and Golf Club. for the weekend.

The Lutes won the Classic by three Sunday’s victory was the frst time strokes, fnishing with a two-day the Lutes have won a NWC ma- tally of 609. The Lutes opened the jor tournament since winning the percent towards the fnal standings tournament on Saturday with a 2018 NWC Tournament to claim while the NWC Tournament counts 293 before shooting a 316 during the conference title and the frst 50 percent towards each teams Sunday’s fnal round. Willamette time winning the NWC Fall Classic place in the fnal team standings. University was runner-up with a since the 2016–2017 season. 612 (305–307) with George Fox The Lutes are back in action University placing third with a 615 The NWC Fall Classic is one of on Saturday, heading to Walla (299–316). three tournaments that decide the Walla, Washington for the NWC NWC Champion. The Fall and Spring Classic. “Our guys showed a lot of guts this Spring Classics each count 25 weekend. We took advantage of great weather and great conditions Saturday, and fought through very challenging conditions with heavy winds and rain on Sunday. It was absolutely a full team effort with Jordan leading the charge Saturday and Simon bouncing back with a solid round on Sunday,” said Head Lutes Top Loggers to Retain Coach Kyle Drugge. Lamberth Cup “We knew it would be tough, but we committed to trusting ourselves TACOMA, Washington — The Pacifc Lutheran University women’s rowing in the tough moments and stayed squad asserted its dominance on the water over boathouse rival University disciplined to our game plan. I of Puget Sound on Sunday, winning the 44th edition of the Lamberth Cup think we really benefted from on American Lake. having our whole team play in the same group, which is new this The Lutes’ varsity eight outdistanced the Logger 1V8+ by a comfortable year for COVID-19 protocols. The 19-second margin, gliding down the 2,000-meter course in seven minutes, camaraderie was strong and they 8.1 seconds for the victory with UPS crossing the line in 7:27.5. The Lutes were able to lift their teammates up 2V8+ was third overall in the same race. when the team needed a boost in morale. It was a great way to start Opening the day of racing was the varsity four race. PLU’s varsity four won the season, and we are excited for the race by 21 seconds, traversing the course in 8:20 with the Loggers trail- more!” ing in 8:41.

Three Lutes fnished inside the top The 1V8 win keeps the Lamberth Cup in PLU’s possession, having won 10 with Caden Arnold leading the four of the last fve and owning a 28–16 advantage in the all-time series. way in his frst major tournament of his collegiate career. The freshman Sunday’s regatta was the fnal home race for the 2021 senior class that shot a 151 to place fourth overall, has won two Lamberth Cups, won two Northwest Conference titles, and shooting a 72 in round one and a made two NCAA Division III Championship appearances. All four seniors: 79 on Sunday. Jared Beals (74–79) Hannah Beach, Harper Bolz-Weber, Anna Norman-Wikner, and Ali Smith and Gunner Nielsen(77–76) tied were racing on the winning varsity eight on Sunday to cap their stellar for eighth with a 153 while Jordan racing careers on American Lake. Lau was 17th with a 158 (70–88). Lutes continued Athletes of the Week JACKSON MOORE Moore was a two-time All-Conference selection and the NWC Freshman of the Year in 2016. Moore played in 74 games for the Lutes, making 55 starts. Moore helped the Lutes compile a 48–24–10 record over the past four seasons, winning three NWC titles and making two trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Named an NWC Offensive Player of the Week in 2019, Moore fnished his career with 13 goals and seven assists, including six game-winning goals. Moore will graduate with a degree in kinesiology.

BRIANNA HUNTING The 2019 NWC Defensive Player of the Year, Hunting is a three-time All-Conference selection. Hunting was named All-West Region in 2018 and was named Scholar All-West Region in 2019. Hunting played in all but one game over the past three seasons, helping the Lute defense rack up 43 shutouts in that span. Hunting helped the Lutes win four consecutive NWC titles and make three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. She closed her career with a 62–10–12 record on the feld, including a 42–5–7 record in league play and a 31–1–5 mark at East Field. A two-time team captain Hunting is a member of Sigma Chi Alpha, is an FCA leader, and is a lead tutor for the kinesiology department. Hunting will graduate with a degree in kinesiology. Play ball. Tune in to watch some games.

Hope you are well. I wanted to let your folks know that TPS has !nally started in-person athletics again! We have a ton of changes that are in place, including new websites for our schools. We are also live streaming our games on the NFHS network (www.n"snetwork.com)

Below are some of the websites that I know: Clover Park High School ...... cloverparkathletics.com Enumclaw High School ...... enumclawhornets.com Fife High School ...... getemtrojans.com Foss High School ...... fossathletics.com Franklin Pierce High School ...... fpcards.com Orting High School ...... ortingcardinals.com Steilacoom High School ...... steillyathletics.com Washington High School ...... whspatriotsathletics.com White River High School ...... wrhornets.com Eatonville High School ...... cruiserathletics.com Wilson High School ...... goramstacoma.com Mt. Tahoma High School ...... mounttahomaathletics.com Lincoln High School ...... lhsabes.com Stadium High School ...... shstigers.com Bonney Lake High School ...... blhspanthersathletics.com Spanaway Lake High School ...... spanawaylakesentinels.com Lakes High School ...... Golakeslancers.com Spotlight on Bob Young

Bob Young’s enthusiasm and qualifed for seven impact on amateur athletics span straight National decades. A short conversation with Championships. The Bob clarifes his love for competi- top fnish was in 1968 tion, working with young athletes, at Jones Beach, New and refereeing. His big laugh and York. The Heidelberg excellent storytelling ability engage team was undefeated even the casual sports fan. His and one of the top four offce is flled with sports memo- teams in the tourna- rabilia he has collected over the ment. In the semi-fnal year. While Bob is proud of all of game, they lost to the his sports accomplishments, his eventual winner from induction into the National Se- Milton, Florida 10 to nior Softball Hall of Fame in 2008 9. Bob describes the brings a big smile to his face. On loss as incredible. They the Hall of Fame Website, it reads: lost to a team from Cincinnati, who they “Bob is an unselfsh player, a team had defeated earlier in player, a quiet warrior, but one the tournament in their with a tremendous competitive next game. The team spirit.” “He truly represents the fnished ffth. Bob, Jim essence of what Senior Softball Lane, and Gordy Pfeifer is all about. He emulates good were named to the citizenship, team camaraderie, and all-tournament team. a helpful hand in all of his softball activities.” Tom Bursca writes: “Bob When the team mem- is, without question, one of the bers turned 55, they prowess extended well beyond fnest Senior softball pitchers that I began playing senior softball. He softball, which he retired from at have played with and against. He is and his teammates continued to the age of 73. Bob loved to play a true student of the game.” “Also, play softball well into their “Gold- basketball and handball for the a great hitter, he has consistently en Years.” Tacoma Elks Team. He loves Lawn been one of if not the top hitter on Bowling when in Arizona and has the team.” Another highlight of Bob’s life won numerous club champion- was as a member of a relay team ships. Recently, Bob won three gold Bob was a member of the famed carrying the Olympic Touch in 1996 medals at the Lawn Bowling Cham- Heidelberg Team that were North- as it passed through Pierce Coun- pionships in St. George, Utah. west Regional Champions and ty on its way to Atlanta, Georgia. Bob spoke Beyond competing, Bob offciated for the relay basketball for 16 years and foot- group when it ball for ten years. He retired at the stopped at 15th age of 41 because the shrill of the and Pacifc whistle was damaging his hearing. with the Mayor in attendance. Bob wrote that most of us are The torch was passionate about sports, and some handed to Bob work hard to preserve our sports by Gertrude memorabilia. As a board member Willhelmson, of the Shananman Sports Museum, who competed he considers himself very active in in the 1936 keeping the museum treasures for games in future generations to enjoy. Berlin.

Bob’s athletic

Yes, Fife’s starting QB Brynna Nixon knows about attention — but she’d rather just win Brynna Nixon knows, at least part- “She started asking Santa for gear,” ly, what she will be. (More on that Shelli Nixon said. in a moment.) The gear didn’t come at age 4. Or She has dreams about what she age 5. might become. But importantly, she knows who and what she is, “After about four years of asking, even if she does her best to defect Santa fnally came through,” Shelli the attention that brings. Nixon said. “She got a jersey, a helmet. She would go out in the Brynna Nixon will be a Division I backyard just for hours by herself athlete come this fall. She’s accept- or with her dad and play. That’s ed an offer to play goalie for the when we realized, this ‘phase’ is Marquette lacrosse team. not going away.”

“I’m going into the military after In the third grade, the Nixons college, or maybe the FBI,” Nixon signed their daughter up for fag said recently. “My dad was in the football. She excelled. Army. I want to do that.” While it may not be the norm in most places, in Fife Nixon is just The next year, they signed her up Both are high accomplishments another of the players. It’s been that for junior tackle. and high goals. What has brought way for years. her more attention, though, is what “I started at wide receiver, then I Nixon is currently. Nixon’s love for the game is shifted to running back,” Brynna deep-rooted in family and in her Nixon said. “Then, I shifted to Nixon is the starting quarterback for own determination. Her maternal quarterback. I’m not 100% sure the Fife High School Trojans foot- grandfather had season tickets to as to why. But I loved everything ball team. That fact has brought all the Seahawks for a time. Her par- about that position from the second sorts of media attention and frenzy. ents watched football with theirs. I played it. You have to know what everyone is doing all the time. It’s “She knows it,” Fife coach Kent From the moment she could fun to analyze defenses and see Nevin said. “But she just wants to remember, Nixon was watching what you, as an offense, can run.” be a teammate. She doesn’t want to Seahawks games herself. draw any attention to herself.” By the sixth grade, Nixon was a “At frst, I wanted to be a wide fxture at quarterback in the Fife A year ago, as a junior backup, receiver,” Nixon said. “I was junior program. And Nevin started Nixon threw her frst varsity touch- watching a Seahawks game and re- to get questions. down pass. member saying, “We did like eight or nine TV and ‘I want radio interviews,” Nevin said. to make those Nixon wasn’t completely com- big-time fortable with the attention, as she catches. wondered if it were taking away I just from the team. want to play that “I told her, it is a little about sport.’ ” you,” Nevin said. “And that’s not a bad thing.” At the age of 4, “Her dad and I defnitely knew this her re- was going to get attention,” Nixon’s quests at mom, Shelli, said. “It’s not ‘normal’ Christmas in football.” began. Brynna Nixon continued “People would ask me, would Driven enough to become one nior varsity. She has focused solely you play a girl?” Nevin said. “I of the frst girls ever to start at quar- on being a quarterback the past always said, ‘Defnitely, if she terback for a football team two years, and she has not suffered earns the spot.’ ” in Washington. any big injuries.

Nixon has earned the spot, “In the beginning, it was just that “From the start, I wasn’t going to be and more. I totally loved the sport,” Nixon the one that told her the only rea- said. “By middle school, then there son you can’t play is because you’re “For me, she’s earned my respect,” was some of other people telling a girl,” Shelli Nixon said. “Her dad Nevin said. me that you can’t play it in high agrees. We were not going to do school, or you’ll quit before high that. She is an important repre- And that of her teammates. school. Then it was, ‘I’m going to sentative of females in that sport. prove them wrong.’ That goes for Maybe there is some little girl out “It’s just normal,” Fife running pretty much anything in my life.” there that sees her. And that little back Jay Harper-Brooks said. “I’ve girl says, ‘Maybe I can do that.’” been playing with her since the From within, Nixon always has had sixth grade.” the support of family and the Fife Nixon, for her part, gets that she is community. a pioneer and a role model. Mostly. Nixon isn’t just about football, though she is mostly about sports. “The Fife football program was “I feel like it’s never going to set in so awesome,” mom Shelli said. completely,” Nixon said. “It feels “I played like seven different sports “Sometimes I wonder if she’d have crazy to me that people think what growing up,” Nixon said. “It’s had the same opportunities in other I do is weird.” always been home, school, sports programs.” practice, then home again.” But Nixon came face to face with Of course, Nixon’s parents had her potential legacy this spring, Even in high school, she has al- concerns that their daughter might while she was refereeing junior ways played three sports — at two get hurt playing with the boys. Her football games for the Fife program. schools. Plus, there have been club size helped early on. lacrosse seasons, at least until the One of the girls playing in the pro- COVID-19 pandemic stripped that “I was always the biggest person gram came up to Nixon, excited to away last year. out there,” Nixon said. “Until I hit meet her. The girl told Nixon she high school. Then they started to wanted to keep playing football, The pandemic also has changed catch up, and it was like, crap, I’m like Nixon. the seasons for Nixon’s senior year, no longer the tallest.” which will make things more com- “I told her to keep working at it,” plicated after football is done. She still was tall enough and athlet- Nixon said. “I never had a girl in the ic enough that as a freshman and same position hyping me up. I’m so “Basketball and lacrosse are in the sophomore, Nixon played outside glad I was able to do that for her.” same season this year,” Nixon said. linebacker for the high school ju- “I’m talking to my coaches.”

Fife doesn’t have a lacrosse pro- gram. So Nixon has always played basketball in the winter, then played lacrosse for nearby Bonney Lake in the spring.

Nixon said she isn’t sure how she’ll manage both in the coming months. But determination never has been an issue for her.

“I think what has made her do that, she’s always been so driven,” Nevin said. Fieldhouse Memories

BY DOUG were held here before there was a Okanagon fve and a Dayton squad MCARTHUR Tacoma Dome? with one six-footer. Okanaogan used a tight zone defense, around On my way We even housed the Shrine Circus, the basket, and there was no fve or here this after- and one of my work study assign- 10 second count… so Dayton held noon I had my ments was cleaning-up after the the ball. It was 0–0 at the end of favorite radio Elephants paraded through. the 1st quarter. It was 0–0 at half. station on, it’s called Seriously Did you know that we hosted the Some people wondered what there Sinatra. The World’s Largest Garage Sale here to was to say about that one… and I song that was beneft local athletic programs? can recall… there was plenty! playing was more than appropriate — Thanks For The Memories. (Flea Market started when?) It will I don’t know if anybody ever had to Pardon the personal reference for be here a week from tonight. broadcast an entire half before with a few minutes but we are here only two shots and a 0–0 score! tonight in Memorial Fieldhouse. Did you know the state’s high Just imagine how many memories schools held the frst Mat Classic So what about Puget Sound teams are contained here. I have some here? We had mats in or individual Logger performances? 66 years worth myself… some as every corner of the building. It was A 102–90 game in the early 50s a student, some as a sportscaster, bigger inside then, stretching all when most teams were lucky to some as an A.D. and some as a the way to that far wall. score 40 or 50 was truly memora- Fieldhouse Manager. ble. I think Johnny O’Brien had 40 We hosted state high school basket- by himself but CPS gave Seattle U. Let me ask this… how many of ball tournaments here. Twenty-six a terrifc game before falling be- you were here on the night when game schedules in four days — 9 hind late in the high-scoring affair. the Fieldhouse had just opened a.m. till midnight.When Chelan and the Loggers were barely nosed came over from Eastern WA they Who could forget some of the great out in the fnal minutes against the passed out apples to everyone in Logger efforts here? Bob Sprague, ? the crowd… and they were FREE! a 6-10 giant of a Logger, had 32 rebounds against Seattle Pacifc in I guess I should mention that the We had a huge four-sided score- a big Logger win. He also had 32 year before… the Loggers, who had board hanging from the rafters at rebounds against Seattle U. Charles been playing in that little cracker center court. When Lake Stevens Lowery, who played later on a box just north of here, had to play star Henry Kappert found the ball championship team with Kareem the Huskies in the Tacoma Armory. in his hands in back court with in the NBA, had 36 points in a That one went Puget Sound’s way, time running out, he fred a hook victory over Seattle U. and CPS rocked the state’s sports shot at least 85 feet over the score- world with a 48–41 win. board and into the basket for a shot Dave Lindstrom had 47 for a that was heard around the state. school scoring record against St. For those of you who haven’t been Martin’s one night in the early 70s, around as long as me, humor me The broadcast booths hung from and the Ed and Charles Show was for a moment, and I’ll recall a few the rafters as well, far above the a huge hit in that era, combining Fieldhouse memories. I think you’ll foor. Harrington played Darrington for double fgures almost every like one or two! in a state tournament game and I outing in a Logger season which had the opportunity to broadcast led them all the way to nationals Did you know, for instance, that that game. It was a lot worse when and a one-point loss to national President Eisenhower and Gener- Naselle came to play and I had champion Old Dominion. And that al Douglas McArthur both spoke to give the starting lineups. It was would have been Puget Sound’s here. Yes, Dr. T made sure this Antilla, Wirkalla, Pavilla, Raistika had Ed Huston not been hurt with McArthur got to shake the hand of and, Thank God, Barnett. It was a broken arm against PLU in the that McArthur, too. Did you know amazing how often Barnett had the second to last game of the season. that Don Ho wowed us with Tiny ball on the radio broadcast of that Bubbles in a concert our Hawaiian one. (1Q) Huston, incidentally, would have students helped arrange here? Did shattered every school scoring re- you know that Tacoma’s Home And the one which topped them cord imaginable had there been a Show, Boat Show and RV Show all was a game between a towering 3-point shot in his day. He consid- Fieldhouse Memories continued ered anything under 25 feet… the Puget Sound victory over the Indiana for a shot at the national a layup. University of North Dakota just championship with an 80–77 win. about 40 years ago tonight. When So, what was the greatest game in Rick Walker hit two free throws Sinatra may sing it… but I can only all those memories of Fieldhouse with one second left on the clock say it… –and I will = Thanks for the history? That’s an easy one. the Loggers were on their way to Memories!

Nothing can or will compare to

Kellie Ham TyTypp raraphicsphics253-843-9436 && email: [email protected] Roy, Washington Please Volunteer to Support the TAC. The organization needs a frst and second vice-president. Thank you for considering volunteering for these important positions. 2020–21 Tac Membership Tac Membershipthe Executive Committee Thanks All Current Members For Their Great Support!

LIFE TIME MEMBERS Tony Anderson Ham, Kellie Portmann, Michael Karl Benson Haner, Matt Price, Jack Gary Brooks Hannula, Richard Query, Steven (Thomas) John Connelly Hanson, Bob (Tower Lanes) Rapp, Scott (Barney) Kirk Doman Harkins, Vernon Rice, Terry Dan Druzianich Harris, Jonathan Richards, Charles Nick Engles Haskins, George Ring, Sam Dave Frick Hazen, Gayle Rohner, Doug Gayle Hazen Heinrick, Shannon Rosen, Harvey Minh Ahn Hodge Herchold, Christopher Rosi, Ronald Ralph Hodge Hodge, Minh Ahn Ross, Gary Preston T. Jones, Jr. Hodge, Ralph Schilter, Alexander John Judy Horne, Edward Jr. Schmitz, James P. John Kennedy Johnson, Bertil Schrag, Ardith Alan Kollar Johnson, Kevin Shelton, Linda Mario Marsillo Jones Jr., Preston T. Snarski, Gerald Doug Mcarthur Judy, John Snider, Sandy (Part Of Columbia Bank) Names Family Foundation Kennedy, John F. Sopak, Paul Greg Plancich Kerrone, David Spriestersbach, Dan Barney Rapp Kollar, Alan Stevenson, Duncan Ardith Schrag Kouklis, John Stewart, Willie Rob Tillotson Gary Larson Stortini, Ken Ed Tingstad, Jr. Lawson, David Stricherz, Jay Jeff Whalley Leary, Kevin Taut, Judith Ann John Whalley Leingang, Clarence Thomsen, Tim Robert Young Littman, Charles Thronson, Wayne Lytle, Arnold Tillotson, Rob Marsillo, Mario Tingstad, Ed Jr. 2021 MEMBERS Mcarthur, Doug Tingstad, Mark Akamatsu, Christine McKay, Mike Tucci, Nick Ashpole, Daryl Mcmillan, Duncan Velkers, Raymond Aucutt, Mark Menotti, Chris Vick, Suzanne Baarsma, Dr. William Menotti, Ed Warnick, Jack Baker, Tom Merritt, Claudia Watson, William (Dan) Bargren, John Merritt, Jim Weber, Pat Bartz, Larry Mininger, Mark Westerfeld, William Beckstead, Terry Naccarato, Jeanne Whalley, Jeff Beggs, Kim Names Family Foundation Whalley, John Bendixen, Diane Nelson, Bill Whitacre, Jim Berndt, Richard Nelson, Richard White, Bill Birgenheier, Hugh Nettles, Jim White, Brandon Blau, Marc O’hern, Jim White, Justin Brooks, Gary Parker, William B White, Leslie Cail, Doug Parks, Adam Wohn, John Campbell, David Percy, Loyd Robert Young Carlson, Wayne Petrino, Frank Zieg, Jackie Carter, Phil Pierce College Ziegler, Terry Colarusso, Frank Plancich, Greg Connelly, John R. Pointer, Aaron Dacca, Franklin Doehne, Jennifer Dornan, Kirk Druzianich, Dan Eddinger, Len Egan, Chris Eicholtz, Angie Engels, Nick Farber, Adria Ferguson, Richard Frey, Bob Frick, Dave Garlock, Pat Gurash, Dan Gustafson, Don Hackett, Amy (Ups