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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 10, 2012)
12 schools april10 2012 VHS Basketball: A Season of Memories! By David Weller I just want to take this time to thank all those who took part in the basketball team this year. Whether it was through your attendance at games, or through your generosity in giving toward the team through money or food, it was very much appreciated by all of us coaches and players. I was amazed at how quickly money, food, and drinks were given to help make our trip to Pendleton a very enjoyable and memorable trip. We had a very generous donation and were told to use it to buy the team a steak dinner. So when we arrived in Pendleton we went to a buffet that was serving unlimited prime rib as the special. I bet those boys ate half a cow! Craig put down 8 steaks! Our trip to Pendleton included a stop at Umatilla High School to run a practice, a prime rib dinner at the buffet in Pendleton, two trips to pizza (once taken by Randy Parrow, and again by our team host), a spaghetti dinner, and oh yeah, 3 basketball games! As most of you know we took 4 th place in the state tournament. It was the best we could finish after losing a heartbreaker in the opening round against Regis. I can honestly say that the only thing I heard from players after that loss was how they felt so bad about letting their fans, school, and community down. We all knew we were the better team and let one slip away from us. With that loss, it put us playing the next morning at 10:45 against a really quick and athletic Central Linn team. We had word that there were still fans on their way to watch us, and that PTA Press the Kindergarten kids from Vernonia had made a sign saying “We Believe.” We just said, “Hey the fans are not quitting on us, they will still be here to cheer us on; we owe it to them to win the rest of our games.” It would have been real easy for us to fold, but the guys really came together, played through the adversity, and came away with a 2 point win over Central Linn. The next day (Saturday), with the Regis game a little more behind us, the guys came out with lots of focus and determination, and pretty much led the whole game against Wes t o n - M cEw en for a 46-37 win for fourth place. I can’t even begin to express how proud I am of our guys and their efforts in Pendleton. I know as well as they know, that we let one get away from us in that first game, but for as easy as it would have been to dwell on that loss, the guys overcame it and really played those last 2 games for their fans! Finally, on the bus ride home the guys started to show some excitement, and I think as a little time has passed and they look back on it, they realized how much they accomplished. A 24-5 record doesn’t just happen. It comes from a lot of hard work and these guys have definitely earned it. From the first day of practice we set out that our goal was to “Win the Day” and to look no further than one day at a time, because if we won each day we would ultimately reach our goal. This group of young men really came together as a team and I know I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life. This all being said, we can’t even begin to thank you all for your support this season. This season would not have been the season it was if it wasn’t for the support of my wife, assistant coach’s wives, player’s parents, and all the rest of you Logger fans! All the little things you guys did from money donations, to food, the fire department escort in and out of town, and those that made the trip over, all helped make this experience so much more enjoyable. I also want to extend congratulations to Austin Cutright who made 2 nd all-tournament team and Pavel Jiranek who made 1 st team all- tournament. Also Craig Weller and Pavel Jiranek made 3 rd team all-state! We had our winter sports dessert award, and in case anyone was wondering here are the 12 members of the team and the awards they received. Austin Cutright – Most Valuable Player, Pavel Jiranek – Most Inspirational, Craig Weller – Toughness, Byron Weller – Best Defender, Austin Edgar – Shot Blocker, Jesse Edgar – Most Improved, Jerrid Johnston – Passion, Alex Lembke – Coach’s Award, Josh Butcher – Sportsmanship, Finn Hoeck – Personality, Kendrick Leaverton – Hustle, and Jake Titus – Diver. I know I could keep on writing about the memories and how thankful I am to my wife, coaches, fans, and community and their efforts in making this a special year, but I am sure it is something that we will be talking about for years! So in closing, thank you fans, and thank you men for the hard work and positive attitude you brought each day to the hardwood. I challenge you to hold onto that work ethic as the work ethic you displayed will help you through the good times and times of adversity you face in your life. Extra!! Extra!! Read All About It By Melissa Zavelas Rain, Rain, Please go away! Don’t come again another day. We would love our sunshine back Maybe April will cut us some slack. With so much planning underway from Easter Eggs to Read- a-Thons and more, we need the sun to ensure fun for everyone. Carnival planning is coming your way, so put on your sunshine face, and join PTA today. Your local PTA is working hard on some great new ideas. We have so many thoughts, from scholarships, to fundraising, to recognizing great students, and most importantly getting you involved. Our PTA meets once a month. Please join us at our next meeting Thursday April 19th at 7:00 PM in the WGS library. At this meeting we will also be having open elections for positions on PTA board. Some upcoming events include the “READ-A-THON”, dates TBA. A student wide competition to design a poster for our fall carnival, a float to be designed for the annual “Vernonia Jamboree,” parade, and lastly, a committee to be formed to help in the process of choosing a scholarship recipient. We are very excited to announce the purchase of an Indoor Rock Wall for the small gym in the new school. The rock wall was purchased by the PTA with money earned at various fundraisers and the “ Jump Rope-a-thon” that WGS physical education instructor Mr. Spaulding has been so gracious to hold for many years now. Thank you Mr. Spaulding! The wall is approximately 8 x 40 feet. We will be asking for volunteer help to install this Rock wall into the new school. We are thinking mid- August and will provide the date and time as soon as we know for sure. Here is an image of what our new rock wall will look like: If you have any questions regarding PTA please call President Camrin Erryick at 971-258-9994 T HE B LACK B EAR & B EAR C REEK P UB Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Saturday, May 5th Tood Specials & Happy Hour Margaritas 831 Bridge Street (503)429-0214 Phone (503) 429.2617 Kitchen Countertops Fax (503) 429.0941 Fireplace & Furniture ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET Tubs & Vanities www.absolutemarbleandgraniteinc.net
