The GEIGENMILLER Report: A History Making Sports, Academics Season!

Welcome to The GEIGENMILLER Report, which is my way of reporting several stories into one article. It’s a highlights report with some personal perspectives. I hope you like it!

After weeks of district, regional, and state level competition, the 2022-23 winter athletic season came to an end Saturday. I did morph from zombie at noon Saturday to refreshed Ernie by 5:30 pm. There was a lot of travel back and forth between Camas and King County. All I needed was some food, and a cat nap, which I took at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Tacoma. Bye-bye, zombie face.

Boys Basketball

The Camas boys placed 6th in State, making Papermaker history for the boys. I got to know the team better this season, including the coaches, and they’re a great group of kids. They set a new level of play this season, and I think the program will continue to prosper.

Here’s the boys report: https://youtu.be/XWuFbBzIBaI

Girls Basketball

The Camas girls made it to the Finals, and what a sight to behold! It was so great to see the stands filled with Camas fans of all ages. The band was there, the cheerleaders, camera crews, lots of lights, and a ton of energy. The girls got off to a rocky start, which was unusual for them. They were down 26-12 at halftime, and started to close the gap in the third quarter, and with 30 seconds left in the game, they got within 2 points of Eastlake (43-41), but ended up losing 48-41. It was intense. Eastlake had an incredible defense. 

The Camas girls team is returning almost 100% intact next season, so they’re gunning for a state championship in 2024. 

“Yes, we will be back next year better and stronger than ever,” said team member Parker Mairs. 

Head Coach Scott Thompson speaks very highly of the character of his team. They really are a stellar group of athletes.

Here’s the girls report: https://youtu.be/2iuyx8cz6ZE

This season also increased my love and appreciation for basketball. These kids played with such heart, and dealt with a lot of really ruthless competitors this season. They rose above it, and worked really hard.

The PINK ROOM 

The Pink Room opened its doors Friday. I covered that before heading back to Tacoma. Madora, the owner, is a Camas DECA alumnus. 

Here’s the report: https://youtu.be/72ZXEcg31pc

Camas DECA

Camas DECA sent 92 kids to State this year with 28 advancing to International competition in Florida next month. The DECA program is really amazing as it teaches our teens real-life applications to realistic business situations. Advisor Suzie Down represents the best of teaching. And, she’s had a lot of support from Courtney Sanchez, Brady Miletich, Tonia Albert and amazing chaperones and volunteers.

Well done!

Here’s the DECA report: https://youtu.be/JCNniCKXERM