2011 packed with memorable sports moments in Issaquah and Sammamish
Published 3:19 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2011
2011 marked another remarkable year for high-school athletics in Issaquah and Sammamish.
Here’s The Reporter’s take on the five most memorable athletic accomplishments for Eastlake, Eastside Catholic, Issaquah and Skyline during the year.
EASTLAKE
Boys soccer
The Eastlake boys soccer team claimed the program’s third 4A state championship with a 2-0 victory rival Skyline. Brandon McComb and Sean Klauer scored the Wolves’ two goals. The state title marked Eastlake’s first since winning back-to-back championships in 1996 and 1997.
Boys golf
Behind the second- and third-place performances of Li Wang and Evan Alston, the Eastlake boys golf team placed second in state — only 6.5 points behind champion Bellarmine Prep. Wang finished three strokes behind Olympia’s Dom Francks for the individual crown with a two-day total of 71-73 — 144.
Boys swimming
Eastlake freshman Edward Kim won two state titles in the 50 and 100 freestyles and Zach Alleva won a title in the 100 breaststroke, helping the Wolves to a fifth-place team finish at the 4A swimming and diving championships.
Girls golf
Megan Wotherspoon and Jamie Midkiff combined for 40 points during the 4A state golf tournament at Downriver Golf Course in Spokane, giving the Wolves an eighth-place overall finish.
Football
Ranked among the state’s best teams all season, the Eastlake football team advanced to the state quarterfinals for third time in school history. With the first ever trip to the semifinals in their sights, the Wolves were stunned by Lake Stevens, 50-21.
EASTSIDE CATHOLIC
Boys swimming
Ethan Hallowell made state history by becoming the first swimmer in state history to win eight individual titles over a four-year career. Hallowell, who is currently swimming at Stanford, set a state record in the 200 freestyle and earned another All-American time in the 100 freestyle.
Volleyball
For the third time in the last four years and the fourth time in school history, the Eastside Catholic volleyball team finished second in state. The Crusaders lost in four games to West Valley of Yakima — 25-16, 21-25, 25-17, 25-20 — placing second in 3A.
Girls soccer
The Eastside Catholic soccer team had its best season in program history, capturing third in the 3A state tournament. The Crusaders fell 1-0 to Liberty in the semifinals before battling back to beat Meadowdale 1-0 in the consolation game. Eastside finished 13-7-5.
Football
Eastside Catholic stunned ranked Oak Harbor on its home field, 50-33, to return to the 3A state football tournament for the first time since 2008. The Crusaders drew a tough first-round opponent in nationally-ranked Bellevue, falling 42-0 to the eventual state champion.
Wrestling
Wrestler Anthony Roy was the only member of his team to place at the state meet, capturing eighth place at 152 pounds. He won two of three matches on the first day to secure the top finish.
ISSAQUAH
Girls swimming
Issaquah placed fifth in the 4A state swim meet with the help of a couple of high finishes. Kayla Flaten placed second in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1 minute, 6.15 seconds and the 200 freestyle relay of Stacy Maier, Kayla Foremski, Gabrielle Gevers and Flaten was second in 1:39.36.
Girls track & field
Eva Perry won her first ever pole vault championship, helping Issaquah to a sixth-place team finish at the 4A state track and field championships. Haley Jacobson also placed second in the 200 and fourth in the 100.
Girls tennis
The doubles team of Sam Garrard and Sabrina Norton earned an eighth-place finish in the 4A state tennis tournament. After losing their first match, the duo survived two elimination matches to place.
Girls cross country
Making its first state appearance in 13 years, the Issaquah girls cross country team placed 10th. The team, made up primarily of underclassmen, scored 274 team points.
Boys swimming
Issaquah placed 11th as a team in the 4A swimming and diving championships behind junior Brian Ruggles, who placed third in the 100 freestyle and fifth in the 50 freestyle.
SKYLINE
Girls swimming
For the third consecutive year, the Skyline girls swim team captured the 4A championship. The Spartans finished 55 points ahead of nearest competitor, Stadium. Senior Katie Kinnear closed her career with two more state titles in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke — finishing her career with seven individual crowns. The 200 medley and 400 relay teams also won state titles.
Football
After suffering three losses early in the season, Skyline was forgotten — until the playoffs. The Spartans went on a tear, winning six straight games to take the 4A championship with a 38-7 win over Skyview. It was Skyline’s sixth state football championship and fourth in the last five years.
Girls soccer
For the third time in last four years, the Skyline girls soccer team claimed the 4A state championship. The Spartans defeated Bellarmine Prep 1-0 to take the crown, getting the score off the foot of Lianna Simms — her first of the season. Skyline finished 18-0-2.
Boys track & field
Kasen Williams won three state titles for the Skyline track and field team, including a new state record in the triple jump. He cleared 50 feet, 9 1/4 inches, breaking Rashad Toussaint’s old record by one inch. Williams also won state crowns in the high jump and long jump, helping his team to a fifth-place overall finish.
Volleyball
Skyline earned its highest ever placing in volleyball, finishing sixth at the state tournament. The Spartans knocked off tournament favorite Bellarmine Prep in the first round on their way to a 16-6 overall record.
