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Camas Boys Swim Team Rebuilds on Experience, Strength

It’s one week into the new school swim season, and the reigning 4A state champion Camas boys swim team is working hard to find a way back to the state awards podium.

“We’re trying to find 2-4 kids to fill the void of two seniors we lost last year,” said Head Coach, Mike Bemis, who himself was honored as Coach of the Year. “We’re trying to fill Jeff’s (Fadlovich) spot and Tom’s (Utas) spot and I’m not sure how many juniors, sophomores, and freshmen we have to do that. Right now, we have the six returning from State, and now we need some others to step up.”

He added it’s very early in the season, with the first regular season meet several weeks away. The boys swim team has had a string of District Championships, and since 2012 they’ve been getting closer each year to clinching the State title, which they finally did in February 2017. They had the right mix of winning individual and relay performances to propel them over the top.

Team Co-captain Mark Kim, who is the reigning 4A State champion in the 200 Free and 500 Free events, looks forward to the journey this season. Senior Finn McClone is the other team captain. He was preparing for the Salem Open meet during interview time.

“The team’s accomplishments last year were really big,” said Kim. “It’s a really big legacy we have to live up to this year, and this being my senior year, it makes me want that State title even more. We have some talented underclassmen that will help us get there.”

This year’s squad is 30 athletes strong, with six seniors, 10 juniors, six sophomores, and eight freshmen. The team is comprised of swimmers from local swim clubs — Columbia River Swim Team (CRST), Lacamas Athletic Club, and Portland Athletic Club (PAC), as well as athletes from Washougal.

“We swim about four miles each day,” said freshman, Dave Peddie, with a big smile. “Morning, night, lunch time.”

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

Swim

State Champion swimmer, Mark Kim, help lead the Camas Boys Swim team win the State title earlier this year.

Swim Team Image Gallery

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CHS Girls Soccer Team Heads to WIAA Final 4 Tournament

The Camas High School Girls Varsity soccer team qualified for the WIAA Final Four Tournament for the third consecutive year by defeating Skyline of Sammamish by a score of 4-1 last weekend. They will next compete against Issaquah at Puyallup’s Sparks Stadium in the semi-final on Friday in their drive to defend their state title. This is the third time this team has been down this road.

The girls made it to the state semifinals by averaging 4.2 goals per game, led offensively by junior Maddie Kemp (who’s scored 40 goals this season). Defensively, Perrin Belzer is the team’s defensive anchor, which has been an essential ingredient to the team’s success this season, and throughout Belzer’s high school soccer career.

Camas has only allowed nine goals this entire season. In 2015, Issaquah beat Camas in a shootout following two overtimes. The match was scoreless until the shootout.

This weekend’s state games will be broadcast on www.nfhsnetwork.com

The games begin at 8 pm Friday.

Last Saturday’s Soccer Match

Here are some of the statistics from last weekend’s Skyline match at Doc Harris:

Goals (assists):

Carla Jooste (Jazzi Paulson)

Maddie Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp (Liz Parker)

Kemp

Saves in Goal: Falissitie DePasquale 6

Soccer Image Gallery

Photos by Kris Cavin

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ilani Captures 24 Awards in 7 Months; Casino Nabs Top Honors

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – ilani, a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Southwest Washington, has garnered two dozen awards since opening this past April. Developed by Salishan-Mohegan LLC in collaboration with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, ilani has attracted gaming aficionados from all along the I-5 corridor and is poised to continue its streak of good luck. With a new event center slated to open in 2018, the destination will enhance its offerings with a state-of-the-art facility for hosting meetings, conventions and some of the best entertainment in the Pacific Northwest.

“Open for less than seven months, ilani has clearly made an indelible impression on the local community and our guests,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of ilani. “We are honored to be counted among the best casinos in the region, and we are excited about our evolving offerings.”

ilani’s premier 100,000-square-foot gaming floor has something for everyone. More than 2,500 slot machines and 75 table games include favorites like blackjack, roulette, midi baccarat, craps and pai gow poker. ilani dealers and staff are ready and willing to offer advice and guidance for new players, and the excitement of slots doesn’t end after a trip to ilani: online casino games are available via ilani’s Play4Fun Casino site.

Strictly Slots Magazine Awards and Feature

As the winner of 13 awards in the Native Northwest category from Strictly Slots Magazine, ilani will be featured in the edition published today. The reader’s choice awards are the result of national voting from April to July, with ballots cast by mail or online. ilani received eight first-place wins, including:

  • Best Overall Casino
  • Best Reel Slots
  • Best Nickel Slots
  • Best Dollar Slots
  • Casino Where You Feel Luckiest
  • Best Slot Club, Momentum
  • Best Players Club Lounge
  • Friendliest Casino

Second-place wins for ilani included Best Video Slots, Best 50-cent Slots and Best $5+ Slots. ilani came in third for Best Video Poker and Best Comps. Additionally, the editorial staff of Strictly Slots Magazine named ilani their favorite casino in the region, granting the Editor’s Choice Award for the Northwest.

Casino

“We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll…” Starship featuring Mickey Thomas comes to Muze for a free show on Saturday, November 25.

Casino Player Best of Gaming Edition Awards

Ilani recently took home 10 awards from Casino Player Magazine’s Best of Gaming edition published in September. The casino nabbed numerous 2017 Native Northwest Honors, including four first-place wins:

  • Best Casino
  • Best Players Club, Momentum
  • Best Comps
  • Best Video Poker

Second-place finishes with Casino Player Magazine included Best Hosts, Best Reel Slots and Casino Where You Feel The Luckiest. ilani ended up third in the categories of Best Promotions, Best Dealers and Best Roulette.

Finally, Casino Player Magazine’s awards come on the heels of another big win in July’s Best Bets edition. ilani was named among Best Bets: Casino Player’s Expert Picks.

About ilani 
Located on a 156-acre site in Clark County, Washington, ilani, developed by the Cowlitz Tribe and Salishan-Mohegan, a partnership that includes Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s foremost gaming and entertainment developers and operators, is the West Coast’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. With 368,000 total square feet, ilani includes 100,000-square-feet of gaming space with 2,500 slots and 75 gaming tables; 15 restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances. For more information, visit ilaniresort.com and follow ilani on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Washougal Mayoral Race: Coursey Concedes, Coston Declares Victory

Washougal, WA — The Washougal mayoral race came to an end today as City Councilman, Dan Coursey, conceded the race to Molly Coston.

By this afternoon, Coston had received 1,574 votes (54.39%) and Coursey received 1,230 votes (42.5%). Paul Godin, a write-in candidate, received 90 votes (3.11 %).

“As most people probably know I have been trailing in this race since election night, said Coursey. “Currently there is a 344 vote difference and we probably won’t be able to cover that with the few ballots left to count.”

“I have called Molly Coston and congratulated her as Washougal’s new Mayor. It was a hard-fought campaign on both sides, but I look forward to working with Molly, and for great things to happen here in Washougal under her leadership. Washougal is a great place and there will be opportunities to make things better in the future. I will cheer our new City Mayor on and help as best as I am able.”

“There aren’t words adequate to thank my many supporters and those that voted for me. I have been just blown away by all the kind help that everyone has provided. I sincerely appreciate you all.”

Coursey will continue to serve on the Washougal City Council. He has half way through a two-year term.

Coston will be sworn in on January 1 at City Hall.

“I am honored to be the voter’s choice for Mayor in Washougal,” said Coston. “I’m already working to become more informed, going through the 2018 budget, and have scheduled meetings with department heads and Mayor Guard. I’ll work hard to keep the trust and respect of council and staff throughout the new year, and reach out to collaborate with local agencies.”

On election night, Coston said she will also work to combat the homeless problem in Washougal.

“I really am honored that enough people voted for me — since I’m a newcomer,” said Julie Russell, who also won a Washougal City Council seat. “I’ll work with those who have been elected. We all have the same goals to support Washougal. Let’s work together to form a good relationship.”

Russell said she and Coston, as well as other newly elected officials, will start training for newly elected officials on December 2 in Vancouver.

 

Election

Molly Coston, left, with friends and volunteers at her election night party.

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Washougal Mayoral Race: Coston Campaign ‘Cautiously Optimistic’

Washougal, WA — The Washougal city mayoral race between Molly Coston and Dan Coursey didn’t have a definitive ending on election night with neither candidate claiming victory or conceding the surprisingly dramatic race.

Early results from the Clark County Elections Office show Coston with 1,091 votes (54.31%), Coursey with 848 votes (42.21%), and write-in Paul Godin with 70 votes (3.48%). Total vote count to-date is 2,009. Two-hundred-forty-eight votes separate Coursey and Coston.

Tuesday’s official results don’t factor ballots mailed in or dropped off on election day.

Coston campaign surrogate and Washougal city councilman, Brent Boger, is claiming victory for his preferred candidate. “It’s a solid win for Washougal,” he said. “Molly has the experience. When she took over briefly for Stacy Sellars as temporary mayor she handled the job very well. She fit in extremely well.”

State Representative Liz Pike, and Coursey supporter, has a different perspective.

“Only 248 votes separate the two candidates,” she said. “Republicans typically wait to send in their ballots, and those numbers will be reflected on Wednesday with the next update, and then with Thursday’s update. It’s not over.”

Election

From left: City councilman Dan Coursey, Neil Cahoon, Ray Kuta, and State Representative Liz Pike.

When official numbers were made public after 8 pm Tuesday the Coursey camp was still optimistic.

“I thought the campaign would be a quiet affair,” said Coursey. “I didn’t know this would be so loud. I’m so glad all my friends stuck with me. I’ve knocked on over 3,000 doors, and each family has a different story. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the people of Washougal.”

Coston filed to run at the last possible moment, and she said the race has been a challenging one.

“I jumped in with both feet,” Coston said. “I had a team that pushed me; that mentored me, and I really enjoyed door knocking. That was my stress reliever. I really loved talking to everyone. I’ve watched politics for a long time, and I really felt this was the right time to get in. Right now, we’re cautiously optimistic.”

Each candidate spelled out what they’ll do first if elected, and we’ll post those plans when a winner is officially declared.

Julie Russell won her Washougal city council race against Adam Philbin, 55.7% to 44.3%.

“I’m very honored the voters of Washougal voted for me,” Russell said. “I’m happy to work with whoever is elected to make this a better community.”

Camas Election Night Results

  • Melissa Smith defeated her opponent, Emilia Brasier, for Camas city council.
  • Steven Hogan won his race for Camas city council. He ran unopposed.
  • Shannon Turk won her race for Camas city council. She ran unopposed.
  • Casey O’Dell won re-election to the Camas School Board. He ran unopposed.
  • Julie Rotz won her race for Camas School Board. She ran unopposed.
  • Tracey Malon won her race for Camas School Board. She ran unopposed.
  • John Spencer won his race against Mark Forbes for Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner.
  • Larry Kessler won his race against Adam Parsley for Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner.

Other Washougal Election Night Results

  • Brent Boger won his race for Washougal city council. He ran unopposed.
  • Paul Greenlee won his race for Washougal city council. He ran unopposed.
  • Raymond Kutch won his race for Washougal city council. He ran unopposed.
  • Julie Russell won her race for Washougal city council against Adam Philbin.
  • Donna Sinclair won her School Board race against Jaron Barney.
  • Cory Chase won his race for School Board.
  • Ron Dinius won his race for School Board.

To learn more, visit www.results.vote.wa.gov

Election Night Images

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“The Laramie Project”: Play is ‘Challenging, Raw, Emotional Material’

On Saturday, November 4, 2017, the Camas High School Theatre group performed “The Laramie Project”, I attended the matinee at 2:00 pm.

There are many specific reasons that individuals join together to share in a common interaction with the arts. Be it music, painting, sculpture, film, photography, dance, theatre or other forms. Generally, the reason is the same, we expect the art to affect us emotionally. Sometimes the emotion is joy, perhaps happiness, or simply to be entertained through humor or wit. The best art tells a story about real or fictional characters, their motivations, their joys and pains, to be revealed through the senses—sound, light, color, speech, smell, taste, or form.

In the case of exceptional art, that story aspires to more than just someone else’s journey discovered through an artist’s medium. Art can attain a higher level, where if the subject is willing, the story unfolds around you in such a compelling narrative that the story is no longer a foreign entity, it enters you and demands that you become part of it. “The Laramie Project” is such an opportunity. If you let it in, you become part of the story. If you let it in, and apply introspection to the experience, you will learn about yourself. In you let it in, and act on what you learned about yourself, it will change you.

Laramie

Actor Forest Myers-Power.

“The Laramie Project” is challenging, raw, emotional material. With data, quotes, and experiences gathered over significant amount of time through observation, interview, and research. The material is then presented in a narrative that depicts just not the journey of those directly involved in Laramie and surrounding locations, but the journey of the playwrights themselves as they interact directly with the setting in space and time. Slowly building the pieces of the puzzle, and then putting those pieces into the larger tapestry of the events surrounding the life and death of Matthew Shepard.

Occasional reexamination of one’s beliefs, prejudices, and biases is a critical component to human progression. Art is often the catalyst allowing one to sort through many attributes of the human condition in rapid succession. Hate, love, guilt, passion, judgement, compassion, anger, disgust, fear, charity, hope, and forgiveness may all run their course through you in the span of just a few hours’ time.

While there are moments of humor, this is not easy or light material. Your experience with it will vary greatly dependent on your willingness to engage it and especially to honestly engage yourself. If you let it in, you will leave with a greater desire for compassion and tolerance. Even towards those things which you don’t believe and for people and cultures that you don’t understand. If we are to heal our world, our nation, our community, even our families—it will take a little more of such desire.

There will be three more showings: This Friday at 7; Saturday matinee at 2, and a final showing this Saturday at 7 pm — all at Camas Theatre (at Camas High School).

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

— by Jon Pugmire

“The Laramie Project” Image Gallery

Photos by Jon Pugmire

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Opinion: A Few Things We Should All Stop Doing Right Now

This is just a list of things I’ve observed over the years that I think contribute to a negative culture — it’s just my opinion. I’m having a bit of fun with this list, but there are some serious points to consider. We welcome your input.

  1. Stop yelling at each other. Sometimes we feel we need to raise our voice to get our point across. Let’s stop and listen to what others have to say. Stop what you’re doing and look at them directly. Listen.
  2. Stop gossiping about your best friend behind his or her back. Kindness goes a long way.
  3. Stop hate-following people on your social media accounts. Let’s lift people up.
  4. Stop binge or over-drinking. Nobody likes it, and it doesn’t become you. Try a Perrier.
  5. Stop adding explanations to your apologies. We all screw up from time to time, and most people just want an apology and that negative behavior to end.
  6. Stop buying things based on what other people might think. If you like the car, jacket, or furniture–get it. I think of my neighbor who bought the ’78 Thunderbird last week. It’s hideous, but he loves it. Be you!
  7. Stop picking up your cell phone during dinner. It’s just rude. I’m sure you’re smart enough to engage in a good conversation.
  8. Stop texting your friend or relative that’s in the same room with you — or right next to you. Just talk. It’s nice to just converse with someone.
  9. Stop blaming the refs after your team loses. Own up and be respectful. Besides, it’s just a game.
  10. Stop waiting for success to come. Make it happen. You can do it! Start today.

What would you add to the list? And, by the way, I’m working on a list of things we SHOULD do.

Write us note in the comments section below or send an email to [email protected]

Thanks for reading!

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Camas XC Teams Take Home Two Trophies From State Meet

PASCO, WA — As the Cross Country world in Washington started to leave Sun Willows Golf Course, Camas High School runners reflected on the drama and results of the day. The outcome wasn’t what they expected, and the final milliseconds of the State meet will likely be on Papermaker Daniel Maton’s mind for months, if not years, but Camas did end the day on the awards podium multiple times, continuing a drive for success and excellence.

Taking home two team trophies, the lady Papermakers placed second, losing to Lewis and Clark by nine points. Their second place finish was propelled by Emma Jenkins, Camryn Mock, Halle Jenkins, Madison Child, Ellie Potsma, Jenna Lukowiak, and Brooke Roy.

The boys earned fourth place, led by Daniel Mason, David Connell, Spencer Twyman, Jackson Lyne, LJ Floyd, Sam Geiger, and Luke Utheza.

Senior Emma Jenkins earned the first Papermaker medal of the day with a fourth place finish (17:59.8). Mock placed 22nd (18:46.9), Jenkins placed 24th (18:49.4), and Child placed 25th (18:51.3). The team had focused on beating reigning State XC Champion Issaquah, which they did, but “didn’t see Lewis and Clark coming,” said Coach Laurie Porter. “They surprised us.”

For the past six seasons, the Camas Girls XC team has taken home three State titles, and three second place trophies.

The 4A boys team ended in dramatic fashion with Maton running neck and neck with Central Valley’s Ryan Kline to the bitter end. Maton took the lead by a step, then Kline took him, and at the last moments Maton pushed forward, lost his balance and fell across the finish line, settling for second place, losing by just two-tenths of a second.

Connell got a personal best (15:55.5) and underclassmen Floyd and Twyman continue to improve their times.

On the Washougal side, for 2A, Junior Amelia Pullen’s performance stood out with her third place finish (18:36.3).

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

XC State Meet Image Gallery

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Soccer Playoffs: Camas Beats Todd Beamer; Maddie Kemp Breaks Goal Record

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Varsity soccer team shut out Todd Beamer last night at Doc Harris Stadium, winning 9-0. The state qualifier, loser out match means the girls advance to play Rogers, of Puyallup, this Saturday at 2 pm at Ingersoll Stadium.

Four players scored goals early in the match as the girls seek a return to the State tournament. Five more goals were scored in the second half.

Jazzlyn Paulson and Maddie Kemp broke records on the same play, as Paulson earned her 16th assist, and Kemp scored her 82nd career goal. Kemp is a Junior. Both records are brand new to the Papermaker soccer program.

Soccer Match Stats

Goals (assists):

Jenna Efraimson

Kierstyn Heilbrun (Jazzlynn Paulson)

Paulson (Maddie Kemp)

Kemp

Paulson (Efraimson)

Carla Jooste (Kemp)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp

Goalkeeper saves: Falissitie DePasquale 1

Halftime: 4:0

Again, let this sink in: With Thursday’s match, Paulson has the single season all-time assist record with 16.  Kemp has the all-time career goal record with 82. They happened on the same play.

The girls won the Washington State Championship last year, and hope to return to the Championship game this season. Their season record is 13-2-2. Camas hasn’t given up a goal since October 3.

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

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Zarcone: Papermaker Grad Finds Success in Collegiate Rugby, Business Management

We recently caught up with 2015 Camas High School graduate, Cole Zarcone, who is presently a Junior at Central Washington University (CWU), in Ellensburg, WA, majoring in Business Management. While at CHS, Zarcone played Varsity football and ran sprints for the Track and Field team.

Question: What do you like most about Central Washington?

I love the small town feel of Ellensburg because it makes me feel like I’m back home. We have about 12,000 kids and I think it is the perfect size for a college. The campus is beautiful and the people here are amazing, as well.

Question: What’s happening with rugby?

The rugby season is just getting under way. Our 7’s season is short in the fall with two tournaments. We had the first tournament, called West Coast 7’s in San Francisco on Treasure Island. The team did great in our first tournament together, lots of new faces with our freshman, but we performed really well. There were 16 colleges from across the West Coast. We played well both days and ended up playing the University of Arizona in the championship game and won 17-15. This win for Central Washington Rugby was the biggest tournament win in the school’s history, so I am very blessed to be a part of it. I was honored to be named the MVP of the tournament, scoring 10 tries in our 6 matches. All the success I had on the pitch would not have happened without the help of my teammates and I’m so thankful for all of them.

What we have next is the Silicon Valley 7’s tournament, which is held at Avaya stadium in San Jose. This is an international 7’s tournament, with teams such as USA, Canada, South Africa and many others playing against each other. Eight college teams, us being one of them get to play in the stadium when the international players have a break from their tournament play, which is an experience of a lifetime and I’m very blessed. Very excited for this tournament which is this Friday, November 3-5.

Our 15’s season start in January with another trip down to California. We have a great schedule this year against top teams across the country. The team is hopeful to make a run in the playoffs this year, with the main goal of winning a national championship.

Cole

Celebrating a major victory.

Question: Why the switch from football to rugby?

Why I switched from football to rugby was because I just didn’t love the game as much as I did when I was in high school. I will forever love football and I’m so thankful for all that the sport brought into my life. My older brother, Austin Colvill, played football for Camas as well but ended up playing rugby for Western Washington University, and he was a big reason I found my love for rugby. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done because I left a sport I had played my whole life to go play a sport I had never played before. I was worried and doubted myself at times, but God showed me that this was what he wanted me to do, as he continued to open so many doors for me in rugby and I’m so blessed to be where I am today. Luckily, I ended up being at a school with a rugby team that is nationally ranked year after year. It was time for something new and I am so happy I choose to play rugby because it has brought new life to me in sports and the experiences I have got from it will last a life time.

Question: What do you enjoy most about rugby?

The thing I enjoy most about rugby is how loving and caring our teammates are for each other. I’ve been on amazing teams, but ever since I have played rugby I have learned what true brotherhood looks like. It’s special and leads into lifelong friends.

Question: What did you enjoy most about your time at CHS?

What I enjoyed most about CHS was living in a one high school town. I loved everything about camas. We are very blessed to have the facilities, teachers and coaches we do at Camas.

To learn more about the CWU rugby program, click here: http://www.wildcatsports.com/index.aspx?path=mrugby

Zarcone Images

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