Welcome to the CWAC, West Valley ||

To the sports editor — On behalf of Wapato High School and the Wapato community, I welcome West Valley High School to the Central Washington Athletic Conference.

We look forward to renewing our spirited rivalry we shared as members of the former Mid-Valley League.

The inclusion of West Valley to the CWAC will have a positive impact to our league. West Valley offers state of the art facilities, full squads in all programs, a highly competitive spirit, quality coaches and solid administration. Joe Coscarart, West Valley Athletic Director, is as fine as they come. His experience, enthusiasm and passion for high school athletics will be a great addition to our already successful and cooperative league membership.

Again, welcome West Valley to the CWAC!

DON L. ERICKSON

District Athletic Director

Wapato Public Schools

West Valley should stay 3A || 

To The sports editor — I’m writing to let you know I feel the West Valley Rams have absolutely no business in the CWAC.

These are smaller schools the Rams will be competing against. It’s not fair for some schools. Most people I talk to about this feel the same way.

Keep West Valley where it belongs: 3A.

SAMUEL GARCIA

Prosser

Rodeo coverage is disppointing

To the editor — It’s so disappointing to pick up the sports page and see absolutely nothing about the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas which ran from Dec. 1 through Dec. 10. Yakima and the Lower Valley are well represented by rodeo enthusiasts, not to mention our own Washingtonians who qualified and are participating in this great event. The TV/radio info does not even list the NFR on GAC daily (three showings actually), which is available to Charter, Dish and Direct TV subscribers. Come on Yakima Herald-Republic, get with the program!

KRIS BROWN

Selah

Hall of Famer says thanks ||

To the sports editor — On Sept. 28 the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum inducted its class of 2011 and I and the rest of my 1984 national champion football teammates from Linfield College were enshrined.

Reflecting back to the 1974-78 football years at Highland High in which we were everyone else’s homecoming game, and those long bus rides home, I cannot help but feel blessed and thankful that even during a losing drought, the coaches still made the game fun enough for me to want to continue playing.

I would like to thank all the people who made this moment happen and to my father, who couldn’t be there this time.

ROB CALHOON
Yakima

Parker Foundation thanks golfers ||

To the sports editor — On behalf of the Parker Youth & Sports Foundation, I wish to express our gratitude to the Yakima Seniors Golf Tournament committee for designating the foundation as the beneficiary of their fourth annual tournament, held in May. Committee chairman Rich Hilfiker along with Jim Gosney, Ross Arbuckle, Dave Desmarais and Jeff Shaw have organized an annual event for Valley senior golfers that is growing year by year as evidenced by this year’s 120 players, and we thank the players as well.

The PY&SF is dedicated to the support of youth sports programs and the preservation of parks and sports facilities in the Yakima Valley. In the six years since the formation of the foundation, 13 youth programs have received grants; scholarships have been created at Yakima Valley Community College; funds have been donated to the Yakima Rotary Trust in support of playing fields for youth activities; and an endowment fund of over $150,000 has been created in honor of coaches Chuck “Bobo” Brayton and Bill Faller. The foundation crossed the $100,000 mark this year in giving back to the community. None of this would be possible without the donations from our loyal supporters, such as the Yakima Senior Golfers. Their $2,000 donation will be well invested in the youth sports programs of Yakima,

The PY&SF just completed its own major fundraising golf tournament and Legends Reunion at which over $20,000 was raised. Contributors and sponsors are too numerous to acknowledge here, but our thank you notes are going out to over 70 contributors and sponsors of the tournament.

Thank you to all and if not a Parker Partner, consider our invitation to become involved with the Parker Youth and Sports Foundation. Kids are a very good investment.

JERRY WARD
President, Parker Youth and Sports Foundation

Knights say thanks for breakfast ||

To the sports editor — On behalf of the Sunnyside Christian boys basketball team, I would like to express a sincere thank you to the gentleman (whose name we did not discover) from Selah (who was headed to the Grass Valley, Ore., raceway to practice some driving with his Corvette) who unknown to us at that moment, paid for our team breakfast at a main street cafe in Moro, Ore., while we were attending a tournament at Sherman County High School.

Thank you again, sir, for your act of kindness; the boys were truly grateful for the meal and thankful for your generosity.

DEAN WAGENNAR
Sunnyside Christian boys basketball coach

Thanks for track meet help ||

To the sports editor — May 6 marked the first Naches Valley/Riverside Christian Invitational track meet at Highland High School in Cowiche.

A total of 11 teams participated (including the host teams). Thank you to the more than 50 volunteers who made this meet a success. From the gatekeepers to the starters, field-event recordkeepers, event judges, finish-line timers and concessions to name a few.

Track is a volunteer-intensive sport in which parent and guardians are often requested to make a commitment beyond just showing up to cheer on their athletes.

Special thanks to the Highland School District, athletic director Chad Seely, coaches and track volunteer parents who graciously have allowed Naches Valley to host and co-host track events at their awesome facility for the past three-plus years. Next season, Naches’ track and field facility will be in full operation.

Thank you also to those who brave the weather to cheer on these dedicated student athletes. It is an honor and joy to serve and interact with the volunteers, coaches, athletes, parents and fans.

Lonnie Blanchard
Naches Valley track and field coach

Scott Wells
Riverside Christian track and field coach

Thanks for support of Wilander event ||

To the sports editor — The Yakima Tennis Club and local sponsors hosted the Wilander on Wheels exhibition on April 7.

The event, held at YVCC’s Sherar Gym, featured seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion Mats Wilander, former YVCC star and former world No. 31 Kelly Evernden, former world No. 64 women’s player Jana Nejedly Welt (who now lives in Yakima) and former Naval Academy standout Cameron Lickle.

Those who attended saw the highest level of tennis ever played in Yakima. This successful event was made possible with the help of Rich Austin and Mike Carey from the Yakima Valley Sports Commission, who had resources, ideas, and hands-on experience that was invaluable.

YVCC athletic director Ray Funk and assistant AD Cody Butler were outstanding hosts with the use of Sherar Gym.

Television coverage by Alan Sillence was par excellence. The professional and personalized news story by the Herald-Republic’s Jerrel Swenning captured the significance of this event for Yakima.

For the many sponsors, YTC members and others who helped put on this event, and the sports fans who attended, thank you.

KEN WAGAR
Yakima

Thanks for help at Holder Relays ||

To the sports editor — For the last 37 years, Eisenhower High School has hosted the Don Holder Relays and last Saturday was no exception. Weather during the Holder Relays has always been surprising. There has been sunshine, rain, hail, snow, high winds; sometimes all on the same day. This year, Mother Nature surprised us again; it rained all day. Yakima hasn’t had this much rain since before dirt was dirt (we do, after all, live in a desert).

Through all this, the athletes were not to be denied. They competed through the cold, rainy weather without complaining … they are all champions.

The Board of the Eisenhower Track Parent Club would like to acknowledge and gratefully thank all of the volunteers who came out to officiate the running and field events on the rainiest Saturday in Yakima history; the majority of the volunteers officiated for the entire day, without a single complaint. Many of the parents who volunteered on Saturday obviously have athletes on the Eisenhower team. However, many do not. Some of the volunteers were alumni, parents of alumni and even parents whose children did not even attend the Yakima School District. Our volunteers are the reason why we are able to put on such great track meets.

We are so honored to have such dedicated people willing to give up their Saturdays to help stage one of the best track meets in the Northwest. Additionally, the Board would like to congratulate each and every athlete who competed on Saturday. Every one of you is a winner! And, of course, we thank our phenomenal coaching staff who gives so much of their time and energy to our kids. It is because of them Eisenhower continues to have one of the best track and field team in the state.

The Board would also like to thank all of sponsors, contributors and donors for all of their support. We also thank all of the spectators who came out to watch the Holder Relays in the rain. You folks are amazing.

Nieves Negrete
Eisenhower Track Parent Club

Granger boys coach apologizes for rout ||

To the editor — I am writing this letter to address the lack of sportsmanship by the Granger boys basketball team and coaches in our game vs. Cle Elum last Friday night. As the head coach I accept full responsibility for my team’s actions and I would like to sincerely apologize to the players, fans and community of Cle Elum.

My intent was not to run up the score but rather to play my two senior players the whole game. I did that and they played out of their minds, combining to score 79 points between them. I, as well as the other Granger coaches, failed to rein in our players and the game got out of hand.

We respect the Cle Elum coaches and players and we hope to continue our great relationship. Again, I accept full responsibility and wish to let all sports fans know this is not characteristic of our team, our high school or our town and a game like this will not happen again.

Miguel A. Bazaldua
Granger boys basketball coach

Thank you to Wapato’s Howe ||

To the sports editor — I coach basketball for the Wapato School District and I would just like to say a big thanks to Jacoby Howe. Jacoby sets a great example for a lot of kids in the community of Wapato and is also my 3-year-old’s idol.

I enjoy watching the Wapato Wolfpack play basketball and the team, along with Jacoby’s leadership, is the hot ticket every weekend. It is a little sad to see his high school career coming to an end. I would like to say on behalf of the community of Wapato, thank you for being Mr. Wapato basketball, and thanks for being a positive role model for the program and town.

JAMES BOBB
Yakima

Thanks for look at tourney format

To the sports editor — Kudos to Scott Sandsberry and his article about the new state basketball tournament format, the “Hardwood Classic.”

All of us involved in high school basketball didn’t believe for a second that only District 5 was opposed to the new format.

Thanks to Scott’s time and effort, he has proven that this format is unacceptable statewide. I encourage all basketball fans to notify Mike Colbrese of the WIAA and his executive board about your disapproval.

Onalaska boys coach Dennis Bower said it best when he talked about his kids possibly missing out on a “lifetime experience.” More than 1,000 kids will miss out each and every year while this format is used, or as my friend Robi Raab called it a “Classic Mistake.”

ANDY AFFHOLTER
Granger High School girls basketball coach

Thanks Hard Core Runners Club

To the sports editor — Well, they have done it again. The Hard Core Runners Club completed another winter race series for runners throughout the area.

This series consists of four races over an eight-week period during December and January. Once the series is done, awards are presented to runners in several age groups based on their cumulative performances in all four races.

This presentation takes place at a pizza party, which is paid for by the club. The entry fee for this series is very small. In fact, the fee for the entire series is less than the entry fee for most single races.

This is possible due to the great work of the volunteers from the club who spend the four Sundays setting up and putting on the event at the four different sites. Series director Frank Purdy and his volunteer crew did a marvelous job, considering the time of year. Races were held no matter the weather. Running has taken place on cold windy days, snowy days, very cold days, and even an occasional sunny, mild day.

I would like to thank the active Hard Core Runners who have given their time for this fine event. I am sure that the more than 100 participants in this year’s event join me with their thanks.

Fortunately for the great volunteers they have a long break of three weeks before their next event, the annual Frosty Four-Miler on Feb. 5, the first of many events they will be sponsoring the remainder of 2011. Thanks again and great job.

RON FLEMING
Granger

Editor’s note: Hard Core Runners Club Winter Race Series director Frank Purdy is also the Herald-Republic’s opinion page editor.

New hoops format not fair to seniors

To the sports editor — As three seniors on the Granger girls basketball team we would like to thank Scott Sandsberry for his article about the new state tournament format. We have seen the draw and we would like to say: Regionals are not state!

We are very disappointed in the adults who made this decision. When we read that it could have maybe stayed the same by raising ticket prices $1.50, it really angered us.

We would like players everywhere to write to Mike Colbrese of the WIAA and the Executive Board so future seniors won’t lose out like the seniors of 2011.

ITALIA MENGARELLI, HALEE HULL, MARTAY GUNNIER
Granger girls basketball players

WIAA needed to be called out

To the sports editor — A big thank you to Scott Sandsberry for digging into the mess the WIAA created and pointing the finger where it should pointed — at Mr Colbrese.

The move — cloaked in deception and disingenuousness   — will hurt Yakima’s economy a lot and as a bonus Washington now has a state tournament set-up that can be won by a team that loses a game. The WIAA made a big issue of Washington being the only state with a 16-team tourney. I hope they make a big deal of the new unique opportunity for state tournament losing teams.

Tina Anderson

Yakima

Sportsmanship not always displayed ||

To the sports editor — Sportsmanship, the “golden rule” of sports, is an expectation that schools who participate in the WIAA display. However, I have unfortunately witnessed a school that does not seem to understand what good sportsmanship entails.

I’ve watched this school on several occasions during the fall season. During a volleyball game, the team easily won two sets and was ahead 20-5 in the third; however, the coach still kept in the starting six players. With a bench of about 10 players who received no playing time, it was hard to see his choice as anything but poor sportsmanship. During a football game the team was ahead by approximately six touchdowns after the first half and still set off a very loud cannon as they continued to score in the second half.

These athletes will learn only by the example that we set. As a former coach, I know how great it feels to win; however, winning feels even better when it is done by showing respect and compassion for a team that is outplayed.

This school has incredible athletes who are going to win games. What they may not do, unfortunately, is learn how to win those games in a way that embodies good sportsmanship unless the coaches and athletic director decide that it is more important to teach a life-long lesson than to emotionally demolish other athletes while winning.

VANESSA WILLIAMS
Tieton

A good player, a better man ||

To the sports editor — Two Saturdays ago, I had the opportunity to take a young 11-year-old boy who has a disability to the CWU football game. It was an ideal way to explain to the boy about the game of football and talk about the responsibilities of the different players. When we talked about defensive linemen, I pointed out Taylor Tanasse and he demonstrated how to toss around 250-pound men and run down quarterbacks.

After the game, we walked down onto the field, with the hope to talk with Taylor. As we approached Taylor he greeted us with a great smile. I introduced my young friend to Taylor and he asked the boy if he wanted to play football in college someday.

“No, I will not be able to play football like you. I was born with a spinal problem. I won’t be able to play football,” the boy responded.

With no hesitation, Taylor’s big strong hand was on the young man’s shoulder. He said “That is fine that you do not play football. You will probably be doing something better and more important than playing football.”

The boy’s face lit up with hope as Taylor turned the situation into meaningful hope for him.

As we walked away from Taylor the boy said “I will never play like Taylor, but I’ll be OK. I sure would like a Wildcat football helmet, they are so cool.”

BRUCE SEARS
Selah

West Valley All-Stars a class act ||

To the sports editor — I am writing to let everyone in your newspaper’s area know what a class act the West Valley Little League All-Star team was. I am the president of Elma Little League, host of the 2010 state tournament. Your team played great baseball, earning third place in the tournament. The players were very respectful of the other teams players, coaches, fans, the umpires, and to the 60-plus volunteers who helped put on the tournament.

Two weeks after the tournament ended, I received a call from my district administrator, telling me that I needed to see something that was sent to him by one of the teams from the tournament. It was a card that had a picture of your team with their third-place trophy on the cover. All members of the team had signed their name and number on the front of the card around the picture. Inside, parents had sent notes of thanks for everything we had done for them and their kids in making their experience one of the best and providing memories for a lifetime.

In most cases, once an event like this is over, it becomes “out of sight, out of mind” for the teams involved. It was an honor to have hosted this once in a lifetime event, and our goals of ensuring that the players had the best possible field to play on, and that their families felt welcomed to our town, I believe were fully accomplished.

So thank you manager Kevin VanDeBrake, coaches Klayton Wyckoff and Jim Williams, and players Jimmy McDonald, Justin VanDeBrake, Brett Williams, Brien Stein, Kasey Wyckoff, Wyatt Martz, Kyle Chauvin, Noah Morrow, Trevor May, Peyton Schafer, Eli Valdez, Jake King and Zane Orvald.

Your community, district and families should be proud to have had you represent them at the state tournament.

Ian Osgood
President, Elma Little League
Elma, Wash.

Thanks for help with physicals ||

To the sports editor — On June 8, more than 200 student-athletes received a sport screening exam at Franklin Middle School. A successful exam allows the middle school and high school athletes to participate in interscholastic athletics for the next 24 months in the Yakima and Union Gap School Districts. For some students this is the only way for them to get a sports exam, which is a requirement for them to take part in sports and activities.

A big thank you needs to be given to the 48 physicians, medical personnel and school staff who volunteered their time to administer the exams. The volunteer medical help was provided through the Yakima County Medical Society, and included nurses from local hospitals, YVCC nursing students, medical students from Pacific Northwest University, physician assistants, physical therapists, and resident physicians from Central Washington Family Medicine. Dr. Ray Snyder and Charlene Upton from the Yakima County Medical Society played a big role in organizing the event. The event was a smooth running operation due to the many people who volunteered their time and energy.

School and community partnerships are extremely important to the Yakima School district. The DYE Sports Screening Exam is a great example of the benefits that can be provided to students and families when we work together. In today’s world students need to be involved in school activities and stay physically active. Research shows that students who are involved in school sports programs and other activities get better grades, have fewer discipline problems, have better attendance and seldom drop out of school.

The Yakima School District appreciates our partnership with the Yakima County Medical Society and 34 years of collaboration in providing outstanding sports medical screening exams to our student-athletes.

Gene Rostvold
Director of Athletics
Yakima School District