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Hoops For Pink Annual Fundraiser Game at The Warehouse Tonight

Camas, WA — The annual Hoops for Pink basketball game and fundraiser begins Friday afternoon at 3:45 (for Junior Varsity) and continues on at 5:30 for Boys Varsity and at 7 for Girls Varsity. All events are at Camas High School.

Camas will host Battle Ground.

The annual event raises money for the Kay Yow Foundation, which earmarks funds toward fighting breast cancer. Money is raised by selling T-shirts and through raffles to purchased donated gift baskets.

Every year, the community has shown their support by packing The Warehouse and stepping up their donations to the worthy cause of fighting breast cancer.

The event has been a real success in past years.

Referrring to past Hoops for Pink fundraiser games, Nadine Knight, a parent volunteer who’s had several daughters play for Camas, said: “The event was a real success. We’re so grateful for the support of our community. Cheers to all of the businesses and individuals who donated for our baskets. Could NOT have done any of this without them. Thank you Camas for coming through again!”

A lot of behind-the-scenes efforts goes into the planning the fundraiser. Volunteers plan for months to prepare the gift baskets and solicit the donations from local businesses and inviduals.

Basketball

Isaiah Sampson sinks a shot from long range. He scored 24 points Tuesday night, and grabbed 14 rebounds.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

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Camas Swimmers Contend at Kelso High Pool Twice This Week

Kelso, WA — It may be a bit of a drive, but Kelso is a familiar place for Camas swimmers. It’s been a place where District Championships are won, records broken, and state qualifying times are earned. And, this week was no different.

On Tuesday, Camas Junior, Eric Wu, made his state cut time in the 50 Free (22.23), which put a smile on his face. Reluctant to talk about his feat, he pivoted and thanked his team instead.

”The whole team swam very well today — especially Ben Taylor in the 100 Fly and Luke Bales in the 200 Free. Our team is up and coming and we’re ready for the Kelso Invitational on Saturday.”

That’s how leaders talk.

And, prior to the Kelso meet, Wu demonstrated that talent and capacity. While most were getting themselves mentally ready for the tasks ahead of them, Wu was busy helping teammate, Tim Timchenko, with his swimming strokes.

That’s how leaders act.

Kelso

Eric Wu helps Tim Timchenko with some swimming strokes.

They lead, they inspire, and they motivate.

The Camas Boys Swim team is a diverse one. You’ve got your rock stars who have State Champion titles, the near break-outs who are are the verge of hitting some amazing times, focused swimmers who are improving their skills, those that struggle or are new to the sport.

Freshman Josef Kiesenhofer’s teammates know he works as hard as anyone at their practices. New to Camas, Kiesenhofer had taken a break from competitive swimming while his family lived in Germany for the past two years. Prior to that, he swam in Connecticut and North Carolina.

He’s focusing on getting state cuts in the 100 Back and 100 Fly.

”I feel pretty good about the 100 Fly,” Kiesenhofer said. “I have a lot of experience, and it’s fun to be on this team. I really admire Mark Kim — he can practically do anything.”

At Kelso, Kiesenhofer competed in the 100 Fly, 50 Free, and two relays. He won the 100 Fly event.

Kelso

Josef Kiesenhofer in the 100 Fly.

Freshman Kaden Lana started back up this year after a two-year swimming hiatus. He competes in the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 200 Relay.

“Swimming is fun,” said Lana. “And I love doing Freestyle. It’s easy!”

Sophomore Luke Bales is on the cusp of getting State times in the 50 Free and 100 Free.

”I need to shave 1-2 seconds,” said Bales. “That’s still a lot, but Kelso is a good pool with good blocks and a deep diving end. And the walls here are sticky.”

He may pull it off at Kelso 2.0 this week, when the boys meet at the annual major invitational featuring athletes from 19 schools.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

Swim Photo Gallery

 

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Crown Park Pool Closes Indefinitely; Officials, Citizens Ponder Its Fate

Camas, WA —  Following a detailed November 2017 inspection by the Clark County Public Health Department, it was determined that the Crown Park Pool in Camas would require more than $300,000 of significant repairs and equipment replacement to meet code requirements.

Given that information, the Camas City Council on January 2 opted to not open the pool this year.

City officials have been working with some proposed concepts with the Crown Park Master Plan, which was shown to the public last summer.

“We are planning on moving forward with something,” said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. “The pool is 60 years old and we’ve been discussing for some time replacement options. We’ve discussed a splash pad at Crown Park, and there’s the option to build a new pool at a different location. Possibly a community center with a pool, work out area, meeting rooms and the ability to host events.”

He noted a new state-of-the-art facility may be too expensive for Camas and Washougal — even if it was a joint venture.

”We can explore having a private partner in there that might be able to do something, so that’s also in the works,” said Capell.

The Camas City Council will address how to handle the issues with the Crown Park Pool at their Annual Planning Conference on January 26 and 27 at the Lacamas Lake Lodge. The meeting begins at 1 pm on January 26, and at 9 am on January 27. Those sessions are open to the public.

City Councilor Deanna Rusch said the full agenda for the two-day session will be available online by January 24. Visit  www.cityofcamas.us for details.

“We know the pool is full of meaning and memories for our Camas community,” said the City of Camas on their website. “Our hope is to provide continued opportunities for summer outdoor fun, whether at Crown Park or elsewhere. Please stay tuned!”

City Councilor Bonnie Carter said the city does understand that citizens desire an aquatics facility of some sort.

“Council voted roughly 10 years ago to put repair funds into the pool, which extended its life expectancy,” said Carter. “The repair cost today is much more with no guarantee that we would get more than one summer. It was a tough decision not to open the pool this year but as one door closes, another opens, and I feel confident the plan to add a splash pad and amphitheatre will be a great addition to Crown Park. There may be an opportunity to partner with another entity to build a pool, but that’s only talk at this point.”

Pool

Zach Macia at a recent competition. He’s a member of the State Championship winning Camas Swim Team.

 

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Wrestling Rivalry: Camas Sinks The Titanic at Epic Home Dual

By Dan Trujillo

History was made in the warehouse Wednesday, when the Camas wrestling team broke the hammerlock Union had on the Greater St. Helens League for the last 10 years.

Down by 20 points with four matches left, Jack Latimer, Tanner Craig, Rylan Thompson and Karter Leifsen pinned Titans in succession to help the Papermakers win 39-35.

“I’ve never been a part of a dual like that where there were so many wrestlers, families and students. It was just a cool atmosphere,” said Camas head coach Cory VomBaur. “You had a lot of Union and Camas fans on both sides. That’s the way these two schools are, but wrestling hasn’t stepped into that dynamic until now.”

Union led 11-0, until Colby Stoller brought the Papermakers back from the brink by pinning his opponent. Sam Malychewski stuck a Titan that out-weighed him by more than 20 pounds.

“The first period, I shot in and felt how strong he was. It was a little intimidating,” Malychewski said. “I just pushed through that. I was happy to get that pin.”

Camas was still on the ropes. Ryan Ball saved the Papermakers when he rallied to defeat Brandon Esperto 6-4. The Titans countered with another pinfall victory to increase their advantage to 35-15.

But, that’s when Camas dropped the hammer down.

Latimer pinned Union senior Aaron Avery in the third round. Craig and Thompson pinned a couple of freshmen. All the sudden, the Papermakers trimmed the Titan lead to 35-33.

It was all up the Leifsen. He had to wrestle a senior who placed fifth at the Pacific Coast Championships.

“I went out there and tried to block as much of the pressure as I could,” Leifsen said. “I approached it like any other match, wrestled my hardest and stuck him.”

Leifsen locked in a near fall during the first round. The Camas wrestlers, coaches and fans were on pins and needles. Leifsen led 7-0. All the Papermakers needed was those three points. But, he wanted more.

Wrestling

Karter Leifsen vs. Miles Hartwig.

“Thirty seconds in, you could see Karter had something the other guy didn’t have,” VomBaur said. “We relaxed when he was up 7-0. All the sudden, Karter puts that guy on his back again. You could see it starting to sink in. Isaac was starting to fade. The pin was coming. We all knew it that time.”

Leifsen kept waiting to hear the referee slap his hand on the mat.

“I heard the crowd go crazy and I knew it was over,” he said. “Just the roar of the crowd when I heard that slap on the mat is something I’m never going to forget.”

When this wrestling rivalry started 10 years ago. Camas coaches Glenn Hartman and Brody Faler came up with a concept they called “The Battle for the Paddle.” Both schools are located on opposite sides of Lacamas Lake.

Union won the paddle in 2008, and has held on to it ever since. So long, that these Camas coaches and wrestlers had no idea this paddle even existed until the Titans gave it back to the Papermakers Wednesday.

“Never heard about this paddle in my whole life,” Latimer said. “It’s like a bonus. We have something to keep.”

“We just made history,” Thompson said.

Wrestling

Close up of the Paddle.

 

Wrestling

Jack attack! Jack Latimer.

 

Wrestling

Rylan Thompson pins Josh Helm.

 

Wrestling

Tanner Craig gets ready to pin Calvin Bahl.

Camas has an opportunity to win its first 4A Greater St. Helens League wrestling championship if it can beat Battle Ground Wednesday, Jan. 17.

The Papermakers are also hosting the district tournament Saturday, Feb. 3.

“Let’s not get complacent. Let’s strive to do better,” Malychewski said. “There’s a reason why they had that paddle for 10 years. We have to build off this for years to come.”

This was a night to remember for Camas Papermakers, young and old. Craig summarized the history made perfectly.

“We knew we needed to get those four pins. We were all hoping and praying,” he said. “It happened. It was the craziest day of the year.”

Wrestling Photo Gallery

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Rivalry Night in The Warehouse: Camas Girls Hang on to Defeat Union by 2

By Dan Trujillo

What started out as a 20-0 smashing turned into a nail-biting 46-44 victory for the Camas girls against their rivals from down the road Tuesday.

“Our goal is to start out super strong and get that comfortable lead in the beginning,” said senior guard Jillian Webb. “But, I think we got too comfortable in this game and almost let it slip right through our fingers.”

Webb delivered three 3-pointers out of the gate. Haley Hanson and Marianna Payne also attacked the rim, and Jordyn Wilds drained a three of the her own to give the Papermakers a 20-0 advantage before the first buzzer sounded.

“Before the game started, I told Haley I was feeling it,” Webb said. “She told me to bring it right away. I wasn’t kidding, I guess.”

The Titans clicked in the second half, and bombarded the Papermakers with six 3-pointers. Union rallied within two points in the final minutes of the game, but Camas never relinquished its advantage.

After the final buzzer, Webb pumped her fist in the air.

“I felt like I was going to throw up. I was so anxious,” she said. “It was just us having faith in each other. ‘We got this. Don’t let it slip away.'”

As the game got physical, the Papermakers turned it up a notch. Maggie Wells delivered tough baskets and foul shots for 3-point plays. Courtney Clemmer played relentless in the paint, grabbed rebounds and made foul shots.

Payne devoured the Titans on the boards. At one point, she missed a foul shot but got to the ball first off the rim and put it right back up for two more points.

Basketball

Maggie Wells powers in two points and earns a foul shot. “Don’t sleep on her,” said teammate Jillian Webb. “She always has something up her sleeve.”

“I take the physicality as a boost,” she said. “I like the intensity. It makes me work a lot harder.”

Although she is just a sophomore, Payne is a force on the floor. Every day, she’s learning what it takes to be a varsity basketball player from the seven seniors on the team.

“Off the court, I love to cheer for them because they are so nice and they’re really helpful,” Payne said. “On the court, I do as much as I can to provide for my team.”

On Tuesday, Camas learned not to take Union lightly. This rivalry is only just beginning.

“No matter how big the lead, just keep playing hard all four quarters instead of just the first quarter,” Webb said. “Be a four-quarter team. Play hard the whole game, not just when we want to.”

Frustrating night for Camas boys

No matter how many times the Papermakers got within one point of their rivals, the Titans buried them again.

Union made eight 3-pointers in the game, including five by Tyler Combs, to defeat Camas 70-61.

Isaiah Sampson propelled the Papermakers 24 points and 14 rebounds, but Camas could never regain the lead after losing it in the second quarter.

“I just wanted to dominate. I knew that’s what I needed to help the team,” Sampson said. “They were getting to the rack easy. We changed it up, but started giving them space and they started knocking down threes. We just have to be ready for anything.”

The Titans charged ahead by 12 in the fourth quarter. Ben Cooke and Tre Carlisle kept hope alive for the Papermakers with 3-pointers. Camas cut the deficit down to three in the final 10 seconds, but couldn’t get any closer.

Basketball

Tre Carlisle drains a 3.

“We’re a hard-nosed team,” Cooke said. “We’re going to keep battling no matter the output, no matter the deficit, no matter the score.”

Cooke was thrilled to see Sampson take over the game from the start. He scored six points out of the gate, including a dunk that sent the fans into a frenzy.

“I see that every day in practice,” Cooke said. “He’s a big time player. He’s going to do big things and he’s going to go big places.”

After frustrating losses to Skyview and Union at home, Camas looks forward to the rematches: Jan. 19 at Skyview and Jan. 26 at Union.

“Those games are definitely circled on the schedule,” Cooke said. “This left a bad taste in our mouth, but we’ll keep working and get that win the next time.”

The Camas basketball teams host Battle Ground in The Warehouse Friday. The boys tip off first at 5:30 p.m., followed by the girls at 7 p.m.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Dan Trujillo

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To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

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Washougal City Mayor, Councilors Take Ceremonious Oaths of Office

Washougal, WA — Mayor Molly Coston and City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutch, and Julie Russell took their ceremonious oath of offices Monday night at the Washougal City Council’s first public meeting of 2018. They were all sworn in by Judge John Hagensen.

Coston had already assumed her duties, and Monday’s oath was a ceremonious one. Greenlee, Kutch, and Russell took their oaths together, and the the council went about its public meeting.

”I’m very excited to be here,” said Coston, who went on to address high residential growth, which she said brings “big benefits and challenges.”

Russell is new to Washougal, and won her first city council race in November. She has already been assigned her committee duties: Finance, Public Works, Cemetery, and Parks.

“Since I’m new on the council, Finance and Public Works are good places to start,” said Russell, “to get a feel of where the money goes, and how the Public Works Department works.”

Washougal

City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutcher, and Julie Russell take the oath of office.

The council heard from the public on the following:

Port of Camas-Washougal Waterfront Plans: High level plans for the area will be unveiled later this month.

Proposed Washougal bike park: Ed Fischer and Jan Verander urged the council to keep the proposed bike park moving along, as it was recently halted. Coston said the project was discussed at Monday’s workshop and that the council wants to move forward with the bike park. Verander said the park “is a great place to have an imagination, and some kids are solo people.”

The council also voted on some resolutions:

  • Minutes
  • Major accounts payable and payroll claims
  • New personnel policies

Coston had a brief mayor’s report, and the council took turns welcoming it newest members.

To learn more, visit www.cityofwashougal.us

Washougal

Julie Russell signs her oath of office at the conclusion of Monday’s Washougal City Council meeting.

 

Washougal

Washougal Mayor, Molly Coston, takes the oath of office from Judge John Hagensen.

 

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Lees Lead Washougal: Abby Honored for 2nd State Title, Tanner, Scott Excel

By Dan Trujillo

The Lees wrestling name will hang on the walls of the Joe Brown Gymnasium at Washougal High School forever.

Before the Panthers beat Mark Morris 54-27 in a league duel Thursday, head girls coach Heather Carver and the community honored Abby Lees with a 2017 state championship plaque. Her younger brother, Scott, climbed up the ladder and hung it next to Abby’s other banner from 2015.

Abby Lees earned a record of 105-6 for Washougal. She wrestled in four state finals matches at the Tacoma Dome and won two titles.

“Wrestling is like our family heritage,” Tanner Lees said. “We have a mat in our living room we can use all the time.”

“It’s what keeps our family together,” Scott Lees added. “When we get home, sometimes our dad might get us in a headlock and start teaching us.”

Tanner and Scott Lees are climbing their own ladders. The brothers wrapped up 2017 with Washougal River Rumble championships. Tanner finished in fourth place at state last season and hopes to win it all this year. Scott also wants to wrestle at the Tacoma Dome, in February, and bring home a medal.

 

Lees

Scott Lees turns his opponent into a pin fall predicament.

Scott and Tanner pinned their opponents from Mark Morris Thursday. Tanner Klopman, Andrew Hopple, Jason Powell, Jeffrey Wells, Mason Armstrong, Dakota Andleman and Bryce Williams also won their matches for Washougal.

As a team, the Panthers finished in first place at the Washougal River Rumble. They racked up 205 points to win the 13-school tournament. Centralia took second place with 159 points.

Cole Pass clinched the 126-pound championship for Washougal. He beat Centralia’s Dayvi Gaspar 6-1 in the final match.

Scott Lees defeated Castle Rock’s Elijah Bell 12-7 in the 132 title match. Tanner Lees pinned all four his opponents to finish first at 152 pounds.

Hopple took second place at 145 and Andleman earned second at 285. Jonathan Wells, Blake Webb, Klopman, Powell and Armstrong reached the third- and fourth-place round. Gus Shelley and Williams got to the fifth- and sixth-place rounds.

On Jan. 12 and 13, the Washougal boys and girls wrestling teams will compete in the Clark County Championships, at Skyview High School.

 

Lees

Jason Powell drives his opponent into the mat.

 

Lees

Andrew Hopple pins his opponent.

 

Lees

Tanner Klopman (right) locks up with a Mark Morris Monarch in the last match of the evening. The Panthers manhandled the Monarchs 54-27.

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Rockin’ The Warehouse: League Begins With a Bang for Camas Basketball

By Dan Trujillo

Camas High School basketball players, coaches and fans have been waiting months for the first league doubleheader of the season.

Papermaker basketball fans, young and old, came to The Warehouse Wednesday to see the next chapter in the Camas, Skyview rivalry.

“The crowd was awesome,” said senior Tre Carlisle. “I want that every game. Even louder.”

“Every time the band comes, they double the size of the crowd. And then when you add all the noise, it definitely changes the atmosphere,” said head boys coach Ryan Josephson.

The Camas boys rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to get within two before time expired, but the Storm held on for a 53-51 victory to remain undefeated.

The Camas girls turned an 18-0 start into a 63-14 victory. The Papermakers held Skyview to just one field goal in the first half, and led 27-3 at the break. Hannah Booth, Haley Hanson, Brooklyn Pauscha and company hit a bunch of 3-pointers in the onslaught.

Basketball

Hannah Booth led an offensive outburst by the Camas girls basketball team against Skyview. The Papermakers blew the Storm out of the building, 63-14.

The boys game featured a series of scoring barrages by both teams. Camas jumped out to a 9-3 lead on threes by Ben Cooke and Carson Bonine. Skyview tied the score and then took an 8-point advantage.

The Papermakers reclaimed the lead before halftime. Jack Glikbarg ignited the offense with two threes, another basket and a foul shot for a 3-point play to make it 28-25 Camas.

“My brother told me, ‘If I wear his shoes, I have to shoot,'” Glikbarg said. “I was feeling good this game. It was fun.”

Glikbarg led the Papermakers with 13 points. He showed no fear attacking the basket, drawing fouls and clapping his hands together.

“That’s his trademark,” Carlisle said.

“He has an endless motor,” Josephson added. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the first quarter or the fourth quarter.”

Basketball

Jack Glikbarg nets a three from up top.

Skyview had the momentum going into the fourth quarter. Slowly, Camas chipped away on baskets by Bonine, Carlisle and Glikbarg.

Down by three with 11 seconds left, the Papermakers took an open shot from behind the 3-point line, but the ball rolled in and out of the basket. The Storm increased their lead to five at the foul line. Cooke beat the buzzer with a final 3-pointer, but Camas still lost by two.

Josephson had some questions going into the final quarter. Did Skyview just get hot at the right time or was Camas giving up?

“The great thing is, our guys didn’t show that. They battled right to the end,” Josephson said. “That’s what I’ve known about these guys since they were sophomores. They have always had that resilience.”

Now, he’s curious to see how the Papermakers handle this adversity after winning their first eight games of the season.

“I hope this fuels their fire again, and reminds them that they are the dark horse in the league,” Josephson said. “They’re nobody’s league favorites. They have to show up every day, put in the work and battle to beat these teams.”

Basketball

Tre Carlisle challenges a defender.

 

Basketball

Isaiah Sampson tries to shoot over a few Skyview defenders.

 

Basketball

Jordyn Wilds drives to the hoop for Camas.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

 

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Did You Know There’s a Special Election on February 13? Find The Details Here

A Special Election is being held on February 13 to address four measures across several Clark County cities.

Here are the four resolutions that citizens will vote on:

  • City of Camas Resolution No. 17-016: This concerns the renewal of the city’s expiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy. The proposition calls for a levy each year for a period of six consecutive years beginning in 2019, and will be a general tax on taxable property within city limits — in an amount not to exceed $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed value of such property. The levy will provide funds for continued EMS services.
  • Battle Ground has a proposal to relieve overcrowding and improve infrastructure in its schools.
  • Evergreen Schools has a resolution concerting a general obligation bond to provide funds to construct, equip, renovate and make certain capital improvements throughout the school district.
  • La Center School District has a resolution concerning a proposition to relieve overcrowding and improve infrastructure in several schools.

Key Dates:

  • Military/overseas ballots mailed – January 12
  • Deadline to update your existing registration – January 15
  • Deadline to register online – January 15
  • Deadline to register by mail – Postmarked by January 15
  • Ballots mailed – January 26
  • Deadline for new Washington voter registrations (in person only) – February 5

There are three ways to register, if you haven’t done so:

  • Online if you have a Washington sate ID or driver’s license.
  • In person at the Clark County Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. Vancouver
  • By mail with a voter registration form available by mail or download from the office of Secretary of State.

For registration information, visit https://www.clark.wa.gov/elections/voter-registration

More full details on the election, see https://www.clark.wa.gov/elections

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The Bea 1000: Washougal Basketball Player Surpasses 1,000 Points

By Dan Trujillo

All for Washougal stood up and hollered when Beyonce Bea eclipsed 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in her high school basketball career Wednesday.

“It felt amazing,” she said. “It was really nice to do it at home. That’s what we all wanted, because the fans and my teammates made it happen and helped me get to this point.”

But more importantly to Bea, the Panthers defeated Hockinson 79-67 to improve to 3-0 in league play.

“The fact that it was a home game against a tough league opponent that we all love to beat … that just made it more special,” she said.

Bea came into the game 27 points shy of 1,000. She finished with 33 points, shooting 11-for-16 from the field and 11-for-14 from the foul line. She also racked up 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks.

“Her teammates found her when she was open. They kept feeding her the ball. She was hot,” said head coach Britney Knotts.

Once Bea got to one thousand in the fourth quarter, Knotts called timeout so she could give the Panther a ball signed by her teammates and coaches.

Bea

Beyonce Bea takes home the game ball and another one signed by her teammates and coaches. The Washougal High School junior ranks fourth all-time with 1,006 points.

“It was amazing,” Knotts said. “I’ve never had a player reach a thousand. Those are things you hear about.”

Skylar Bea also had a big night for Washougal. The freshman collected 15 points and 8 rebounds. McKinley Stotts added 9 points and 5 rebounds. Ashley Gibbons netted 8 points. Kiara Cross chipped in 4 points, 6 assists and 9 rebounds.

Beyonce Bea is already the best rebounder in school history. She ranks fourth in career scoring with 1,006 points. Krissy Bassett holds Washougal’s all-time record with 1,351 points, followed by Alyssa Blankenship (1,241) and Kim Rink (1,169).

Bassett and Blankenship eclipsed 1,000 points when they were high school seniors. Bea is just a junior.

“I dedicate this to my parents and coaches,” Bea said. “They all have pushed me and they believe in me. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

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