Weekly La Conner High Sports capsule, May 11, 2011

Boys Track Team took the League Championship!

Photo by Nancy Anderson

La Conner Braves Boys Track Team won the league championship match for the first time since 1998!

Braves Raves

By Amylynn Richards 

TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

La Conner hosted the Northwest 1B/2B/1A League Championships on Thursday, May 5. The boys won the league championship, and the girls came in second to Mount Vernon Christian.  

“It's great that our track team is so successful this year,” said Coach Seeling.

La Conner hosted the Northwest 1B/2B/1A League Championships on Thursday, May 5. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams came in third place out of nine schools. Concrete won first place for the boys’ and Mount Vernon Christian won first place for the girls.

Highlights:

Senior Brandon Drye won first in the 12 lb. shot put with a distance of 40.06.00, and second in the 1.6 discus with a distance of 129’04.00.

Landy James won first in the 800 g. javelin, with 164' 2.00, his personal best by 3.6” and third in the high jump with 6.2.00”.   

Jamall James tied for first in the high jump, with 5’10.00”, second in the long jump, with 18’ 7.75, second in the triple jump, in 38’ 8.25, and third in the 110 hurdles, in 16.67a.

Conner Anderson came in first place in the 200 mater race, in 24.94c and came in second in the 100 meters, in 12.22 seconds.

Nathan Parker set a new personal best and earned second place in the 12 lb. shot put, with 40' 5.00.

Sam Traylor came in first in the 3200 meter race, in 11:28.75.

Nathan Sybrandy came in second in the 800 meters, with a time of 2:12:50 and also took third in the 1600 meters, in 5:01.00; Sybrandy took third in the 1600 meter in 5:01.00.

Todd Hoagland came in second in the 200 meters, in 25.16 seconds and second also in the 800 meters, in 2:21.89a.

The team of Nathan Sybrandy, Todd Hoagland, Conner Anderson and Sten Mejlaender won first place in the 4x100 relay with a time of 3:41.91a.  

In he Girls’ league competition, Kelsie Crawford took first place in the long jump, in 13’6”, in third in the 100 meters, with a time of 13.94. She also took third in the long jump, with 13’11.00”.

Priscilla Ponce-Venegas earned second place in the 300 m. 30” hurdles. She also won second in the 600 gram javelin throw.

Lydia Lenning set a new personal best by  .10a of a second, earning herself  second place in the 3200 meters, in 13.34.85, third in the 1600 meters in 6:27.50a.

Madi Cavanaugh earned third in the 400 meters race, in 1:10.63.

Sammie Mesman earned second in the 800 meters, 6:00.31. 

Two relay teams won their matches. The team of Kelsie Crawford, Madi Cavanaugh, Katie McKnight and Priscilla Ponce-Venegas took first in 4:43012. The team of Kelsie Crawford, Madi Cavanaugh, Katie McKnight, Chrissy Barness and Madi Cavanaugh competed, bringing La Conner another first place in the 43x200 in 1:53.41

BI-DISTRICT TRACK

The boys and girls team went to Stanwood on Friday, May 6 to compete in Stanwood Twilight Invitational with 11 boys’ teams and 10 girls’ teams competing.

La Conner’s boys scored 5 out of 11, and the girls were number 9 out of 10. The girls did not have varsity finalists in the Stanwood match.

 Sten Mejlaender won first place in the 39” 100 meter race in 16.19 and first again tin the 300 m. 36” hurdles, in 41.11. Landy James won third in the 800 g. javelin, 145’0”. Landy also won third in the high jump, in 5’10.00, 4 in the high jump. Jamall James won second in the long jump, in 18’07.75 and third in the trip jump, in 39.04.00”

BASEBALL

The Braves played Mount Baker on Thursday, May 5 in La Conner on Thursday. Mount Baker won, 6-4. The Braves got off to a quick start, scoring four runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. The Mount Baker pitcher allowed only one hit after that.  Coach Jeremiah LeSourd said of the game, “although the Braves came up short, it was an opportunity for the Braves hitters to learn about making the necessary adjustments during the game.”

Team highlights: Garrett Wilbur pitched five strong innings for the Braves, allowing just one run; Kyle McKnight was 1 for 3; DJ Carr was 1 for 4; Garrett Wilbur was 1 for 3 with a double and a RBI; and Tyler Howlett was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  

FASTPITCH

The Braves took the ferry to Orcas Island on Tuesday, May 3. The Orcas Vikings won 5-3. Coach Peg Seeling reports that the team led the game until the sixth inning, when Orcas managed 4 runs.  The Braves had three hits and six errors. “Hard to win with this combination,” Seeling said. Samie Miller struck out six batters during the game.

The team went to Concrete for a double header on Wednesday, May 4. The Braves won the first game 21-2 in five innings and the second game 18-6 in six innings.

The Braves had 21 runs on 17 hits and 1 error.  Freshman Kelley McClung hit her first home run of her high school career and was 8 for 8 across the two games, which “is incredible,” said Coach Peg Seeling.  Lauren McClung hit a home run and Samie Miller hit a grand slam. Taysha James, Alissa McCoy and Kaitlyn Summers each made doubles.

In game two, the Braves had 18 runs on 19 hits and 8 errors. Sierra Brown, Galena Graham, Kelley McClung each hit a double, and Kaitlyn Summers scored two doubles. The Braves are 11-5 overall and 8-2 in league.

In the May 4, 2011 issue...

Fowl fugitive caught in town bathroom

   Writer M. Sharon Baker has the tale of another La Conner turkey capture -- this time a young tom was hiding out in the town's public restroom on Morris Street when the Public Works crew nabbed him and booked him into the turkey detention facility. Read all about it in today's paper!

Photo by Kirsten Morse

Wow! And we live here!

The end of the rainbow also marked the end of tulip season in this image captured after Monday's rainstorm.

 

Town earns better flood insurance rating

La Conner residents should call their insurance companies right now and ask for cheaper flood insurance.

The town just received notification from FEMA contractor that the town’s the flood risk rating has improved. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating Service website, the new rating means homeowners can now get a 15 percent discount off the base price of their federal flood insurance premiums. Details in today's paper!

 There really is a good explanation for this. La Conner Chamber of Commerce Director Marci Plank is putting out  the word out that from now until June 15, you can pick out a pretty post card and the state will e-mail it to a recipient of your choice inviting them to come and visit. Do it for a chance to win free airline tickets! Go to http://www.shareyourwashington.com/ and try it out.

 

A focus on tourism

Writer Mary Evitt has the story on a local effort to keep visitors coming to La Conner and neighboring cities. With the Washington State Tourism office closing next month, local tourism leaders have come up with a plan to raise money to promote the area. It's all in today's paper.

 

 

Photo by Scott McDade

All eyes are on Elizabeth Bennet, played by Zoe Fejeran, left, who is ignoring the withering glance of the disapproving Lady Catherine de Bourgh, played by Madison Smith, seated next to Amber Drye, who plays her daughter. Standing are Amanda Grant cast as Charlotte, Alex Tzedakis in the role of Mr. Collins, Brandon Drye as Mr. Darcy and Christian Johnston as Mr. Fitzwilliam. 

"Pride & Prejudice" opens Friday

La Conner High School students will perform the classic tale, Pride and Prejudice – a play based on one of the most popular love stories ever written. Opening night is Friday.

Curtain times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at La Conner Auditorium. Tickets are $5, and are available at the door. For reserved seats, call 466-3171. 

Drama Coach Scott McDade has all the details about the production, cast and stage crew in today's paper.

From the Police Blotter:

12:19 p.m.: Civil – A woman reported that a farmer was spreading manure on a field near the baseball field at La Conner High School while a game was in progress and she wanted him to stop. The deputy did not stop the farmer because it is not against the law to do farm work in a farming community. Seriously.

Pick up the paper in all the usual spots.

Bonus: There is a $5 coupon good at Sebo's Hardware on page 6 and El Gitano has a special Cinco De Mayo special with a coupon good for a half-price entree. (Muy bueno!)  

 

Weekly La Conner High Sports capsule, May 4, 2011

Photo by Amylynn Richards

La Conner Braves’ outfielder Christian Johnston gets under the ball during Friday’s home game against Coupeville. Braves won 14-13. 

Braves Raves

By Amylynn Richards

HOME SPORTS

Golf hosts Orcas Island High School at Similk Bay at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May. 4. On Thursday, May 5, Track hosts the Northwest 1B/2B/1A League Championships at 3 p.m.

BASEBALL

The Braves clinched first place in the 1A/2B League with their 12-1, six-inning win on Monday, May 2 at Concrete. The win gives them the number one seed in the upcoming Tri-District tournament, date and time to be determined.

 The Braves came out and put pressure on Concrete from the start. The Braves scored 2 runs in the first inning, 3 in the 2nd inning and 4 in the third inning. Despite the poor weather conditions, Pitcher Tyler Howlett was able to remain in control of the game giving up just 4 hits, while striking out 5 batters.

Leading hitters: Kyle McKnight was 3 for 4 with an RBI; Tyler Howlett was 2 for 3with an RBI, Tanner Cyr was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored, Garrett Wilbur was 2 for 4 with a double and 4 RBI; DJ Carr was 2 for 4 with 2 2B and 3 RBI and Wil James was 2 for 3.

The Braves will host the district semi-final on Tuesday, May 10th at 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 26, La Conner hosted Shoreline Christian for a double-header; the Braves won the first game 19-0 in five innings, and the second game 12-4.

In the first game, pitcher Kyle McKnight threw a no-hitter and struck out 8 batters. “The Braves bats were active throughout,” said Coach Jeremiah LeSourd.  Leading Hitters: DJ Carr was 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI; and Dakota Hartley was 3 for 4.   

In game two, Coach LeSourd reports that the Braves once again were strong at the plate, and pitchers Matt McCauley, Christian Johnston, Tyler Howlett and Dakota Hartley combined efforts to get the win.

The Braves hosted Seattle Prep on Thursday, April 28. Seattle Prep won 8-1.  Matt McCauley earned the Braves’ run as a homerun. . Garrett Wilbur pitched for the Braves, holding the 3A Seattle Prep to 3 runs in the five innings Wilbur pitched. LeSourd said of the game, “although the Braves came up short, they got an opportunity to battle against a solid team.”  Leading hitters were Matt McCauley, 1 for 3 with a solo homerun; and Tyler Howlett was 2 for 3.

On Friday, April 29, the Braves hosted Coupeville, beating Coupeville 14-13.The Braves scored 11 runs in the first inning. Coupeville worked their way back, tying the score at 13 in the 7th inning. In the bottom of the 7 inning, Garrett Wilbur singled with one out to right field to score Kyle McKnight to win the game. Leading Hitters: Kyle McKnight, 3 for 5 with a solo homerun; Dakota Hartley, 3 for 4 with a double and triple; and DJ Carr was 3 for 4 with a triple.

GOLF

The boys team is undefeated this season. The girls do not have enough golfers to field a team.

The team played Lopez on Tuesday, April 26. Two Braves tied for top honors in the match; Spencer Novak and Brendan McCloud tied for medalist with 38. Hilary Edwards was the girls’ medalist with 58.

The Braves won both matches last week. The first was against Cedar Park on Thursday, Apr. 28. Jake Silva was the boys’ medalist, with 38; Hilary Edwards was the girls’ medalist with 57.

FASTPITCH

The girls’ team traveled to 2A League Lynden on Tuesday, April 26. Only nine Braves were able to make the game; Lynden won 13-3.  The Braves had three hits and seven errors, “not one of our best showings this year,” said Coach Peg Seeling.  Kelley McClung was 2 for 3; Samie Miller was 1 for 3 with a double, striking out 6 and allowing 7 hits while at bat.

On Friday, the girls hosted University Prep. The Braves won 20-3 in five innings. The Braves’ 20 runs came from 11 hits, and the team had no errors. University Prep had their three runs from 5 hits and had six errors.

Alissa McCoy was 1 for 2 and had a double, and had two base on balls; Samie Miller, as pitcher struck out 8 batters, 2 for 3, two doubles and 2 RBI; Kaitlyn Summers, 2 for 3, two doubles and 2 RBI; Kelley McClung, 2 for 4, two triples and 5 RBI; Lauren McClung was 2 for 4 with 5 RBI; Siomi Bobb was 1 for 1 with 2RBI and Galena Graham was 1 for 1, with 2 base on balls and 4 put-outs at first base.

The girls are 9-4 overall and 6-1 in league.

TRACK 

Seven boys’ teams and six girls’ competed on 105th Skagit County Championships. Preliminary races took place on Wednesday, Apr. 27 and Friday, April 29, was the main event. The event was at Burlington-Edison; all high schools in Skagit County are invited to compete, no matter the League classification determined by school size.

In boys’ track, Burlington Edison is the 105^th annual Skagit County Champions, having scored 209 points by Friday, April 29. Mount Vernon was second, with 141 points, and La Conner came in third with 136.  Also competing were Sedro-Wooley, 98 points; Anancortes, 81 points; Concrete, with 80 points; and Mount Vernon Christian with 27 points.

For the girls, Burlington-Edison won with 304; Sedro-Woolley, 222 points; Anacortes, 125 points; Mount Vernon, 107 points; Mount Vernon Christiann, 93 points and La Conner, 30 points.  Concrete did not send a team.

Sten Mejlaender won first in the 36” 300 m. hurdles in both the preliminaries (42.25a) and finals (40.97a) his personal best by .14a; first in the 39” 110 m. hurdles (16:02a )in in the varsity finals and third (16.58a.) in that prelims. Landy James won first place in the 800 g.javelin finals with a distance of 155’05” and first in the high jump, with a height of 6’02”. Brandon Drye won third in the 1.6 k. discus with a throw of 121’.00”, throwing 2’5” farther than his previous personal best. Jamall James won second in the 39” 100 m. hurdles in the preliminaries (16.92a) and third in that final (16.67a); second in the triple jump, distancing 41’03.00” and beating his previous personal best by an astounding 2’10”; third in the long jump, with 18’07.00”, and third in the high jump, setting his personal best by 2”. Todd Hoagland won second in the 400 m. preliminaries (54.39a) and won third the 400 m. race (53.57a), both times personal bests. The finals set a new personal best by 1.36a and the prelims by 0.25a. Sam Traylor won third in the 3200 m. race with a time of 10:42.90a, beating his prior personal best by 15.90a.  The Braves won second in the 4x400 m. relay race run by Nathan Sybrandy, Conner Anderson, Sten Mejlaender and Todd Hoagland. The four man team of Wylie Thulen, Conner Anderson, Todd Hoagland and Sten Mejlaender won third in the 4x100 m. relay.

Kelsie Crawford, Katie McKnight, Emily Anderson and Priscilla Ponce-Venegas won third place in the 4x100 m. relay.

  

In the April 27, 2011 issue...

Click "Classified Ads" to see page 7

Photo by Marci Plank

Look Quick! They're already topping the tulips in the fields this week. Still, the view at Tulip Town last week on Local's Only night was spectacular.

Upper Skagit wants land zoned for industry

The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, which purchased the La Conner Pier property at the waterfront end of Caledonia Street in 2009, has asked the town to change the land’s zoning back to “industrial.”

The request has drawn concern from some residents in the area, who worry about the effects of truck traffic, noise, and lights on the nearby neighborhood, which includes many families with small children. In today's paper

Shelter Bay can celebrate ... or not 

 There’s good news, and so-so news for Shelter Bay residents this week. Writer Amylynn Richards has the story on the new homeowner fee increases that will go into effect after the property owners approve the upcoming budget next week. Voting down the increase would take a huge election turnout with a huge majority of no votes.

On the bright side, residents in Shelter Bay and throughout Fire District 13 could be in for some savings on their fire insurance premiums. The ratings outfit that determines how effective a fire agency for insurance companies is has given District 13 a better rating.

Read both stories in today’s paper …

 Don't miss writer Sue Phillips feature on Tony Curtis, an Irish poet who has been spending time in La Conner.

“I work with students, alcoholics, prisoners, and those in asylums,” he says.

But when he’s here, he visits schools for the Skagit River Poetry Project, which has invited him for the past five years to bring his lyric poetry, humor and wit to local classrooms.

Police Blotter is back this week.  Read all about the 24-hour family argument in the Pleasant Ridge area in today's paper.

Pull & Be Damned columnist Jim Smith has a commentary about the compost operation near the waste water treatment plant. 

Columnist Mickey Bambrick is back in Norway, gathering lots of material for readers who follow the Norsk beat.

Paper is on sale in news stands around town and as usual, in the book store, liquor store, gas station,  drug store and produce market.  Or call 360-466-3315 to get it delivered.

Weekly La Conner High School sports capsule, April 27, 2011

Braves Raves

By Amylynn Richards

HOME GAMES

The golf team will host Cedar Park Christian on Thursday, April 28  at Similk Bay golf club starting at 3:30 p.m. 

Baseball has two at home games this week. The first against Seattle Prep on Thursday, April  28 at 4 p.m. and the second on Friday, April 29  against Coupeville at 4 p.m. 

Fastpitch will host University Prep on Friday, April 29 at 4 p.m.

BOYS’ BASEBALL

The Braves played Friday Harbor on Thursday, April 21, and beat the Vikings 4-2 in nine innings. Coach Jeremiah LeSourd reports that the Vikings scored their two runs at the bottom of the first inning, and the game became a “pitching duel until the top of the seventh inning, when the Braves scored twice to send the game into extra innings.”  

At the top of the ninth inning, senior Kyle McKnight hit a single to left field. “When the defense stalled in getting the ball into the infield, Kyle slid into second base safely,” LeSourd said; the Braves clinched the game when senior DJ Carr followed with a single; senior Garrett Wilbur brought McKnight home and gave the Braves the lead.

Tyler Howlett brought Carr home, winning the game for the Braves.

“Defensively, the Braves were solid, and pitchers Garrett Wilbur and Tyler Howlett combined to pitch eight shutout innings,” LeSourd said, noting that the Braves were able to get themselves out of three different “bases loaded jams” during the course of the game.

Leading hitters: Kyle McKnight, 3 for 5; Tyler Howlett, 3 for 5 with a double, and hit the RBI that brought McKnight home to win the game for the Braves.

FASTPITCH

The Lady Braves also took the ferry to Friday Harbor; this time the Vikings beat the Braves 9-5 in the Braves’ first league loss of the year.  The score had been 1-1 going into the fourth inning – which became what Coach Peg Seeling said that the one “bad inning where they scored 8 of their 9 runs.”

The Braves had 5 runs from 9 hits, with 3 errors; the Vikings had 9 runs from 20 hits, with 1 error.

Team highlights: Siomi Bobb was one for 2, with 2 RBI; Taysha James was 2 for 4, with 1RBI; Galena Graham was 2 for 3, with a double; and Kelley McClung was 2 for 4.

The girls are now 6-1 in league.

TRACK

La Conner hosted an invitational track meet on Friday, April 22 for a 5-school match that included Friday Harbor; Crescent; Concrete; and Clallam Bay. The La Conner girls won 10 first-place events, 6 second place events and 1 third-place event. The boys won 9 first-place events, 3 second-place events, and six third place events.

GIRLS’ TRACK

Emily Anderson earned first place in the triple jump, leaping 30’07.00; first in the high jump, with a height of 4’10.00; second in the 100 m.  33” hurdles in 17.81 seconds; Kelsie Crawford won first palce in the long jump, jumping 13’06.00; second in the 100 meters, in 13.53 seconds;  Katie McKnight won first in 600 g. javelin, throwing 107’02.00” and setting her new best by 7’2”; Priscilla Ponce-Venagas won first place in the 30” 300 meter hurdles in 50.87 seconds and second place in the 600 javelin, throwing 90’06.00.

Sammie Mesman won first in the 1600 meters race in 6:06.46, setting her new personal best by 0:08.23a.

Lydia Lenning won first in the 3200 meter race, in 13.51.99 seconds; second in the 1600 meter race in 6:28:55, setting her new personal best by 0.18 seconds.

Kirstyn Bell won second in the 400 meter race, in 1:14.50

Chrissy Barsness won third in the 100 meters race, in 14.15 seconds, beating her personal best by 0.75 seconds.

The girls performed well in the relay races, taking first in the 4x100 and 4x200, and second in the 4x400. The first place 4x100 winners are Kelsie Crawford; Katie McKnight; Emily Anderson; and Priscilla Ponce-Venegas. The 4x200 relay team of Kelsie Crawford, Katie McKnight; Madi Cavanaugh and Priscilla Ponce-Venegas won first place in 1:54.12. In the 4x400 relay team of Madi Cavanaugh, Sammie Mesman, Lydia Lenning and Kirstyn Bell won second place in 4:51.37.

BOYS’ TRACK

Sten Mejlaender won first in the 39” 110 m. hurdles in 15.94; first in the 36” 300 meter hurdles, in 41.91.

Conner Anderson won first place in the 200 meter race in 24.09 second, setting a new personal best by 0.14; and third place in the 100 meter race, in 11.78, also setting his new personal best in this race by .01c.

Todd Hoagland won third place in the 400 meters, in 55.38.

Brandon Drye won first place in the 1.6kg. discus, throwing 115;09.50;  and also won third in the 12 lb. shot put, throwing 37’05.00 feet, setting his new personal best.

Landy James won the 800 g. javelin, throwing 161.08.00, setting a new personal best by 18’10”; and first place in the high jump, jumping 6”02.00 and setting his new personal best by 2”.

Jamall James won second in the long jump, jumping 18’06.00 feet; third in the high jump, jumping 6’02.00 and beating his own personal best by six inches; third in the triple jump, jumping 38’03.30; and third in the 39” 110 meter hurdles in 16.54, a new personal best by 0.54 seconds.

Nathan Sybrandy won first in the 1600 meter race, in 5:01.98; third in the 800 meter race, in 2:21.78.

Sam Traylor won first place in the 3200 meter race, in 11:25.31; second in the 1600 meter race, in 5:02.25 seconds.

The 4x400 relay team of Nathan Sybrandy, Conner Anderson, Sten Mejlaender and Todd Hoagland won first place with a time of 3:46.94.

The 4x100 relay team of Jack Borusinski, Todd Hoagland, Sten Mejlaender, and Conner Anderson won second place in 47.16.