Seahawks' Golden Tate stops in at Ballard Top Pot

Guest — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:40:14 +0000

Guest (not verified) Wed, 11/14/2012 - 7:40am

Ballard News-Tribune sports writer poses with Seahawks Wide Receiver Golden Tate

By Christopher Duclos

The Seattle Seahawks are heading into their bye week looking forward to some much needed rest. The team is enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory under head coach Pete Carroll, going 6-4 in the past 10 games and sporting a defense that remains one of the best in the NFL.

Seahawks Wide Receiver Golden Tate decided that he would spend a couple hours of his week off at Ballard’s Top Pot Doughnuts to sign autographs for the fans. Tate has been experiencing the best season yet in his career.

So far this season Tate has made 26 receptions for 334 yards and 6 Touchdowns. He has 9 total touchdowns in his career in the three years since being drafted as a Seattle Seahawk. This past Sunday Seattle witnessed Tate perform magic against the New York Jets, where he caught a 38-yard touchdown pass, hurdled over a defender for a 13-yard first down and threw what was probably the most awkward left-handed 23-yard touchdown pass.

Ballard sports reporter Christopher Duclos stopped into Top Pot to ask Tate some questions on the season so far.

CD: How do you like the Ballard neighborhood? Do you spend much time out here?

GT: Yeah, I like this area, I’ve been out here with my girlfriend a few times and we enjoy it a lot.

CD: Could you offer the fans a little insight on the season so far?

GT: Its going well, we’re still growing as a team. I think we’re getting better every week and I’m sure the 12th man (fans) can see our improvement week in and week out. We’re sitting on 6-4 going into the bye week. I know the team is enjoying the opportunity to rest and let our body’s heal a little bit before we get back it for the home stretch. So, We’re happy about that and we’ll continue to grow.

CD: What about that new quarterback (Russell Wilson)?

GT: He’s an outstanding young fellow. He’s already shown to be a leader of the offense and the team. He’s learning quickly and he’s not playing like a rookie. That’s something we as a team all appreciate. I’m very happy for his growth.

(End interview)

Also joining the Seahawks wide receiver was Northwest Harvest, collecting food donations to help brace for the winter hunger season.

“Events like this are fantastic because it helps raise awareness in the community," said Andrea Flatley, a Northwest Harvest employee. "It gives everyone the chance to come out and meet a Seattle Seahawk! But for us, it raises awareness for a local business (Northwest Harvest). Of course for us, more importantly it benefits Northwest Harvest at a very crucial time of the year. We appreciate the community support!”

Due to the hunger caused from cold weather, the winter season is the most crucial time for the food donation businesses. Donations can be made to Northwest Harvest at http://northwestharvest.org/

Follow Ballard News-Tribune on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ballardnewstrib

And Twitter at http://twitter.com/ballardnewstrib

Through gift package, Ballard sends best regards to Wisconsin

Guest — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:28:34 +0000

Guest (not verified) Wed, 10/10/2012 - 8:28am

Several community members and businesses helped put together the package that was sent to Delevan, Wisc. From left to right: Debbie Oswald of Fresh Fish Co., Suzie Burke of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Ferrol Williams of the Mailbox, Rudy McCoy-Pantoja, Jr., Jess Fisher of Larsen’s Bakery, and Jacque Sigurdson of Marseille’s Hair Salon.

Photo by Jerry Gay

It was the catch heard ‘round the world.

Monday, Sept. 24, Seattle Seahawks won a game against the Green Bay Packers on a controversial, last-minute call. Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate fought against Packers defensive end M.D. Jennings to catch a ball in the end zone, but it was unclear whether Tate had full possession. The ref called that he did, the touchdown went to Seahawks, and the whole nation went up in an uproar. For once, Seattle was in the spotlight, but maybe for the wrong reason.

One man took it upon himself to try and help make amends with Packers fans, who were noticeably sore afterwards. Rudy McCoy-Pantoja, Jr., a neighborhood character who is referred to as “Grandpa Rudy,” rallied several businesses together to deliver a package that would have the effect of saying, “No hard feelings,” about the game.

The package is a collaboration of some of the finest businesses found in Ballard and Fremont. A kringle from Larsen’s Bakery, smoked salmon from Fresh Fish Co., chocolate from Theo’s, beer from Fremont Brewery and other items. Pantoja said there were several players, including the Ballard and Fremont Chambers of Commerce, the Mailbox, Marseille’s Hair Salon, Bop Street Records and more.

At first Pantoja wanted to send the package to Green Bay, but Mayor Jim Schmitt rejected the offer, saying he appreciated the gesture but that they didn’t accept gifts during the regular season. Then Pantoja looked at a map and picked out the town of Delevan. Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis, not one to refuse smoked salmon, took Pantoja up on the favor.

Wisconsin-based GazetteXtra.com interviewed the mayor and asked him if the package would make up for the botched call. “No,” he replied. “But it might ease the pain.”

Nieuwenhuis said he wanted to bring the package, which was sent out last week, to Tuesday night’s city council meeting. “It’s for the public,” he said.

He was also excited about the opportunity to highlight his town’s businesses and to connect with people in Seattle.

In return, Nieuwenhuis is delivering to Seattle goods from his own town. Cheese from Brick Street Market, Andes Candies, apple wine from the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery, and venison steaks from one of the mayor’s bow-hunting trips.

And to wash all that down, the mayor is including a 12-pack of Miller High Life.

Fremont Chamber of Commerce