A hard day of wrestling in the Camas warehouse
Five Papermakers entered the Camas warehouse Saturday, and climbed the ladder to the final round of the Southwest Washington 4A district wrestling tournament. One of them came down the chute as champion.
Tye Lommasson defeated Jordan Moore of Evergreen 12-3 in the 126-pound championship match. The Camas High School junior also beat teammate Gavin Grable and Battle Ground's Colten Blake in their earlier rounds. Grable turned around from his loss to Lommasson and grabbed third place. Both Papermakers generated 36 points to the team score.
"The view from the top is amazing," Lommasson said. "I'll remember all the hard work I put in and the teammates I wrestled with. We made some good memories."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- February 5, 2013
A great day to be a Panther wrestler
Four champions, nine regional qualifiers and six other medallists helped the Washougal boys wrestling team win the 2A sub-regional tournament Saturday, at Washougal High School.
"I won my bracket, but there are a lot of other champions out there," said co-captain Stephen Camden. "It all starts in practice. We go out there and push each other hard every day to represent Washougal the best that we can. I'm always going to remember winning this trophy."
Bursitis in his knee sidelined Camden for a month, but the senior looked like he hadn't lost a step on Saturday. Camden pinned Jacob Mather of R.A. Long in the quarterfinals and Gunnar Long of Ridgefield in the semifinals. He then beat Ridgefield's Clayton Farr 19-13 for the 160-pound championship medal.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- February 5, 2013
On the sidelines: Road to the Tacoma Dome
The road to the Tacoma Dome for 4A and 2A Greater St. Helens League wrestlers began in Camas and Washougal Saturday. The Washougal boys won the 2A sub-regional championship trophy. The Washougal girls earned second place at the girls sub-regional tournament. The Camas boys took third place at the 4A Southwest Washington district tournament.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- February 2, 2013
Double heartbreak for Camas boys basketball
Lightning didn’t strike twice for Jordan Lenard and the Camas High School boys basketball team. Skyview gained a seven-point advantage before the Papermakers came roaring back in the final minute of the Jan. 22 home game. A steal by Brandon Nguyen and a bucket in transition brought the Camas crowd to its feet. Trent Johnson then picked off a pass and Trevor Jasinsky made two foul shots to cut the lead down to three points. Skyview added a point at the foul line, and then Lenard nailed a 3-pointer to bring the Papermakers all the way back to within one. “I caught it in rhythm and just shot it. It felt so good when it went in,” Lenard said. “Coach said, ‘we’re not out of this game. Anything can happen. Just keep playing hard.’ We got a few steals and grabbed the momentum.”
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 29, 2013
Home with their horses
For one weekend during the Washington High School Equestrian Teams’ season, the Camas and Washougal horseback riders get to show what their horses can do in front of family and friends at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield. “A lot of people can come and watch us when they normally couldn’t because the meets are so far away from home,” said Washougal High School Senior Drill Team captain Tenley Stedman. “It makes us feel important, just like basketball is important and wrestling is important to our school.”
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 29, 2013
Chartrand first Camas bowling champion
Porsche Chartrand dreamed of this moment since she started rolling bowling balls down the lanes at the age of 11. “To win any tournament is something I’ve always wanted,” said the 17-year-old Camas High School junior. “It feels good to be the first Camas district bowling champion. I walk a little taller now, that’s for sure.” Chartrand made her dream come true by racking up scores of 205, 198 and 226 for a combined series of 629 Friday, at Allen’s Crosley Lanes near downtown Vancouver. Her 226-game set a new school record and helped the Papermaker defeat Stacy Dettling of Evergreen High School for the 4A district championship medal by five pins.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 29, 2013
Washougal girls wrestling team wins county again
When it comes to girls wrestling, the Washougal Panthers are still the big cats of Clark County.
The defending champions scored 107 points to beat 15 other schools and stand on top of the mountain for the second year in a row Saturday, at Skyview High School.
Jessica Eakins, Erin Locke and Sara Sanchez were crowned individual Clark County champions. Yaneli Martinez and Katelyn Purkeypyle also reached the championship round, but settled for second place. Tara Duey and Romney Kellogg took third place, and Emily Alder-Storm finished in fourth place.
"It feels good to share this moment with my teammates," Locke said. "We beat each other up in practice every day. Sometimes you wonder if it's worth it. When everybody on the team works hard for the same goal and you get it, those are the moments when it really pays off."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 15, 2013
Camas wrestlers earn three county championships
Six Camas High School wrestlers made history at the Clark County Championships Saturday, at Skyview High School.
Vince Huber became the first Papermaker in six years to win a county championship medal. The CHS senior gained a 7-6 edge on Union's Cody Gromes with 22 seconds left in the final round of the 182-pound championship match. Gromes attempted to escape twice, by Huber refused to let go until the referee blew the whistle.
"I kept my eye on the clock and knew I had to ride him out somehow," Huber said. "I'm proud of the win. He's a tough kid. It just feels great to be able to represent Camas as a Clark County champion."
Taryn Lommasson and Erin Tully not only became the first county girls champions from Camas, they also helped the Papermakers place in their first girls tournament in school history. Jenna Rae Wilson pinned Washougal’s Emily Alder-Storm for third place at 106 pounds. Katie Lindstrom finished fourth for the Papermakers at 124 pounds and Shauna Ahern scored some points for Camas in the 100-pound bracket. The combined effort of those five Papermakers netted a third-place team finish.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 15, 2013
Panthers beat Mark Morris for the first time in 41 tries
Thirteen Panthers signed on the dotted line for Washougal Thursday night.
They knew their school had never beaten Mark Morris before in boys basketball. Head coach Malcolm Estes didn't have to say anything.
"Before the game I wrote 'Do you believe?' on the board and walked out," he said. "They all signed their names."
The Panthers then entered the jungle and defeated the Monarchs 66-58. Senior guard Michael McElroy led the charge by scoring 10 of his team-leading 15 points in the second half. He glided to the basket several times and put the ball off the glass for points. He drew a foul shot on one of those occasions and converted it for a 3-point play to give Washougal the edge leading into the last three minutes of the game.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 15, 2013
On the sidelines: Big cats of Clark County
When it comes to girls wrestling, the Washougal Panthers are still the big cats in Clark County. The defending 2012 county champions beat 15 other schools to stand on the top of the mountain again Saturday, at Skyview High School. Washougal racked up 107 points and Battle Ground followed in second place with 85 points. Jessica Eakins, Sara Sanchez and Erin Locke were crowned individual Clark County champions for the Panthers. Yaneli Marinez and Katelyn Purkeypyle finished in second place. Tara Duey and Romney Kellogg took third place, and Emily Alder-Storm earned fourth place.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 12, 2013
On the sidelines: Washougal believes
Thirteen Panther boys basketball players signed on the dotted line for Washougal Thursday, and then they went out and beat Mark Morris for the first time in 41 games by the final score of 66-58. "I went into the locker room before the game and wrote 'Do you believe?' on the board and then walked out," said head coach Malcolm Estes. "They all signed their names below it."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 10, 2013
CHS basketball teams build for the long haul
Seven losses during the preseason made the Camas High School boys basketball players angry, but Thursday was an opportunity for a fresh start and the Papermakers capitalized on it.
"We started to take ownership of the season and set our goals high," said junior forward Trevor Jasinsky. "We want to show people that even though we are the underdogs, we are going to give all we can every game."
Propelled by a 14-2 swing in the second quarter, Camas defeated Skyview 54-49 in the school's first 4A Greater St. Helens League basketball game. Trent Johnson delivered 13 points, Jasinsky netted 12, and Jordan Lenard and Kyle Robb each added eight.
"It was a great start for league," Johnson said. "A lot of people didn't expect us to go to Skyview and do that. I hope we can keep improving and get more and more wins."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 8, 2013
First league win in the basket for Washougal boys
Aaron Deister didn’t take his eyes off the basketball for a second as it clinked and clanged off the rim.
"I was just hoping for it to go in," said the Washougal High School senior. "I couldn't buy a bucket all night, but we really needed that one. I was just feeling it off the rebound."
Frustration set in on the face of head coach Malcolm Estes as he watched the ball swirl around the glass.
"Can we just get one to drop?" He thought.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 8, 2013
County wrestling week arrives
Clark County Championship week is the one Camas and Washougal wrestlers and coaches look forward to every year.
For one night only, classifications are thrown out the window and the best wrestler in the county for each weight class is determined. Several wrestlers from these 16 county schools are dreaming of obtaining district, regional and state medals next month. Winning a county championship medal is the first step toward making those dreams come true.
This year's Clark County boys and girls tournaments return to Skyview High School, 1300 N.W. 139th St. in Vancouver. Matches begin Friday at 4 p.m., resume Saturday at 10 a.m. and conclude with the finals Saturday evening.
The Washougal girls are determined to defend their 2012 county team championship. Several Panthers and Camas Papermakers have their hearts set on wrestling in the finals, but it is never an easy road.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 8, 2013
Twin Papermakers
McKenna and Paige Jackson know each other so well, they finish each other’s sentences.
That's what happens when you are born 34 seconds apart and have been playing on the same basketball team for seven years.
"We both like the same things and we have the same friends," Paige said.
"I guess that's identical part of being twins," McKenna added. "It's feels great to always have your best friend by your side, whether we're on or off the court."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 8, 2013
A day to celebrate Washougal wrestling
With only one match to wrestle Saturday, Zach Oster still made a big splash in the Washougal River Rumble.
The sophomore from Washougal High School hooked Fort Vancouver's Isaiah Johnson like a fish out of water and reeled in the 113-pound championship medal. Oster caught Johnson off guard with a single leg takedown and had him trapped. He rolled Johnson over onto his back and pinned his shoulders to the mat.
"He was trying to do too much with his hands and wasn't paying attention to his legs," Oster said. "I saw my opportunity and didn't let go."
Although he would have loved to wrestle more matches, Oster kept his game face on as he paced through the halls in anticipation for his championship match. As easy as his road was to the finals, it would have been just as easy to lose focus. But this was Oster's opportunity to show what Washougal wrestling was all about and he wanted to get his hand raised.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 1, 2013
Papermaker boys gain revenge on Panthers
The Camas boys basketball team caught fire in the second half of a tie ball game, while the Washougal boys went ice cold.
"We were tired of morale victories," said Camas head coach Skyler Gillispie. "We wanted to go out there, finish strong and win this game."
The Papermakers played with more urgency and composure, and were rewarded with a 51-47 victory against their longtime rivals.
Camas rallied to tie the score on a 15-9 scoring drive in the second quarter. Nick Lopes and Jordan Lenard attacked the basket and ignited a 17-10 swing for the Papermakers in the third quarter.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- January 1, 2013
A new league for mountain bikers
Like pedals on a bicycle, Ed Fischer and the staff at Camas Bike & Sport understand the importance of youth pumping fresh blood into the heart of their sport.
Mountain biking is more than just a business to them, it's a lifestyle they love to share with friends and families. As coaches in the brand new Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's Washington Student Mountain Bike League, Fischer, his wife Katina, and friends Bill Waring and Dave Webb, help children discover a passion for cycling and teach them to nurture the trails they ride on.
"We want to find young and passionate students who can follow in our footsteps and become not just great riders, but stewards as well," Fischer said. "High school students are involved in a lot of activities, and they don't always have the time or the energy to try something new. Younger kids have so much passion, and that's what we want to tap into."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 25, 2012
Washougal Panther spirit shines bright
The Washougal High School girls and boys basketball teams came home for the holidays and defeated Tenino in a doubleheader Wednesday.
Eleven ladies put the ball in the basket to help the Panthers beat the Beavers 60-27. Alyssa Blankenship racked up 11 points, seven steals and six rebounds in her first start of the season. Megan Sharp scored 14 points and Megan Townsend grabbed 12 rebounds.
"It was a good showing of character by our girls to bounce back after losing two tough games on the road," said Washougal girls head coach Charlie Boyce. Washougal lost to Columbia River 50-45 the day before, and Mountain View 65-54 Dec. 15.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 25, 2012
Play with passion
Ferocious defense and relentless rebounding helped the Camas High School girls basketball team defeat Hockinson by 42 points and Hudson’s Bay by 41.
"Defense leads to offense," said sophomore guard Brenna Khaw. "Our goal is to shut the other team down."
The Papermakers disposed of the Eagles 60-19 Thursday. Hudson's Bay never got comfortable in the Camas warehouse. The Papermakers rolled to a 12-5 advantage in the first quarter. The Eagles cut the deficit to nine points by halftime, but then the Papermakers scored the first 13 points in the third quarter before the Eagles could get one back. Camas outscored Bay 23-5 in the third quarter and 15-1 in the fourth.
"We were defending better, and that led to a lot of transition baskets for us," said head coach Chuck Knight. "When we get the ball in Brenna’s hands, she's going to find players."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 25, 2012
New leaders rise for Camas gymnastics
Aches and pains are the sacrifices for glory in gymnastics. Together, Camas High School seniors Katelynne Jones and Hali Ramirez are unbreakable.
"It's kind of cool that we get to be captains. We've been best friends since birth," Jones said. "Although the program has gone through three different coaches in the last three years, the seniors have held on to each other."
Jones, Ramirez, Emily Early and Kacee Webb rely on each other for strength. It is their turn to lead returning underclassmen Virginia Duley, Amanda Kitterman, Tamaki Murata and Rachel Rakoski, along with newcomers Jasmin Karlous and Caleigh Lofstead.
"What I love about gymnastics is that there is always something you can improve on," Ramirez said. "You never stop working at it. You can always get better."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 18, 2012
Panthers pump up the volume on Camas
Those who were inside the Panther jungle gym Friday night will never forget the moment Washougal flipped the switch on Camas.
Both boys basketball teams scored eight points in eerie silence. Once the Panthers got to 10, their fans let the Papermakers have it by screaming at the top of their lungs in unison. The sound waves rippled through both towns, and the noise stayed at an ear-piercing volume for hours.
"I had never seen so many people in this gym in all the games I have played here," said Washougal senior guard Michael McElroy.
"I don't think there ever was a question," added senior forward Aaron Deister. "The crowd brought the energy to us. The fans were quiet at the beginning. We were just waiting for them to erupt. I'll never forget the moment when they did."
Washougal defeated Camas 59-48. Austin Tran led the balanced attck for the Panthers with 15 points.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 18, 2012
Papermaker bowlers keep crashing pins
Bowling pins were falling for the Camas Papermakers like rows of dominoes Wednesday.
Porsche Chartrand, Rebekah Curtis, Emily McDonald, Katie Hull and Hunter Lytle earned several combinations of strikes, splits and spares. As the cheers grew louder with each roll, the Papermakers couldn't wait for their next throw.
"I was happy about how the positive energy kept flowing through both games and the baker," Chartrand said. "Once you get that strike streak rolling, it's easy sailing from there."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 18, 2012
WHS wrestlers challenge Longview schools for bragging rights in league
Stephen Camden and Wyatt Eakins are leading the young and courageous Washougal High School wrestlers into the next generation.
"It's not just going to be about this year for this group, but also the years to come," Camden said. "We want to leave an impression on these wrestlers and build a platform for future generations to follow."
Camden snagged a sixth-place medal at the state meet last season. Eakins said nothing is going to stand in the way of him wrestling at the Tacoma Dome in February. Both seniors have sophomore sisters who are making their mark on the program.
"When people see a Washougal wrestler, they see somebody who is hard working, intelligent, intense, strong, loyal, respectful and kind," Eakins said. "Wrestling is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. You never give up in wrestling, just like you never give up in life."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 11, 2012
Camas wrestling gets cracking in new league
It’s been two weeks since Vince Huber played football in the Tacoma Dome. Today, he is working for an opportunity to go back as a wrestler.
:Every wrestler from this state dreams of making it to the dome," he said. "I definitely want to get back there. It's such an electric atmosphere. I'm reflecting on my last season of wrestling and channelling all my experiences from football on the mat."
Football has always been first in Huber's life, but wrestling is becoming a close second. His sweat on the mat made him more balanced and conditioned on the field.
The Camas High School senior also developed friendships with seniors Andrew Duffy, Anthony Grable, Austin Miller and Dakota Safford. Their goal is to contend with Battle Ground, Evergreen, Heritage and Union for the top spot in the 4A Greater St. Helens League.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 11, 2012
Swimmers head upstream in new surroundings
The Camas High School boys swimmers are not afraid of their new surroundings in the 4A Greater St. Helens League. All it takes is a backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly or freestyle to make ripples across the landscape.
Seniors Jake Yraceburu, Nick Panebianco, Trent Harimoto, Seth Albert, Alec Geenty, Jeffery Lee and Ian Walker designed a swimming tradition in Camas. Although the Papermakers are in the largest classification in Washington, their goals continue to grow. They want to win the league and district titles, and become a top five team at the state championship meet.
"I love racing at districts and state, and seeing all those hardworking mornings and afternoons paying off," Harimoto said. "Don't hold back in your races. That little extra effort of pain will be gone in a minute, but the results and the memories you get will last a lifetime."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 11, 2012
All comers are invited to the Panther jungle
The Washougal High School boys basketball team picked up where it left off last winter.
Back on Feb. 18, the Panthers rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat W.F. West by one point in the consolation semifinal round of the district tournament.
On Nov. 26, they proved that wasn’t a fluke. Michael McElroy netted 26 points, Austin Tran added 12, and Aaron Deister and Jaden Jantzer each chipped in 11 to lead Washougal to a 67-60 victory.
"For just the first game of the season, I thought we finished strong," Deister said. "Our experience really paid off."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 4, 2012
Six CHS seniors are ready to take the next step
A 24-point loss to defending 3A state champion Prairie Friday couldn’t dampen the excitement of a new basketball season for Lauren Neff and her Camas teammates.
"I thought we were more competitive than the score indicated," said head coach Chuck Knight. "It was only game one. Our goal is to be playing our best basketball game 15 and up."
The Papermakers are in the 4A classification now. Sierra Brown, McKenna and Paige Jackson, Kathryn Johnson, Neff and Kyla Sumpter are ready to make some noise in this new league.
"I've known these girls for such a long time, and we all get to play together in our final year here," Neff said. "That is what is pushing us so hard."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- December 4, 2012
Camas girls gain national exposure
The future’s so bright for the Camas High School cross country runners, they got to wear shades. Seniors Megan Napier and Camille Parsons, junior Mckenzie Good, sophomores Alexa Efraimson and Alissa Pudlitzke, and freshmen Maddie Woodson and Alexa Jones have pushed their state championship season all the way to the Nike Cross National Invitational Saturday, at the Portland Meadows racetrack. The girls championship race begins at 10:05 a.m.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 28, 2012
Deep in the heart of Camas
Thousands of Papermakers, young and old, brought their lunch pails into the Tacoma Dome and watched their football team go to work.
On the first drive of this 4A state semifinal game Saturday, Nate Beasley had three carries for 45 yards and Zach Eagle added three catches for 23 yards. Beasley capped off the effort with a 24-yard touchdown.
Then, it was time for defending state champion Skyline to have a turn with the ball. On third down, Camas senior linebacker John Norcross bursted through the line of scrimmage and slammed quarterback Max Browne into the ground.
It would be Papermaker ball again, but the Spartans were able to pin them on the 3-yard line after the punt took a favorable bounce. On the next snap following a short run by Beasley, Camas quarterback Reilly Hennessey dodged the defensive rush into the end zone and threw a spectacular pass that had the Papermakers on the edge of their seats. They saw Zach Eagle deep down the field with nobody covering him. The ball fell right into Eagle's nest and he soared into the end zone on a 94-yard strike.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 27, 2012
Panthers make a strong first impression
Michael McElroy delivers 26 points, Austin Tran adds 12, and Aaron Deister and Jaden Janzter each scored 11 to help the Washougal High School boys basketball team beat W.F. West 67-60 Monday.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 26, 2012
On the sidelines: Unforgettable autumn
Relive Saturday's 4A state semifinal game between the Skyline Spartans and Camas Papermakers through the words of Elton John and his song, "The Measure of a Man."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 24, 2012
Busting down the Tacoma Dome door
Before carving the turkey Thursday, the Papermakers will still be playing football.
Camas hammered Federal Way 65-32 in the state quarterfinals, at Doc Harris Stadium. After busting the door down to the Tacoma Dome, the Papermakers are ready to test themselves against defending state champion Skyline Saturday, at 1 p.m., to see if they can become the best football team in Camas history.
“Everyone is thrilled to be going back to the dome, but it’s also bittersweet because we know we only have a few more games left,” said junior running back Nate Beasley. “This was already our last game at Doc Harris. At any moment, it could be all over. We can’t look too far ahead, and we can’t take these wins for granted no matter what the scoreboard says. We have to live in the present and play each play like it’s our last.”
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 20, 2012
Camas soccer spirit defeated, but not broken
The Camas High School girls soccer team endured defeat at the feet of Issaquah and Tahoma in the semifinals and the consolation finals of the state tournament last weekend in Puyallup, but nothing could break their fighting spirit.
“We’re disappointed that the season ended with these two losses, but we made it all the way to the Final Four and that should count for something,” said senior captain Jamie Carter, understanding that the journey endures longer than the end result. “It’s been an amazing trip. A lot of good memories have been made.”
The Papermakers proved they belonged in the Final Four by scoring the first goal in the semifinals against Issaquah Friday, at Sparks Stadium.
Carter fired a promising corner kick, Hailey Rose directed the ball toward the goal and Teylen Sheesley headed it into the net before the opposing goalkeeper could react. Camas took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, but it wouldn’t last.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 20, 2012
On the sidelines: Giving thanks to Camas
The Papermakers will still be playing football before they carve the turkey Thursday. Camas hammered Federal Way 65-32 Saturday, at Doc Harris Stadium, to earn a return trip to the Tacoma Dome. The Papermakers will play defending 4A state champion Skyline in the semifinals this weekend. After the game, head coach Jon Eagle told the boys they have to practice on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. Then he piled some gravy on top of that turkey and mashed potatoes.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 17, 2012
Camas football team is one step closer to the dream
The road back to the Tacoma Dome is almost complete.
The Camas Mean Machine flattened Arlington 62-6 in the first 4A state tournament football game in school history Saturday, at Doc Harris Stadium.
"We played good defense, ran the ball well, made timely passes and converted some big third downs," said head coach Jon Eagle. "We were able to be balanced and get everybody involved. That's the trick."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 13, 2012
Camas girls soccer team heads to the 4A Final Four
A shootout loss knocked the Camas girls soccer team out of the state tournament last season. When backed into a similar situation Saturday, the Papermakers earned redemption.
Camas defeated Mead 3-1 on penalty kicks in the state quarterfinals Saturday, at Doc Harris Stadium. The win gives the Papermakers a golden opportunity to play in the Final Four.
"Not very many people thought we could make it this far our first year in 4A, but we're in the semifinals. That shows how much heart we all have," said senior captain Jamie Carter. "I'm really excited to be going to the Final Four with such a great group of girls. It definitely makes senior year memorable."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 13, 2012
Camas volleyball team finishes strong at state
A disappointing loss to Mead in the quarterfinals Friday night could have spelled the end for Camas, but the Papermakers rallied to beat Union in five sets Saturday morning and then swept Puyallup to earn a fifth-place trophy from their first 4A state volleyball tournament.
"I am very proud of the girls for playing to the best of their ability after losing such a tough match the night before," said head coach Julie Nidick. "This was such an amazing season. These 12 girls together are such a close knit group. Making those memories at state and bringing home hardware was very important. Especially for the seniors."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 13, 2012
Camas volleyball thrillers
The Union Titans brought plenty of tricks to the Camas warehouse on Halloween, but they couldn’t scare the Papermakers.
Camas defeated their Lacamas Lake rivals 17-25, 25-13, 25-23, 19-25, 15-9 in a volleyball thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats watching the Papermakers rise from the grave and grab the 4A district championship.
"It's the most adrenaline I've ever felt," said sophomore outside hitter Lauren Harris. "We just wanted to get to everything for the team. I think that really showed on the court."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 6, 2012
Eustis finishes strong at state
As he crested that last hill in the state championship race, Sean Eustis saw his destiny.
There were two tuckered out runners lagging to the finish line, but the Washougal High School senior had more to prove to himself, his coaches and his teammates than just sixth place.
"Border Clash is top five. That's where I wanted to go," Eustis said. "In my mind, I kept thinking 'Border Clash, Border Clash, Border Clash' with each step."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 6, 2012
State championship summit
The Camas girls cross country runners could see for miles at the top of the mountain.
The largest classification in the state proved to be an easier obstacle for the Papermakers to climb. And for the second year in a row, they stood on the podium as state champions.
"We remember what happened last year, and all the hard work it took to get here, and we just worked harder," said senior captain Megan Napier. "We all have quotes written on our legs. Mine says, 'I run because I can and for those who can not.' It reminds me that I am running for Camas and everybody who has been a part of this program."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 6, 2012
Papermakers host Arlington Saturday in first round of state
The Camas football team is in its first 4A state tournament after a convincing 43-12 victory against South Kitsap Friday, at Doc Harris Stadium.
Nate Beasley rushed for 178 yards and scored three touchdowns. His first trip to the end zone came on a 33-yard run following an interception by Zach Eagle.
"It's do or die now. From that first play on, I just had a different mentality," Beasley said. "We're driving on the road built by the guys who played here before us, while at the same time creating our own path for future classes to follow. And we're doing all of this in 4A."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 6, 2012
On the sidelines: Running to state
The Camas cross country team captured the state championship, and the football, soccer, swimming and volleyball teams qualified for state their first year in the 4A.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 3, 2012
Camas wins volleyball thriller
The Union Titans brought plenty of tricks to the Camas warehouse on Halloween, but they couldn’t scare the Papermakers. Camas defeated their Lacamas Lake rivals 17-25, 25-13, 25-23, 19-25, 15-9 in a volleyball thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats watching the Papermakers rise from the grave and grab the 4A district championship.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- November 1, 2012
Mud doesn’t slow down Panthers
Depth propelled the Panther girls cross country team to the state championship meet.
Five runners finished between 16th and 25th place to lead Washougal to second place as a team behind Capital at districts Saturday, at Evergreen State College in Tacoma. Karina Miller clinched 16th place (21:21), Paige Roberts grabbed 19th (21:30), Meredith Collins took 20th (21:46), Hannah Wright earned 22nd (21:56) and Yaneli Martinez notched 25th (22:21).
"I knew we could do it. We showed everybody what we're made of," Roberts said. "Panthers are tough. We can handle anything."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 30, 2012
CHS volleyball plays for the district title Wednesday
The Papermakers are watching from the shadows, ready to strike fear in the hearts of their opponents on Halloween night.
Either Skyview or Union will creep into the Camas warehouse Wednesday to challenge Camas for the district championship trophy. The haunts begin at 7 p.m. The surviving team earns the No. 1 seed into the bi-district tournament Friday and Saturday, at Kentwood High School.
From the first week of practice, head coach Julie Nidick said this Camas team had the makings of something pretty special. Seniors Brindl Langley, Abbie Younkin, Lauren Neff and Taylor Carlson brought plenty of experience and energy. Then senior transfer student Natalia Zea walked through those doors and established herself as another potent offensive force. The underclassmen have embraced the senior leadership since day one.
"Before we ever faced an opponent, I knew this team had boundless potential," Nidick said. "This may be the best team I've ever coached. They still have that potential."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 30, 2012
Camas runners set big goals for state
The Camas High School cross country teams are on their way to repeating and rewriting history.
The Papermaker girls captured the 4A regional championship trophy Saturday, on the American Lake golf course in Tacoma.
Alexa Efraimson defeated defending 4A state champion Jordan McPhee of Mount Rainier by 33 seconds. Efraimson crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 17 minutes, 52 seconds. What thrilled the sophomore more than her individual win was seeing her teammates coming in one after the other in the top 12.
"It just goes to show how determined we are as a team," Efraimson said. "It's not just one or two runners doing well, it's everybody performing to the best of their ability on the same day. That just makes it more meaningful."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 30, 2012
Camas football goes undefeated its first year in the 4A GSHL
The Camas football team came home Friday and defeated Battle Ground 49-21 to become league champions. The Papermakers earned a perfect 5-0 record in their first year in the 4A Greater St. Helens League.
"My whole life has been on this field with my brothers and my family," said senior running back Vince Huber. "I'll never forget these last four years of high school and growing up with these guys. I'm happy with everything we've accomplished together."
Nate Beasley delivered two touchdown runs and snagged an interception on defense. Zach Eagle added a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown. Reilly Hennessey fired touchdown passes to Connor Maloney and Dylan White. Huber and John Norcross also had touchdown runs.
"Nate and Vince were running all over the place, and our linemen were getting the blocks," Maloney said. "Reilly got the ball right were it needed to be. Everything just flowed and worked out for us."
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 30, 2012
On the sidelines: Homecoming champions
There's no place like home for the Camas High School football team. The Papermakers are 19-1 at the new Doc Harris Stadium since it opened in 2010.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 26, 2012
Jonathan Ho beats four opponents and wins the district championship
Jonathan Ho was tired of playing second fiddle. He wanted to be the best.
On Saturday, the Camas High School sophomore defeated Tanner Blake 6-4, 6-4 for the 4A district singles championship at the Vancouver Tennis Center.
"It feels good to finally beat somebody from Union," Ho said. "That's what every Papermaker wants."
Blake had Ho on the ropes with a 4-3 advantage in the second set, but the Papermaker got right back into the fight and quickly turned the tables. Ho sent Blake into a tailspin by winning the next two games to gain a 5-4 lead. As Ho stepped back to serve during that final sequence, the look in his eyes said he was not going to give this game away.
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- by Dan Trujillo
- October 23, 2012
