11 ATHLETICS
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Yaks return to competition during shortened season On April 6, the YVC women’s basketball team took on Big Bend to mark the Yaks’ return to competition after more than a year of waiting and wondering. Over a two-month period, fve of YVC’s six teams (baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and softball) were able to play shortened seasons while following strict safety protocols to protect student-athletes, coaches and others. “Seeing our teams persevere in the face of so much uncertainty is something that makes me incredibly proud,” said Erin Chamble goes for a layup during a game against Treasure Athletics Director Ray Funk. “Our student-athletes and coaches Valley. kept working hard, waiting for this opportunity. I’m grateful they had a chance to compete in the sports that they love.” The Northwest Athletic Conference didn’t hold any playofs following this year’s shortened season, but Funk said each team impressed, in competition and beyond. “Our student-athletes displayed tremendous character this year and I know that’s something they’re going to take with them in their future endeavors,” Funk said.
Strom takes head coach position at NAIA school After fve years as head coach of the YVC women’s basketball team, Adam Strom will be moving to Haskell Indian Nations University, an NAIA school in Lawrence, Kan. During his tenure, Strom led the program to an overall record of 71-53 and was named NWAC East Region Coach of the Year. Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Felix DeLeon will continue to recruit potential student-athletes and run the day-to-day operations for the program until a new head coach is named.
Coach Adam Strom talks with players during a recent game.
Soccer team comes to family’s aid during house fre Reacting and making quick decisions is key to success in any sport, but on March 31 the YVC women’s soccer team found itself tested in a diferent way. While taking a break from running sprints during practice, team members noticed smoke rising from a house just down the street. Thinking quickly, the team organized itself and checked to make sure the family living in the house had escaped while assisting families and children in nearby houses to make sure they were safe from the rapidly growing fre. Player Brianna Garfas, center, in a recent game against CBC. Midfelder Brianna Garfas helped free the family’s dog from underneath a fence, while other players stayed with the mother and three children who lived in the house. Head Coach Abigail Drollinger said the team’s players and assistant coaches Delaney Clement and Dylan Bernard all responded in the moment of crisis. “Our team did a great job delegating and working together,” Drollinger said. “It was amazing watching the diferent girls just step up and help with the situation, it really was a great team efort with everyone helping in some capacity.” Following the fre, team members continued to ofer support to the family, getting food for them the day after the fre and putting together and delivering Easter baskets for the children. 13 Yakima Valley College
