Dispatch News 6-7-2023

EHS athletes raising money to compete in London basketball tourney STATE CHAMPION Blocker captures state championship crown

By Skip Smith Contributing writer

Eatonville High School

juniors Bailey Andersen and Lillian Bickford have seized an opportunity to travel to London and participate in a basketball tournament this summer.

Andersen and Bickford caught the eye of a coach while attending an NBC basketball camp in Auburn in June 2022. Recognizing their skills, the coach nominated them for this chance. Following an application process and phone interview, both girls secured their positions on the team heading to London. They received confirmation of their selection in November of last year. The team comprises talented girls from Washington, Idaho and British Columbia.

During their time in London,

By Skip Smith Contributing writer

Eatonville’s Brooke Blocker has left an indelible mark on her high school career, showcasing talent across multiple sports. With her skills, she earned recognition on basketball and fastpitch AllLeague teams for basketball and fastpitch and secured a spot on the All-State team in fastpitch. In the realm of track and field, she asserted her dominance by capturing Evergreen League and District 4 Javelin champion titles. Adding to her list of achievements, Blocker now proudly holds the title of the 2023 WIAA 1A Javelin State Champion.

Blocker pitted her skills against 15 other talented athletes in the javelin event. The climax of the competition arrived at her final throw, which turned out to be the best of her career. She solidified her claim to the state title after

launching the javelin 121 feet, 11 inches.

"This moment is so surreal and something I've dreamed about since middle school," she said. "Winning the javelin state championship after such a long break from the sport is an indescribable feeling of excitement and triumph. The rush of adrenaline that surged through my body as I heard my name being called out as the winner is unmatched."

Erik Swartout, Blocker's throwing coach, expressed both awe and expectation at her performance.

"This was one of the most clutch things I've ever seen from an athlete,” he said. “To [personal record] three times at the state meet and then on your last attempt to win it is something I'll remember forever.”

Swartout reminisced about the

decisive moment when he became certain of Blocker's victory.

"I've always known Brooke is a fierce competitor, and that's what I admire so much about her as an athlete,” he said. “Before the finals and sitting in second, I distinctly remember her saying 'I'm going to win this thing. There is no other option.' Once I heard that and saw the look in her eyes, I knew she was going to do it."

Acknowledging the significance of a robust support system on her journey to becoming a state champion, Blocker thanked those who helped her reach this pinnacle.

"A few people I truly looked up to during this process would be the Swartout family, Erik, Machaela and Sammie," she acknowledged, highlighting their instrumental roles in her development.

Photo courtesy Bailey Andersen Eatonville High School juniors Bailey Andersen and Lillian Bickford pose for a photo prior to a summer league game. The girls are raising money to compete in a basketball tournament in London in late June.

Photo by Erik Swartout Eatonville's Brooke Blocker poses in front of the distance sign showing her state championship-winning distance in javelin.

Eatonville council amends landfill agreement with DOE

By Hannah Saunders Contributing writer

Eatonville town council members met on May 22 and discussed Resolution 2023-X, which seeks to amend the interagency agreement with the Department of Ecology. e purpose of the resolution dates back to 1950 to 1980, when the Town of Eatonville leased property from Weyerhaeuser Company to operate a municipal land ll. Mitigation measures to clean up the municipal waste were not taken when the land ll closed, and on Aug. 9, 2021, both Eatonville and Weyerhaeuser entered an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for the purpose of providing action at the site.

It was brought up during the Town Council meeting how a feasibility study was submitted to the Department of Ecology, and that the town had already received comments from the department with issues that need to be addressed.

“As time has gone by, we’re not going to be able to get to the mere construction or addressing the cleanup this year,” stated a member from the meeting. “However, there are actions that if we take now, we can help facilitate the project, so it continues to move along smoothly.”

e Resolution 2023-X amendment requests additional funding of $249,215 and to modify the scope of work, including surveys; evaluations; permitting; and infrastructure, and wetland consultations and permitting.

An individual at the meeting stated that the department’s budget year ends at the end of June, and the department wants to get this resolution amendment on their budget. e council unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2023-X, and the amendment will go into e ect on July 1.

LONDON from Page 1

from June 29 through July 8, Andersen and Bickford will not only compete in a 3-on-3 tournament north of Liverpool but will also face local teams in friendly matches. Additionally, they are excited about the prospect of experiencing the Beatles tour and immersing themselves in Liverpool's rich cultural heritage.

“I’m super excited,” Andersen said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we’re really going to make the most out of it. I’m most excited to see all the di erent cultures, architecture, people, food and especially the style of basketball that di erent countries play, if it’s any di erent. I’d like to make some connections while we’re there on both England teams and my own team since I don’t know any of my teammates besides Lillian.”

Bickford is excited to try new foods she said.

“What I’m super excited for is the food and to try a lot of new things,” she said. “I’m typically a picky eater, but who knows, maybe I’ll nd something I really like there. I’m also happy to be able to meet a lot of new people and make more friends, plus it will be fun to play with di erent people and see the di erences between how we play here and how they play there.”

e teens' head coach at EHS, Deanna Andersen, expressed great pride in their e orts and preparations.

"For most kids, traveling abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “ ey will grow both as players and individuals while navigating di erent cultures. I am very proud of the work they have already put into preparing for this trip."

However, this dream journey comes

with a signi cant cost of approximately $6,000 per girl. To o set this expense, Andersen and Bickford devised a creative solution: a free-throw shooting fundraiser. On Saturday at Eatonville High School, both girls attempted 100 free throws each. ey had various individuals who sponsored their e orts by pledging a speci c dollar amount for each successful basket made. While that did inch them a little closer to their goal, they still need to raise more money for their trip.

e girls would also like to express their gratitude to the Eatonville Eagles club for their generous donation toward their trip.

To support Andersen and Bickford, interested parties are encouraged to contact Andersen, the girls' basketball coach. She can be reached via email at d.andersen@eatonville.wednet.edu or by phone at 253-905-4142.

Photo by Deanna Andersen Eatonville Youth Sports Association coaches

James Waldron, left, and Corey Ackerman, right, pose with EHS basketball players Lillian Bickford and Bailey Andersen, at the free-throw basketball fundraiser Saturday to show support for the girls’ trip to London this summer as Bickford and Andersen were referees for the children during EYSA’s season.

Reverend

Where

10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE 37117 103rd Ave Ct E, Eatonville, WA www.homespunministries.com

(360) 832-4315

Pastor Larry Dorothy

Christ Episcopal Church 210 5th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98371 253-848-2323

www.episcopallup.com

Sunday Services

8am & 10am

10 am also livestreamed on Facebook

All are Welcome!!

LIVING

10515 269TH ST. E., GRAHAM, WA 98338 www.livingwordlutheranchurch.com

(253) 846-1276

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Proposition One passage important for SPFR

Editor, South Pierce Fire and Rescue has provided service to over 140 square miles for many years. The past six years they have worked for $1.13 per $1,000 of the $1.50 per $1,000 approved by the citizens six years ago. They are not asking for a new tax, only the approval to increase the amount paid by the citizens back to previously

approved $1.50 per $1,000. This approval would enable the department to maintain the minimum of six firefighters per day required to function with three stations. I am asking the citizens to consider the benefits if passed, and the potential loss if Proposition One, fails.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRIENDS OF EATONVILLE LIBRARY

e Friends of the Eatonville Library operates as a fundraising group to assist the Eatonville community. Primarily, it does so by accepting books and other donations and conducting book sales during the year. All of the funds are used to supplement the various library programs that enrich the local community.

To learn more about the group, contact Mike Eaton at 253-310–7709 or reach him in person at the library any Friday. ere is no

obligation. Application forms to join the organization are available at the library.

ALCOHOL ANONYMOUS MEETINGS OFFERED

Alcoholics Anonymous is available for people who have a problem with alcohol. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the corner of Carter and Rainier.

ALANON HELP

Alanon is available to help people struggling with a loved one’s drinking. Call 425-830-0314.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EATONVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

JUNE 26, 2023

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Eatonville Town Council has scheduled a Public Hearing for the purpose of soliciting public input to discuss the vacation of a portion of Rainier Ave South. Beginning at the S.E. corner of Lot 11, Block 39, Town of Eatonville, according to the plat thereof recorded in Volume 7 of Plats, page 41, records of Pierce County Washington, that point of beginning also being 30 feet north of the south line of Section 14, Township 16N. Range 4 E., W. M.; thence north along the west boundary of Rainier Ave South to the north east corner of lot 5 of block 39; thence east along the south boundary of a previously vacated portion of Rainier Ave South to the north east corner of lot 5 block 40; thence south along the east boundary of Rainier Ave South to the south east corner of lot 11, block 40; thence N 89⁰, 27 ‘, 45” W to the point of beginning. Containing approximately 33,719.67 square feet. This hearing will be held in person as well as virtually at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 26, 2023. To access the virtual hearing, please use the link below; you will also need the meeting ID and passcode to access this hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/53 72339187?pwd=NVdqcy9VeWwxeXk2N3AyY3pBUHVXZz09

Telephonically: 253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 537 233 9187, Passcode: 98328

Written comments regarding the ordinance amendments must be received by the Town of Eatonville by 5:00 p.m. June 26, 2023, 201 Center Street W (PO Box 309), Eatonville WA 98328 (via mail or Town Hall drop-box (utility payment box). A copy of the proposed Street Vacate is available for review at: https://eatonville-wa.gov/publicnotices/; or Paper copies may be requested to be mailed for the cost of reproduction and delivery.

Seth Boettcher Town Administrator

Published June 7, 2023 and June 14, 2023

Wulf HO Werner Sr., Resident South Pierce Fire and Rescue

Eatonville Cruisers excel at 2023 WIAA state championship track meet

By Skip Smith Contributing writer

e Eatonville Cruiser track team le its mark at the 2023 WIAA state championship, with 16 athletes representing their school at the highly anticipated event. Six athletes from the team secured a place on the podium.

Head coach Geo Olson expressed his admiration for the team's hard work and unwavering dedication.

" e whole coaching sta cannot say enough about how hard the team worked and the dedication they put forth this year,” he said. “We had a very good season, with a very successful ending at the state meet in Yakima."

In the boys 100-meter

event, Ky Nation showcased his speed and agility, nishing in eighth place. His sprint demonstrated his talent and determination to compete among the state's top sprinters.

Similarly, Hannah Hanson displayed her prowess in the girls 100-meter event, securing an eighth-place nish.

e throwing events proved to be a strong suit for the Eatonville Cruisers, with Kyle Cox leading the way. Cox achieved success in both the shot put and the discus events. In the shot put, he captured a fourthplace nish. His versatility was further evident in the discus event, where he secured an eighth-place nish.

Tristan Lewis, another thrower on the team,

Blocker speci cally admired Sammie Swartout, who sel essly coached other youngsters while recovering from her own injury. Erik and Machaela, being collegiate javelin throwers themselves, served as constant sources

delivered a stellar performance in the discus event, earning a sixth-place nish.

Logan Taylor displayed his remarkable jumping abilities in the high jump

of inspiration. Blocker's trust in their guidance and belief in Erik's ability to push her beyond her limits made him the perfect mentor. Recognizing their profound impact, she attributed her state championship victory to their coaching prowess.

"I am extremely blessed to have

event, ultimately securing an eighth-place nish.

However, the pinnacle of success for the Eatonville Cruisers came courtesy of Brooke Blocker, who emerged as the state

been coached by these three people and would not have won a state championship without them.,” Blocker said.

While Blocker has committed to playing fastpitch at Central Washington University in the fall, she remains resolute in her ambition to

champion in the javelin event. With a nal throw of 121-feet, 11 inches, she outperformed her competitors and etched her name in the annals of state championship history.

continue her javelin career. Despite the challenges posed by her commitment to fastpitch, she plans to participate in college meets as an unattached athlete alongside Machaela Swartout, ensuring she can pursue her passion for throwing the javelin beyond the con nes of high school.

Photo by Eatonville High School

The Eatonville High School track team.

BLOCKER from Page 1