Welcoming a new challenge | For the love of the game
Published 10:12 am Friday, January 13, 2012
When the word first came down that I would be taking over the sports in Issaquah and Sammamish, there was a mix of emotions.
Without a doubt, there was excitement at the opportunity of a new challenge: covering sports in one of the most passionate communities in our region and one I am linked to in so many ways.There was also some anxiety at the prospects of taking over for yet another WNPA Sportswriter of the Year in Kevin Endejan.
Having grown up in Carnation when our local high school was still in KingCo, I vividly remember the sights and sounds that have made Issaquah and Sammamish two of the most respected areas in the entire state for prep sports.
I remember watching Skyline struggle mightily with a team full of freshman during its first football season and then being awed three years later when Mitch Browne led the Spartans to a state championship.
The buzz when Blake Hawksworth and Andy Sisco were two of the brightest pitching prospects in Washington for Eastlake is still fresh in my mind and later, I would play for Blake’s father Mark when we were both at Eastside Catholic.
Issaquah’s 2004 senior class was legendary even in youth sports and a scrimmage with the multiple-time champs after they joined the GEJFA is still a vivid memory. As is watching that same group go toe-to-toe with Bellevue in the Tacoma Dome with a spot in the 3A finals on the line and then win the 3A title in baseball the following spring.
Eastside Catholic is obviously a place I have plenty of memories from as a student and seeing the school realize the vision that was conceived during my years there has been interesting to say the least.
While our coverage focus is changing along with our staff responsibilities, my hope is to continue to maintain and even grow the attention on Issaquah and Sammamish sports and recreation. I can’t forecast what exactly will become of the sports section, but I do know I’m going to put my best foot forward, listen to what our readers want in the paper and do everything in my power to make sure we cater to those desires and provide compelling, pertinent coverage of all things sports in Issaquah and Sammamish.
For the love of the game is an Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter column written by sports reporter Josh Suman. Call Josh at 425-453-5045.
