Tuesday, May 13 at Clover Park Tech’s McGavick Conference Center — 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood
Hosted by MC Chris Egan, King5 Sports
5 - 6:30 p.m. Dessert social and silent auction benefitting the Tacoma Pierce County Sports Museum Preview auction items here
6 - 6:15 p.m. Oral auction of three marquee items
6:30 p.m. Awards presentation begins
Free copies of the extensive Playgrounds to the Pros book about sports in Tacoma-Pierce County for the first 280 attendees. Hall of Fame inductees Kate Rue, Chelle (Flamoe) Miller, Suzanne (Vick) Paulson, Phil Carter, Vince Goldsmith, Leo Randolph and Joe Waters will be available for autographs from 5 to 6:15.
Golf: Michael Putnam, Audrey Wooding, Michelle (Wooding) Murphy
Handball: Myron Schmidt
Swimming: Wally Streeter (dec), Kimo Streeter
Track: Willie Stewart Jr.
Volleyball: Jessica (Brodie) Hansen
Wrestling: Whitney (Conder) Cox, Joe Reasons (dec)
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Connelly Law Offices Excellence in Officiating Award — Dan Graves (baseball), Darin Barr (basketball), Keon Edwards (football), Clarence Dean (softball), JJ Snyder (soccer), Rocky Zlock (volleyball), Steven Rider (wrestling).
First Family of Sports Award — The Linden Family (Volleyball) Jon, Krista, Lara, Eva, Annika, Elsa, Klara, Mia, and Sofia.
Frosty Westering Excellence in Coaching Award — Dorinda (Russell) Carpenter—Puyallup HS gymnastics; Mark Massey—University of Puget Sound volleyball
Doug McArthur Lifetime Achievement Award — Margaret McCormick— Parks Tacoma, Jack Connelly—Connelly Law Offices
Dick Hannula Amateur Athlete of the Year Award — Avery Cukjati, Curtis HS volleyball; Denzel Boston, University of Washington/Emerald Ridge HS football
2025 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Baseball: Nick Hagadone
Basketball: Jim McPhee and Bryce McPhee
Broadcaster: Ed Bowman
Football: Mike Vindivich
Golf: Michael Putnam, Audrey Wooding, Michelle (Wooding) Murphy
Handball: Myron Schmidt
Swimming: Wally Streeter (dec), Kimo Streeter
Track: Willie Stewart Jr.
Volleyball: Jessica (Brodie) Hansen
Wrestling: Whitney (Conder) Cox, Joe Reasons (dec)
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Connelly Law Offices Excellence in Officiating Award — Dan Graves (baseball), Darin Barr (basketball), Keon Edwards (football), Clarence Dean (softball), JJ Snyder (soccer), Rocky Zlock (volleyball), Steven Rider (wrestling).
First Family of Sports Award — The Linden Family (Volleyball) Jon, Krista, Lara, Eva, Annika, Elsa, Klara, Mia, and Sofia.
Frosty Westering Excellence in Coaching Award — Dorinda (Russell) Carpenter—Puyallup HS gymnastics; Mark Massey—University of Puget Sound volleyball
Doug McArthur Lifetime Achievement Award — Margaret McCormick— Parks Tacoma, Jack Connelly—Connelly Law Offices
Dick Hannula Amateur Athlete of the Year Award — Avery Cukjati, Curtis HS volleyball; Denzel Boston, University of Washington/Emerald Ridge HS football
Hometown pride is running high in Steilacoom—and all across Pierce County—as one of its own, Emeka Egbuka, has officially made it to the NFL. The former Steilacoom High School star wide receiver was selected 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Emeka’s journey from the small-town sidelines of Steilacoom to the national spotlight has inspired young athletes across the region. At Steilacoom High, he was already a standout—known for his speed, sharp instincts, and commitment to the game. But it was his focus, humility, and drive that truly set him apart.
He took that mindset with him to The Ohio State University, where he quickly became a key contributor and fan favorite. Over 50 games with the Buckeyes, Egbuka recorded a school-record 205 receptions, racked up 2,868 receiving yards, and scored 24 touchdowns. As a team captain in 2024, he demonstrated leadership just as much as talent, earning respect on and off the field.
At 6’1” and 205 pounds, Egbuka impressed NFL scouts with his athleticism, running a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and posting a 38-inch vertical leap. His reliable hands, crisp route running, and big-play ability made him a top-tier receiver prospect—and now, a key new weapon for the Buccaneers.
For fans back home who’ve followed his rise from Friday night lights to Big Ten showdowns, and now the NFL stage, Emeka's story is more than a sports success—it’s a reflection of what hard work, perseverance, and local support can achieve. Pierce County has always believed in him, and now the football world is starting to see why.
Keep your eye on the Buccaneers this season—because Emeka Egbuka is just getting started.
For the first time in over two decades, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has added a new sport to its roster: Girls Flag Football. As of August 1, 2025, the sport will be officially sanctioned, giving female student-athletes across the state the opportunity to participate in structured competition—if their schools choose to offer the program.
This milestone reflects growing momentum behind the sport. For the past two years, the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission's Athlete of the Year program has recognized standout athletes from high schools with flag football programs. In 2024, Emerald Ridge High School claimed the Girls Flag Football State Championship. Though it was classified as a club event at the time, future championships will now fall under official WIAA sanctioning.
Nationally, interest in girls' flag football has surged. Participation has grown by 63% since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. The NFL has played a key role in this growth by sponsoring leagues and collaborating with organizations like USA Football to expand the sport’s reach.
Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has only amplified its popularity. Colleges across the country are now exploring the sport as an emerging varsity offering, potentially opening the door to scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.
For more details on Girls Flag Football and other decisions made during the WIAA Representative Assembly, visit wiaa.com/amendment-results-25.
Join us for our May Membership Meeting! Thursday, May 8th Social Hour: 11:30 AM | Meeting: 12:00–1:00 PM Cheney Stadium
We’re proud to recognize the Athletes of the Year from the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University! Don’t miss this special celebration of collegiate excellence.
Week 28 honors go to Christian Bernardo from Bethel. Week 29 celebrates Xavier Espindola from Bellarmine Prep. Week 30 honors Ryan Takeshita from Sumner and Callie Wilson from Bonney Lake. Week 31, we acknowledge Easton Francis from Charles Wright.
Well done to all for their outstanding performances!
Hometown pride is running high in Steilacoom—and all across Pierce County—as one of its own, Emeka Egbuka, has officially made it to the NFL. The former Steilacoom High School star wide receiver was selected 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
