By Sam Reed

In a season that seems like it started eons ago – way before Winter Break, and even prior to Thanksgiving vacation – the Winter sports season at Chief Sealth International High School is officially in the books. Over 160 student-athletes represented our Seahawks in Metro League competition, one of the most competitive leagues in the state. These students, representing boys and girls basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, swim and cheerleading, dedicated many hours to bettering themselves, supporting their teammates and sacrificing hours of sleep and study to don a Chief Sealth uniform in battle. Their accomplishments will be recognized an our annual Winter Sports Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, March 15 in the Chief Sealth Galleria.

This Winter sports season was one of both individual and team accomplishments, both from a strong group of trailblazing upperclassmen as well as fiercely competitive group of younger student-athletes. This mix should ensure only more success in the years to come.

Beginning in the pool, coaches Maari Olsen and Les Holland sent two male swimmers to the State Tournament for the first time in years. Sophomores Morgan Montemayor and Michael Stewart each finished in the top 16 in 3A in their respective events. Junior Kelsey Hastings finished 2nd in Metros in her top event and will be back representing the program in State for the third year next Fall. Seniors Nicole Moro and Cody Horn wrapped up a successful career and will be missed.

The wrestling program ushered in a new coaching staff this season and laid a strong foundation for future success with it. Head Coach Maurice Dolberry and assistant Chris Lavin brought a sense of accountability and a demand for hard work to a group of young wrestlers who soaked up their instruction. Sophomore Jordan Armstrong built on a strong 9th grade campaign, finishing 3rd in the region and earning a berth into the State Tournament. While Seniors Jashuana Adams, Hila Gross, Dale Pancho and Chris Rojo will be missed, there is plenty of youth waiting in the wings to build a top-notch program.

Gymnastics coach Echo Balliett-Legge was blown away with the number of girls who turned out this season. A strong freshmen class added to a core group of returners to bring the number of participants to almost 20 – a recent record for Sealth. With no seniors leaving the program, returners such as Isabella Proctor and Keyona Nelson will look to lead a Seahawk team into Districts next year.

Speaking of getting a team back to the playoffs, the girls basketball team, behind Head Coach Katie Maris was back in the Metro League playoffs for the first time in four years this season. Leading scorer and team captain Victoria Elleby brought strong leadership, while juniors Zoe Haywood and Mariah Rubio-Reboca chipped in points, rebounding and toughness for a squad that was in the running for the Division Championship until the last week.

Coming off a State Quarterfinal run in 2011, it would be easy for an outsider to say that this year’s boys basketball team failed to live up to expectations. But after graduating eight seniors off of that team, Head Coach Colin Slingsby had to usher in almost a complete new varsity roster and still claimed a top six seed in the league and a berth into the District tournament. Seniors Pepe Hernandez and Charlie Smith filled up the highlight reel over a season that saw a number of tight, overtime contests.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the great school and community support that helps our student-athletes and coaches through this long season. Cheer Coach Keiosha Williams says goodbye to seniors Cecilia Silva, Kindra Galan, Shayla Clement and Jashuana Adams, girls that gave hundreds of hours to their school over the years. Similarly, our athletes and families alike have been treated to the talent and volume that comes from the Marcus Pimpleton-led pep band. I will especially miss the enthusiastic leadership from Senior Drum Major John Aguliar.

All in all, this winter proved once again how outstanding our student-athletes are, both in the classroom and in the athletic arena. It continues to be a privilege to oversee and lead these young men and women, and I feel very thankful to have such outstanding support from the Chief Sealth administration, staff, families and the community at large.

Sam Reed is the Athletic Director and Activity Coordinator for Chief Sealth International High School