Camas, WA — The Camas High School Athletics Department honored 16 student-athletes Friday morning who signed letters of intent for the colleges and universities they will be attending, and competing for, this Fall. 

Here are the student-athletes:

GRACE COMBS is heading up to Seattle to continue her education and athletic career at Seattle Pacific University where she is getting a full ride between athletic and academic scholarships. She was part of three league champion track and field teams in her time at CHS and she was a recognized all-league player. On campus, Grace was a pride inside winner and active with National Honors Society. She will be going into Nursing at Seattle Pacific. 

Parents Chris and Krista, Sisters Faith, Hope, and Joy. Memorable moment running in her first district meet and just the way the team felt like a family. 

JOSHUA DABASINSKAS is heading north to Bellevue College to continue his basketball career. Josh was part of the first boys’ basketball team to make it to the Dome that placed sixth this year. He was a two- time GSHL champion with the program. As a team captain he broke program records as the all-time leader in charges taken in a game, season, and career. At CHS, he took six AP classes and was a three-time state qualifier for DECA. He will be working toward a business degree at Bellevue. 

Parents Debi and Stephen, brother Jonathan – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MADISON HUBBARD is heading out to the Mid-West to attend Minnesota State University Mankato. Maddie was part of three district champion teams at CHS. She is the 100-meter school record holder, and place 3rd in the 100-meter race. Maddie excelled in the classroom as a Pride Inside Recipient who also has held a 3.97 GPA. She will be pursuing a degree in Aviation. 

Parents Deja and Nik – Memorable moment was the Bed Bugs at the Oregon Relays. 

ELI HUNTINGTON will be continuing his golf career while also serving our nation as he heads to the Air Force Academy. Eli was our league MVP twice, finished first at districts twice, and had two top five finishes at the state tournament. He led our team to a sixth-place finish in 2023 and fifth place finish in 2022. He will be studying Aeronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy. 

Parents Brad and Lee, Brother Owen – Memorable moment was playing two years with his brother on the team. 

THEO MCMILLAN is continuing his journey as a student-athlete at Seattle Pacific University. Theo was part of the record breaking 2023 basketball team that was the first boys’ team to make it to the Tacoma Dome where they took home a sixth-place finish. Theo ended his career with 49 wins and eleven other team records including the assist record for a game, season, and career. Theo also played soccer this year and was the GSHL defensive player of the year. He will be pursuing a degree in education and coaching science. 

Parents Sean and Jennifer, sister Lola and brother Eli – Memorable moment was beating Tahoma at the Tacoma Dome in the state playoffs. 

AMELIA MERRITT is heading down to Monmouth to run at Western Oregon University. Amelia lettered four straight years in track and cross country. She helped the track team tack home three district championships and get a 5th place finish in state in 2022. She showed her leadership through her senior project, she created and led her on offseason training group to get the team ready for the season. She will be going in to Dental Hygiene. 

Parents Zoe and Scott – Memorable moment was throwing up at district twice and still finishing her race. 

NORA MELCHER is heading up to Lacey to attend St. Martin’s University and play soccer. Nora is a three-time league champion, two time bi-district champion, and won a state championship in 2021. She was a two-time second team all-league player, and was honored as a first team player this season. She will be pursuing a nursing degree at St Martin’s.
Parents Jessica and Ben, brother Nick, sisters Ivy and Anna – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MARCO ORLANDO is heading down to McMinnville to attend Linfield University where he will play soccer. Marco was part of the 2023 League Champion soccer team at CHS, and was part of a state quarter finalist team as well. He is looking forward to Linfield as it is close to home, gives him an opportunity to continue playing, and thinks it is a great fit academically. He is undecided for what degree he will pursue. 

Parents Meredith and Joe – Memorable moment was riding buses to away games with the team. 

HAYDEN REICH is crossing the country to head to Florida and compete at the University of Tampa. Hayden has made a huge impact in our running programs during his time at CHS. He has been part of eight team league championships between Track and Cross Country, while competing with the team at the state level in 2021 and 2022 for cross country and 2022 and 2023 for track. As a two time all region first team runner and two-time league runner of the year, Hayden led the way the last two years. He will be going into business finance at the University of Tampa. 

Parents Erica and Henry – Memorable moment was running in the state cross country meet two times. 

OLAJUWON SOBOMEHIN is heading across the river to continue his wrestling career at Pacific University in Forest Grove. Juwon was part of the 2023 district champion CHS wrestling team. He placed at the district and regional tournaments this year, and got to wrestle at state in the Tacoma Dome. He has been a leader in our student body while being honored as a student of excellence by our social studies department. He will be pursuing a business degree at Pacific. 

Mom Rachel, Dad Niyo, and Stepdad Jon – Memorable moment was placing in regionals, going to state, and being named a team captain. 

JACOB SWENSON will be heading south to play baseball and attend Linfield University. Jake was part of two league championship baseball teams here at CHS while making it to the state sweet sixteen twice. Jake’s performance on the mound, at shortstop, and at the plate earned him first team all-league recognition this year. He lettered three years while also maintaining a 3.9GPA in the classroom. He will be going into Sports Management at Linfield University. 

Parents Diane and Gregg, sister Megan – Memorable moment was getting to play in the state tournament up north. 

ASHLEE TUPPER is heading to Viterbo University to continue pursuing her soccer career. She was part of two league championships, one bi-district championship and a state championship soccer team here at CHS over the two years she competed. She also competed with the Timbers FC Academy while maintaining a 3.86 GPA. She will be going in to Nutrition and Dietetics as she starts her college years. Parents Joe and Julee, brother Luke and sister Jasmyn. 

J.P. WARNELL is staying close to home and will be playing soccer for Clark College next year. JP was part of a league champion team in 2023 and also part of the team that made it to the state quarterfinals in 2022. As a team captain, he was the offensive player of the year this season while being first team all- league. This followed up a second team all-league selection as a junior. He looks to pursue a degree in business. 

Parents Rob and Niki – Memorable moment was the bus robbery in Puyallup his junior year. 

MORGAN WETZEL will also be heading up to Lacey and playing soccer at St. Martin’s University. As a three-time varsity letterman, she won three league championships and was part of the 2021 state championship team. She was a second team all-league selection this season. She also was a leader in our building as a Pride Inside winner in 2019. She will be going into Pre-Law at St. Martin’s. 

Parents Matt and Kirstin – Memorable moment was winning the state title in 2021. 

CHLOE WHITE is heading across the country to attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort where she will play soccer next year. Chloe played one year of soccer at CHS, and made it count as it was the state championship year in 2021. During her high school years, she was able to experience playing overseas in Spain with the Tovo Academy and Villanova FC. She will be pursuing a degree in sociology and criminology. 

Parents Sarah and Lloyd, sister Charlotte. 

KEELY WIECZOREK will be taking her goal stopping skills to Colorado as she will be attending Colorado Mesa University to continue her soccer career. Three league championships, two bi-district championships, one state championship, three first team all-league selections, two first team all-region selections, and one first team all-state selection, Keely racked up the accolades during her four varsity letter years at CHS. She did all that while maintaining a 3.95GPA and earning herself a Pride Inside award as well. She will be going into Biology at Colorado Mesa. 

Parents Ted, Linnea, and sibling Teddy – Memorable moment was winning the title in 2021. 

Washougal, WA — Twenty-four Washougal High School student athletes representing four sports advanced to state competitions this Spring. Golf, tennis, track and field, and equestrian athletes competed against teams in the Washington 2A division to wrap up the spring athletics season. Girls track placed 7th in state, with Washougal High School student Sydnee Boothby taking 1st place in the 800 meter and 2nd place in the 1600 and 3200 meter races.

Golf athletes Mason Acker, Brayden Kassel, Sky Linden, Mather Minnis, Keagan Payne and Katie Zillman competed in state tournaments on Tuesday, May 23 and Wednesday, May 24 in Liberty Lake, Washington.

Washougal High School tennis players Jaisa Wilson and Hadley Jones competed in state matches on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at University of Washington. 

“We’ve been doubles partners since our sophomore year and we’ve been first doubles team since our junior year,” said Jaisa Wilson, 12th grade student at Washougal High School.

Equestrian athletes competed at Moses Lake on May 18-21. Kali Buchanan, Natalie Bratton, Braedyn Domeyer, Olivia Eldridge, Lillian Grindy, Aubrey Hettling, Karen Phelps, Carmen Rish, and Hermione Rivera showcased their skills as part of the state equestrian competitions. 

Track and field athletes Holden Bea, Iris Hancock, Tanner Hardley, Kaya Johnson, Tucker Kneipp, Jaden Leonard, Anna Lundberg, Jamie Maas, Kendra Pass, Gracie Perry, Danica Stinchfield, and Elle Thomas compete in events ranging from the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault to 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races. 

Athletic events are funded by the Washougal School Levy, which Washougal voters generously approved this spring. The EP&O levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community for the next three years.

“We’re so proud of these Panther athletes for their hard work across this Spring season, culminating with the chance to compete one more time among the best in Washington,” said Athletic Director Brian Wilde. “Our teams have accomplished amazing things this school year. We’re excited to see what the 2023-24 school year brings for our student athletes, and we’re sure that the class of 2023 senior athletes will continue to make us proud as they move forward to their next steps following graduation.”

Washougal
Washougal

Kelso, WA — The Union High School Boys swim team clinched the District Championship Saturday with 256 points, narrowly defeating Camas (251 points). The two teams have long been competitive rivals.

In addition to winning Districts, Union swimmers also set multiple meet and pool records in the following events:

  • 400 Free Relay: Sammy Empey, Steve Empey, Alex Wahlman, and Owen Robertson clocked in at 3:10.68, which shaved FIVE seconds off the previous record. 
  • 200 Medley Relay: Sammy Empey, Steve Empey, Alex Wahlman, and Owen Robertson came in at 1:35.86.
  • 200 Free: Sammy Empey set a new record at 1:41.03.
  • 100 Fly: Sammy Empey set a record at 49.15.

This YouTube video report has two interviews: one with Union swimmers, and one with Camas team members Nathan Kim, Isaac Tim, Andrew Wessell, and Henry Webster.

Swim
Union High School boys swim team.

Washougal, WA — This week at sub-regional wrestling competitions, both Boys Wrestling and Girls Wrestling teams representing Washougal High School brought home championships. Brody Davis, Ryan Langston, Isaac Gill, Kiersten Lees, Adrienne Locke, and Aliyha Vargas won their respective weight classes. A total of 23 Washougal High School wrestlers are advancing to regional competitions on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

“The Washougal High School wrestling teams are so deserving of this victory. This has been a season of growth, competition, and camaraderie. Their hard work and commitment is paying off,” said Brian Wilde, athletic director at Washougal High School.

Washougal School District celebrates a long tradition of excellence in the wrestling program. Girls wrestling has placed in 12 league championships, two regional championships, and two state championships since 1996. Boys wrestling has placed in nine league championships, four district championships, and six state championships since 1975.

On Saturday, February 11, Boys Wrestling will compete in regionals at Aberdeen High School at 10 am. Girls Wrestling will compete in regionals at Shelton High School on February 11 at 10 am.

Athletic and club events are funded by the Washougal School Levy. The levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community.

Wrestling
Washougal Girls Wrestling team advances to Regionals.

The Camas High School Athletics Department celebrated 11 student-athletes Wednesday who are making their commitments to higher institutions as part of national signing day by signing their National Letter of Intent.

Each of these seniors have made an impact in their particular sport and now look to challenge themselves at the next level.  

“We wish each of them the best as they forge their paths in the years to come both in the classroom and in their arenas,” the department said in a statement.

In Alphabetical Order:

Zach Blair is a four-year Football and three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Oregon State University.  Zach was part of a state champion football team in 2019, and won three league titles in football and one more in baseball over the past four years.  A first team all-league recipient in both sports, Zach also was named to the first team all-state team as a junior.

Gracie Buzzell is a four-year Cross-Country and Track letterman who is committing to run at Oregon State University.  Gracie was part of teams that placed second and fifth in the state meet, while also taking home two individual district championships.  She served as team captain and was a four time scholar athlete award winner. 

Adrianna Cortes is a two-year Soccer letterman at CHS who is committing to play soccer at Pacific University.  Adrianna was part of 2021 League, Bi-District, and State Champion girls soccer team.  She won accolades from Max Preps as the State Player of the Week, and looks to continue her work in sports medicine by pursuing a major in athletic training and/or physical therapy.

Campbell Deringer is a four-year Swimming letterman who is committing to swim for the University of Nevada Reno.  A four-time first team all-league athlete, Campbell was also the GSHL and All Region swimmer of the year this year.  She won four district championships and finished second in the state in two events this year. 

Maxwell Fraser is a four-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball for Washington State University.  A two-time first team all-league player, Max looks to continue his success this spring.  He was a key part of the league champion team in 2022 that secured a state berth. 

Letter
Eleven CHS students participated in today’s event.

Boston Jensen is a four-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Tacoma Community College.  Boston has been part of teams that have taken home both league championships and made it to the state sweet 16.  He has displayed his leadership on the field as a team captain and looks to continue to lead the Papermakers this spring.

Ryan McClaskey is a three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Lower Columbia College.  Ryan was part of a team that took home a league title on the diamond in 2021.  Ryan’s talents on the mound often turn heads in the stands, and he looks to build on his successes at the next level.

Riley Parbon is a two-year Track and Cross-Country letterman who is committing to row at the University of Alabama.  Riley placed second at the American Lake Fall Classic, first at the Portland Fall Classic, and first at a Dual Regatta meet.  Riley will pursue Elementary Education at Alabama and looks forward to contributing to their rowing program for the next four years.

Natalie Peddie is a four-year Cross-Country letterman at CHS who is committing to run for Seattle Pacific University.  Natalie was part of three district champion teams, she won the individual district title in 2022, and finished 16th in the state as well.  Off the course, she took home both the CHS Pride Inside award as a model student and the district wide Milltown Pride Award. 

Aaron Sung is a three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball for Whitworth University.  Aaron was a key part of the 2022 league champion team that secured a state berth.  After winning the team’s most improved player award in 2022, Aaron looks to build on his successes this spring and in Spokane with the Pirates.

Cami Young is a two-year Volleyball letterman at CHS who is committing to play volleyball at California Lutheran University.  Cami was a leader both on the court and in the huddle with teams that won league titles in 2021 and 2022.  Both years they continued on to the state tournament.  Cami also provided leadership by taking part in a sportsmanship summit her senior year.

Letter
The event was well attended.

Kelso, WA — The Camas Papermaker Boys Swim team defeated the Union Titans 100-65 Tuesday night.

It’s a sport of numbers, seconds, tenths of seconds and even though Union won five events, including two relays, they didn’t have the sheer numbers to defeat Camas.

Union dominated the first event, the 200 Medley Relay (1:38.15) with powerhouse swimmers Owen Robertson, Steven Empey, Alex Wahlman, and Sammy Empey, a Jr. National athlete.

Sammy Empey won the second event, the 200 Free in a four-man heat with Papermaker Nathan Kim placing second. 

Papermaker James Crawford won the 200 IM (2:03.30).

Mountain View’s Owen Wong won the 50 Free (:22.15).

Sammy Empey earned another victory in a brilliantly executed 100 Fly (50.26) with Nathan Kim placing second.

Titan Alex Wahlman placed first in the 100 Free (50.28).

James Crawford also won the 500 Free (5:05.62). 

Swim
Union High School swimmers (from left): Alex Wahlman, Steven Empey, Owen Robertson, and Sammy Empey.

Camas swimmers Nathan Kim, Henry Webster, Sahn Kim, and Ryan Tanner won the 200 Free Relay (1:31.08) missing the State cut by .5 seconds.

“Don’t worry, we will get the State cut at Districts,” said Webster.

Papermaker Aarmav Krishna won the 100 Back event (1:00.78).

Papermaker Sahn Kim handily won the 100 Breast event (1:01.78).

And, Union’s powerhouse relay team (Wahlman, Robertson, Empey and Empey) won the 400 Free Relay (3:17.39) earning a State cut. The Camas relay placed second, also earning a State cut.

The boys compete next at Mark Morris this Saturday.

Swim
Camas swimmer Henry Webster.

Kelso, WA — The Camas Boys Swim Team prevails at Saturday’s Kelso Invitational with 593 points with Union placing second (489 points).

Papermaker co-captain Issac Yim and Junior Sahn Kim talk about today’s strengths and challenges with missing two key swimmers.

“We were down two key swimmers,” said Kim. “We only won one event, but we did so well across the team, we ended in first place.”

Senior Henry Webster showed improvements in multiple events.

Union won two relays with powerhouse swimmers Doc But, Owen Robertson, Alex Wahlman, and Steven Empey.  

The boys next face off at Kelso with a dual vs. arch rival Union on January 24.

Swimming
Union Swimmer Owen Robertson.

Camas, WA (Union High School) — The Papermakers wrestling team (boys and girls) sent seven of their athletes to finals at this weekend’s Clark County Wrestling tournament. 

The two-day event was hosted by Union, a wrestling powerhouse, and regular winner of the annual meet. 

Junior Jackson Lougan (182) and seniors Regan Fallon-Small (125) and Ava Addie Wunderli (140) won their weight brackets after some hard fought matches.  

Four other Papermaker’s made it to finals: Luke Wagner, Elliott Scott, Simon Jarrell, and Avery Vega- Padilla, a freshman. 

Union finished the tournament with the most points in the boys division with 234 points. The Titans got first-place finishes from Jordin Jimenez (126), Noah Koyama (132), Armando Nicacio (152) and Clayton Maus (215) — see his victory in Stories.

The Papermakers finished second with 199 points led by  champion Lougan.

Champions in the boys tournament included Liam McKee (106) of Hockinson, Brody Davis (113) of Washougal, Owen Pritchard (138) and JJ Schoelein (170) of Skyview, Tennyson Kurtz (145) of Columbia River, Nathan Wadleigh (160) of Mountain View, Seth Blick (195) of Prairie and Austin Steinbach (285) of Heritage.

Washougal edged Union 99-96 to win the girls title, thanks to Panther Kiersten Lees. 

Union earned championships with Niah Cassidy (120) and Janessa O’Connell (130) and Virginia Thomason (190) — see Stories.

Other girls champions were Maritza Sanchez (105) of Hudson’s Bay, Delilah Governor (110) of Hockinson, Uruwa Abe (115) of Ridgefield, Kaytlynn Honga (145) of Kelso, Sofia Aragon (155) of Seton Catholic, Aaliyah Young (170) and Faith Tarrant (235) of Prairie.

Wrestling
Camas wrestler Addie Wunderli.

Revisiting certain events from the sporting world could result in you stumbling down a rabbit hole of sports conspiracy theories that could be true.

“Everything is pro wrestling” is an adage people use when explaining an event that lacks legitimacy. We all know professional wrestling has pre-determined outcomes, yet fans suspend their beliefs and enjoy the show. And maybe that’s what the folks behind the sports conspiracy theories that could be truewere also hoping for. 

Michael Phelps’ Gold Rush

There weren’t many bigger names in 2008 than Michael Phelps. The swimmer took the country by storm when he won multiple golds at the Beijing Summer Olympics. Phelps’ end game was to break the record set by fellow American Mark Spitz for most gold medals during a single Olympics.

Everyone knew that the 100m butterfly would be his most challenging race since it was his weakest stroke, and anything can happen during a 100m race. But Phelps defeated Milorad Cavic by a hair. From the instant replay, it appeared Cavic got to his side faster, but Phelps emerged victorious. Many theorists proclaim that the higher-ups rigged Phelps’ platform to be extra sensitive, considering he was the media darling.

Robbery of the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team

Before the U.S. Olympic basketball team was crushing teams by double-digits in the Olympics, they had to fight and claw their way to reach the podium. During the 1972 Munich games, basketball may have been the furthest thing from people’s minds, so the swindling of the U.S. team is easily forgettable. 

The squad lost 51-50 to Russia after a controversial out-of-bounds decision not only gave the ball back to Russia but added additional time to the clock, allowing them to score the game-winning basket. The U.S appealed the results and lost when three of the five members, who had ties to the Communist Bloc, voted against them.

Riggs Takes It Easy in the “Battle of the Sexes” Match

The “Battle of the Sexes” showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was an exhibition to determine if the world’s best women’s tennis player could take it to an average male player. Riggs wasn’t a stranger to gambling debts and was the favorite to defeat King, but Billie Jean wiped the floor with him. 

Because of Riggs’ money troubles, it seemed apparent that Riggs lost the match on purpose. He did trounce the number one female player, Margaret Court, to prepare for his match against King beforehand, so it is suspicious. Regardless of if it was authentic or not, its cultural impact on athletics is what truly matters. 

Michael Jordan’s Flu Game 

Michael Jordan is no stranger to wild conspiracy theories directed at him, particularly involving his two-year sabbatical. But there’s no secret suspension talk involved his Jordan’s infamous “flu game.” Did MJ have the flu when he dropped 35 points on the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the NBA Finals? And if it wasn’t the flu, what was it?

Jordan’s trainer blames the pizza they ordered the previous night, claiming that the Jazz faithful tampered with it. Food poisoning and the flu are virtually identical, so the official diagnosis doesn’t matter. 

Looking back at the sports conspiracy theories that could be trueis entertaining to ponder under the proper context. These may be fiction, but who doesn’t love some controversy?

Anytime you can get outside and enjoy Mother Nature, you must take advantage of it, especially if you can do it on the back of a beautiful horse. For that and the following reasons, horseback riding proves to be the perfect hobby. 

Mental Boost

Few things are as relaxing as strolling on a trail atop a horse. Not only is it a serene setting to forget about the stresses of everyday life, but it’s nice to have a confidant along for the journey. Having a horse as a companion has a soothing effect on your mind when feeling overwhelmed. 

From staying active and spending time with a furry friend, the serotonin boost you get helps push you through any psychological obstacles in your way. Additionally, riding a horse requires a strong mental acumen, considering you must keep an attentive eye, balance and focus while on the saddle. 

Strengthens the Body

As wonderful as horseback riding is for your mental well-being, it’s just as beneficial physically—for you and the horse. Although horseback riding is a leisurely activity, it requires a lot of physical prowess to control a horse, particularly if you enjoy kicking it up a notch and cantering. 

If it’s your first ride, you’ll likely feel sore around your abdominals and lower back the following day. As you ride more regularly, those aches and pains will fade away.

Riding a horse requires excellent posture; therefore, your hamstrings and quads will feel the brunt of the pain as they keep you upright. But your posture from your strengthened core and upper leg muscles will make any schoolteacher proud. 

Teaches Responsibility 

Being responsible is an essential component of owning and riding a horse. If you are negligent in your care, the horse’s health suffers, making it impossible to ride them. For parents, this is an excellent opportunity to teach their children accountability.

Simple things like brushing their coat, feeding them and changing their water give kids a chance to prove they can put more on their plate. You can also do these tasks together as a family, giving you an opportunity for quality time. 

Fun With or Without Company 

When something is equally enjoyable on your lonesome as it is with a group of friends, it’s an activity worth exploring. Horseback riding falls into that category because hopping on the horse and wandering through the wilderness is as fun by yourself as it is with a company. However, if you are a novice, you should go with a guide or someone else capable of assisting you if an issue develops. 

These reasons prove horseback riding is the perfect hobby for anyone needing a mental and physical boost. There should be an opportunity to hop on a horse regardless of where you live, so take advantage of it.