6 JUNE 1, 2002 Smoke Signals JUNE 1, 2002 Smoke Signals 7 The Jumping Z im bricks Place At State For Willamina Hiqh School in Monrnout t4 I A A A. V - s, i j If?!' . Caitlin Zimbrick leaps into the camera's eye during the state AA long jump competition. Caitlin continued from front page ' ; ; ' : , 'TV- of the season. She also took first place in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet 2 inches. At the State meet in Monmouth , Zimbrick jumped 16 feet 2 inches in the long jump and 5 feet 2 inches in the high jump, winning fifth in the high jump. Bishop has been doing extremely well this season, too. She took sec ond place in the high jump at the district championships with a jump of 5 feet even, a personal best. At the State finals meet, Bishop did even better with a jump of 5 feet 2 inches. This season has seen much im provement in the Bulldog's perfor mance. "Two years ago, we sent no one to state. Last year we sent six kids. This year we're sending seven," said Zimbrick. "I'm really proud of the kids. We're a very small school, so we're pretty ex cited. We didn't do quite as well as we'd hoped this year." Said coach Zimbrick. "However our team got eighth place, and our goal was to get in the top 10, so that was good. It was great season, we've got a quality program and quality kids, and it's only going to improve." .a Oh O p O "I K Ur fir I n' ' VI X 1- H) ..... . f 1 cv.. II r ') v t s r t - & a f1""' rwiliTliiwrwTi rp. f i C .7 I 4 II 1 IV t I -, .Ltilil , Lt:. Matt Zimbrick, pictured here in the high jump competition, took fifth at state in the long jump competition and second in the triple jump. Class Act Willamina Senior Pole Vaulter Kelsey Richardson not only finished second in the state competition in his event, but helped the first place finisher from another school with his vault and even offered his pole to the fellow competitor. In today's world, classy displays of courtesy and sportsmanship like Richardson's are rare. Talented Athlete - Tribal youth Alex Bishop tied for fourth in the state AA high jump competition with a leap of 5 feet 2 inches. We're Going For It! Tribal youth Cristina Lara has a strong season at bat and in the field while leading the Willamina Bulldogs softball team to the state playoffs. By Peta Tinda Grand Ronde Tribal member Cristina Lara has been playing softball since she was in sixth grade. "I've always liked being involved in sports," said Lara, after helping to defeat the Chiloquin Queens 9 to 0 at a home game in Willamina. Lara hit a triple that helped seal the team's victory. "It was a pretty long game," said Lara. "We were a little slow at first, but we got back up, like we always do." For the Willamina high school senior, the best part of playing soft- ball has always been being at bat. "When you're at bat you feel re ally nervous, then you make your swing and it just relaxes you," said Lara. "I've always liked that. I also like playing third base because you're really close to the batter and any action that happens. It keeps you on your toes and I like that.' When asked about her team's prospects for the state champion ship, Lara was justifiably optimis tic. "It's the state playoffs, so of course you're nervous. But after 1 r-, Jit; w& m i.m . - 'its- it 7 A;') we get up there and take few pitches, it's ok. I think the state championship is within our grasp. We're first in the state right now. All we have to do is win three more." said Lara. Lara attributes her team's success to a good defensive strategy. "We have a good defensive team this year," said Lara. "We're great hitters and have a great pitcher. Our team has skills and we all sup port each other. Our coach (Ron Caligure) is happy, and when he's happy we're happy. I think we'll do really well." That prediction seems to be hold ing true for the Lady Bulldogs this season. "We only have one loss overall. We're going for it," said Lara. "It's pretty exiting.". P 1 Xt -A i ( I J 9 li-l o -1 l?r2. 1 ''hi Vf4 -ituuin 11 inn- i ,,v St i.-':n Si J .xf . ... jaw . .- I 1 vmi i 7. i i : ' . r faiHHiM. iT" a . i I m ..... I i v;; l. . , a . " h . . ; ' y' 'V-. -. -mt.',-. -,v , 53sr-x -. ci if . r if l' '"'?rl".,,-i'."-i.,i'''T'"' In iTT . 1U r 'it, : l-:i, ucr ' i-W 4 J1 r ac