Letter from the Sports Editor

Letter from the Editor + Table of Contents

The 2020-21 high school sports season was truly one that, though it lacked a lot of the stakes we are used to, is one we won’t forget.

It certainly wasn’t under the circumstances that anyone in Kittitas County wanted, but given the challenges a full school years' worth of sports crammed into five months presented, the kids did alright.

When I started this job, just a day after I packed my bags and moved into my apartment, I didn’t know any of the coaches, players, parents, or any of the community I’d be tasked to cover. I moved in on a Wednesday, covered my first sporting event, an Ellensburg volleyball game, the next day, and then drove to Selah the next day to cover EHS’ opening football game.

Five months later, I’m so thankful for this community, how welcoming everyone has been, and the sheer level of talent in Kittitas County. So, my first thoughts, as I try to encompass five months of hard work from athletes and coaches into this COVID-19 shortened season, are ones of thanks. Truly, thank you to each and every person I have interacted with since February.

That being said, this edition is not about me. It’s about the high schoolers who have had to sacrifice so much due to this pandemic. The examples are countless, like several teams this season that could have competed for state championships, but never got the chance to. Or like several basketball players who were asked to choose between AAU tournaments going on at the same time as their high school basketball season, or running up against their graduation and celebrations.

But never once did any of the athletes I talked with complain about their situation. Not once. Each and every one of them embraced the season and memories that they did get, even if they weren’t what they expected or wanted. Being able to cover the joy, and exuberance of high school sports reminded me of my playing days and why high school sports are so cherished in a community. And these kids did Kittitas County proud.

While I’m sure not everyone will agree with all of the Daily Record’s selections, I hope this edition can serve as a sneak peek into what these kids were able to accomplish in a short time, and under insane circumstances. Letter from the Sports Editor..........................................3 Baseball \ Player of the year: Blake Catlin, Kittitas...................................................4 Volley Ball \ Player of the Year: Abby Harrell, Ellensburg ...........................................5 Football \ Player of the Year: Conner Hilberg, Cle Elum-Roslyn............................6 Softball \ Player of the Year: Victoria Zimmerman, Ellensburg ..............................7 Basketball \ Girls Player of the Year: Dylan Philip, Ellensburg.............................................8 Basketball \ Boys Player of the Year: Jake Kelly, Cle Elum-Roslyn......................................9 Cross Country \ Girls Player of the Year: Kate Laurent, Ellensburg.........................................10 Cross Country \ Boys Player of the Year: Luther Belofsky, Ellensburg...................................10 Track and Field \ Girls Player of the Year: Kami Hartrick, Ellensburg .......................................10 Track and Field \ Boys Player of the Year: Kai Styler, Ellensburg................................................10 Soccer \ Girls Player of the Year: Dylan Philip, Ellensburg............................................11 Cross Country \ Ellensburg Newcomer of the Year: Kaden Mattson............................................................11 Track and Field \ Kittitas Newcomer of the Year: Owen Stickney.............................................................11 Baseball \ Kittitas Newcomer of the Year: Caleb Bogart................................................................11

2021 All-Star Sports | 3