One of the joys of covering local sports is seeing kids grow up and one of the common patterns of successful student-athletes is a supportive family.
Camas WR Chase McGee is a very successful multi-sport athlete because of his own talents and work ethic, but as a young boy he always attended the sports events of his older sisters, Irelyne McGee and Shea McGee, who are champion athletes in diving and gymnastics.
I was fortunate to cover their swimming/diving and gymnastic events over many years and got to know the whole McGee family. Chase was a great kid who grew into an amazing young man!
I’m sure he will also do well with pole vaulting this coming season.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/03144251/IMG_6803-scaled-e1735944222802.jpg13602560lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2025-01-03 14:55:462025-01-03 14:56:14Celebrating Dual Athlete Chase McGee and His Supportive Family
CHICAGO, IL — In its 40th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade today announced Jake Davidson of Camas High School is the 2024-25 Gatorade Washington Football Player of the Year. Davidson is the third Gatorade Washington Football Player of the Year to be chosen from Camas High School.
Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The award distinguishes Davidson as Washington’s best high school football player and he joins an impressive group of alumni that spans CEOs, coaches and star athletes such as Emmitt Smith (1986-87, Escambia High School, Fl.), Peyton Manning (1993-94, Isidore Newman School, La.) and DJ Lagway (2023-24, Willis High School, Texas).
At the time of his selection, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior quarterback had led the Papermakers to a 13-0 record and a berth in the Class 4A state championship game. Davidson connected on 201-of-290 passes for 3,440 yards and 50 touchdowns through 13 games. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, Davidson threw at least three TD passes in 11 of his starts. He had also rushed for five scores.
Davidson has volunteered locally as a youth football coach.
“I was impressed with Davidson’s ability to keep plays alive and make plays with his feet,” said Steve Pyne, head coach of Union High School. “He makes a significant impact on their success. He has solid talent around him, but he makes them better.”
Davidson has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom. He remains undecided upon a collegiate destination. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states across 12 different high school sports – football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field – and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.
Davidson joins recent Gatorade Washington Football Players of the Year Kolton Matson (2023-24, Lake Stevens High School), Jayden Limar (2022-23, Lake Stevens High School), Josh Wood (2021-22, Graham-Kapowsin High School) and Sam Huard (2020-21, Kennedy Catholic High School), among the state’s list of former award winners.
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $5.6 million in grants to winners across more than 2,000 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com or follow us on social media on Instagram at instagram.com/Gatorade, Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY and X(Twitter) at x.com/Gatorade.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06162022/Jake-Davidson.png559883lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-12-06 16:27:422024-12-06 16:28:10Camas QB Davidson Named Gatorade WA Football Player of the Year
Sports Illustrated writer Todd Miles highlighted three Camas High School football players — Jake Davidson, Beau Harlan, and Luke Webb — and one Skyview athlete — Gavin Parker — in an article posted on the SI website this week.
The article, headlined “Washington high school football predictions: Who will lead 4A GSHL in passing, rushing, receiving, sacks?” says that “Camas should be one of the most productive Class 4A programs in the state on both sides of the ball.”
Noting that training camp opens August 21, Miles said Davidson is the “League’s returning all-league first teamer expected to take a huge jump in numbers as senior, and has deep crew to involve.”
Camas, WA — Camas High School seniors Keirra Thompson and Kendall Mairs, both 2024 State basketball champions, have organized a summer basketball camp, and they’ve answered Lacamas Magazine questions.
1. What will be taught on each camp day?
We will be teaching basketball fundamentals and drills they can take home and do to get better. We will play a lot of games and are trying to keep the camp really fun!
2. Who will be teaching?
Kendall and I will be running all of the drills and games we play with help from other players when we break the campers off into teams. We will also be having coach Thompson and Lisa Schneider there for supervision and any help if needed.
3. How many coaches will you have?
We don’t know the exact amount because it will depend on how many campers we get but are gonna try to get all the varsity players that are available.
4. Is there a cost?
The camp cost $50 for the two-day camp and we will donate the money back into the basketball program to help cover cost of trips, uniforms, and other equipment!
Annual fundraising event benefits Clark County area breast cancer survivors
Ridgefield, WA – Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience as the annual Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival returns to Ridgefield this Saturday, August 3, in support of breast cancer survivors.
This family-friendly event, held at the Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, features more than 50 teams from across the Pacific Northwest competing in thrilling two-team heats on a 250-meter racecourse, all cheered on by hundreds of enthusiastic spectators. Teams consisting entirely of breast cancer survivors will kick off the day of racing at 8 am. Dragon boats, each piloted by 10 paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer, will fiercely compete throughout the day, culminating in the awards ceremony at 4:30 pm.
Paddle for Life is a fundraising event dedicated to empowering breast cancer survivors through amateur dragon boating competition, helping them build physical strength, mental endurance, and a vibrant supportive community
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Catch-22 Ospreys, Clark County’s only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, in growing and sustaining a paddling community in Southwest Washington. This effort enhances the health and well-being of those battling breast cancer while raising awareness about the importance of early detection and improved treatments in saving lives.
Paddle forAugust 3, 2024
· When: Saturday, August 3, from 8 am to 5 pm.
· Where: Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
· This family friendly event is FREE to the public with free parking. In addition to the dragon boat races, the festival features a variety of exhibitors and vendors.
Top sponsors for this year’s festival include Compass Oncology and Journal Graphics. People wanting to support Paddle for Life can make a donation online or at the festival.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/29181835/Photo-Aug-05-2023-2-11-24-PM-scaled-e1722302395556.jpg10362560lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-07-29 18:23:312024-07-29 18:23:37Paddle For Life Dragon Boat Races Return to Ridgefield This Saturday
Columbus, OH — Two Washougal High School students, Rilen Snethen and Boaz Brooks, represented the Seattle Sounders FC at the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. On July 24, the students will also be recognized on-field before the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on July 24 at 8 pm Eastern Time.
The Sounders selected Rilen and Boaz from players around the state for this prestigious opportunity.
Overall, 52 Unified team members compete and represent 26 Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs at the event. The teams, composed of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, were outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by Adidas. MLS Greats served as celebrity coaches for the game.
At Washougal High School, Rilen and Boaz were invited to a school event to announce their selection. The two students, along with Unified Soccer Coach David Williams, were presented with jerseys from the Sounders at the event. Williams accompanied the pair to the event in Ohio this summer.
The Unified Sports program in Washougal School District was founded in 2015. Unified Sports brings together students with and without disabilities to shape a more inclusive athletic environment for all student athletes. The program operates on core values of acceptance, community, and friendship. Washougal School District offers Unified soccer and basketball programs at Washougal High School. Learn more about Washougal School District at www.washougal.k12.wa.us.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/23162838/Washougal-e1721777347591.png405723lacamashttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pnglacamas2024-07-23 16:40:302024-07-23 16:40:38Washougal Students Advance to Special Olympics Unified All-Star Soccer Game
Vancouver, WA — Coming off their best regular season since joining the Basketball League and looking for the first playoff win, the 16-4 Vancouver Volcanoes will play a best two out of three series this weekend against the Seattle Superhawks to decide the winner of the Basketball League’s Pacific Northwest Division.
The Volcanoes are the higher seed, meaning they will host games two and three (if needed) at Home on Saturday and Sunday. The first game will be played in Seattle on Thursday. Home Games will be played Saturday and Sunday at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington. Saturday’s game will be at 7 pm, and Sundays (if needed) will be at 3 pm.
The two teams faced each other four times during the regular season, during which the Volcanoes went 3-1 against the SuperHawks. The Volcanoes captured the number one seed last weekend by winning their last two games of the regular season. The Volcanoes are seeking their first playoff win since joining the Basketball League. Get your tickets online for Saturday’s game at Tickets – Vancouver Volcanoes. Support Clark County’s only professional basketball team on their quest to win The Basketball League starting this weekend.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/30162650/A7A11A52-A6F1-4002-A1BB-E5C393A19A35-e1717111815657.jpeg5691239Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-30 16:35:272024-05-30 16:35:33SPORTS: Vancouver Volcanoes to Compete for League’s PNW Division Title
Vancouver, WA — The Vancouver Volcanoes were back home Saturday night against the Emerald City Jaguars. The game was close at halftime, with the Volcanoes only leading 49-41. However, the Volcanoes opened up the lead, and after three quarters, they were leading 78-64. The Volcanoes ultimately won 108-92 over the Jaguars. It was a stellar performance by Thomas Miles, who led the Volcanoes with 20 points, and Vince Boumann, who grabbed nine rebounds.
After beating the Emerald City Jaguars the night before at home, the Vancouver Volcanoes traveled south to Eugene to play against the Jaguars again. The Volcanoes left up from last night, where they dominated the Jaguars all game long, leading to a 139-69 victory. The Volcanoes were leading 78-37 at halftime. Some notable stats from the game are that the most significant lead for the Volcanoes was 75 points, and they out rebounded the Jaguars 61-42. Hezekiah Quinlan led all scorers with 28 points. Tyshon Pickett had 16 rebounds on the day. With these two wins, the Volcanoes improved their record to 14-4.
The Volcanoes are back home this Saturday, and it’s a game you don’t want to miss. They’ll be facing off against the Seattle SuperHawks, and with first place and a first-round bye on the line, the game is sure to be a nail-biter. Game time is 7 pm at Hudson’s Bay High School.
As a reminder, on May 25th from 3 to 7 pm, the Vancouver Volcanoes and the HOPE For The Good Foundation will be hosting the “We Got Next!” Community Fest, which will highlight Local Vendors, Fun Basketball Activities, and Free Volcanoes Youth Clinics!
See your favorite local vendors and participate in the fun on May 25th from 3 to 7 pm outside Hudson’s Bay High School! The best part is that if you come to the Community Fest, you’ll get a stamp that gives you free admission to that night’s Volcanoes home game.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/22125633/75A7FB71-6F03-439F-A497-40BEDA9376BD-e1716408178706.jpeg7711365Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-22 13:34:422024-05-22 13:34:51Vancouver Volcanoes Face Off Against Seattle SuperHawks This Saturday
Vancouver, WA — We Got Next! Is a Community focused event hosted in partnership by the Vancouver Volcanoes Basketball Club, and local non-profit Hoops for Hope, that highlights local vendors and entrepreneurs, youth basketball clinics, and fun basketball activities! This year’s Community Fest will be held outside in the parking lot of Hudson’s Bay High School from 3-7 pm on May 25th, at which time guests and vendors will be welcomed into the gym for the final home game of the Volcanoes regular season, starting at 7 pm.
Hoops For Hope will set up an outdoor basketball court in the parking lot of Hudson’s Bay High School, and will be promoting sign ups for their 3 vs 3 summer basketball tournament, while the Volcanoes provide free youth clinics and opportunities to support the Salvation Army fundraising game that evening. IQ Credit Union will be supporting youth in the event with a financial literacy program and the Boys and Girls Club will be onsite with their digital trading card booth. To add to the fun, there will be a DJ playing music to go along with on-court basketball activities.
The Vancouver Volcanoes will be promoting sign ups for their Nike Basketball Camps this summer, during the event. Nike Basketball Camps will be held from July 15th-19th, and July 29th-August 2nd at Evergreen High School in Vancouver.
Guests of the Community Fest will be given a stamp for coming to the event, granting them free admission into that night’s Volcanoes game! Come support local vendors, local non-profits, and the Volcanoes at the 2024 We Got Next! Community Fest, May 25th from 3-7 pm.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07124141/Hoops-e1715111556799.png4371090Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-07 13:00:142024-05-07 13:00:24Vancouver Volcanoes to Host Community Fest w/ Hoops for Hope May 25th
Vancouver, WA — The Vancouver Volcanoes went on a road trip to Montana after winning two games at home the previous weekend to play in a two-game series against the Great Falls Electric. The Volcanoes already beat the Electric earlier this season at home. In the first game, the Volcanoes led 62-40 at halftime. Behind Markus Golder’s 33 points, the Volcanoes beat the Electric 116-99. Another player to highlight was Vincent Baumann, who scored 26 points while grabbing 11 rebounds.
In the second game of the Montana road trip, the Vancouver Volcanoes started hot, leading 32-15 after the first quarter. At halftime, the Volcanoes were leading 62-40 over the Electric. However, Electric made things interesting, cutting the lead to 16 points after the third quarter. The Volcanoes went on to win 105-96. With the win, the Volcanoes swept the Electric in this two-game series.
Tyshon Pickett led all scorers with 36 points. All the starters scored in double figures; our most significant lead was 33 points. With the two wins in Montana, the Volcanoes are now 3-0 against the Electric and 11-3 on the season. The Volcanoes are still in first place in the Pacific Northwest Division.
With this road trip over, their next home game is Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Great Falls Electric. Fans can catch the action in person at Hudson’s Bay High School for 10 dollars or on TBLTV. The Northwest Association For Blind Athletes will have a booth at the game, and 50% of the game revenue will be donated to the Northwest Association For Blind Athletes.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23110915/6B21A2C7-FA3A-46F4-B211-99D5B1E617F2-e1713896405904.jpeg5271365Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-04-23 11:21:172024-04-23 11:21:24SPORTS: Vancouver Volcanoes Now 11-3 This Season After Montana Road Trip