High school spring sports all-league
CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL Girls track and field Track Athlete of the Year — Alexa Efraimson.
CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL Girls track and field Track Athlete of the Year — Alexa Efraimson.
The world is about to change for Washougal's Tanner Baldwin. On July 1, the 16-year-old is on his way to New Zealand for four days and Australia for three days to wrestle in three different tournaments. After that, he will enjoy three days at Waikiki, in Oahu, Hawaii. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Baldwin said. "I'm excited to meet other wrestlers from all over the country and the world. I just want to take in all the wrestling and the culture."
Esther Kwon and Jen Lewis earned third-place medals from the 4A state girls tennis tournament Saturday, in Richland. The two Camas High School sophomores only lost two sets in three postseason tournaments. "It was nice to see them build their friendship, which only builds the strength of their game on the court," said head coach Jonathan Burton. "These two girls have pretty much been inseparable for the last month. They traveled together, ate together and practiced together. And the great thing about this whole experience was, they got to finish the season off with a win."
It is not easy winning championship trophies. The Camas High School softball team can attest to that. The Papermakers defeated Woodinville 2-0 Saturday morning to advance to the championship round of the 4A state tournament, at the Merkel Sports Complex, in Spokane. Camas pitcher Harli Hubbard held the defending state champions to just two hits in the game. Mackenzie Farnham drove in both runs for the Papermakers. "You need to enjoy the victory, but the bigger prize is right in front of you," said head coach Ken Nidick. "You're in the state championship game."
Winning races are baby steps for Alexa Efraimson. On Saturday, she stood on top of a mountain as a 4A state champion in the 800 and the 1,600 after setting new meet record times in each event. "This is what the whole season is about," said the Camas High School sophomore. "I was thinking about my teammates and how hard we trained for this. The realization sets in that state is the end. It's sad, but I'm very happy."
Brian Humphreys beat the rain in the first round. In the finals, he didn't let it beat him. The Camas High School freshman shot the best round of 74 strokes on a soggy and windy Wendesday at Camas Meadows to become the 4A boys golf state champion. "This feels incredible," Humphreys said. "My goal was just to finish in the top three. To be able to win it all under these conditions, after all the hard work I put into this makes it that much sweeter."
Winning races are baby steps for Alexa Efraimson. On Saturday, she stood on top of a mountain as a 4A state champion in the 800 and the 1,600 after setting new meet record times in each event. "This is what the whole season is about," said the Camas High School sophomore. "I was thinking about my teammates and how hard we trained for this. The realization sets in that state is the end. It's sad, but I'm very happy."
Brian Humphreys beat the rain yesterday. Today, he didn't let it beat him. The Camas High School freshman shot the best round of 74 strokes on a soggy and windy Wendesday at Camas Meadows to become the 4A boys golf state champion.
Camas soccer fans could feel the magic as the Papermakers defeated the Skyline Spartans in a shootout during the first round of the state tournament May 14, at Doc Harris Stadium. "The spectator's got their money's worth. No question," said head coach Roland Minder. "I hope this win teaches them to have confidence, and to play all out until the end. We can still dig deeper." Nate Beasley, Austin Cassity, Calvin Goon, Sam Pizot and Cayne Cardwell delivered the penalty kick goals for Camas. Skyline answered the bell four times, but Papermaker goalkeeper Sharif Batroukh denied the Spartans on their fifth and final attempt and the victory belonged to Camas. "They're a great team. We were neck-and-neck the whole way," Batroukh said. "To come out of that game with a win was a miracle. It's an amazing feeling, but the road is not over."
Seven Washougal High School track and field athletes qualified for the state meet by running, jumping and throwing in the friendly confines of Fishback Stadium Friday. "Hosting a district meet is always special because you get to see the support from the community," said head coach Dave Hajek. "I'm always proud of what the people in Washougal do for the kids." Michelle Greear grabbed first place in the discus with a throw of 109 feet, three-quarters of an inch. She also took third in the shot put with a toss of 32-8.5. "I'm proud of my team," Greear said. "There's nothing better than being on your home turf and going to state."