MAT MAGIC
CHASING HISTORY
her ability to lead.”
It’s a legacy she started to build the moment she stepped on the mat.
First period
Libby still remembers her first day of wrestling practice as a third-grader.
By Madison McCord FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
When Libby Roberts was 8 years old, she sat in the stands at a wrestling tournament in Oregon to watch her older brother Drew compete.
But cheering on her brother wasn’t the only thing she was focused on that day. She also caught a glance of girls competing on the same mats and decided she wanted to join in.
“I was still coaching college at the time. I came home from a road trip and she told me that she was going to wrestle,” Kevin Roberts, Libby’s father and coach, said. “She told me she had seen girls wrestle the day before at the tournament and she wanted to try it out. It couldn’t have been more than two days later that she was on the mat and hasn’t looked back since.”
Since that day, all Libby has done is dominate nearly every mat she’s been on.
Now entering her senior year at University High School, Libby has a trio of state titles under her belt and will be looking to make it 4-for-4 at next February’s Mat Classic in Tacoma – a feat only four other girls in state history have accomplished.
“It would mean a lot to me to join that list,” Libby said. “You look back not that long ago at these state champions and you see all boys names, but if I was able to add my name to that list of girls four-timers it would just mean so much to me.”
If Libby is able to climb to the top step of the podium in the Tacoma Dome three months from now, it would only not only put her in the history book, but it would cement an already impressive legacy as one of the great Titans wrestlers.
“She’s arguably one of the best of all time in this program,” Czar Quintanilla, a junior on the U-Hi wrestling team, said. “She’s inspired so many girls to come out and wrestle, especially this year, and so much of that is because of her talent and
“I was the only girl there from what I can remember, and they were playing this game to warm up and I wasn’t playing the game because the guys didn’t want to play with a girl,” Libby said. “So I was just sitting on the side but the coach eventually came over and he’s like, ‘You don’t have to take a backseat to these guys – you can compete with them.’ ” She held tight to that belief all throughout a successful junior wrestling career where she competed in several local, regional and national tournaments. She then quickly got the chance to show what she could do at the high school level, taking over the 106-pound spot on the boys varsity team as a freshman.
“She was a freshman girl on the boys team and from the very start was outworking most of the other people,” University wrestling coach Ryan Montang said. “She was one of the only freshman in program history that we’ve named a captain and so I think that speaks to how impressive she is and what she means to this program.”
That first season at U-Hi, which included a third-place finish at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula, was punctuated by a nearly flawless showing at Mat Classic 33 with three pins and a major decision in the 105-pound title tilt for her first state championship.
That first taste of gold turned winning into an obsession for Libby, something she credits to her upbringing.
“It all comes down to the way I was raised,” Libby said. “My brother growing up was really tough, and still is, and that means so much to me. It’s just the way we were raised. My dad taught me to be tough. To always compete no matter if you’re winning or losing – you still compete.”
Her sophomore campaign included another top-four finish at Jug Beck, but also a second-place finish at Tri-State – one of the tougher high school tournaments in the region. Her sec-
ond Mat Classic title followed shortly thereafter and was done in an even more impressive fashion with four first-round pins again at 105 pounds.
Junior year started with a fourth-place finish in the USA Wrestling Women’s National Championships at the Podium, followed by victories at the Walsh Ironman in Ohio and the Hellgate Girls Invitational in Missoula – all leading up to her third straight Mat Classic title this February with once again four pins in four matches at 105.
“I put a picture of the Tacoma Dome above the door in the wrestling room and every day after practice I jump up and smack it to end the day,” Libby said. “Just to remember what I’m doing this for and what I want to achieve at the end of this road.”
If she is able to end her high school career as a four-time champion, Libby will join a rare and elite list of girls wrestlers in the state. Only Kiona-Benton’s Sheridan McDonald (2008-11), Grandview’s Desiree Zavala (13-16), Puyallup ‘s Jordyn Bartelson (13-16) and Davis’ Cameron Guerin (15-18) have won four state titles.
“She definitely wants to be a four-timer, but it’s not something that has really outwardly talked about with me or around the family,” Kevin Roberts said. “One thing I will say is she has an incredible drive to want to win – to want to be a champion. So I guess in that way we know her goal of winning four, but she knows this is a new year with new challenges and nothing will be given.”
Second period
Family is a word that Libby uses a lot when it comes to wrestling.
Not only does she consider her fellow wrestlers her family, but she carries a last name that has a lot of history behind it.
“Family has been huge for my whole wrestling career,” Libby said. “My dad, I mean he’s one of my biggest supporters – the biggest probably. He’s my dad, my coach; like, he believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes and I’m so grateful for that. And then my mom and all my siblings are at every match. It doesn’t matter
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
University senior wrestler Libby Roberts is a three-time state champion at 105 pounds and is looking to become just the fifth girl in state history to win four titles.
University senior wrestler Libby Roberts, right, works a drill with teammate Czar Quintanilla during a late November practice at University High School.
MADISON MCCORD/ THE S-R
ROBERTS
where or when – they’re always there.”
Kevin’s name can be found on the wall of the University wrestling room as a state champion, alongside several of Libby’s uncles and her older brother Drew – who won titles in three different states.
After his wrestling career completed –which included two All-American honors at the University of Oregon, Kevin took to being a collegiate coach with stops at North Idaho College, University of Wyoming, University of Minnesota and Oregon State University.
Now, he is back home in Spokane Valley playing the roles of both dad and coach for Libby.
“Obviously there are a ton of good memories, and it’s been so great getting to watch the effort and commitment that she’s put into this sport,” Kevin said. “She’s tremendously hard working and diligent, and it’s been so rewarding to ride shotgun beside her during this.
“And no matter what, it’s great to see your kids flourish at whatever they do.”
Montang also appreciates the insight Kevin adds to an already experienced staff at University, especially in regards to how he’s helped Libby grow on the mat.
“(Kevin) is a top, top-tier-level coach who can break something down to the finest detail and that’s what she does when you see her wrestle,” Montang said. “She’ll take something she’s done a million times and say ‘It’s not good enough’ and work to make it better.”
Quintanilla added that Kevin’s impact has been felt throughout the whole room and is a big reason why he, like Libby, has won state titles in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
“Libby has such a good mindset going into any match and knows where to put herself. I have to give some credit to Kevin for that, because that’s something he’s taught me as well,” Quintanilla said. “A lot of his technical mindset and moves translate into Libby’s skill.”
But for all of his experience and knowledge, Kevin said that once he and Libby leave the wrestling room and cross the threshold of home – chalk talk is off limits.
“We don’t talk about wrestling at home,” Kevin said. “It’s not like a hard and fast rule, but at most we might just ask how practice was or she’ll tell me something funny that happened that day – but it’s
never a technical or coaching thing.”
Third period
As much as Libby still has left to accomplish in her final season at University, her biggest impact on the program is already starting to show.
WRESTLING AT A GLANCE
From staff reports
The Washington high school wrestling season is underway. Here’s a preview of the Greater Spokane League 4A/3A and 2A. Teams in alphabetical order by classification. Records/standing listed from winter 2023-24.
GSL 4A/3A Central Valley (4-5, sixth): Brothers and state qualifiers Braxton and Bayden Beard are back for the Bears and new head coach Jacob Fry. Bayden took seventh at Mat Classic last year, while older brother Blaine Beard won a state title before
graduating. Cheney (5-4, fourth): Reigning GSL 4A/3A Coach of the Year Brian Skaff returns a pair of state placers in Trenton Moore (fifth in 2024 and sixth in 2023) and Mason Bennett (seventh in 2024) to lead a team with 13 starters returning from last year’s lineup. The Blackhawks have also added senior Jackson Syron, who was a state qualifier at Ferris last season. Ferris (5-4, fifth): Fourth-year coach Lawrence Falcon brings back eight starters from last year’s lineup, led by sophomore Willis Tomeo, who took eighth at Mat Classic last season. Upperclassmen Lincoln Koyama,
Last season the Titans had three girls in the wrestling room. This year there are 15 – a growth Montang gives Libby a lot of credit for.
“Going back to thinking of her as a freshman leader, a lot of it was by example with her hard work and grinding
Sawyer McManus and Trevor Valadez will also look to make an impact for the Saxons.
Gonzaga Prep (2-7, ninth):
Two-time Mat Classic placer Noah Holman is back for his senior season and hoping to end his Bullpups career with a state title. He’s joined by returning state participant Sam Kincaid in a group whose strength lies in the middle to upper weights.
Lewis and Clark (2-7, eighth): The Tigers bring back four state participants from last year’s Mat Classic, including captains Skye Martin and Michael Mann. Also back are Kale Creekmore and Kayden Norris to help fill the void left by the graduation of two-time state placer Bridger Cloninger. Mead (9-0, first): The threetime defending State 3A champion
through the really tough practices,” Montang said. “And now she’s grown into such a well-rounded leader where she’s not afraid to say what needs to be said to anyone, or chase a kid down the halls and get them involved in the program – which is why we’ve gone from three or four girls to more than a dozen in a year.”
Libby said one of her goals for this season is to have an entire girls team at U-Hi, mirroring the growth in the sport that has been seen state and nationwide over the past decade. The growth in Washington has been so quick that in 2023 the WIAA split girls wrestling into large- and small-school divisions due to the amount of participants. Reflecting on her career, Libby says the boom in girls wrestling at the school will be as important to her as any tournament win.
“For me, it’s just doing the sport that I love,” Libby said. “I see that through doing that, I can inspire other girls to want to try this sport and see what makes it great.”
Kevin added that seeing Libby become more of a vocal leader has meant a lot to him, especially as her father.
“Over the past couple years I’ve seen her grow a little more vocal in her leadership,” Kevin said. “Grabbing others and bringing them with her or recruiting other girls. She’s just become a little more outgoing, and that personality change has been so fun to watch.”
Libby Roberts is a far cry from the 8-year-old girl that sat on the sideline of her wrestling practice.
Instead she is just months away from possibly joining the most elite club in high school wrestling. She’s also starting to focus on life after high school, where she will wrestle collegiately and pursue a degree in health sciences – although she has yet to commit to where those ventures will be taking place.
But as she moves toward her final matches, she will be sure to reflect back on the people and the program that have helped her reach this point.
“What makes it so special to me is the community that surrounds me in these colors,” Libby said. “All of my coaches here are amazing. These guys put in so much time for us to help us get better and be the wrestlers that we are. And also it’s a family thing – my dad went here, my brother went here and they wore these colors too.
“They competed in the Tacoma Dome in these colors, so I’m kind of carrying on that tradition of winning state titles for this team.”
Panthers have made the move up to 4A, and again have a talented roster as they look to make it four in a row under coach Phil McLean. Mat Classic champion Kaysic Lundquist (106 pounds) is back, along with three-time state placer James Mason. Other state placers returning include Brayden Harvey, Billy Weisgerber and Caden Brooks.
Mt. Spokane (7-2, third): Jayson Bonnett is set to step into a leading role for the Wildcats after taking third at Mat Classic last season at 132-pounds. Coach Todd Slatter also will lean on the experience of Matthew House (138) and Tomas Weiland (113) after losing defending state champion Brendan Hughes for the season due to a knee injury suffered playing football. Ridgeline (3-6, seventh):
Two-time Mat Classic qualifier Preston Wentling is back for his senior season in hopes of a first state medal for a Falcons team which returns 10 starters. Also back are regional qualifiers Kaidn Montgomery-Jones and Owen VanRossum with twotime state medalist Tyson Ramsey graduated.
Shadle Park (4-1, second in 2A): Second-year coach Drew Rogers returns a strong group of talented seniors, four of which were on the Mat Classic podium last season in the 2A ranks. Tyrese Guzman (157 pounds) and Brayden Burgener (190) hope to build off their third-place state finishes, while Lucas Horner (106) and Joseph Stahl (126) took sixth and eighth, respectively. Also
MADISON MCCORD/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
University senior wrestler Libby Roberts, facing, works a drill with teammate Czar Quintanilla during a late November practice at University High School.
COURTESY OF CAMI ROBERTS
Libby Roberts and her father, Kevin, prepare for a match during an undated photo. Kevin was a coach at multiple collegiate stops, and is now an assistant at University High School where Libby has won three state titles in her first three seasons.
SEARCHING FOR MOORE
Cheney wrestler has deep connection to hometown program
By Madison McCord
Trenton Moore’s connection to the town of Cheney and the West Plains region goes back a lot longer than he’s been wrestling.
Moore was raised in Cheney and his grandfather is Mike Carr, who was a National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach at Medical Lake.
So there was never really a thought in Moore’s mind that he would finish his prep wrestling career anywhere but as a Blackhawk – and they’re as happy to have him as he is to be there.
“It’s really important to me to see this sport succeed here,” Moore said. “This has been my home since I was three years old. I wouldn’t have ever left this team and a lot of that is due to the coaches.
“They’re always striving to make me better, even outside of the wrestling room, and that makes me want to do my best for them no matter what.”
As Moore prepares to start his senior campaign, the Blackhawks get back not only one of their team leaders, but also one of the top 175-pounders in 3A.
Moore has taken fifth and sixth place at the past two Mat Classics respectively, and has also produced several other impressive results, including wins at last year’s Freeman Winter Classic and Ray Westberg Invitational in Ellensburg.
Longtime Cheney coach Brian Skaff, who is entering his 24th year on staff, credits the program’s culture as part of the reason athletes like Moore want to stay and do well at Cheney.
“We have a history here and that starts with our coaching staff,” Skaff said. “All of our assistants have been here 10 to 15 years and have come through this program and because of that we are now starting to build our numbers up to a point where we have 60 or so kids in the room now.” Skaff believes Moore’s buy-in to the program has only helped it grow, and now he’s
found himself in a leadership role both in how he acts, but also how he wrestles.
“He puts in the work every day and that stands out most,” Skaff said. “He was up around 170 as a freshman and that can be really tough to wrestle bigger as a younger kid and he struggled to find that success. But then his sophomore year he turned it on in the offseason and did the little things to get to where he is now.”
Moore said when he started wrestling it was more as a chance to do something different. But he agrees that the light bulb really clicked for him ahead of his sophomore year.
“I was just wrestling for fun at the start,” Moore said. “Then as I started to get better, I realized that it came through hard work, getting my workouts in. From then on, I’ve wanted more out of wres-
tling and set high goals for myself and have wrestled to win.”
Winning is something Moore did plenty of near the end of last season. After grinding through months of duels and tournaments, Moore peaked in the postseason, claiming titles in both the 3A district and regional tournaments.
He then went 4-2 at Mat Classic in the Tacoma Dome in February, with his two losses coming by a combined six points.
“I want to be a state champion,” Moore said of his aspirations this season. “I know I’m ranked high in my weight class, but rankings don’t matter. I know the two guys ahead of me, and I know I can beat them. I just have to push to be better than anyone else.”
In doing that, Moore will have the full support of a Blackhawks team that is
“looking to keep improving after last year’s 5-4 Greater Spokane League duel record, which included a victory over 4A Gonzaga Prep to end the regular season. Skaff said that he would love to see Moore as far up the podium as possible come February’s Mat Classic. But regardless of his placing, Moore will leave as one of the greats in Cheney wrestling history.
“We’ve had lots of good kids come through this program, some that have had successful college careers even,” Skaff said. “And Trenton has been around a lot of those high-level kids and has seen what they did for their careers and how they led.
“Trenton is that next guy that will leave a legacy here. He’s seen how the kids before him got the best out of this team and he’s doing the same thing for the next group coming through.”
I want to be a state champion. I know I’m ranked high in my weight class, but rankings don’t matter. I know the two guys ahead of me, and I know I can beat them. I just have to push to be better than anyone else.”
Trenton
Continued from 3
back is Corbin Juarez, who made state in 2023. University (8-1, second): Three-time Mat Classic champion Libby Roberts will look to become the fifth four-time girls champion in state history and is joined by two-time winner Czar Quintanilla on a Titans team with 3A team title hopes. Also back is three-time placer Sam Thomas and a strong supporting cast of fellow state
qualifiers. GSL 2A Clarkston (2-3, third): No information submitted. Deer Park (6-0, first in NEA): Fourth-year coach Ryan Jorgensen is hoping to continue the Stags’ league dominance in their first season in 2A. Gavin Carnahan is back after taking second at state last year, and he’s joined by fellow state placers Evan Henry (fourth), Blake Berger (fifth) and Brock Berger (sixth). East Valley (2-3 fourth): Graduation hit the Knights hard this season, but they return state qualifier
Kalob Riccelli along with the tandem of Hunter Nicholson and Connor Nicholson. Talan Hughes and Jackson Krogseth are also back for coach Keith Larson. North Central (0-9, 10th in 4A/3A): Second-year coach Bryan Wais will rely on returning state qualifier Riley Hemminger after the graduation of two-time state placer Tristan Zaragoza. Pullman (2-3 fifth): No information submitted. Rogers (0-5, sixth): Senior Logan Stenson will lead the way for a Pirates team that will look to reload after the loss of three graduated state
qualifiers. Juniors Kane Ballman, Alijah Rhoades, Roman Gumm and Reuben Erlinso will also be key contributors. West Valley (5-0, first): Coach Geoff Hensley is hoping to build off last season’s league and district titles, returning 10 starters from that lineup. Andrew Royston and Josh Moreau both took fifth at Mat Classic last year and will be joined by fellow state participants Simeon Mattinlgy, Logan Leeson, Cohen Clark and Jaiden Peak.
Girls University: State qualifiers Sa-
mamra Weinstock and Olivia Vignere join Libby Roberts on a Titans team that went from three wrestlers last season to 15 this winter.
Cheney: Coach Jeremy McGee returns six starters from last year’s squad, led
Cheney’s Trenton Moore, top, earns a takedown against Kennewick’s Hunter Brower during the Region 4 3A state-qualifying tournament Feb. 10 at University High School.
PHOTOS BY MADISON MCCORD/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Cheney’s Trenton Moore celebrates with coaches after his 3A second-round match at Mat Classic XXXIV on Feb. 17, 2023, at the Tacoma Dome.
Moore Cheney wrestler
PANTHERS ON THE RISE
Strong showing in summer league has Mead boys basketball optimistic
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
If you surveyed folks involved with boys basketball in the Greater Spokane League 4A/3A division, they would likely tell you two things heading into 2024-25 season. Number one, with the high graduation rate of last year’s all-league players and offseason injuries to some key returning players, the league is as wide open as it has been in recent memory. And secondly, Mead’s Nash Dunham is poised to be one of the most talked about players in the league this season.
“To hear that, I think it’s a testament to the work I’ve put in,” Dunham said. “I’ve spent countless hours offseason and during season, just putting in the time. ... It’s really an honor and a blessing to be like in that conversation. And I will not take that for granted.” Dunham, a wiry 5-foot-11 guard, may not look like the prototypical MVP candidate in the perennially tough GSL, but his heart and determination far outweigh any perceived physical shortcomings.
“He’s phenomenal,” Mead coach Luke Jordan stated simply. “I say that both as a player, but
more importantly as a person.”
Jordan mentioned Dunham’s extracurricular activities such as working on the school’s award-winning yearbook and serving as ASB president in describing Dunham’s character and leadership abilities.
“I love being able to integrate him into what we do from a schematic standpoint, but he’s just the kind of kid every team would like to have in their program. He’s such a strong teammate. He looks to facilitate as often as he looks to score,” Jordan said. “He gets guys involved in school activities. He helps bring kids who are kind of on the periphery from a school standpoint, into more engaging things. I’ve loved having him, you know, since he came his sophomore year, and I think he’s in line for a really, really big senior year.”
Dunham was a second-team all-league pick last year. In an informal poll of coaches around the league, Dunham was listed as one of the league’s biggest impact players heading into the new season. If he flew under the radar last year, he’s not taking anyone by surprise this season.
Jordan cited the “Spider-Man Principle” with Dunham assuming a starring role in the GSL.
“With high expectations, comes
a lot of responsibility, of course,” he said. “But I think it’s a role Nash has been ready to accept, willing to accept, and able to accept the last couple of years. He’s one of those kids, just the way he’s built, he wants to shine in the biggest moments. He wants the other teams to be scouting him. He wants the scouting report to focus on him, and he doesn’t shy away from that.”
“It’s nice knowing that I am a figure that teams have to think about,” Dunham said. “But the same time, the wins don’t come for me. They never will come for me. They come from us as a collective.”
Collectively, the Panthers –who finished 9-11 overall and 3-6 in league last season – went 8-1 in the summer league and many have them at or near the top of the league heading into the season.
“We say all the time that summer league outcomes don’t matter,” Jordan said. “But I think there is something to be said about the confidence that comes from wins and losses over the course of the summer.”
The summer league success has fueled preseason workouts and instilled a confidence the boys program at Mead hasn’t enjoyed for quite a while.
“It’s definitely weird, you know, hearing our name in the topic for a GSL championship,” Dunham said. “It’s been 23 years
“
since we last won a GSL championship, and we’ve been talking about that all offseason and, you know, especially in these couple weeks of practices. We have a chance to make history. ... We know that it’s up for grabs. We just have to go accomplish it and execute at the highest level.”
“That’s the open nature of the GSL this year.” Jordan said. “I mean, there’s a pathway that we could see Mead High School being GSL champions this year. But I think there’s a lot of coaches right now who are telling their team they could see a path to a league championship this year.
“It’s a really fun time to be in the GSL when one through 10, the door’s open. You know, it’s there for the taking.”
As Dunham said, he doesn’t have to do this alone. Sophomore point guard Karson Maze was an all-league honorable mention last season and junior guard Brady Thornton was voted as team captain as a sophomore.
Jordan said last season he tried to resist the urge to bring Maze up to varsity, but the player dictated his playing time.
“Karson, throughout (last year’s) summer league, throughout fall league, and throughout our tryouts, just made it abundantly clear he was going to be a player that not only could hang with varsity talent, but he started every game for me last year, you know, as a sub 6-foot freshman in
the GSL.
And the Panthers finally boast a little size in the paint, as football linemen Vance Gustafson (66) and Cooper Daines (6-5) will provide a little muscle.
“We historically talk about how at a size disadvantage we are. And we joke, you know, ‘What are they putting in the water in other places?’ ” Jordan said. “But to have guys who can come in and be a really tough matchup, size-wise, for other teams is an opportunity we have not been afforded so far. I look forward to continuing to see how to work those guys into the mix and allow them to just be big bodies, big size, knowing that they can set screens, roll hard, rebound, finish in the paint, and embrace the fact that they’re multi sport athletes.”
While Jordan’s goal every year is to win league and make it to Tacoma for the state tournament, those things seem more attainable than ever heading into the new season.
“We’re hopeful that with the leadership we have, with the returners that we have, with kind of the variety of skill sets and things that guys bring to the table, we’ve got a really good mix of talent and experience and new talent coming in that can do some really exciting, fun things for us and cause some chaos. We’re looking to do, hopefully, a number of things that haven’t been done at Mead High School in a while.”
The wins don’t come for me. They never will come for me. They come from us as a collective.”
Nash Dunham Mead guard
BOYS BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE
SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2024 Greater Spokane League, Northeast A and area 2B boys basketball teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024-25 season.
GSL 4A
Ferris (8-14, 3-6, ninth): The Saxons have three senior starters returning for ninthyear coach Sean Mallon: forward Luke Roland and guards Beruke Weledsenbet and Cannon Dean. A fourth senior, guard Parker Dammel, should move into heavy rotation. Mallon expects half his varsity roster to be made up of sophomores and freshmen. “Our older players, namely our seniors will be put into expanded roles from where they were last season,” Mallon said. “This is a good group that works hard and will be looking to learn and improve over the
course of the season.”
Gonzaga Prep (20-7, 7-2, second):
Senior post Nate Christy and junior guard Dylynn Groves were expected to be leaders for the Bullpups, but both suffered ACL injuries during the offseason and will miss the season. Coach Matty McIntyre, entering his 16th season at the helm at G-Prep, will start with returners Brogan Howell and Hudson Floyd as he reformats his lineup. “It will take time to discover what we have and who we can be especially with the football guys getting a late start,” McIntyre said. “The good news is it will be impossible to peak too early.”
Lewis and Clark (16-9, 6-3, fourth): Third-year coach Jase Wambold has to replace most of his roster, having graduated nine letterwinners and all five starters from last season’s team.
Mead (9-11, 3-6, eighth): The Panthers are one of the more experienced teams in the league with six letterwinners and three starters back for coach Luke Jordan in his fourth season.
Senior Nash Dunham was a second-team allGSL selection last season, and sophomore Karson Maze was honorable mention. “We will look to fine-tune much of what we started building last season, making some key adjustments based on new personnel,” Jordan said. “We will have to be precise on both sides of the ball this year to compete with every team.”
GSL 3A
Central Valley (2-20, 0-10, 10th): T.J. Milles enters his second season with the Bears with eight letterwinners and four starters returning, including all-league honorable mentions sophomore guard Orland Axton and senior forward Branson Olson. “We have all five of our top scorers back,” Milles said. “Our defensive focus will be the difference between us being average and good-to-great.” Despite the varsity experience, CV will start three sophomores.
Cheney (9-11, 3-6, seventh): Thirdyear coach Travis Peavey has eight letterwinners and three starters returning, but lost all-league forward Evan Stinson to graduation. “We need to use our experience and leadership of guys who have been in the program to step up with Stinson graduating,” Peavey said. “With the new
look of the GSL with schools moving between 3A and 4A and quite a few impact seniors moving on from last year, the league is going to be very competitive. ... There are no nights off in this league and that’s what makes GSL basketball so exciting.” Mt. Spokane (22-5, 8-1, first): Nine letterwinners graduated from last year’s third in state team, with three seniors – wings Nalu Vargas, a three-year starter, and Colt Kenison and point guard Lucas Dickau back for coach David Wagenblast’s 10th season at the helm. A pair of junior transfers from Mead – Jaden Ghoreishi and Rock Franklin – will provide immediately help. “I would anticipate our team growing as a team with a challenging preseason schedule,” Wagenblast said. “Our length will be a strength and help us defensively and in rebounding.” Ridgeline (16-9, 4-5, sixth): Longtime assistant Nick Seaman takes over as head coach, but seven letterwinners graduated from last season’s playoff team. Two starters are back – senior guard Brayden Allen and junior guard Caden Andreas. “We will be a guard heavy program that will use our speed this year
See BOYS BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE, 7
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Mead senior Nash Dunham, a 5-11 guard, was a second-team All-Greater Spokane League selection a year ago.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Experienced Deer Park girls basketball joins Greater Spokane League after promotion to Class 2A
By Ethan Myers THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
On the first practice of the season, Deer Park girls basketball coach KC Ahrens recalls the coaching staff considering ending it early.
“ ‘It’s so good right now; we could call it off early like we’re midseason,’ which is a rare thing,” Ahrens remembers thinking.
That is the benefit of returning the majority of a core group that finished as the State 1A runner-up during the 2023-24 season.
Expectations are high for an experienced unit that may be even more talented and deeper as the program makes the jump to 2A and the Greater Spokane League.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Ahrens said.
The Stags tore through the regular season and Northeast A league play last year, going undefeated until falling 70-67 to Nooksack Valley in the state title game.
The shift to 2A – a classification based on student enrollment – has been a storyline for Deer Park athletics all year after much success in 1A across many sports. Deer Park athletic director Cameron Gilbert and Joe Feist, the principal, appealed the change after some concerns surfaced, but the decision was eventually upheld.
Clarkston, which finished undefeated in league play and took third at state in 2A last year, figures to be Deer Park’s toughest competition and may be the biggest test to the Stags’ 28-game league win streak. West Valley and Pullman will be others near the top.
Ahrens thinks the group’s achievements in the postseason against a strong 1A league shows the Stags’ can carry over success into 2A.
“For us, nothing (different) until hopefully we make it into March where there is going to be more size,” Ahrens said of the transition. “… There is a little more size and length. But 1A last year was very similar to the 2A.”
Deer Park brings back nine of the team’s top 10 players, including sophomore Ashlan Bryant, who took home league MVP as a freshman and was firstteam all-state tournament.
Her sister, Emma Bryant, a junior who
was league defensive player of the year and first-team all-league, also returns.
Senior Brooklyn Coe, first-team all league, and junior Berlyn Zimmerer, second-team all-league, are two more crucial and experienced returners.
In addition to bringing so many young yet experienced players, the Stags also added a high-level transfer in Jacey Boesel, who led Okanogan to the State 2B title game last season. Boesel, a junior, earned the Central Washington Athletic
“
Conference season MVP and was firstteam all-state tournament in 2B.
“She’s going to be a heck of a player,” Ahrens said of Boesel. “She will fit right in exactly with what we do – we’re small, switch everything, we’re physical and press.” Coe and Boesel could both become 1,000-point scorers this season, done only twice before in Deer Park history. Due to the low turnover from last year’s roster, Ahrens envisions implementing a more complex system and being able to increase packages as the season goes on with the new group.
A lack of size may seem like a shortcoming, as the Stags have only one player above 5-foot-9 – ninth-grader Kaycee Haney at 5-foot-10. But depth, athleticism and chemistry will be pieces to superseding that weakness.
The Stags will open the season against former Northeast A League opponent Lakeside at home on Dec. 3. The first matchup with Clarkston will come on the road on Jan. 14, and the Bantams visit Deer Park on Feb. 7. Deer Park will also play on the road against higher-classified schools like Ferris and Coeur d’Alene and will participate in the highly-competitive “Top of the Peak” holiday tournament hosted by Glacier Peak.
“The good thing for us – we knew we were going to be pretty good this year, so we picked up some pretty good games,” Ahrens said. “… We’re going to be challenged, but we knew we could handle it, which is a good place to be.”
The key to Deer Park’s success? Ahrens points to the program’s slogan – “It’s amazing what the Lady Stags can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit.”
“We’ve been preaching, preaching, preaching (that),” he said. “Five, six kids on our team could be the leading scorer on multiple teams in our league. It’s just about buying in and the girls have done it.
“It’s not about your individual statistics if we want to be good and that was a great thing last year – and the girls bought into that – about giving up a little bit of yourself for the betterment of the team and it’s just continuing. Very unselfish kids.”
We’re going to be challenged, but we knew we could handle it.”
KC Ahrens Deer Park head coach
GIRLS BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2024-25 Greater Spokane League girls basketball teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024-25 season.
GSL 4A
Ferris (11-11, 5-4, fifth): Second-year
coach Courtney Gray has her entire starting lineup and all 10 letterwinners back from last season’s team, though leading scorer senior guard Kayla Jones – first-team all-league and an all-state mention last season – will start the season injured. “The team has built strong chemistry this offseason, and girls are stepping up to fill their roles,” Gray said. “To be compet-
itive we are relying heavily on our defense this year.”
Gonzaga Prep (22-7, 8-1, second):
All-state point guard Aylah Cornwall is back for her sophomore season, joined by second-team all-league senior guard Olivia McIntyre. Coach Geoff Arte, in his third season with the Bullpups, has a total of eight letterwinners and three starters back from last year’s state qualifier.
“Expectations are high, like always,” Arte said.
“With only two bids out of Eastern Washington this year, you are going to have to be playing well in February to make it to the final 16.”
Lewis and Clark (10-13, 3-6, seventh): New coach Sydney Floriani was an assistant coach at Master’s University from 2018-23 and played a role in the Mustangs’ berth into the NAIA National Championship in
2022, a program record win-loss record, and their first every No. 1 NAIA ranking. “We have three key starters out with ACL injuries,” Floriani said, “but the sophomores are really stepping into new roles they didn’t fill last year.”
Mead (26-2, 9-0, first): Life after Teryn Gardner, the two-time league MVP and all-state guard, begins. Coach Quantae Anderson, in his 14th season, does have seven letterwinners back, including first-team all-league junior guard Addison Wells Morrison, who became an impact player last year and should thrive in more of a “go-to” role this season. “We only have two seniors,” Anderson said. “But we have varsity experience along with some key newcomers who will bring a fun dynamic to a team that won league and district championships in each of the last three seasons.”
GSL 3A Central Valley (17-8, 7-2, third): The big news in the league is the transfer of Univer-
sity of Washington-bound Brynn McGaughy to the Bears from 2B Colfax. “The addition of Brynn is huge, of course,” second-year coach Jason Wilson said. “Brynn gives us size we sorely lacked. If we can stay healthy, I like our chances.” Joining the 6-foot-2 McGaughy are seven other returning letterwinners, including first-team all-league senior guard and defensive player of the year Eden Sander and four league honorable mentions, led by senior Gabbie Wilson and sophomore guard Drae Domebo. Cheney (5-15, 1-8, ninth): Nine letterwinners and four starters return for coach Meredith Richards, who enters her second season with the Blackhawks. Senior Mia Ashcroft and juniors Sarah Hanson and Natalie Richards are returning starters. Mt. Spokane (4-18, 2-7, eighth): Coach Jim Redmon begins his second season with the Wildcats with three starters returning,
See GIRLS BASKETBALL
PHOTOS BY COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Deer Park begins its GSL journey with a solid starting five featuring Ashlan Bryant, Berlyn Zimmerer, Brooklyn Coe, Emma Bryant and Jacey Boesel.
Guard Jacey Boesel arrived at Deer Park this season after leading Okanogan to the State 2B title game a year ago.
ROAD TOWARD REPEAT
Rogers boys eye second consecutive district championship with senior-laden roster
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
It’s one thing to achieve success in an individual season with an exceptional group of athletes. It’s another entirely to create a culture of success that can withstand graduating talent and the changing of personnel from season to season.
Especially in a community where winning hasn’t always been the most prominent of priorities.
But that’s exactly what the Rogers Pirates are trying to accomplish.
It worked for the football team this season, with a second consecutive state playoff appearance after a decade of futility on the field. Now, it’s the boys basketball team’s turn to prove last season’s postseason push wasn’t a “one-and-done” situation.
“It’s hard to create that culture when the culture isn’t that,” seventh-year coach Karim Scott said. “Not that kids didn’t want to win, they just didn’t know how.”
Last year’s team – led by then-seniors Aaron Kinsey, Hartman Warrick and Devin Holyfield – proved winning is achievable in Hillyard as the Pirates built upon the successes they enjoyed on the football field and went 17-6 in basketball, winning the district championship and making an appearance at state.
“It started (last year) from when the football team found success,” senior Brady Krebs said. “And then we were successful, with both of us going to state. I feel like we can just keep building on that success from year-to-year.”
Now, it’s up to a robust class of six seniors and a few talented underclassmen to follow that up.
“Since I’ve been a coach, we haven’t had a season where you look and say, ‘This could be ours,’ you know,” Scott said. “Now, obviously we have to play and practice and all the other little things. But, you know, the league is wide open. But at the same time, other teams probably think the same thing, too.”
“I feel like we’re taking things a lot more seriously,” Krebs said. “We know we’re capable of it because last year we
GIRLS BASKETBALL
including senior wings Abby Priddy and Sloane Gardner, both of whom earned all-league mentions last season. “We need to shoot it better, we need to play better,” Redmon said. “We need to play together.” Ridgeline (15-11, 6-3, fourth): Veteran coach Freddie Rehkow, the 2018 national coach of the year, takes over the girls program after three seasons guiding the boys team. All five starters and nine total letterwinners return from last year’s state qualifier, but first-team allleague sophomore guard Grace Sheridan starts the season injured. “This team has a lot of experience and talent coming back,” Rehkow said. “Look for this team to show defensive tenacity and up-tempo basketball. We will be highly competitive and hopefully make another run at state this season.”
Shadle Park (5-16, 4-6, fourth in 2A): Coach JT Johnson has seven letterwinners and four starters back from last year’s team, which makes the transition back to 3A. Leaders include four-year starter
accomplished a lot of great things. So I feel like we know what we can do and we want to do better than what we did last year.”
In the recent past, the Greater Spokane League 2A division has gone through West Valley, or Pullman, or Clarkston. But the Pirates have gone from afterthought to upstart – to one of the acknowledged league-title candidates.
“It is awesome to have an opportunity –not just one year, but to have a chance to try to at least make it to the district championship game again. You know, we’ve never done that before,” Scott said.
There’s plenty of reasons for the Pirates to be optimistic. Returning senior starters Krebs and Treshon Green are two of them. Green, a forward, earned first-team all-league recognition last season, while Krebs was named to the second team.
Green’s quiet nature off the court belies his power game in the paint. But he’s growing into more of leadership role.
“I feel like this year is just a year for me to really learn how to be a leader and mainly just lead by example,” he said.
“I’ve never been in that type of role before, but I’m slowly trying to figure out how to be in that role this year, especially when it matters.”
Junior Alex Peabody carries a tremendous football season onto the court this year. He calls himself more of an athlete than a basketball player, but it’s that athleticism that has the Pirates coaches excited.
He’s noticed a change in Hillyard how the athletes and programs are being supported.
“I do feel that that people are now finally expecting us to do good, instead of shocked when we do good,” he said.
“My freshman year, we weren’t good at all, and some older players didn’t want to tell people they played for Rogers. And then sophomore year is when the team started getting good. That was when I could see the flip, if that makes sense. From, like, no pride for Rogers to having pride for Rogers. So that’s pretty cool.”
“I know in the past, like people have always been like, ‘Oh, Rogers, you know, they’re not very good.’ ” Green said. “I
Addison Jahn and juniors Makenzie Fager and Tameria Thompson. “Our girls new to the team need to have a quick learning curve to help us achieve our full potential,” Johnson said. “We are not big and most girls will play numerous positions.”
University (11-13, 4-6, sixth): The Titans have eight letterwinners and four starters back from last season’s squad, including three all-league honorable mentions: seniors Sophie Carbajal and Kailee Alteneder and junior McKenzie Handran. “With six seniors, we bring back a lot of girls who have played a ton of minutes together,” second-year coach Angel Rivera said. “This league is in a great spot right now with some really good teams. If we commit to playing hard-nosed defense, we will be in the mix at the end of the season when it matters.”
GSL 2A
Clarkston (26-1, 10-0, first):
Coach Debbie Sobotta guided the Bantams to a third-place finish at state last season, but has three all-
feel like that really motivated us last year and even more this year. People are starting to say, like, ‘Can Rogers do it again? Can they go to state again?’ And I say absolutely, we’ve just got to come together and work hard and do it.”
The success has helped the Rogers’ programs with player retention – both in the halls at school but in the bigger Spokane community.
“The one thing we’ve seen – other kids want to come to our school,” Scott said. “I think in the past, if you had a family that was considering coming here or North Central, they would go somewhere else. We’ve gotten those kids now.”
He said a lot of that has to do with how the community has rallied around Rogers’ football and basketball programs the past two seasons.
“I think the community has always, always been there,” Scott said. “I think they just needed something to cheer for. Something to get behind, like, loudly. They’ve always been like, ‘No, we’re waiting for it. We’re waiting for it.’ But you’re kind of afraid ... You don’t want to say it too loud, because we know what’s going to happen. But now it’s not that.”
Still, without sustained success Scott knows how quickly things might go back to how they were.
“I want to be here. I want to be a part of this community,” he said. “We live in this community, and I feel like we’ve always been good enough. But our kids didn’t always believe it.”
Unlike some other programs, Scott says, the athletes at Rogers take the support they get in school or on the field or in the gym home with them – instead of the other way around.
“This is supposed to be their sanctuary, but what if they don’t even know what that is if they haven’t had it,” he said. “We try to grow it out here, and then they do it for each other. ... At our parent meeting, we’re talking about being positive to each other, lifting each other up. And I said it one time, and the kids just do it.”
“I feel like people are proud. Like, we’re representing Hilliard and really building a great, successful basketball team,” Krebs said. “So I feel like people are proud of us. ... Usually we’re the underdogs, and I feel like now we’re starting to actually be a top team. That’s a great feeling.”
leaguers to replace – including 2A all-state guard Kendall Wallace. Seven letterwinners return, though, including all-league seniors Ella Leavitt, Ryann Combs and Lexi Villavicencio, and junior Jaelyn McCormick-Marks. Deer Park (25-1, 12-0, first in 1A): The Stags lost just one game last year – a three-point decision to Nooksack Valley in the state 1A title game. All five starters and 10 letterwinners return, including league MVP and all-state sophomore guard Ashlan Bryant. The Stags also get a prominent transfer in junior guard Jacey Boesel, who led Okanogan to the 2B state title game by averaging 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds per game.
“We are going to be very small again this season, but we are going to be very athletic, skilled, and deep,” coach KC Ahrens said. “Our theme this year it to ‘Aim Higher’ and not be content with past success.” The Stags bring a 28-game league win streak into the GSL. East Valley (1-20, 1-9, sixth): The Knights return four starters for second-year coach Tierre Warren, including honorable mention all-league junior guard Italia Salina and senior guard Hannah Rasmussen. “Our strength will be our size in that
to be successful,” Seaman said. “We have some key returners that will help us keep our offense lightning fast and our defense aggressive.”
Shadle Park (7-14, 2-8, fifth in 2A): The Highlanders move up a class in coach Tim Lamanna’s second season. They have three letterwinners – all starters – back. “We are a veteran team with a lot of varsity experience,” Lamanna said. “Our strengths will be on the offensive end and the speed in which we will play,” while defense and rebounding will be a work in progress. Honorable mention all-league senior guard Jacob Boston and senior post Carson Eickstadt will be relied upon for provide leadership.
University (12-11, 6-4, fifth): First-year coach Rich Tesmer has his work cut out for him – the Titans have just one starter returning, senior guard Jack Del Mese. He’ll be joined by several other seniors getting their first shot after U-Hi graduated seven from last season. “We will definitely be one of the hardest working teams out there,” Tesmer said. “We’re going to rely on our culture and toughness this season.”
GSL 2A
Clarkston (11-12, 4-6, fourth): Justin Jones enters his 14th season with the Bantams needing to replace most of his roster due to graduation. Senior Josh Hoffman and sophomore guard Niko Ahhi are the key returners. “We are working through losing six seniors and four starters and onboarding new and young players, including two freshman and two sophomores,” Jones said. “Our focus is be processed oriented the first half of the year to overcome our inexperience and youth.”
Deer Park (6-15, 3-9, fifth in 1A): The Stags took some lumps in the Northeast A League last season and move up a classification, but second-year coach Samual Howard has six letterwinners and four starters back, including second-team all-NEA senior guard Davin Kemano and junior guard Cooper Rich. “We don’t have a ton of size,” Howard said. “But it’s our second year with mainly the same guys coming back.”
East Valley (3-18, 0-10, sixth): Coach Ty Fowler enters his fourth season with just one starter and six letterwinners returning, and he will need young players to step into prominent roles quickly. “Last year was a great opportunity to get them use to the speed, strength and competition level of the varsity,” Fowler said. “We are fortunate for the experience they will bring in with them this season.” Senior Jonathan Patton is a transfer from California who Fowler describes as “a high motor with a long athletic frame” and should help immediately.
North Central (19-7, 6-3, third in 4A/3A): The Wolfpack reached state in coach Robert Sacre’s first season as coach, but he loses his top three scorers from last year’s team to graduation and transfer. In fact, only four letterwinners return, including Trevelle Jones and Nick Elliott – both coming off all-league football seasons.
Pullman (17-7, 9-1, first): Coach Craig Brantner, in his 18th season, has to replace seven letterwinners and three starters from his state-qualifying team from last year. Senior wing Daniel Kwon and sophomore guard Cade Rogers are the returning starters. Rogers (16-7, 8-2, second): The Pirates lost four letterwinners and three starters from last season’s district champion and state qualifier, but eight letterwinners return for seventh-year coach Karim Scott. Senior forward Treshon Green was a first-team all-league selection, and senior guard Brady Krebs was a second-teamer. “We have a group of hungry upperclassmen that want to repeat as district champions,” Scott said. “Last season’s state run gave these guys a sweet taste of success and now they want more.”
West Valley (18-4, 7-3, third): The Eagles have seven letterwinners and three starters back from a team that was one win away from state last year. Second-year head coach Mike Hamilton enters his 21st with the program. “We return good amount of varsity experience that had success last year,” Hamilton said. “We will compete for 32 minutes every night.” Honorable mention all-league senior guard Will Busse, senior forward Trey Raiford and sophomore guard Nate Zettle will be leaders.
we have a big frontcourt. Rebounding and post presence will be key for us this season,” Warren said. “I’m very optimistic and I think we will shock a lot of teams and people who have counted us out. East Valley isn’t dead. We are very much alive and I think we will rise out of obscurity.”
North Central (2-18, 0-9, 10th in 4A/3A): The Wolfpack will see a lot of turnover from last year’s team with five letterwinners and four starters graduating. Third-year head coach Joseph Kraus will lean on seniors Feather Auld, Allie Little and Bailey Cederblom to be leaders as the team gels. “The amount of varsity experience on our team this year is limited, but these girls are hungry,” Kraus said. “We will need to be patient and trust the process as we play each game, learning and growing from focusing on ourselves and what we can do better to improve night in, night out.” Pullman (7-15, 5-5, third): Fifth-year coach Angie Barbour has six letterwinners and two starters back, including second-team allleague junior guard Grace Kuhle. She’ll be joined by other key returning juniors River Sykes and Eloise Clark, along with senior Bri Rasmussen. “We
graduated two starting posts, so we will be smaller, but faster,” Barbour said. “We had a good summer of leagues and camps so we’re looking forward to a strong season.” Rogers (5-16, 2-8, fifth): Seven letterwinners but just two starters return for seventh-year coach Lindsay Hernandez. “Seven returners from last year gives us a great amount of experience,” Hernandez said. “We have multiple girls that can handle the ball and shoot the ball, as well as girls that will come off the bench and play vital roles, which will make a big difference for us.” Seniors Harmony Ortiz and Hayley Ying will be counted on to lead.
West Valley (14-10, 8-2, second): League scoring leader Chloe DeHaro graduated, but coach Tyrone Ashley has six letterwinners and four starters back for his second season. “Losing Chloe to graduation is a huge loss,” Ashley said. “We have six kids who played a lot of minutes last season, but now we need to feed off their confidence and continue to grow from a slow start last season to a fantastic finish.” Seniors Willow Burrill and Macy Osborn and junior Brynlee Ordinario are key returners.
DAVE NICHOLS/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Rogers boys basketball players, from left, Brady Krebs, Alex Peabody and Treshon Green pose during a recent practice.
EACH ROUTINE STARTS WITH FUN
Ferris senior gymnast Martin wanted to give sport another chance despite knee injuries
By Samantha DiMaio THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Abigail Martin is not your typical high school gymnast. She didn’t start the sport as a toddler. She hasn’t mastered every trick in the book. She hasn’t even learned how to do a front handspring. Nevertheless, Martin is certainly an athlete.
She has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old and participated in wrestling, tennis, basketball and volleyball during her childhood. When she moved to Spokane and began her freshman year at Ferris High School, it was the perfect opportunity to try something new.
Although she was playing soccer, she had always wanted to try gymnastics. And thanks to the statewide no-cut policy for the sport, Martin had no trouble joining the team. Over the next couple of years, she learned how to do the splits, jumps and even flips.
As much progress as she made, she was unfortunately forced to leave the sports that she loved so much the fall of her junior year. A soccer injury during her
freshman year caused her knee caps to repeatedly pop out of place and it wasn’t until much later that she realized the pain was too brutal to endure any longer.
She attempted physical therapy to no avail and rested endlessly until her senior year arrived and she finally decided that she couldn’t miss her last season of sports. She wasn’t completely healed, but she had allowed her body enough rest to give gymnastics one last run.
“All I want to do is get as far as I can in the little time that I have left,” Martin said.
As she returned to practice, she worried that everything she had learned would be lost. But after a few rounds of training, she found that it was not a hopeless endeavor.
“I came into it and yes, some of my stuff is a little rusty. But it’s all muscle memory,” Martin said. “It all just came back to me, and it was like I had never even stopped.”
Not only did her extended break prove useful for her injury, as her knees haven’t popped out of place this season, but she
GYMNASTICS AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Capsules for the 2024 Greater Spokane League gymnastics teams. In alphabetical order by classification.
GSL 4A
Ferris: Sophomore Alice Finkle was a state qualifier last season and returns for second-year coach Hayley Rayburn. “We have a lot of motivated girls, ready to learn the sport,” she said, noting the team’s lack of seniors. “We also have a few club gymnasts that will help push us to the competitive level.” Sophomore Briley Grimes and freshman Bree Palmer are new to the program. Lewis and Clark: Michele Kelly starts her 15th season as coach of the Tigers with two senior returners to her squad: Gabriella Ontiveros, who qualified for state as an individual all-around, and Autumn Gondos. Freshmen Gretchen Heinen, Emma LaSalle and Hailey Ramsey hope to make an impact.
Mead: The Panthers finished first in the GSL, first in districts and second at state last season, but move up a classification from 3A to 4A this season. Sixth-year coach Hannah Bjerkestrand has 10 letter winners back, including senior Dezlyn Lund-
quist, who was second at state in allaround, second in floor, third in bars and eighth in the vault. The senior class is undefeated in the GSL.
GSL 3A Central Valley: The Bears have 16 athletes out for gymnastics this season. “We have an incredible group of girls competing,” second-year coach Arreal Blakesley said. “Regardless of experience, they all share a passion for the sport and a strong desire to learn and grow, while supporting one another along the way.” Makenzie Moll, Kylie Morais, Liliah Haymore and Dakota Burge are all returning starters. Cheney: Fourth-year coach Melissa Bradley has three letter winners back this season, including senior Sarah Bolstad (beam, vault) and sophomore Makalia McKenney (all-around). Freshmen Dylan Stoltz and Emily Blanford will compete in all-around. “We have a strong team that is determined, ambitious and encouraging to all on the team, from beginners to advance,” Bradley said.
Ridgeline: Third-year coach Leah Grifasi said the Falcons have “the most freshmen on varsity ever.” The team reached state last season and letter winners Julianne Stevens and Trynity VanGelder return.
Shadle Park: “We have a relatively young team. It is a rebuilding
also discovered a newfound appreciation for the sport. All she wants to do is improve and she is more open to criticism and guidance than she was before.
Despite the immense workload ahead of her this season, Martin has always emphasized the joy that gymnastics brings people as a hobby. Competitors are required to smile during meets to show the judges personality and panache. But most of the time, it’s not just part of the performance.
“After a certain point, it’s not even forcing yourself to smile; it’s just fun,” Martin said. “I mean, you can see it in so many of the girls, too. Everyone just looks like they’re having a blast.”
At meets and especially during practice, the girls on the Ferris gymnastics team have only been supportive of one another. When someone gets a new skill down, the applause and cheers echo throughout the gym. In fact, when Martin finally performed a flip tuck step out roundoff back tuck, it was the perfect experience.
She had been working on it for nearly a whole season and received nothing but praise from her coaches and teammates when she finally succeeded.
“That was really huge for me,” Martin said. “I had a lot of my teammates there
who cheered me on like nobody’s business. It was just a really good moment.” Besides support, part of a typical team dynamic involves a handful of seniors who act as leaders on the team. Ferris only has one senior, and that’s Martin. She aims to be as supportive and influential as the seniors were for her when she was a freshman. It is her job not only to lead but to be there for anyone on the team when they need it.
Her injury may try to hold her back from success, but Martin is going to compete as much as she can during her final year.
“We’re hoping she’ll be able to stay strong and healthy throughout the season,” Ferris coach Hayley Rayburn said. This is not going to be an easy feat. After just her first practice back, Martin was in so much pain that her legs were shaking on the drive home from the gym. Her love for the sport, however, motivates her to keep going. She may not be the best athlete in the state or even on the team, but she is certainly putting the effort in and doing everything she can to finish strong.
“It’s something I’m willing to put myself through for this little amount of time just to get something that I cherish so much,” Martin said.
year for Shadle Park,” coach Stoyan Katzarski said. “The good news is that all the gymnasts are willing to work hard and learn new
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Ferris gymnast Madeline Cabrera leaps while
her floor exercise Nov. 26 at Chasing Gravity Gymnastics in Airway Heights.
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Ferris gymnastics team includes, back row, left to right, Briley Graves, Alianna Gay, Payton Musante and, front row, left to right, Abby Martin, Triniti Ramos, Madeline Cabrera and Harmoney Steinhardt. Head coach Hayley Rayburn is standing at left and assistant coach Cora Haidle is standing at right.