Tag Archive for: Camas Papermakers

Battle Ground, WA — Not only did the Camas Boys and Girls Track and Field teams sweep Saturday’s Tiger Invite, but they also may deserve endurance medals for lasting hours in the cold, wet, and windy conditions that are common in Spring Pacific Northwest meets.

Athletes wore double-layered warm-up suits, hats, and gloves, and repeatedly went to the restrooms to use the hand dryers to warm hands, dry out wet socks, and simply stay out of the elements.

The Papermaker boys scored 118 points, significantly outpacing rival, Union, who earned 75 points.  The Papermaker girls scored 134.5 points — again far ahead of Union, who earned 97.

”It’s been different to stand out here in the cold, and not be moving,” said Papermaker High Jump Coach, Grayson Anderson (Camas class of 2013) who is new to the job. “The athletes have performed well.”

Papermaker Daniel Maton won the 800 event while Papermaker Jackson Lyne earned the individual title in the 1,600. The Camas boys also won all three relays  — the 4×100, 4×400 and the DMR.

The Camas girls won several individual events: Ellie Postma — 800, Emma Jenkins — 1,600, Madison Child — 3,200, Lucy George — 100 hurdles, and Madison Peffers — High Jump. The girls also won the DMR.

”We have a lot of young talent,” said Camas Head Coach, Jon Eagle. “And, it’s so great to have three new, young coaches on the team.”

Trey Knight, of Ridgefield set two Tiger Invitational meet records in the shot put (63 feet, 3 inches) and discus (177-7).

More Boy’s Track victories:

  • Ridgefield’s Kyle Radosevich (3,200)
  • Ridgefield’s Bryan Tavera (triple jump)
  • Prairie’s Caleb Sagert (110 hurdles)
  • Evergreen’s Jeremy Harju (300 hurdles)
  • Hockinson’s Bailey Jones (javelin)
  • Skyview’s Ethan Gould (high jump)

Girl’s Track Victories:

  • Evergreen’s Vanessa Brunkow (100)
  • Union’s Logan Nelson (200)
  • Union’s Brooklyn Jackson (400)
  • Prairie’s Valerie Schmidt (300 hurdles)
  • Prairie’s Abigail Brotherton (shot put)
  • Mountain View’s Mykala Preston (discus)
  • Columbia River’s Giovanna Rhoads (triple jump)

The Papermaker Track and Field athletes next compete this Thursday at Skyview, starting at 3:30.

Photo Gallery

Papermakers play for third place at Bi-Districts Saturday

By Dan Trujillo

Bumped, bruised, iced, taped, the Papermakers continued to battle at Bi-Districts.

The Camas girls basketball team rallied from 12 points down at halftime to get within one point of defending 4A state champion Kentridge in the semifinals of the bi-district tournament Friday, at Puyallup High School.

“From the beginning, we all had that heart and desire,” said junior guard Haley Hanson. “Who cares if they’re state champs. We work so hard in practice. Our scout team got us prepared for this physical game. We just pushed through all the pain and frustration.”

Hanson nailed four 3-pointers for the Papermakers in the second half. Marianna Payne and Jillian Webb added two threes each, and Jordyn Wilds netted one.

“That’s the reason we play basketball. That team chemistry keeps us alive on the court,” Webb said. “Those threes came from all five of us. It wasn’t just Haley and me. That was a whole team effort.”

The Chargers never lost their advantage, outscored Camas 18-8 in the fourth quarter and celebrated a 65-50 victory.

“We caught up to them, we just couldn’t keep it. But we tried our best, despite the fact that we were a bit undersized,” Payne said. “It was a very physical game. A lot of us came out with battle scars.”

Bi-Districts

Haley Hanson connects on her fourth 3-pointer in the second half.

The difference of the game was foul calls. Kentridge earned 30 free throws and made 18 of them. Camas only received one shot from the line, and it came on a 3-point play converted by Payne.

“When you come up here and you play Kentridge, you’re not going to get too many calls your way,” said Camas head coach Scott Preuninger. “Even though they were the more physical team, they weren’t getting fouls called on them. It is what it is. You just got to play.”

And play the Papermakers did.

Payne and Maggie Wells bounced off the walls, while they made baskets and grabbed rebounds. Freshmen Faith Bergstrom and Jalena Carlisle provided productive minutes when Courtney Clemmer got into foul trouble. Hanson tweaked her elbow, but got right back into the game.

“Just great effort,” Preuninger said. “They played about as hard as they could.”

Camas (15-7) faces Kentlake (18-6) in the third-place game at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, at Mount Tahoma High School. The Falcons defeated the Papermakers by four points, Dec. 9, 2017.

Kentlake also beat Camas by one point in the state regional round last season.

“Our girls are ready to play Saturday,” Preuninger said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

 

Bi-Districts

Jillian Webb drains her second three for Camas.

 

Bi-Districts

Maggie Wells shows no fear against a 6-foot-4 Charger.

Camas, WA — I’ve been bothered by a trend over the past few years to shorten the Camas High School mascot name from Papermakers to “Makers” so I’ve spent some time researching its root cause.

There are three scenarios in play:

1) Design: It’s easier to design a uniform, practice jersey or sports memorabilia because it requires fewer letters. As a designer, writer and someone with the last name “Geigenmilller” I get that, but I would never shorten my name to “Miller” as 1) that disrespects my history — Geigenmiller means Violinmaker or “one who owns or operates a mill” in German; 2) Doing so dishonors my family; and 3) Shortening to “Miller” or “Maker” takes away the history. Maker of what? Some suggest that using the term “maker” implies an inherent authority. Plus, it feels like part of history is being erased, and it’s not a good idea to erase history. The history of the mill in Camas isn’t perfect, but it’s the history. We can certainly discuss the environmental concerns the mill brings, but that doesn’t mean we re-write the past. Being a “Papermaker” isn’t political. Even though the mill will likely close in a few years, we are still a mill town. It’s OK to say that. Solution: If you want to shorten the jersey name, then just imprint “Camas.” Pretty simple.

2) Language: It’s just easier to say. I’ve heard announcers tell me it’s easier to say “Makers” over “Papermakers.” This is simply nonsense. “Roll Papermakers” requires two more syllables. Solution: Let’s just say “Papermakers” or “Papermaker Pride.” #PapermakerPride is a good hashtag. It honors the history and the moment.

3) Attitude: There is a concerted movement to erase the history. Yes, this is true. There are many newer residents that love Camas, its beauty, its schools, its people — but they’re embarrassed that it’s a mill town. I think for some it’s concern about the environmental issues associated with the mill, or for others it’s simply an attitude. Why? Are you ashamed thousands of workers made their living at the mill since the late 1800s? These thousands of people provided a good living for their families. Did they live in the elegant houses so many of us live in (myself included). No. But, they spent money at Runyan Jewelers (which still stands), paid a few cents to watch a movie at the Liberty Theater (which we all love) and swam at Sandy Swimming Hole (a favorite contemporary summer fun place). Those who argue in favor of the shortened name say it still implies mill work, but again I ask “maker of what?” You can’t erase the history. If you’re making a political statement given the environmental issues at the mill, spare us. We all know that. In time, those issues will be fixed. Solution: We’re a mill town, and that’s OK. Let’s celebrate it. Use Papermakers.

Basketball

Isaiah Sampson led the Papermakers with 18 points. The boys basketball jerseys simply say “Camas.”

History of the Papermakers

Let’s take a quick look at local history.

In 1883, LaCamas Colony Company selected the current townsite for their new paper mill. Mr. Henry L. Pittock, the owner of the Oregonian newspaper of Portland needed plenty of water to power paper-making machines for his newspaper and found it in the lakes behind the LaCamas region. The name “LaCamas” originated from the “camas roots used by the Indians for food.”

  • 1883: Aeneas MacMaster opens the first store in town.
  • 1884: First school and post office was established in town.
  • 1906: Camas was incorporated as a town.
  • 1907: Northbank Highway opened from Vancouver, through Camas and Washougal, to Stevenson.
  • 1908: The LaCamas Post, forerunner of the Post-Record newspaper, was created.
  • 1928: The Crown Willamette Paper Company merged with the San Francisco-based Zellerbach Paper Mill Company forming Crown-Zellerbach Corporation.
  • In WWII the Camas plant produced ship rudders in the machine shop. The rudders were being installed on the Liberty ships under construction in Vancouver and Portland. After the war, the plant’s management became more interested in technical and research problems.
  • 1960: Crown Zellerbach Corporations changes ownership and name several times – currently being merged, but known as James River Corporation. It is now known as Georgia Pacific.
  • 2006: The city celebrated its 100th year as an incorporated city.
Papermakers

The mill in the 1950s.

Source: www.cityofcamas.us

Also see: Camas History

That’s a tiny piece of history. Today, we create our own story, our own history. And, I love being at all these events to record your history.

Papermakers

From www.opb.com, who did an in-depth documentary about the history of Camas.

Conclusion

Camas is progressing, and that’s OK, too. When the mill finally closes, there will surely be environmental cleanup tasks. And, we’ll get those done. It’s good to build a new pool, build new schools, and upgrade our parks, but it’s not cool to alter the history by changing the mascot name. I ask you to keep saying “Papermaker” and say it with pride. It’s part of who your kids are. My oldest son is a Papermaker graduate, and we have two middle sons who are current Papermakers. They’re not makers.

Our name is unique. We’re don’t have generic names like Panthers (no offense, Washougal), or Tigers, or Falcons, or Beavers.

As the city progresses, longtime residents are losing the things most dear to them (open spaces, Crown Park Pool, and likely the closure of the mill). We have to respect their time here. They’re losing things precious to them. Please don’t disrespect them by taking away or shortening their name.

As we drive around with our overpriced SUVs and BMWs (I’m guilty of that, too) take a moment and walk down 4th Avenue, look at the smokestacks at the mill, and talk to someone who’s lived here their whole life. They have pride in their work. Listen to their story. Buy them a pastry at Caffe Piccolo. I think you’d enjoy it, and learn a few things.

I’d love to hear your feedback.

Sincerely,

Ernie Geigenmiller

 

Papermakers

Liberty Theater.

Papermakers

Straub’s Funeral Home, as pictured in the 1940s. Wilmer Swank opened Swank’s Funeral Home in 1911. It was eventually renamed Camas Funeral Chapel, and then Straub’s.

Camas, WA — On a cold winter day during Christmas break, as most people were on vacation, the Camas Gymnastics team was hard at work practicing their floor routines, beams, vaults and bars — all with their eye on winning the State championship this season.

The talented team, lead by experienced gymnastics coach, Carol Willson, hasn’t lost a district meet in five years, and placed second last year at State, against perennial winner, Woodinville.

“They’re just amazing kids,” said Willson. “They’ve been doing this since they were little bitty. It’s about talent and experience. Lots of experience. Hard work, and lots of social time.”

The 22-member practices at least five days week, two or more hours at a time, and most compete in all four events (floor, beams, vaults, and bars).

Catching her breath after a floor routine practice, Joy Marsh explained how team bonding is a big contributor to their success.

“Most of us compete together in club so we know each other well,” said Marsh. “We just get along with each other. Everyone works really hard — we’re a very focused team.”

Sophomore Lizzy Wing made a return to the sport after a four-year hiatus.

“I did gymnastics until I was 11, then I did competitive cheer, and took a break from that,” said sophomore, Lizzy Wing. “Then I did football cheer, and then I had nothing to do, so I thought I’d do gymnastics.”

And, they love having her on the team.

“She has a lot of talent and drive,” said Willson, of Wing. “We happy to have her.”

Willson said she’s excited about what’s happening with their team, as new athletes have joined the team. She’s also excited about the future.

“We have several girls in middle school right now that are really good,” said Willson. “We’d really like to win State, and these girls are driven. They’re focused. The future is bright.”

Their next meet is Saturday, January 6 at Naydenov in Vancouver. We will post details from those events.

Gymnastics Team Roster

This year’s team includes:

  • Shea McGee
  • Alyssa Shibata
  • Jacqueline Purwins
  • Madison Martin
  • Joy Marsh
  • Morgan MacIntyre
  • Michaela Lasher
  • Amber Harris
  • Kaitlyn Blair
  • Annika Affleck
  • Siena Brophy
  • Annie Danielson
  • Rachel Nicacio
  • Quyen Do
  • Hallen McCallum
  • Abby Martin
  • Grace Alonzo
  • Lyne McGee
  • Lizzy Wing
  • MacKenzie Merritt
  • Katie Stevens (Washougal)
  • Hannah Sturgis

Photo Gallery

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

Portland, OR — The Camas Boys Wrestling team made significant improvements at this year’s Rose City Wrestling Tournament at Westview High School. Four boys made it to Finals, with two winning their weight classes — Rylan Thompson, and Tanner Craig. Samuel Malychewski and Isaac Duncan placed second in their weight classes.

The Papermaker wrestlers placed fourth overall at Rose. Jack Latimer placed fourth, and Gideon Malychewski placed fifth in their respective weight classes.

“Rose City is a major tournament,” said Head Wrestling Coach, Cory Vom Baur. “We had a record finish of fourth place, and last year we took eleventh, so that’s a major improvement.  We had four finalists this year, and last year we had one, and the year before that we had one. Three years ago, no one reached the finals.”

Thompson (5-0) won by decision over Sawyer Myers, of West Albany, and Tanner Craig beat a returning state finalist (Gavin Stockwell) that beat him three times last year in the semi-finals.

“The team did really outstanding the past two days and learned a lot from wins and losses,” said Thompson, a Senior who’s been wrestling since third grade. “They battled great, it was a tough tournament, and they all wrestled well.”

The tournament brings in over 50 schools from across four states.

Thompson said the boys put in the time at school practice, club practice, weight lifting and closely monitoring their diets.

“I like when all the work I put in pays off,” Thompson said. “I also like the extreme highs and lows of the sport.”

He said wrestling’s biggest challenge is learning how to keep your mind set right.

Rose

Tanner Craig during day 1 of the Rose City Wrestling Tournament.

“I feel really good about the win,” said Craig, a Junior, who is undefeated this season. “I feel great about the win. I beat some kids I wasn’t supposed to beat who had beaten me in the past, and it felt really good to come out on top today. I feel there was some well earned wins, but some close losses that our guys should have won. I have confidence  in our team’s heart and I know that next time it’s close that Camas will be on top.”

The boys practice several hours a day, and their next wrestling match is this Wednesday at Skyview. Next weekend, they travel to Coeur d’Alene for another major tournament.

“I felt that we showed up big as a team by placing fourth as a team and showed that our team is one that is going to do well this season,” said Samuel Malychewski, a Senior.

And, the team keeps plugging away.

“Overall, I thought we did really well,” said Vom Baur. “The guys responded well, and they wrestled a really great tournament.”

To learn more, visit www.CamasWrestling.com

Rose City Tournament Gallery

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VANCOUVER, WA — Camas Running Back, Randy Yaacoub, suffered two broken bones at Friday’s Junior Varsity game against Coeur d’Alene during the fourth quarter, and was transferred via ambulance to PeaceHealth hospital in Vancouver. The sophomore, who plays for both JV and Varsity teams, scored for Camas the previous week during the home field season opener.

Today, Randy’s mother, Viviane Yaacoub, issued the following statement:

“During the game, he fractured both his tibia and fibula and was sent to the emergency room right away. The surgery went very well, he is recovering very well. They placed a titanium rod and some screws in his leg and were allowed to take him home the next day. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play for the rest of the season, and will be on crutches for eight weeks, and be recovering for six months, but with physical therapy and exercise he will be better than ever next year. Thanks to the support of his coaches, his team, and friends, our family is doing very well.”

The Yaacoub Family

 

Yaacoub

Randy Yaacoub was transferred to a stretcher following a severe injury during Friday’s JV game at Doc Harris Stadium.

CAMAS, WA — Following Friday night’s “Mill City Miracle” ending during the Coeur d’Alene vs. Camas football game at Doc Harris Stadium, Papermaker Quarterback, Kyle Allen, is one of this week’s nominees for The Columbian’s prep football player of the week, which is sponsored by Athletes Corner. This is for the week ending September 23.

Vote here for Prep Football Player of the Week

http://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/23/nominees-for-week-4-prep-football-player-of-the-week/

For most of the game, Camas football was losing to themselves. Coeur d’Alene’s defensive line disrupted Allen early and often, and the Vikings offense capitalized, putting up 228 yards in the first half. Camas turnovers hurt.

Allen completed 25 of 45 attempts for 242 yards. Coeur d’Alene’s Cole Yankoff finished 19-34 with 294 yards, a touchdown and two picks. With 90 seconds remaining, Camas was behind 25-14, but Allen passed it to Drake Owen, who scored two TD’s after several attempts, and then scored a 2-point conversion, which sealed the deal with 20 seconds on the clock.

Shelton

Ja’Michael Shelton scores TD! Photo by Jon Pugmire.

Here are stats from the game:

Cd’A 6 0 13 6 — 25

Camas 0 7 0 21 — 28

First quarter

Cd’A – Shilo Morgon 13 run

Second quarter

Camas – Ja’Michael Shelton 10 pass from Kyle Allen (Andrew Boyle kicked)

Third quarter

Cd’A – Caleb Beggerly 38 run

Fourth quarter

Camas – Will Schultz 30 run (Boyle kick)

Cd’A – Yankoff 65 run (run failed)

Camas – Drake Owen 13 pass from Allen (pass failed)

Camas – Owen 4 pass from Allen (Owen from Allen)

 

Photo Gallery

All photos by Jon Pugmire.

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Hillsboro, OR — The Camas Papermakers 18U Varsity Baseball team handily beat Columbia River, 10-0, in five innings Sunday night to win the 2017 Ad Rutschman Wood Bat Tournament.

The Papermakers went undefeated during the three-day tournament.

During the Championship game, the Papermakers took an early lead, 4-0, at the bottom of the first inning and stayed focus during the entire game. Ryan Potter pitched the entire game, not allowing a single run.

The boys hit well Sunday night. Jacob Trupp hit two deep into left field.

“We did a good job offensively,” said Head Coach, Stephen Short. “Our opponents didn’t play a real clean game, but we took advantage of it. Gavin Holley had a real good night tonight. We did a good job of running the bases and taking advantage of mistakes. Obviously Ryan Potter did a real nice job on the mound.”

The boys have been traveling extensively for the past few weeks, and placed a close second in the Firecracker Tournament in West Linn a week ago.

Their next home game is July 11 against Reynolds, and will then travel to Kelso to play a Legion team. Camas will then host a few games, play in another tournament, and then play in a big GSL tournament after that.

“The GSL tournament will be a good test for us to see really where we’re at,” said Short. “We will play some high level teams, and that will give us a good indication of where we are. We’re focused on getting better and enjoying our time together. I feel like that’s happened.”

 

Rutschman

Ryan Potter pitches.

Rutschman Tournament Photo Gallery

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The Papermakers continue to dominate this season (7-0). Here is a photo from last Friday’s game against Union. Camas QB Liam Fitzgerald throws the ball as he’s being sacked.

 

We’ve been covering Camas for several years, and when you get right down to it, these kids are great! Personally, I’ve had the privilege of watching so many of them grow up in Camas. We’ve seen them in kindergarten, Little League, Pop Warner, CCYF, scouts, school, church, and they’re quickly becoming adults. These boys turned into classy young men. Go Camas!

We encourage you all to list reasons why the Papermakers rock. More pictures and videos coming.