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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (March 8, 2011)
10 schools march8 2011 Loggers Basketball and Wrestling Complete Successful Seasons Connecting the Dots— Students at Washington Grade School spent a day with Geoff McLachlan from the Ovation Company for “Connecting the Dots” an intense 5 hour program that works with upper elementary students during the regular school day. Through a series of activi- ties, stories and interactions, the program provides opportunities for students to connect with each other outside of their normal routine. Students learn how they impact each other both positively and negatively while promoting empathy, acceptance, understanding and forgiveness. Over ninety students, along with eleven high school student mentors, participated in the program. US Bank has made a donation of $25,000 to the Vernonia Education Foun- dation. Making the presentation (third from left) was US Banks's Vernonia Branch Manager, Nicole Larke. Accepting the check were Vernonia School Board Members (from left) Tim Bamburg, Ernie Smith, Bill Langmaid, Kim Wallace, and Greg Kintz. Basketball--The Vernonia Loggers boys basketball team finished off one of their most successful seasons in recent memory in February. Earning a trip to the state Sweet Sixteen playoffs for the first time since 1996, the Loggers capped their season with a League playoff win over Gaston to clinch second place in the Northwest League and an automatic berth in the state playoffs. The Loggers faced a very tough Knappa team in the league title game, losing by just two points. Knappa had gone undefeated in conference play this year. The Loggers then traveled to Salem to face Western Menonite in the Sweet Sixteen, where they fell 76-58. Knappa went on to reach the semi- finals and Western Mennonite won the state title. “Knowing that we lost to some of the best teams in the state hopefully gives our kids some confidence and some validity to just how good they really were this year,” said Loggers head coach Ted Aubin. “It’s been a long time since a Vernonia team played for a league title. This team did a lot of things that haven’t been one in a while here—it was season full of positives.” The Loggers ended their season with an 11-5 conference record and a 12-11 record overall. “The kids were really disappointed to see the season come to an end,” said Aubin. “They were really excited to be playing meaningful games so late in the season.” Coach Aubin said he really appreciated the way the community rallied around the team this season, especially at the final Western Mennonite game. “ It was standing room only and was really a great atmosphere, the crowd really got involved” said Aubin. “I want to thank the fans for their support.” The team will lose graduation seniors, Tanner Faber, Jordon McMahon, Bob Michalec, Paul Whitman and Joshua Liman. “I think those players will l hopefully be able to look back and know that they helped change the culture of Vernonia Basketball,” said Aubin. “I would like to think they helped establish a new tradition and helped raise the expectations of the community around their team.” “This was personally my best season and my favorite team. We got along really well,” said senior McMahon. “I already miss playing!” The team looks to be strong again next year as Aubin has a solid nucleus of talent with returning guards Byron and Craig Weller, center Austin Edgar and and forward Austin Cutright, who all saw significant playing time this year. “I think next years team could be as good or better,” said Aubin. “They have the potential— they’ve had the experience of competitive games and need to keep working hard and hold each other accountable.” Wrestling—The Vernonia Loggers had another successful wrestling season, concluding with a 13 th place finish at the Sate 2A/1A Tournament. Six Loggers competed at the State Tournament this year, with two wrestlers earning medals. Both Joe Benes at 140 pounds and Alex Barber at 285 finished fourth. The Loggers suffered a tough first round with only Barber advancing. Benes had to battle back in the losers bracket to earn fourth place. The Loggers will lose a core of outstanding wrestlers to graduation this year, including state qualifiers, Barber, Jacob Alf and Michael Kinnan, along with Kodi Dyer, Parker Roach, Cody Cowles, Danielle Della Rosa, and Theo Ionita The Loggers look to return a strong team again next season with state qualifiers Benes, Shylo Dooley, and Jake Barnes all returning, as well as District third place finishers, Quin Johanson, Jake Stevens, and Brett Benes. Washington Grade School 4th graders from Mrs. Trout Release Richmond’s class participated in an Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department Program, raising trout and then releasing them in Vernonia Lake. VHS Alumni Basketball Game Sat, March 12th 6:00PM Boys & Girls Varsity vs. Alumni Two games - 12 minute running quarters Tickets: Adults $5 12 yrs-High School Student $4 K-5th grade $3 Want to play? Contact Julie Ramsey at 503-869-0211 Fundraiser for Oregon School Employees Association Chapter 67 Friends of the Library Vernonia Book Sale Sat. March 12 10 - 4 at at the the Vernonia Vernonia Public Public Library Library 701 701 Weed Weed Avenue Avenue Florist FLOWERS AND PLANTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS • Gifts • Balloons • Arts & Crafts • Sewing Supplies • Yarn Proud Sponsor of Mackenzie Carr 2011 Miss Rodeo Oregon 736 Bridge St, Vernonia (503) 429-2000 www.VernoniaFlorist.com
