4 • THE ASTORIAN
SPRING ACTIVITIES GUIDE
SATuRdAy, MARcH 19, 2022
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS BACK IN FULL SWING
By GARY HENLEY
The Astorian
High school sports are expected to feature a full
spring season in 2022. After canceled games and
events in 2020 and a shortened schedule in 2021,
fans of local teams may find that little has changed.
Warrenton and Knappa baseball teams are still
favored for league titles while Seaside boys golf
is looking as strong as ever. Meanwhile, the addi-
tion of new talent will make Astoria softball a state
power. It all begins this month, when games, events
and meets get underway, weather permitting.
Local teams and events to watch
Astoria’s Colton McMaster looks to end his high
school career by setting new school records in the
discus and shot put and adding state titles in both,
as well as adding to his track and field resume. The
senior triple sport athlete will attend Dartmouth
College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in the fall.
On the diamond, there was no baseball season in
2020, and no official championship in 2021. War-
renton baseball has the distinction of playing in the
last “real” 3A state championship game at Volca-
noes Stadium, the 2019 title contest won by La Pine.
In Warrenton, look for the Warriors and their
returners to score another Coastal Range League
title this spring, and to be among the top contend-
ers for a state title. Warrenton picked up a first place
vote in a preseason 3A coaches poll, while Knappa
scored the most first place votes at the 2A level.
Another Northwest League championship win
is likely for the Knappa Loggers, who have gone
unchallenged in league play for the last 10 years.
The Loggers have not lost a league game since
April 18, 2017, and hold a 127 to 3 record in league
play since 2013, with undefeated seasons in 2014,
2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021. Knappa baseball should
sweep its way through another perfect league sea-
son in 2022. At the 4A level, look for Astoria, Sea-
side and Banks to battle for the top spot in the Cow-
apa League.
In softball, Astoria has added some notable new
talent and will challenge Banks for the Cowapa title,
while the Knappa Lady Loggers are always in con-
tention for the Northwest League championship.
On the links, the Seaside boys golf team may
have missed out on chances to win state titles in the
last two years, but the Seagulls still have Carson
Kawasoe. The senior has reportedly been recruiting
in the halls to help Seaside golf in his final season
for head coach Jim Poetsch.
Talent on the the track includes throwers for
Astoria, Seaside and Warrenton. Senior Maddie
Sisley could be a medalist in numerous events for
the Astoria girls team, while distance runners from
Astoria, Warrenton and Knappa will be running for
spots in their respective state meets.
In addition, The Astorian Invitational track meet
makes its return this year, hosted by Astoria High
School on April 21.
Gary Henley/The Astorian
Look for Astoria thrower Colton McMaster to set more school records and win a couple more state championship medals this spring.