West Seattle, Washington
15 Sunday
From our partners at the Seattle Times, word of the West Seattle High School baseball team’s win over Eastside Catholic on Wednesday, 9-6, sending them to the state tournament – but first, the Metro League title game vs. Bishop Blanchet at 2 pm Saturday. More details to come!
By Randall G. Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle Snowsports Council got its official start as an organization tonight with a meeting at Mountain to Sound Outfitters.
The group is the brainchild of Mountain to Sound owner Greg Whittaker, who hopes to provide better access to local skiing and snowboarding areas for area youth by arranging group transportation to the Cascades from West Seattle.
Whitaker introduced himself to about a dozen attendees by saying that his participation in a similar program was a formative experience and that he wanted to assure local youth the same opportunities he had. “I’m pretty passionate about it.”
It’s tournament time for some local high-school teams – and West Seattle High School assistant baseball coach Scott Meaker provides the update on how things started for the Wildcats:
The Metro League tournament got off to a good start Monday with West Seattle hosting Seattle Prep. The Wildcats took a convincing win by beating the Panthers 11-5.
Season-long workhorse
Brandon MacKinnon was the starting pitcher for West Seattle and he pitched into the 7th inning, giving up 4 runs, 1 of them earned, on 5 hits while striking out 2 and walking 5. He took the win. [Editor’s note: WSB photo at left was taken just before MacKinnon got Prep’s #24 to hit into a double play.]
Seniors Trevor Martin and Ryan Wiggins again led an impressive offensive attack. Martin went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI and a HR. Wiggins went 3-for-4 scoring a run. Freshman left fielder LaTray Newsome continues to impress with another hot day at the plate going 2-for-4, scoring 2 runs, and leading off with a massive HR to deep right-center field.
West Seattle will face Eastside Catholic HS on Wed. at White Center Stadium at 3:30. In other Metro League Tournament games Monday , Eastside Catholic beat Franklin HS 7-6, Bishop Blanchet beat Ingraham 11-0, and Nathan Hale beat O’Dea 3-2. Bishop Blanchet will face Nathan Hale on Thursday in a game that follows the WSHS game. The losers of Monday’s games play today in the double-elimination tournament format.
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Greg Whittaker of Mountain to Sound Outfitters (and Alki Kayak Tours) has been leading the charge for creation of a West Seattle Snowsports Council – a community-created nonprofit “with the vision of providing West Seattle youth with safe, reliable access to our local ski areas” – and they’ve set the date for their first meeting: 6 pm this Wednesday (5/12), at M22, 3602 SW Alaska (map). The announcement says, “We will need the support of community members interested in volunteering, every aspect from chaperones to secretary, treasurer, and a steering committee.” If you’ve got questions, call 206/935-SNOW.
That’s video from the kickoff of a big event this afternoon – Chief Sealth International High School vs. the SBOC Internationals in the soccer match known as the Carne Asada Bowl. That title also has to do with the community barbecue afterward. Sealth won, 2-0 (SBOC won in a shootout last year, says Sealth athletic director Sam Reed, center left in the photo below) – and a tasty time was had by all afterward:
At the grill, Sealth staffers Jim Diobilda and Dave Rosario:
This was the 4th annual Carne Asada Bowl.
On Thursday, we published news that the West Seattle High School fastpitch softball team is headed for the playoffs after winning the division championship (remember their Walking Taco Night event tonight) … this morning, we have news of the WSHS varsity baseball team also taking its division and preparing for the playoffs. Here’s the report from Assistant Coach Scott Meaker:
West Seattle High School Varsity Baseball has concluded their regular season by sweeping West Seattle rival Chief Sealth H.S. 10-0 on Monday May 3rd, and 13-3 on Wednesday May 5th. West Seattle finished the season in first place in the Metro League, Sound Division with a 13 – 4 record. This marks the 12th time in 13 years that West Seattle has won the Sound Division title under long-time head coach Velko Vitalich, a West Seattle Alum from the class of ’73.
West Seattle opens the Metro League Tournament by hosting Seattle Prep Monday at Hiawatha Sports Complex at 3:30 PM. The Metro League Tournament runs through the week ending on Friday at Southwest Athletic Complex (SWAC) on the campus of Denny Middle School. The first and second place teams earn an automatic berth into the state tournament of 16. The 3rd place team will play the 2nd place team from Kingco 3A for another berth in the 16 team state tournament. That tournament begins Saturday May 22nd in four venues around the state. The final 4 teams will play in Safeco Field May 28th & 29th.
Brenda shares that photo “on behalf of The West Seattle Runners,” along with this report telling the story behind it:
Members of the West Seattle Runners celebrated a bachelor/bachelorette run for members Dave and Melissa (last night) at Alki. Dave is a founding member and current president of the West Seattle Runners. (Thursday) marked a special day for the couple, who met through the running club 15 years ago today during a club run at Alki. The couple is shown in this photo in their Bride/Groom outfits (note veil and funky glasses) that the group gave them for this special run. The couple is getting married this Saturday.
Sandy Watkins shares that photo and this report of a big achievement for West Seattle High School‘s fastpitch softball team:
West Seattle High School Softball Team – Sound Division Champs! The Lady Wildcats defeated Chief Sealth this week 7-3, and 3-1. Both games were well played and fought by both teams. This is the 7th division title WS has won since 2004!
Highlights from Tuesday’s game included sophomore pitching duo Toni Spadoni and Rosie Patnode combing for 12k’s 2 walks and 5 hits , junior Al’Asia Davis coming off an injured knee with a power performance going 3-4 at the plate and driving in 1 run, sophomore Annie Patnode went 3-4 with a triple, junior Candice Lastimado went 2-4 with 2RBI’s and sophomore Toni Spadoni went 2-4 with 2 triples and 2 RBI’s!!
Thursday’s game highlights included senior Katelyn Elder laying down a perfect bunt to load the bases and junior Al’Asia Davis hit a 2 RBI single and sophomore Rosie Patnode drove in another run for insurance. Westside’s senior pitching duo of Kelsi Baker and Corinne Kleeberger combined for 6 strike outs, 3 hits and 1 run!
WS also celebrated the brilliant careers of 4 seniors — 3 year varsity starter Katelyn Elder, 4 year varsity winner and 3 year starter Cortney Elliott, 4 year varsity winner and 2 year starter Kelsi Baker, and 4 year varsity letter winner and starter Corinne Kleeberger!!
West Seattle finished the regular season 12-0 in Sound Division and 15-3 in league play. The Wildcats will host the first round of the Metro Playoffs next Wednesday vs. Seattle Prep/Franklin at Riverview at 3:30 pm.
The team will be having a BINGO AND WALKING TACO fundraiser tomorrow night (Friday, May 7th) at West Seattle HS. Ten games to be played and 10 prizes to be won! Five dollars gets you in the door and gets you 5 games – (games 1-5), for an additional $5 you can buy the “cash games” (games 6-10). Food will be available: Walking Taco $3, Nachos $2, Drink $1. First Game Begins at 6:40 pm
(WSB photo by Edgar Riebe)
Big assembly at Alki Elementary School this afternoon – a player/coach delegation from the Seattle Mariners swept in for a D.R.E.A.M. Team assembly. Alki is one of a half-dozen schools around the region that got these special visits today, the only one in West Seattle, as part of the 13th annual Mariners Education Day. D.R.E.A.M., by the way, stands for “Drug-free, Respect for yourself and others, Education through reading, Attitude, and Motivation to achieve your dreams.” ADDED 6:56 PM: Video – including an allusion to the tough times the M’s have been having on the field – here are the highlights, shot and edited for WSB by Edgar Riebe of Captive Eye Media:
(May 2009 photo by David Hutchinson)
In less than three weeks, one of the big summer kickoff events hits the street at Alki: The second annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, benefiting the organizing West Seattle High School PTSA, kicking off this year’s Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets “car-free day” on Alki. (Third year for that – the first year, it was a standalone event, and it happened in early September; last year, it moved to May, following the first-ever WS5K.) WSB is proud to be among the co-sponsors of this year’s West Seattle 5K, so we’re reminding you that the early-bird discount is only available through this Thursday (May 6th) – if you’re thinking about participating but haven’t registered yet, this might just be the perfect time. Go here to register; note that kids 6 and under are free! P.S. Got a logistical question about how Alki traffic will be handled that day? SDOT has posted an FAQ.
That’s Terri Glaberson of CoolMom, caught during a moment between meeting and greeting visitors at the Bike Swap they’re sponsoring right now at Cycle University (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle, 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. We were there about an hour after it started, and Cycle U’s Brad Loetel told us they’d already sold 10 bikes:
Part of the proceeds benefit the Major Taylor Project (explained here). You’ll also find activities and clinics (like “learn to ride” for kids) – it’s all under way till 3 pm; here’s the flyer.
(Photo courtesy Kelly from Muttley Crew Cuts)
Also right now, as Brittany reminded us in a comment earlier, a fundraiser in Admiral to help Maddie the rescue dog:
Animals First Foundation is having a fundraiser for one of their rescue dogs- Please help Maddie walk again!! Join us this Sunday, May 2nd from 11am-4pm at the corner of 42nd and Admiral, CrossFit parking lot in West Seattle for a Car Wash & BBQ. All donations go directly to Maddie’s CCL surgery and recovery. For info or to donate: 206.932.6888. Maddie was rescued off the streets by a Good Samaritan. She may have fallen out of a two-story window, or may have been pushed….unfortunately she can’t tell us. She was not able to walk at all and needed surgery on both back legs. Please help us raise the $1600 for her surgery and recovery.
ADDED 3:11 PM: Also got a car-wash photo from Meredith, including Maddie herself up front:
(L-R: Craig Undem, Tyler Farrar [pro racer at grand opening], Kristi Berg, Brad Loetel, Ed Ewing)
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Cycle University, located on Fauntleroy where the Huling Brothers Chrysler showroom used to be (4550 next to the 76 station; map). Here’s what Cycle U wants you to know: They are a bike shop and a training center with a full selection of bikes, for kids to adults, and a full-service center for repairs of any kind. The employees are coaches as well as mechanics and love sharing their knowledge. They specialize in helping new riders who are taking up sports like Road Riding, Triathlon, Mountain biking, Cyclocross, or just riding around West Seattle in style. They have teams you can join for each one of these categories if you want to get serious. Cycle University is unique because they not only sell and service bikes, they teach classes to improve your riding, like a ski school for bikes. The list of classes is extensive, but in a nutshell, they have an impressive indoor training center where you bring your own bike (or rent one of theirs) and do spin-type classes; they teach kids to ride without training wheels; and they have outdoor classes for adults on: Group riding, hill climbing, Triathlon, Cyclocross, and Introduction to Road Racing. Founded by Craig Undem on Gatewood Hill in 2004 (used to race against Lance Armstrong and coached at the Tour de France in 2002 and 2003), Cycle U has another location in North Seattle near Children’s Hospital. They carry the full line of Specialized bikes and have a friendly staff of folks who love bikes and endurance sports. They also specialize in Bike Fitting. Manager Brad Loetel is assisted by head mechanic Catherine Monroe, and Ed Ewing is the director of their indoor Cycling program. Hours are Monday – Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6 (opening Sundays in May). Call 206-432-9982 or visit the website for the full scoop – www.CycleU.com. They have a bike swap this Sunday (May 2nd), where you can sell your cycling stuff or look for good deals!
We thank Cycle University for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
In the mood to shop for sports equipment? Till 4 pm, Lafayette Elementary‘s the place to be. They’ve been collecting donated and consigned items leading up to this day, for the first-ever Sports Swap fundraiser, raising money for their ongoing playground project. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is participating too – in our photo, that’s Adam and Ryan from M2SO. The items on sale are all over the sports map – including kids’ bikes:
A week ago, Chief Sealth High School basketball coach Colin Slingsby accepted the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce “Westsider of the Year” award (WSB coverage here); he’d already been honored as the Seattle Times (WSB partner) “Star Times Coach of the Year.” If you’ve got a 4th-8th grader interested in basketball, here’s a chance for them to work with Coach Slingsby for free this Saturday – the announcement just came in:
Free Youth Basketball Clinic
Hosted by the Chief Sealth Boys Basketball ProgramWhen: Saturday April 17th, 2010
Where: Chief Sealth High School at Boren, 5950 Delridge Way
Time: 10 am-12 pm
(Clinic will run from 10-11:30 and pizza will be served from 11:30-12)
Age: 4th grade through 8th grade• Pizza and Gatorade will be provided at the conclusion of the clinic for those who attend.
• The clinic will be directed by Sealth Boys Head Coach Colin Slingsby and several current players at Chief Sealth.Questions? Contact Coach Colin Slingsby at (206) 854-8142 or email at caslingsby@seattleschools.org
Sealth athletic director Sam Reed points out it’s also a good chance to preview what your student might get out of the Sealth basketball/life-skills camp this summer, same age range (brochure here).
Another sign of spring this past weekend at playfields all around West Seattle — the season kickoff for West Seattle Soccer Club teams. In the photo, it’s Italy vs. Brazil – WSSC board member Tim McMonigle explained that the organization “outfitted all the teams in country jerseys to commemorate the upcoming World Cup in South Africa this June.” He also says it’s “another record-breaking year, with almost 1,000 kids participating.” Almost 200 adult volunteers, too. You can find schedules here.
First, from West Seattle High School assistant baseball coach Scott Meaker, who is providing WSHS baseball recaps (THANK YOU!):
Friday The West Seattle High School Varsity Baseball team made up for their loss to Nathan Hale on Wednesday. The Wildcats won the Metro League game at Hale’s Meadowbrook Field by a score of 15-4. Young and experienced alike had a great day at the plate starting with freshman LaTrey Newsome (3-for-4 scoring 3 runs), sophmores Jeff Watkins (3-for-3) and Tim Tinkler (3-for-4), and seniors Kellen Gearon (2-for-3, 2 runs scored), Stephan Adams (2-for-3, 2 HRs), Trevor Martin (2-for-3, 2 HRs) and Ryan Wiggins (3-for-4, 2 HRs). Senior Ryan Wenli got the win, running his record to 2-0. Next week the Indians-now-Wildcats face a tough schedule traveling to O’Dea Monday and hosting Eastside Catholic on Wednesday.
Second, from our citywide-news partners at the Seattle Times, another Friday game: It was Ingraham 7, Chief Sealth 5 (follow that link for game stats).
The JV team lost a tough battle to Hale 8-6 at Hiawatha. The JV hosts O’Dea on
Monday at Hiawatha. All games are at 3:30.
Chief Sealth travels to Ingraham Friday after losing to them at home 10-8 on Wednesday. That same day, West Seattle HS suffered only its second loss on the season – here’s that recap from assistant coach Scott Meaker, who says WSHS has games Friday too:
WSHS Varsity Baseball faced Metro League foe Nathan Hale HS Wednesday at Hiawatha Sports Complex. After battling to a 2-2 tie after 5 innings, Nathan Hale pulled away to win the Sound Division game 6-3. Aaron Thomason pitched a complete game for Hale to earn the win, and senior Brandon MacKinnon took the loss for West Seattle. West Seattle senior Trevor Martin went 2-for-3 with an RBI. West Seattle is 6-2, (5-2 Metro) and Hale is 5-3 (4-2 Metro). The two teams play again Friday at Hale. The JV game at Hale was rained out. The JV hosts Hale at Hiawatha on Friday, weather permitting. All games are at 3:30.
Also playing today: Seattle Lutheran at Chief Leschi.
We first met Lori and Tim McConnell just two months ago (here’s the story), when they had just signed the lease for space to open a “specialty running store” in Charlestown Center (map), but didn’t even have a name for it. But now, their store West Seattle Runner is just about ready to be, well, off and running:
Tonight, they opened the doors for a sneak peek, as a test run for Saturday, their official grand opening.
They’re planning festivities 10 am-7 pm on Saturday (chair massages plus running coach and physical therapist on hand). And while you’re there – sign up for next month’s West Seattle 5K (with co-sponsors including WSB as well as WSR).
With spring break over, high-school baseball season gets into full swing. Chief Sealth High School plays at Cleveland today, hosts Ingraham tomorrow, and visits them Friday; West Seattle High School‘s schedule is featured in this update from assistant coach Scott Meaker, including an update on yesterday’s win:
The West Seattle Varsity faced cross -valley rival Cleveland HS at Hiawatha Sports Complex on Monday afternoon. West Seattle prevailed 16 – 2 in 5 innings. Senior Ryan Wernli earned the win, pitching 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and 2 runs on 4 strikeouts. He walked none. Sophomore Jeff Freeman went 2 -for-3 with 3 RBI, a double and a HR. Junior Issac Luton went 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, a double, and scored 2 runs. Junior Tim Tinkler went 3 -for-4 with 3 RBI and scored 3 runs. Senior Ryan Wiggins hit a 3-run HR. West Seattle plays Bainbridge Is. HS at Hiawatha on Tuesday at 3:30 and hosts Nathan Hale HS on Wednesday.
Sports and other updates always welcome from local schools – here’s how to share ’em.
In case you haven’t seen it in the Events calendar, we received this announcement from the Seattle Mariners (who don’t start play at Safeco Field till April 12th):
The West Seattle High School Baseball team will be playing in the 4th Annual High School Baseball Classic at Safeco Field this Saturday April 3rd at 12:30 pm. West Seattle will be playing Auburn Mountainview (currently ranked 8th in 3A state baseball). The gates at Safeco Field open at 11:30 am. Entry into the game is free. Parking in the Safeco Field parking garage will be $5. Following the West Seattle game, Nathan Hale High School will be playing Foss of Tacoma.
Lots of talented athletes playing for West Seattle’s high schools, and while we can’t promise you every-game-all-the-time coverage just yet, we’re working on spring-sports coverage, with some help. Two games to report from Friday – Chief Sealth beat Nathan Hale 6-5 (our partners at the Seattle Times have stats here) at SW Athletic Complex in Westwood, and West Seattle High School beat Ingraham at home. WSHS assistant baseball coach Scott Meaker has again written up the Westside highlights for us to share with you – those are ahead, along with a reminder about tonight’s WSHS baseball/fastpitch fundraising dinner, and today’s WSHS-Seattle Lutheran JV game – read on!Read More
(WSB photo from inaugural West Seattle 5K in May 2009)
Less than two months now till the 2nd annual West Seattle 5K Run/Walk (co-sponsored again this year by WSB) – which (as reported here a week and a half ago) will again kick off a “car-free” Celebrate Seattle Summer Streets day on Alki, May 23rd. Registration is open now (with a discount rate till May 6), and we’ve just gotten word from Mary Pat at Alki Community Center that they’re offering a course to get you ready to run:
Register Now!
6 Weeks to Running a 5K!
This class is designed for beginning runners. Participants will train to run the West Seattle 5k along Alki Beach scheduled for May 23, 2010. Classes will be conducted by a Certified Running Coach and will include weekly runs along with workshop time on goal setting, stretching, developing core strength, running gear, training and race day nutrition. Participants will receive a weekly training schedule. Race day fee is not included in price of class.Course Dates: 4/15 – 5/20
Day: Thursday
Time: 6:30 -8 p.m.
Cost: $90
Place: Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens
Register: Call Alki Community Center at 206 – 684 – 7430 or online at www.seattle.gov/parks
And of course, don’t forget to sign up for the West Seattle 5K!
HIgh-school baseball season is starting to intensify. This morning we have a West Seattle High School report courtesy of assistant baseball coach Scott Meaker – looking ahead to games today and tomorrow, recapping wins on Wednesday, and also noting the big fundraising dinner/auction Saturday to raise money for fastpitch softball as well as baseball – read on:Read More
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