A great year for student athletes

Courtesy of Chinook Observer
By KEVIN HEIMBIGNERObserver staff writer

ILWACO and NASELLE - The year began with both boys' basketball teams being highly successful. Naselle finished with the better record at 18-8, but Ilwaco qualified for the 1A state tournament and won a game there to finish 13-10.

The Comets coached by Brian Macy missed a trip to Spokane by the narrowest of margins, losing in overtime at district to Morton after winning three post-season games. Evan Hendrickson, Aoy Marion and Ricky Johnson were the leading scorers and Kyle Burkhalter the top defender and Jason Gradt the leader on the boards.

Naselle diamond men were 7-11 for Pacific League Coach of the Year Pete Donlon as Doug Wise was all-league and Matt Chavez, Matt Blain, Jason Gradt, and Aoy Marion were honorable mention for the Comets.

On the track Erin Saari finished third in the pole vault at state for Debbie Denny's Comets and also competed in the 100-meter dash, high jump, and 300-meter hurdles. Kelsey Fletcher and Conor Smith ran the 800 at state and Elsa Butchart, Haley Landis, and Mayu Takami rounded out Naselle's 4x400 relay team that also competed.

Naselle's Robin Andrea was named Coach of the Year when his team finished 5-5 and tied for fifth in league. Kyle Burkhalter was named to the first team all-league squad for his work at quarterback and defensive back. Tony Ruch, Kevin Maki, and Mike Shirley were honorable mention and Tony Fletcher and Austin Burkhalter also contributed to the Comet's improved success on the grid iron.

All four basketball teams are off to solid starts and all look to be contenders for district berths and beyond. Two Fishermen wrestlers have winning records to kick off their season.