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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 26, 2011)
12 schools april26 2011 VHS Spring Sports: Golf and Track Still Fighting the Weather Track and Field-- Head Coach Byron Brown’s team continues to persevere, despite a number of handicaps. “We’ve been fighting the weather, sickness and nagging injuries, but we have many reasons to be hopeful for this season,” says Brown. Brown and assistant coach Teresa Williams have a relatively young team, but many of the athletes have experience. Bright spots for the boys have been Jacob Stevens, Dalibor Kufa, Tanner Faber and Lane Sullivan in the sprints. Stevens is currently ranked 2nd in district and 10th in the state in the 200 meters and 3rd in district in high jump. “We know he can jump higher-- he’s proving to be an exceptional athlete,” says Brown. The boys’ 4 X 100 relay team is currently 2nd in district and 8th in the state, and know they can improve. Nathan Fleck is one of the top distance runners in the district, and Brown is hoping for a break-out season for him to become one of the top distance runners in the state in Division 2A. Fleck is currently 2nd in district in the 800-meter run and 4th in the 1500-meter run. He has also run the 3k . For the girls, Samantha Lindauer is on her way to a great season in several events. She is currently the fastest 100-meter runner in district and tied for 2nd in state, 2nd in district in the high jump, and 3rd in the state 2A. Makayla Roach is in her 1st season in track, but has already shown she has the attitude and ability to be successful. She’s ranked 4th in district in the 100 meters and 8th in the 200 meters, and, according to Brown, is improving every time she steps on to the track. Rowan Cheney has switched from the 1500-meter run to the 3K and currently has the fastest 3K time another good sprinter and long-jumper, and could be the key to having one of the best track teams in recent memory.” Brown continues to stress that the lack of an all-weather surface track is an impediment to his athletes. “I want everyone to know that these kids practice in all kinds of weather on a mud track,” says Brown. “We have no traction or lanes, and you can’t really run at 100% on it. Everyone we compete against has a competitive advantage in that they have an actual, real track to practice on, and yet, year after year, our kids excel. It’s a real tribute to them.” Brown has hopes things will change eventually when the schools are relocated. “So far, there is no funding for a track at the new school, but we plan to fund- raise, beg for grants or do whatever we can to get the money to build one,” says Brown. “It will pay for itself over the years-- actually, the Sprinter Jake Stevens is having a great season town will eventually make money for the VHS loggers Track Team. on it-- and almost everyone in the Photo by Kristina Halvorsen. community will use it.” in the district. “There are many others The Loggers have upcoming who are improving and are capable of scheduled meets on April 28 at Portland having great seasons,” says Brown. “On Christian, and May 5 at Nestucca before the down side, one of our best female heading to the District Meet on May 13- athletes, Kim Allen, has been sidelined 14 at Portland Christian. by an injury and hasn’t been able to participate. If we can get her healthy, Golf--Seniors Paul Whiteman and Jacob we will have a strong 4 x 100 relay team, Alf have been leading the way for the April 26, 4:30 Baseball &Softball Knappa at Home May 5, 3:30 Track & Field Nestucca, Away April 28, 3:30 Track & Field Portland Christian, Away May 6, 3:00 Baseball & Softball Country Christian at Home DH May 3, 4:30 Baseball & Softball Country Chrsitian, Away Brianna Carr Sets District Record in Keyhole Come out and support local teams and athletes! Brianna Carr and Brassy after they set a District Record of 6.99 seconds in the Keyhole event. Grey Dawn Gallery 879 Bridge St. (503) 429-2787 Photography - Bronze Jewelry - Glasswork WELLER & SON’S STEVE HM: 503-429-3400 CELL: 503-313-9006 DENNIS HM: 503-429-2810 CELL: 503-313-9044 Pottery - Custom Framing www.greydawngallery.com Featuring the finest in northwest art We saddle shoe. Do you? Muffy’s 950 Bridge Street Vernonia, O8 97064 503.429.5050 or 866.524.5050 www.muffys.com World Headquarters Vernonia, Oregon Baseball--The Vernonia Baseball boys won five games in three days, defeating Neah-Kah-Nie 13-1 and 26-1 and Gaston, 4-1, 13-3 and 11-4. Since losing their first three league games to Portland Christian, the Loggers have gone 8-1. “We’re playing well all around,” says head coach Aaron Miller. We’re hitting well, fielding well, and pitching well.” The Loggers face tough upcoming games at Home against Knappa on Tuesday 4/26 and an away doubleheader against Knappa on Friday 4/29. VHS Equestrian Team Round-Up Upcoming VHS Sports Events April 29, 3:00 Baseball & Softball Knappa, Away DH Golf Team this season. According to Coach James Brookins, Alf has been playing extremely well this season. “Jake and Paul are playing right at the top end of the individual level in the District,” says Brookins. Vernonia hosted and won a league match on April 20 th , with Whiteman finishing 2 nd, shooting a score of 83 and Alf finishing tied for 3 rd with an 88. Alf also played well in a recent match in Manzanita, finishing second with a round of 76, and shot a 39 on the back nine at Chehalem Glenn, breaking 40 for the first time ever. Brookins has also been pleased with the varsity play of Austin Ragsdale and Theo Ionita. “Those two have been getting better very quickly,” says Brookins, “and will probably play varsity for the rest of the season.” SELF LOADER LONG LOGGER CUSTOM LOGGING 1264 G ST. VERNONIA, OR 97064 O.P.L. CERTIFIED O.P.L.H. CERTIFIED ROAD BUILDNIG LAND CLEARING EXCAVATION Once again, the VHS Equestrian team did a great job at their third district meet in McMinnville. Theteam had a good season and are reaping the benefits of working with their horses. All four of our members have shown marked improvement and have enjoyed being in the top ten percent of most of their events. The third district placements were as follows in the order of go: Steer Daubing-- Brett Benes, 4 th ; McKenzie Tarkalson, 12 th . Team Penning-- 9 th . Barrels-- Brianna Carr, 5 th . Individual Flags-- Brett Benes, 11 th ; Chrissy Garrison, 29 th . Two-Man Birangle-- Tarkalson and Carr, 3 rd . Pole Bending-- Benes, 11 th . Figure 8-- Carr, 8th. Last, but definitely not the least, in Keyhole, Brianna Carr broke the district record with a time of 6.99 and took 1st place! “We’re very proud of her!” said Coach Diane Benes. Tarkalson also placed 12th in Keyhole. Overall, the team did very well and are headed to State Finals in May, held in Redmond. In the District placings, Carr placed 1st in Keyhole, 5th in Barrels, and shared 2nd place with M. Tarkalson in Two-Man Birangle. Brett Benes took 5th in Steer Daubing overall and is headed to State as an Alternate. “As their coach, I am very happy with this season’s successes,” said Benes. “All of the riders and their horses showed marked improvement this year, and it was reflected in their scores. The kids are looking forward to competing with their peers across the state and will be practicing hard to keep their placements.”
