As a sports writer for a local community newspaper, the busiest and most exciting time of the year is usually at the end of May, during state championship weekend for prep spring sports.
This year was certainly no exception as a number of local teams did extremely well and deserve to be commended for their efforts on the diamond, track and soccer pitch.
The Bothell High baseball team capped off a tremendous, overachieving year (23-4) by winning the program’s first state championship in baseball (or football, for that matter). The Cougars did not have a whole lot in the way of offense, but their ace pitcher, third-year starter Brian McAfee, handcuffed opposing lineups all season long and lefthander Henry Baillargeon developed into a clutch, big-game pitcher that could easily go the distance as he did in the championship game – a 3-2 comeback victory over top-ranked Jackson of nearby Mill Creek.
The Cougars had 11 rostered seniors, and it was spine-tingling to see the final out recorded and the sheer jubilation of a season’s worth of hard work end in a dogpile on the pitcher’s mound – something that every team dreams of from the first day of practice, but only one will get to experience.
Also, both the Bothell and Inglemoor track teams each had athletes earn state titles, as the Cougars’ 400 meter relay team of Luke Proulx, Will McIntyre, Nick Anthony and Dylan Langston combined to take the gold, and Viking distance runner Tansey Lystad owned the 1,600 and 3,200 races, winning handily in each.
And let’s not forget about Cedar Park Christian School, whose boys’ soccer team ended a nice run out of the 1A Emerald City League to place fourth in the state, and their fastpitch softball team also made the state tournament, the only Northshore team to do so this year.
They also had an accomplished runner, super sophomore Sally Larson, who pulled the silver medal hat trick, placing second in each of the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs at the 1A state meet in Cheney.
A lot of people may not realize the amazing amount of dedication it takes to be a successful high school athlete.
Spring sports are especially tough on seniors, who have to balance their sports responsibilities with culminating projects, as well as prom, finals week, graduation, and college planning, and some even hold part-time jobs on the weekends. I’m surprised athletes even find time to breathe, much less take the time and dedication to fine-tune their bodies and skills to be the best they can be at a particular sport.
It’s that kind of commitment and work ethic that will make them leaders of the future.
Finally, let’s also give a big high-five to all the hard-working coaches, athletic directors and volunteers behind the scenes that do so much to help our kids grow and achieve their goals. Great job everyone, and enjoy your summer vacations!
