Are you ready for March Madness?

By Gabrielle Rackner

In 1939 the University of Oregon beat Ohio State to win first ever NCAA Basketball tournament, often called March Madness. There were only eight teams invited in the tournament in the beginning and has now grown to a 65 team format decided in 2001. Since then the tournament has grown in popularity and importance. It has evolved and become a tournament for attracting students to their schools, showing off their basketball team, and of course winning that trophy.

Not just are the players involved with March Madness, but many people in the U.S. get involved by predicting the winners in the tournament by using a bracket. Brackets are fun and competitive with friends because usually the person with the winning bracket gets a prize. It also helps people get more connected with the tournament and follow it more frequently. Some people do research or have been following the teams year round but others just pick teams based off the higher seeded team in the match-up. But, it is good to not always rely on the rankings because often there are upsets, and the upsets are part of the beauty and excitement of March Madness. It is great when your predictions are spot on but sometimes it sucks when your teams that you predicted for the Final Four are losing in the third round to a worse team. But remember, there are upsets.

Since the University of Oregon’s win in 1939 there have been a total of 77 winners in the history of the NCAA tournament. From UCLA with the most March Madness wins, to Kentucky, to Duke who won last year’s March Madness tournament.

Be sure to follow this year’s 78^th annual NCAA Basketball tournament which starts on March 17^th (but the match-ups are announced on March 13^th) and grab some friends and a bracket and get ready for a month of madness!

 

EmbRACE the 5k

Gabrielle Rackner

What if there was a race that anyone could do and is the perfect distance for any runner or even non-runner? Oh wait there is. Introducing the 5k; a 3.1 mile run that is perfect for anyone regardless of running level.

What is a 5k? A 5k is a race of 3.1 miles where hundreds of people come out in the morning and run and walk together for the fun of it. There are many varieties of 5ks and people run 5ks for different reasons, whether it is getting in shape for a sports season, trying to get a new PR (personal record), or a fun activity to do with friends. Even if you don’t consider yourself “a runner” or feel as if it is much too long of a race, it is simple to train for, and 5ks are filled with people with ranges of running experience and speed, and there is no pressure.

When deciding you want to do a 5k it is important that you pick one that suits what you are looking for, if you are doing your first 5k or just want to do it for fun there are so many kinds of fun 5ks. If you want to run while getting sprayed with color, the Color Run is for you, run through tubs of 6 foot high bubbles, try the Bubble Run! These races are stress free and there is no clock so you don’t have to worry about time but just enjoying the run. A lot of these fun runs also require dressing up in costumes and some people dress up and go all out on their running costumes. Looking to be competitive in 5k races? Many races offer prizes for the top three in age groups, so there is a good goal to shoot for.

5ks also benefit others; most 5ks donate all the proceeds to a charity or organization. The Good Karma 5k lets you donate your race money to a charity of your choice, so you are also running for a good cause.

Another plus about 5ks is all the free stuff and food afterwards! You just did 3.1 miles and you deserve to rewarded, (usually the bigger 5ks have the most stuff, and PCC usually hands out brownies).You also get a free T-shirt from the 5k. If you are interested in running or walking a 5k it is usually a good idea to sign up early, most 5ks have an early bird special and it also gives you plenty of time to train for the upcoming 5k. It is good to start off your training by building up your endurance over the weeks to prepare for the distance and to figure out your pace. There are many apps to help such as “Couch to 5k” or the “Nike + Running app”. Strength training by doing core exercises such as planks, and crunches will prevent side aches. Music is also a great way to stay motivated during your run with whatever music pumps you up the most. But, don’t always rely on music, sometimes it is good to unplug and focus on your surroundings.

On the day of the 5k, have a light breakfast and try to head to the race early to warm-up, stretch and find parking. The line-up at the starting line is usually pretty intense because there are a lot of people packed tight together; some 5ks have helpful signs that can help you find what area of the starting line you should line up based on your pace. When the starting gun goes off people usually start off fast but it is important not to get sucked into that and just worry about your pace or else you will regret it later.

After you have finished your 5k you get a great feeling of accomplishment and free food! Once you have finished you might want to sign up for another one, and if you really like running 5ks you can join the Cross Country team at West Seattle High School in the late summer and fall.

Upcoming 5ks:

March 6^th – Hot Chocolate 5k

March 13^th – St. Patrick’s Day dash

April 24^th – Top Pot Doughnut dash

May 8^th – Color Run

May 22^nd – West Seattle 5k

June 5^th – Briefcase Relay

Let’s get fired up Fredricks

BY LINDSEY JENSEN

“Being a cheerleader is more than just standing on the side of the court/field in a skirt,” said junior cheer member, Riley Fredricks, “A lot of what being a cheerleader is what people don’t see. It’s cheering on your team win or lose, it’s the countless hours of practice for a performance that only last three minutes.”

Although Fredricks was already thinking about trying out for cheer her eighth grade year, the main person that really convinced her to tryout was senior cheer member, Olivia Owenby, with her constant support.

“I remember the first day of tryouts was really hard for me but Olivia kept helping me with the cheers and jumps, by the second day, I picked up things much faster and the workouts became easier, “ said Fredricks, “I am really thankful to have had that support.”

Fredricks realized that she gained 20 new best friends instantly after making the team, and the opportunity of making new friends each year. She loves the amazing sister like bond of the team after going to cheer camp every summer, which is a full week of eating, breathing, and sleeping cheer but really brings the team together.

Because cheer is a year-round sport, Riley had to quickly learn to balance academics with athletics. The sports seasons were always tough, basketball being the worst. Although basketball season called for practice plus cheering for 2-3 games every week, Riley manages to figure out how to make time to fit everything.

“My favorite sports season changes by the minute but right now it’s basketball, especially with our amazing teams,” said Fredricks, “For basketball we are a lot more involved in the game, being a foot away from players, the only hard part is making sure you don’t get hit by the basketball or player.”

Along with the rest of the team, Riley is sad about the recent news of the current cheer coach not returning next year, but is very excited that the coach decided to go back to school for her masters degree. Fredricks has complete faith that the next chosen coach will be equally as amazing and has the right experience.

Fredricks has been on the West Seattle high school for three years so far and plans to tryout for her senior year. She supports anyone to tryout for cheer, as it has been an amazing experience for her.

Riley recommends that people trying out to come in with a positive attitude ready to give it their all. The judges are looking for more than just people with sharp arms and dance skills, they also look for individuals with positive encouraging attitude and people who want to be there.

 

 

 

 

Chaaka shoots for three

By Lindsey Jensen

 

“Basketball has impacted me for the better, it has made me a more social person and able to connect with other athletes in a different way that I never got to experience on a daily basis.” said senior varsity basketball player, Chaaka Trahan.

Playing basketball for the past seven years, Chaaka Trahan joins the West Seattle high school basketball team his junior year. The main reason he decided to continue playing basketball was knowing that Keffrey Fazio was the coach. He has personally known Fazio for years prior and had a huge influence on him to tryout for the team his junior year.

“I was very excited that I had made the varsity basketball team my junior year because it was the first actual varsity team for basketball I was on because I played on junior varsity at Bishop Blanchet.” said Trahan.

Trahan has previously played on the JV basketball team at Bishop Blanchet for his freshmen and sophomore year. He wasn’t given much of an opportunity to play very much at Bishop since he was on JV but is thankful for the opportunity to play the game at West Seattle.

“Being a varsity basketball player means a lot to me because only so many kids get the opportunity to be a part of an organized high school team which you can never take for granted.” said Trahan.

A normal week of basketball consists of practice everyday after school plus two games a week for the three month season. Trahan had to quickly learn how to balance academics and athletics. He had to learn to prioritize his school work by doing his homework after school before a practice or a game and getting help from his teammates.

“Next year I will definitely miss the family like bond I made with all my teammates and the new mark we set as a basketball program that we never achieved before.” said Trahan.

Although he doesn’t plan to play on a college team next year, he plans to continue playing basketball in his free time. Trahan plans on doing track and field in college.

“As for the members of the team next year, I advise you to just enjoy the experience and have fun playing the game you love.” said Trahan.

Trahan has been thankful for his best basketball season yet. He believed that this year the team was able to achieve new heights for the West Seattle program to reach. He feels this season was one of the best because of the brotherhood has brought the team closer that made the season more enjoyable overall.

He is very thankful for the amazing student section at West Seattle that ‘always knows how to get it poppin’”. Trahan remembers the crowd at last two games against O’Dea high school and Chief Sealth high school. He has never experienced that level of support with his fellow classmates.

Chaaka will always keep Coach Kasey’s words with him throughout his life on and off the court, “stop playing like a bunch of cupcakes, have fun cause when you’re my age, you’ll only have the memories.”

 

 

 

Annika Salenjus & Audrey Lansdowne

Annika Salenjus and Audrey Lansdowne are the co-captains of this year’s Gymnastics team. Both Joined their freshmen year. Lansdowne is graduating this year and Salenjus is a junior. They’re both looking forward to this season. This is a promising team with more girls qualifying to stick with the team long term.

 

Lansdowne was inspired to join the gymnastics team because her mom did it for 15 years.

Lansdowne started her first year of gymnastics her freshmen year and has continued to do it all four years. She made varsity all four years.

“We just recently got a spring floor this year and i’m really happy about that because past years we had to use the wrestling mats and that often gave people shin splints” said Lansdowne.

As co team captain she has many responsibilities like organizing team dinners, leads stretching in the beginning of practice and making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported on the team. Other than gymnastics Lansdowne enjoys going on hikes around washington, hanging out with friends and she has recently started to play piano.

Salenjus always had a interested in gymnastics. That’s when she decided to join the gymnastics team freshmen year.

“ When I was little gymnastics always my favorite thing to watch in the olympics, so I tried it out t0 see how i liked it.” Said Salenjus

Ever since she joined she fell in love with it and likes how it pushes her to try new challenging things. Her biggest gymnastics role model is Sandra Izbasa who is a Romanian gymnasts that took the gold from U.S gymnast Aly Raisman on vault at the london olympics. Salenjus loves sharing the spot of captain with Lansdowne and can’t wait to have a great season with all new new comers to the team”

“ Audrey is such a great girl and we look forward to having the whole team become closer and bond because past years the team had some negativity.” Said Salenjus.

Salenjus Also made it to districts all-around. She’s placed in every meet so far.

“ I’m so excited to compete in districts this year, this has been my best season so far. I’m really hoping I also make it to state.” said Salenjus.

Salenjus also enjoys playing volleyball. She’s played All three years she’s been at west seattle high school and also plans to play senior year.

The West Seattle Gymnastics team placed fourth overall out eight teams.

“ Before my freshmen year our team had a few really high scoring gymnasts but they graduated and our team was a lot worse but now we’re getting better again. We have a lot of talented new people on the team for example the freshman Summer Kramer who is also going to districts all-around.” Said Salenjus.

The gymnastics Team finished strong having two gymnasts going to state this saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

Sounders leave Playoffs with a devastating loss to FC Dallas

By Gabrielle Rackner

After a roller coaster season, it seemed as if the Seattle Sounders were on track to return to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in four years, they were a seemingly unbeatable team. But as close as they were to getting there, a devastating loss against FC Dallas in Game two of the Conference Semifinals ended their Finals-bound hopes.

This season has been full of many up and downs and the road to the semifinals has not been a completely smooth one with many injured players being out for games. But, the determination and grit truly showed during the game, knowing that this game had to be won or they would have to go home, ending their winning streak.

Their keeper, Stefan Frei, definitely put in the work with numerous saves that kept us in the game, even though the Sounders were out-shot by FC Dallas 25-11. Without his outstanding saves we would not have made it to the overtime. In the 90^th minute, Chad Marshall scored a goal with the help of Marco Pappa’s assist. Just like that, the Sounders were back in the game; with it tied 1-1. But, Walker Zimmerman’s pass made the game go into overtime and a very nervous ending to the game.

Although the Sounders dominated on possession for most of the game, after a scoreless overtime, the game resulted in the dreaded penalty kicks. A very unfortunate way to end the game, FC Dallas moved on, while the Seattle Sounders headed into the offseason.

Although this is an upsetting way to close up the season, their coach, Sigi Schmid still has high hopes and confidence to return again to the Finals for the 2016 season if they put a lot of effort and work into the offseason.

In addition, numerous Sounder’s players are still contenders for the MLS Goal of the Year, including Obafemi Martins. Even though this was a very heartbreaking way to end their season, they have hopes to be final bound again.

Carter Golgart Athlete Profile

By Ginny Sunde

Senior basketball captain, Carter Golgart, has high hopes for his final season at West Seattle High School.

“I think we have a chance to have one of the most successful seasons we’ve [ever] had since I’ve been here,” says Golgart.

Hoping to improve on last year’s record of 11-13, “Hopefully we will have a run at state.”

Golgart, a Small Forward on the Varsity basketball team, believes that an older, more experienced team this year will lead to a fantastic, and successful season.

Another plus for this year’s team is the coaching staff.

“I love the coaches. They do a really good job with the team. The coaching is great.”

With his father’s College basketball past experience, Carter Golgart’s parents got him playing basketball at the young age of five. He played for a basketball club separate from school up until ninth grade and has played for WSHS since he was a freshman. Over the years, shooting hoops has created many great memories.

“The district and playoff games my sophomore and junior years were some of the memories that I’m most fond of.”

Golgart also loves the competitive aspect of the game.

“Basketball is fun to play and it’s one of the most competitive sports. We play in one of the best leagues on the West Coast, so every night you go out you’re probably playing against at least one, if not two, tree, or four Division 1 players. It’s pretty exciting.”

The position Golgart plays also is one of the reasons that he likes basketball.

“I play small forward. It’s fun because you’re kind of playing like a guard but you’re also playing like a big guy. You get both sides of it.”

Of his final basketball season Golgart says, “I’m excited. I’m just trying to have fun and also take it serious at the same time. But definitely enjoy it.”

“Being part of the basketball team has been one of my favorite memories throughout high school. We’ve had a really good coaching staff and all of the guys I’ve played with have been really fun and it’s created a lot of friendships.”

Despite thoroughly enjoying basketball at WSHS, he says that he has no plans to play college basketball. However, a basketball player since the age of 5, he says that he will still like playing just for fun.

Cater Golgart, aside from playing basketball, is involved in football, Link Crew and Special Olympics Project Unify. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, watching football and basketball, and playing fantasy football.

Athletes sign to play in College

By Gabrielle Rackner

On November 11^th, many people gathered in the commons to watch three of our West Seattle High School athletes sign their letter of agreement to participate in college sports. All of these athletes worked hard and put in lots of dedication over the years in order to get to where they are today, moving onto play in college.

Three senior athletes are going off to play college sports, Lydia Giomi, Morgan McCullough, and Gabby Wen.

The first athlete who was called up to sign their letter was Lydia Giomi, along with basketball coach Sonya Elliott, who gave a heartwarming speech about Lydia and her work ethic and past seasons. Lydia Giomi is going on to play basketball at the University of Oregon.

The second athlete who was called up to sign their letter of agreement was Morgan McCullough, along with baseball coach, Velko Vitalich who spoke about how dedicated he is on the field and his determination. Morgan McCullough is going on to play baseball at the University of Oregon.

Finally, the last athlete who was called up to sign their letter was Gabby Wen, along with softball coach and athletic director Trevor Leopold who spoke about Gabby’s Perfect Season last year as a pitcher and her commitment to the team. Gabby Wen is going on to play softball at Villanova.

The event was very exciting to attend to and our school appreciates the commitment and contribution that these athletes have brought to West Seattle sports. WSHS wishes the best of luck to these athletes in college.

 

The “run”-down on Cross Country

By Gabrielle Rackner

What is cross-country? This is the question that probably a lot of you are wondering and have no idea what it is. Well, here is a little “run” down about the sport and the cross-country team at West Seattle High School.

Cross country is a sport where individuals on a team run a 3.1 mi. race on trails, grass, cement and all sorts of terrain, hence the name “cross country.” There is typically five schools that we race against at a meet, and around 150 to 200 people racing. At the Bellevue Invitational on September 26^th at Lake Sammamish State Park, there was approximately 400 people racing. In short, cross country is hardcore running on trails against other schools and requires daily training and mental toughness.

WSHS has about 50 talented runners on the WSHS cross country team.  “Everyone is super supportive. There is a great team vibe and we cheer each other during races.  The team is very close and you get to know people in ways that you wouldn’t during school,” states WSHS runner, Sonya Chin.  On the way to meets everyone is really pumped up and excited for the race. Runner, Caitlin Bell said

“We love to listen to Eye of the Tiger before races on the bus.”

The team comradery develops from the summer when the team starts practicing together.  Summer training helps to prepare the runners for the vigorous season.  As a result, Cross-Country is a good way to make new friends and get to know people before school starts.

The head coach, Shelly Neal, is a very experienced and accomplished runner.  She currently runs for the Oiselle running club.   She was been in the Cross Country Masters championships multiple times.

Cross-Country is a very dedicated sport, and most of the WSHS runners run 6 to 7 days during the week and up to 50 miles per week.  Usually you can see the team running hills at Hamilton View Point, Schmitz Park, or doing intervals around the school.

On Wednesday nights, the day before the meets, the team has a tradition of having Spaghetti dinners at a teammate’s house.

“The team dinners are really fun and gives us a good way to carb up before our race the next day.  Plus, they are a great way to get the team together and connected on a deeper level,”

Emily Cossette, WSHS runner explains.  Anna Drew adds,

“Team dinners have a fun atmosphere and it is a good way to relax and bond with everyone.”

This year, the team is the largest in years.  Due to lots of fundraising, the team now has new sleek uniforms to represent the school at meets, which are definitely nicer than the mustard uniforms in years past, which were seven years old.  The team is also getting a sports tent to keep the runners dry and promote the team at the fields.

The meets are usually on Thursdays at Lower Woodlands in Green Lake, or Lincoln Park in West Seattle. The races occur rain or shine, and it is a very exciting sport to watch. Both the Boys and Girls teams have done very well this year.   With more runners on the team, the team has been able to score and place at each meet.  Recently the Women’s team has beat larger teams such as Roosevelt and Seattle Prep.

Also, our pre-race cheer is very intimidating to the other schools because we have such a big team.

Cross-country is a very fun and competitive sport, is a great way to stay conditioned for other sports, and our West Seattle Team is really good and supportive.   So don’t be afraid to join next year, no matter what running style or level.

Gabby Sarver Spikes the Competition

By Julia Vreeman

Gabby Sarver, a senior from West Seattle High School, represents the Varsity volleyball team this year with spirit and pride.

“Beating Ballard was definitely one of my favorite team moments” says Sarver. It was at 7:00 PM on September 18th at Ballard High School when West Seattle triumphed over the undefeated team. The score was 3-0. As an off-side hitter, Sarver plays front row and back row, attack, block, serve, and play defense. This crucial role has its stresses and pressures. In fact, she’s almost always involved in the action of the game.

“Having a fun team with my friends on it always motivates me” she says. Her involvement with the team not only stems from her enjoyment of volleyball but for the love of her team. Being accompanied by friends during each game, practice, win, and loss really helps the team bond. Over a number of years, the team has grown and developed in an amazing way according to Sarver.

“When I’m not playing sports or in school, I try and spend as much time as possible with my friends and family”, explained Sarver. Despite being a star athlete of the Varsity volleyball team, she always tries to make time for the important things in life.

Stats and Information:

15-16 Varsity Volleyball

Jersey- #1

Captain- Yes

Position- OH, S

Overall- 7-3

District- 7-1