by Sam Reed
Chief Sealth International High School
Athletic Director/Activity Coordinator

While the term “fall sports” somewhat misrepresents the time and energy that our student-athletes and coaches put into their efforts honing their craft, it’s the term we use when we talk about the collective efforts that our 188 student-athletes and 18 coaches undertake beginning in mid-August of this year.

This season Chief Sealth International High School has been able to enjoy many wins, great crowds and tremendous personal achievements. The Fall Sports Banquet on Thursday, November 10th (6:00-8:30pm in the Galleria) is our opportunity to officially recognize all the above and more.

The top individual achievement of the season was turned in by sophomore Kenaia Neumann who became the first female cross country runner to represent Chief Sealth in the state meet since 1988. Kenaia finished last Saturday’s race in Pasco with a time of 20:41 (5,000 meters) and for the season held the 9th fastest time in the entire Metro League. Neumann helped pace a program, that under Jason Glover (9th year), had a great year. Strong overall numbers and veteran leadership from Captain Peter Broadstone helped propel the program toward the top of the standings in a number of races.

Another run to state fell just short, as the Volleyball team suffered a tough loss last week in the district tournament. The sting felt in that loss only goes to show you how far the program has come under Lorna Considine (2nd year). Just two years removed from a 1-11 finish in league, the girls reversed their fortunes finishing 11-1 before losing a tough 5-set tiebreaker which determined the Metro Sound Division champion. The program was led by the outstanding all-around play of senior Lorraine Toilolo. Key contributions were made up and down a crowded bench as the competition for playing time reached a new level. Junior Katherine Kirk will be back next year to lead as many as five returning starters and a group that should have a trip to state well within their reach.

Staying with the females, it was another successful year of growth for a girls’ soccer program that has also seen tremendous improvement in the past three or four seasons. A new influx of young talent helped Ron Johnson (15th year) and senior leaders Alexa Lenning, Miranda Taylor, and Kerri Selk finish the season with a 5-2-3 record in the Metro Sound Division. The season ended with a loss to Bishop Blanchet in the first round of the league tournament, but it should be clear to anyone who watched a game that this is a program truly on the rise and should be at, or near the top of the league for years to come.

Moving to the links, head coach Davie Hendrix (13th year) was back at the helm of the golf program which saw sophomore Maleena Thach and senior Cody Horn compete in a difficult league tournament, with Cody missing the cut to advance by just one stroke. With everyone but Horn able to return next year, Hendrix is hopeful that the program can take another step forward next fall.

Finally, it is the Friday Night Lights that highlight the high school experience for many. It is on those nights that our football team, cheer squad, outstanding marching band and the enthusiastic “Hawk’s Nest” reign down on the Southwest Athletic Complex for an evening of school spirit and competition. Led by Asosa Sailiai (5th year) our football program put up a valiant fight, highlighted by a fun win at home over Rainier Beach. Outgoing senior leaders Motu Tupuola and Riki Iaulualo will leave the program stronger than when they entered it. Junior quarterback Max Sarver will lead a large returning group that will look to improve with a year of experience under their belt.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend some heartfelt thanks to those groups that help make the fall sports season so fun. In my humble opinion the Marcus Pimpleton-led marching band and Keiosha Williams’ cheer squad are simply the best around with both groups giving up countless hours to support all of our teams. Our alumni organization, Friends of Sealth, deserves recognition for all of their work in running the football concession stands and providing fundraising opportunities to many of our programs, while our outstanding PTSA is gracious enough to support our athletic programs through a variety of financial contributions. Finally, thank you to the students, CSIHS staff, passionate alumni and the families of our student-athletes who come out in droves and truly provide a “home-field advantage” filled with positive support and encouragement.

Personally this season has brought much satisfaction. I’ve enjoyed watching so many contests with my son at my side, I’ve enjoyed many office hours and lunches talking strategy and leadership with our student-athletes, and finally I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many of the supportive families who come out to root on their loved ones. With the sun setting earlier each day the season has come to an obvious close, however I am already excited to see these student-athletes back at it in 2012!

Thank you for another great season.