The Logger great, Rich Van Volkinburg, passed away Friday, 8 April, at the age of 70. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, 23 April, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam.
Rich told Chris that what he was dearly hoping for, was that there would be a •big• presence of the Green & Gold at his wake.
All Loggers, if it is at all possible for you, to set a choker, and get to Hoquiam on 23 April, for Rich.
At Aberdeen High School, Rich was an All-State defensive end in 1969. At UPS, he was an immediate impact player, and was ultimately a four-year letterman.
In 1972 and 1973, Rich’s play at nose guard won him AP Little All-America honorable mention recognition, and he was also named Little All-Northwest 1st-team defensive interior lineman.
In 1973, Rich’s teammates voted him team co-captain, and after the season elected him Most Inspirational. In addition, in the spring of 1974 he was selected as co-winner of the UPS Athletic Department’s 1973-’74 John Heinrick Award for Most Inspirational Varsity Athlete.
In 1994, Rich was inducted to the Logger Hall of Fame (along with the legendary coach, and post-War player, Bob Ryan). He had a long career as a teacher and coach in the Aberdeen public schools, and many old colleagues and students have spoken movingly of how important he was in their lives, and what a loyal friend he was.
Rich was a Green & Gold Logger to his depths. In our project here of nurturing and maintaining Logger community and traditions, he was enthusiastic, and greatly helpful, over many years. He enriched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful to him.
Eatonville's senior utility player Berkeley Porter started three games last week, playing shortstop, second base, first base, and pitcher. She totaled a perfect fielding percentage and batted 8-for-10 on the week (5 singles, 2 doubles, and 1 homerun). She also pitched 10 innings, striking out 13 and garnering an 0.700 ERA. Porter is a Corban University softball commit for Fall of 2022.
Against Lincoln (Tacoma) and Washington last week, Jacob Plemmons went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, walked once, and was hit by a pitch twice. He led the charge for the Sentinels in their 13-run top of the 5th inning against Washington. He started the scoring in the inning with an RBI single and then later in the inning unloaded for his first career grand-slam.
We hope that you are able to join us on Thursday for our Lunch meeting.
The program will be Ali Criss – financial planner at Financial Insights by day and avid sky diver by night….well maybe not during the night. Ali will be speaking about her sky diving career. Over the years she has been a part of groups that have set state and world records for their dives. Pictured is the 2017 Women’s Upright Record and the 2018 World Upright Record. We hope you can join us on Thursday.
Lunch Information:
Menu: Taco bar
Cost: $13
Please arrive about 11:45 to allow for some fellowship time while you are getting your lunch and finding a seat. The meeting will begin at 12:00
Included in the scholarships that the Tacoma Athletic Commission gives away each year are the Clay Huntington Sports Communications Scholarship and the Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarship. Information regarding the scholarships is available on our website at TacomaAthletic.com. Please help spread the word to this year's seniors that might be interested in applying.
Aidan Rady pitched a complete-game against Enumclaw for a 2-1 victory. He had 15 first-pitch strikes, six strikeouts, one walk, a WHIP of 0.71, and surrender one run on four hits over seven innings.
Check out the variety of meetings and events available this spring:
April 14th - TAC Lunch Meeting @ 12:00 - Tower Lanes. Program will be Ali Criss from Financial Insights. She will be talking to us about her ski diving avocation. Lunch will be a Taco Bar.
April 28th - UPS Capstone Project delivery @ 5:30 - Location TBD. Our team of UPS students from the business leadership class will be presenting us with the results of their work with the TAC.
May 12th - TAC Lunch Meeting @ 12:00 - Tower Lanes. Program TBD. Lunch will be Italian pasta bar.
May 17th - Tribute to Champions @ 5:30 - McGavick Conference Center. Tickets are available on the TAC website. Click here.
June 9th - TAC Lunch Meeting @ 12:00 - Tower Lanes. Program TBD. Lunch will be a summer BBQ.
June 10th and 11th - Golden Gloves - Save the Date. More information to come.
June 16th - Salute to Sports @ 5:30 - Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion. - Save the Date. More information to come.
We are excited for the launch of the new Tacoma Athletic Commission website. Please take a minute to explore the site. For members there is a link in the upper right corner to log into your account and access members only content. While exploring the site you may occasionally find a link to the historic site. Although we have migrated a large amount of the content to the new site, there is still a large amount of history contained in the old site. We will continue to migrate content to the new site.
If you are not a member of the TAC we welcome you to join us at one of our lunch meeting or other events and activities that we have. A list of upcoming events can be found on the right. If you would like to keep up to date with information from the TAC, please subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the site.
Cinque Maxwell excels on and off the court. Whether it's on the basketball court, track & field, community, home, or academically. He's intelligent, kind, works hard, and a great teammate. Maxwell is a prior junior Olympian sprinter, Hershey's Award winner, Elizabeth Wesley Academic Award recipient, academic his achievement, and recently was selected to the 2nd Team All-League North Division in the 4A classification. He has also volunteered at the Rescue Mission in the past as well. This past weekend, Maxwell aided in Curtis HS's State Championship run at the 4A State Tournament, where they knocked off #1 Mount Si 52-49 in an overtime thriller.
It has been an exciting winter with many sports activities back to nearly full swing. The high school boy and girl student athletes have had the opportunity to compete.
The Tacoma Dome hosted the Mat Classic and the Hardwood Classic to wrap up the wrestling and basketball seasons.
Doug McArthur put together the March Madness pool and we are right now in the middle of the “road to the Final Four”. Hope you have the winning numbers.
The Winter Athlete of the Year program was just completed through ZOOM. Congratulations to all the nominees.
Congratulations are also in order to the FOUR State Champions from Pierce County this Winter Season:
Pluff is a leader on and off the court. She is helping lead her team to State for the first time in Chief Leschi history. The senior was also recently selected on the 1st team all-conference, to along with receiving her 1,000-point ball. She plans to continue her education and basketball career at Edmonds College next year.
Sierra Wangen hasn't let a 2019 scoliosis diagnosis keep her from accomplishing her goals. Prescribed a brace to wear 16-20 hours a day, but cleared to participate in sports. Wangen continued to fearlessly participate in running and wrestling, taking her brace to meets with her throughout the following two years. As a member of the Curtis Girls' Wrestling Team, Wangen competed at 120-125 lbs. during the 2021-22 season, won her sub-regional, placed 3rd in her region, and placed 3rd at State at 120 lbs; helping lead Curtis to a 3rd place Mat Classic finish. The 14-year old sophomore is also a varsity cross country runner on the track team. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is working towards a 2nd varsity letter in community service, serviing meals at a local homeless shelter and fostering cats through the local humane society.
The Gig Harbor team went to Nationals in Orlando, Florida for the first time ever in the dance team's almost 20 years of existence. They automatically advanced to the finals at Nationals and then placed 9th in Small Varsity Hip Hop at DTU Nationals. The team is currently the highest scoring dance and hip hop at the State-level. The girls have placed first at every single invitational and received the highest overall - while maintaining high grades and leaders at their school. The team believes sportmanship and uplifting others is #1, so at Nationals they also cheered, supported, and celebrated with fellow Nationals team Tumwater HS, showing the entire showcase that Washington State truly celebrates sportsmanship, humbelness, and sense of unity. Additionally, Gig Harbor has fought through so much adversity with not having a team for two years, but they have worked very hard to be successful. They also give back and spend time showing the school it is important to give back by beautifying the school grounds. Congratulations to such a dedicated and passionate team with so much potential.
The Orting HS team dominated at February's Mat Classic XXXIII State Wrestling Tournament with 6 State Individual Champions, 10 total podium placers, and a 2A State Championship Title. The team members and coaches also dedicate, volunteer, and support the Orting Junior Wrestling program.
Gressett recently won his first regional wrestling tournament and is entering the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament in 4A with an undefeated record. This is after finishing last year with a 12-13 record. The junior also holds a 3.53 GPA and is in a leadership role with the Curtis HS Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).
At last week's West Central District III 4A Boys Swimming Finals, Sophomore Tanner Wilson captured second place and a State-qualifying time in two events (100 fly - 51.71 and 100 breaststroke - 59.88), while breaking a 25-year Sumner HS record in the 100 fly.
Johnson has been dominating the vault this season, winning first place in every meet except one. In a five school competition against Puyallup HS, Emerald Ridge HS, Capital HS, and Enumclaw HS, she placed 1st on vault (9.35), 2nd on bars (8.05), 3rd on floor (9.4), 5th on beam (8.25), and 2nd in the all-around (35.05).
The senior captain helped propel the Sumner basketball team to four-straight victories in five games, with many key players sidelined for various reasons. The wins were against Bethel, Bellarmine Prep, Emerald Ridge, and South Kitsap. He scored 90 points over the five games and also pulled down 55 rebounds. He also holds a 3.95 cumulative GPA.
Lee has accomplished so much, on and off the field, leading the way volunteering at community events and coaching youth sports. He has been selected to be part of the Gridirion Elite program the last two years, along with being choosen to play in a fundraiser tournament for a coach he respected who lost the battle of cancer. In the last year of high school, Lee has totaled five games with more than 100 rushing yards leading to 1,300 all-purpose yards and a school-record 11 touchdowns. The senior ran for a career-high 192 yards on 20 carries in the State Championship game, where the Eagles knocked off Lake Stevens 44-7. He was selected as the sportsmanship winner in the game for his school.
The Shanaman Sports Museum invites you to sit back and enjoy the upcoming interview on The Locker Room Chat featuring the Mt. Tahoma 1979 and 1980 State Champion Football Teams.
The Locker Room Chats are a video interview series that highlights athletes, coaches, officials, teams and great events, moments and accomplishments in the history of sports in Tacoma-Pierce County.
Congratulations Kevin Wulff, Eastonville Football, WIAA's Week 12 Athlete of the Week. Wulff accounted for 411 yards of total offense in Eatonville's 38-6 win over Lynden Christian in last week's Semifinal football game. He was 13 of 16 passing for 324 yards and connected on two touchdowns. He added 21 carries for 87 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. Eatonville will face Royal for the 1A State Title at Harry E. Lang Stadium, on 12/4 at noon.
Congratulations to Graham-Kapowsin and Eatonville for winning their semi-finals game last weekend. They will both be playing on Saturday for the State Championship.
Graham-Kapowsin will be playing on Saturday at 4:00 at Mt. Tahoma High School and Eatonville will be playing at Harry Lang Stadium next to Clover Park High School.
Tickets for both games are available via the WIAA's website. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students, seniors, and military.
Giving Tuesday will be November 30th this year. A day when people around the world unite for a worldwide celebration of generosity. GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together through generosity in all its forms by sharing acts of kindness and giving their voice, time, money, goods, and advocacy to support communities and causes.
This year, all funds donated to the Tacoma Athletic Commission will go toward our Youth Sports Fund.
We recognize that you have a lot of organizations that you can support, please consider a donation to the TAC, 100% of the funds will be utilized to help support amateur athletes and sports in Pierce County.
You may donate on our website or by mailing a check.
Click here to donate online. You will be taken to our online membership page, which is also our online donation page. In the first drop down select donation, enter your information, and then you will be taken to a second page for processing the charge.
If you would like to mail a check to the TAC, please send it to: PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411
Thank you for your support of the Tacoma Athletic Commission, dedicated to amateur sports and civic betterment in Pierce County.
Santa Clause is coming to town for a visit on December 5th. The South Tacoma Business Association is going to have their 8th annual Santa Parade. It will be an afternoon of festivities starting at 2:30. There will be over 50 vendors, food trucks, live music and more. The parade will be between 50th and 56th on South Tacoma Way starting at 4:30.
The TAC will be represented in the parade with Willie Stewart as the Grand Marshal and we will have students that have been nominated for our Fall Athlete of the Year that will be riding in classic cars.
Our speaker for the January meeting will be Mike Snyder, Athletic Director at PLU.
Mike Snyder was named PLU's Director of Athletics and Recreation, following a national search in May 2021.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Mike to the Lute family," said PLU President Allan Belton. "He brings proven experience and an exciting vision for PLU athletics and recreation that will build on tradition, focus on the student experience, and elevate the national profile of Lute athletics. Mike was the overwhelming choice of the hiring committee made up of students, staff, faculty, and alumni."
Snyder heads to Tacoma after spending the previous seven years as Director of Athletics at fellow Division III institution Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. While at Illinois College, Snyder oversaw an athletic department with 23 varsity sports and nearly 500 student-athletes.
Snyder's tenure saw IC tally its highest-ever finish in the Midwest Conference All-Sport Standings, as well as an institutional record for All-Conference athletes. A proven leader, Snyder oversaw $4 million worth of capital projects, including renovations to the College's baseball and softball stadiums, the resurfacing of its indoor track, and a weight room renovation and expansion.
He also spearheaded a proactive Title IX audit that led to a plan for equitable operations, created innovative varsity programs in esports and competitive dance and cheer, and negotiated sponsorship deals with Collegiate Sports Management Group, Gatorade, BSN Sports, and two charter bus companies.
Prior to Illinois College, Snyder was at Division III Oberlin College (Ohio) from 2008 to 2014. Snyder served in a variety of progressive leadership roles, most recently as Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations. During his time at Oberlin, Snyder supervised and coordinated capital facility projects, negotiated sponsorships, hired and supervised coaches, and managed a multi-million dollar budget across 22 varsity programs and 10 administrative departments. He previously served as Oberlin's Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations, and Director of Facilities.
Prior to his time at Oberlin, Snyder served as Operations Manager and Events Supervisor for Southeast Missouri State University's Show Me Center.
Snyder is an active member of several professional organizations, including CEFMA. He is also active in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and NADIIIAA. Currently, Snyder is a part of a NCAA group for Sportsmanship and Gameday Environment called "Gameday the DIII Way" and is the NADIIIAA Executive Board Representative to the Division III FAR Advisory Group.
Snyder earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in public administration from Southeast Missouri State.
Looking the perfect gift for the sports enthusiast in your life….consider the gift of a membership to the Tacoma Athletic Commission. A membership to the TAC provides fellowship with other sports and civic minded individuals and helps to support amateur sports in Pierce County.
Each gift membership will come with a certificate and a welcome letter from the Tacoma Athletic Commission for presentation.
Click here to purchase. When purchasing, PLEASE ENTER YOUR INFORMATION. After purchase a representative from the TAC will contact you for the details of the gift and where to send the certificate.
If you have any questions or would like further information you may contact us at KarynTAC@gmail.com
This Saturday two Pierce County teams will be competing in the SemiFinals for the State Championship.
Graham-Kapowsin will be playing for the 4A honors and Eatonville for the 1A. Both games will be in Pierce County, what a great opportunity to support high school athletics. If you are interested in going, the WIAA is selling tickets on their website.
Graham-Kapowsin Game:
When: Saturday, November 27th at 1:00PM
Where: Art Crate Field - 22215 38th Ave E, Spanaway, WA 98387
Tickets: $11.00 Adult and $8.00 for Students, Seniors, and Military
Also, mark your calendar for the State Championship games. All of which will be held in Pierce County. The 4A Championship will be at Mount Tahoma High School at 4:00PM and the 1A Championship will be at Harry Lang Stadium (next to Clover Park High School) at 12:00 PM. Tickets for these games are also available on line, click here.
My Recollection of Playing in the annual Turkey Day Game
By Jack Warnick, Stadium ‘49
Lots of memories of Stadium and football.
Brother Al and I went every year since we were in grade school to the Turkey Day game at Stadium. It was a big event and the best football available; there was no TV. High schools had the day to themselves. College games were always on Saturday and if there was a pro game, it wasn't available or nobody was paying attention. I can't vouch for the crowd size, but I would imagine it to be greater than 10,000.
In those years, due to availability, high school sports had much, much greater support from both the students and the community. At that time, we played in the City League with Bellarmine and Lincoln. Bellarmine was a small all-boy’s school. It featured Otto and Bobby Fink (then a freshman) as running backs and had Bill Payne at tackle. I believe Bill went on to play at Santa Clara. We opened the season with a King's-X game against Lincoln and ended with the Thanksgiving Day game. We were two of the six teams in the Cross State League--the others were Bremerton, Seattle Prep, Everett and Bellingham.
Lincoln featured Art Viafore at quarterback, Ed Munt as running back, Glen Huffman as linebacker/offensive tackle and Ole Magnuson. Our co-captains were Bobby Hoskins and Greg Friberg. They both went to WSC and started for three years. Bob was our quarterback and Greg the center and linebacker. In high school there were limited substitution rules that changed in college. Bob was a defensive halfback and Greg was a middle linebacker.
We played both a single wing and T formation offense. Mostly T with a man in motion on occasion. Our defense varied from a 5-3-2-1 to a 6-2-2-1. The teams we played used both offenses, and once we played against a double wing. I can't remember how/what we did against Bremerton with Don Heinrich, but I know we lost on Thanksgiving to Lincoln and Art Viafore, 6-0. The passing game and defenses have evolved substantially since my day.
John Heinrick's last year at Stadium was 1946. I played sophomore ball with V.G. Lowman as my coach. Bob Levinson started as head coach in 1947, my first year on the team. I don't recall any extra enthusiasm for the game by Levinson or his assistant coaches, Marv Scott and Jack Beer, but I think we were pretty pumped up by the game, student body enthusiasm and teammates.
I can't remember the field conditions for those particular games. I do recall dry and pebbly conditions as well as wet and muddy days in the bowl, both in practice and in games. Climbing the hill from the bowl to the locker room after practice was worse. The grass fields we played on in our away games were a real treat.
Perusing the Turkey Day football programs available in the Shanaman Sports Museum archives reveals colorful descriptions of those early games and a constant evolution of the Lincoln and Stadium High nicknames. The first Thanksgiving Day football game was held in 1923. Lincoln, then known as the “Railhewers”, faced the Stadium “Toreadors.” Stadium won 14-7.
The game featured two players who would go on to more notable achievements. Lincoln’s Jimmy Mosolf went on to play parts of four seasons of Major League Baseball: 1929-31 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and 1933 with the Chicago Cubs. He also played parts of eight seasons in the minor leagues, most notable with the Kansas City Blues from 1932-34.
Playing right tackle for Stadium was junior Herman Brix who went on to play for the Huskies in the 1926 Rose Bowl Game against Alabama. Herman went on to earn a silver medal in the shot put in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, played Tarzan in the ‘30s and enjoyed a successful film career as Bruce Bennett.
A 40-yard place kick by Rick Johnson won the 1924 game for the Lincoln “Axewielders” 3-0.
In fog so thick that spectators could not see the field, the “Stadions” won the '25 game, 13-3. Stadium was again victorious in the '26 game, 20-0 over the “Lynx” grid men.
Lincoln's “Kak" Wasmund ran the entire length of the field in the closing seconds of play the following year to bring victory to the Southenders by a score of 14-7. The Northenders took the '28 city championship by outscoring the Presidents 13-0. The 1929 game attracted the largest crowd in the history of the event up to that time, 10,000, to see an injury-ridden Lincoln team beat the Bengals, 13-7.
The TAC wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving as we gather with family and friends in this holiday season. Even with the continuing pandemic and the challenges each person may face we have much to be thankful for.
The Fall sports season for high school boys and girls is coming to a conclusion with the championship games to be played over the next two weeks. Please consider attending one or more of these exciting events. The Athletic of the Year Committee is organizing the “virtual” celebration of the Fall sports to recognize many accomplishments of the student athletes.
Please renew your TAC membership if you haven’t yet and invite your colleagues to join. Renewal and new memberships can be processed online at: https://forms.goldspace.com/view.php?id=106497&element_7=2 A strong membership provides the base to support the local student athletes and an opportunity for you to connect with teammates and friends.
Mark down on your calendar the December 9th TAC noon lunch meeting at the Tower Lanes where we will hear Craig Wrolstad, an NFL official that lives in the Lake Tapps area. This is your opportunity to learn about an official’s perspective on the game as well as an opportunity to ask your “burning question”.
Also, we are looking forward to the Winter sports season with many activities and we hope to see you at a TAC gathering. Many TAC members doing a small part makes for great fellowship and support of TAC activities.
Congratulations to two Pierce County teams that were selected as the WIAA's Team of the Month for the month of October. For 3A, Stadium Girls Golf and for 1A, Eatonville Football
The Stadium Girls golf team completed another undefeated Pierce County League season finishing 6-0 by winning their season-ending league tournament at Eagles Pride Golf Course. They won by 125 strokes over their nearest competitors in the two-day tournament. The Lady Tigers' program has recorded five-straight years of undefeated PCL matches and league tournament titles. They were led by league MVP Una Johnson (JR) who shot 79-75 to take home the medalist award for the best two-day total score. The Tigers received great support from Browyn Byrne (FR), Stella Johnson (FR), Olivia Avauisini (SR), Elle Curran (SO), and Caitlyn Hughes (SR). Besides having success on the golf course, they also excel in the classroom carrying a team GPA of over 3.5. Way to represent the school!
The Eatonville varsity football team is undefeated at 8-0 on the season, and is currently the #1 ranked 1A team in the State in the U.S. Army/RPI rankings. In the month of October, the Cruisers beat Tenino (24-22), Montesano (35-18), Elma (51-6), and Castle Rock (42-0 and Coach Kralik's 100th career win). There are 17 scholar athletes on the varsity team with GPAs of 3.5 or higher, which is 37% of the team.
Lauralee moved to Tacoma (from The Dalles Oregon) in 1971 as a PLU college freshman and never left. She has served in several roles and is currently a Senior Gift Officer raising financial support for PLU in the form of current and deferred gifts, in alignment with PLU’s mission, from alumni, parents and friends . While she loves working with people to support whatever they choose to support at PLU, her favorite thing is to work closely with the Athletics and Recreation Department. As an avid LUTE fan, you can usually find Lauralee in attendance at most all athletic contests both home and away–dressed in her favorite colors “black and gold” and rooting for the LUTES. Lots of Lutes coach in our local high schools and it's fun to support them and to encourage their athletes to consider PLU as their college home! I've always loved the mission of TAC and look forward to more actively promote and support their work.
Congratulations to Jasiah Wagoner of Spanaway Lake Football the WIAA's Athlete of the Week, week 9- Jasiah Wagoner, a junior, caught six passes for 161 yards and scored two touchdowns in last week's 26-21 playoff loss to Kennewick.
Congratulations to Mia Banner of Lakes High School. She is this week’s WIAA Athlete of the Week for Girl’s Soccer: Lakes' goalie Mia Banner and the Lady Lancers' defense have allowed two goals and 11 shutouts in 13 matches.
We would like to thank all our members for your continued support. If you are not a current member, we invite you to join the TAC. Renewing your membership or joining the TAC is simple. You can renew online with a credit card or you can complete the attached form and mail it into the TAC with your payment. Thank you to all of those that have already renewed their membership for the 2021-2022 year.
Your membership in the Tacoma Athletic Commission allows us to continue to support amateur sports and civic betterment in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. With your support the TAC is able to:
Honor student athletes each season for their athleticism, academics, and community involvement through our Athlete of the Year committee.
Present scholarships as part of the Tom Names Salute to Sports, in partnership with the Names Family Foundations.
Host events such as the Golden Gloves and our annual golf tournament.
Provide monthly meetings with guest speakers and a chance for fellowship with other sports enthusiasts.
And much more.
Aside from recognition and scholarships, over the years the TAC has contributed to sports and the community in a numbers of ways including:
Raised money and leading a successful campaign to vote “YES” for the Tacoma Dome
Secured money to build the multi-field Heidelberg Sports Complex
The formation of the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame.
Secured a $25,000 grant and contributed an additional $11,000 to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators for all Tacoma School District high schools and middle schools.
And many other projects.
Thank you for your continued or renewed membership which supports the TAC and amateur sports in Tacoma-Pierce County.
You may renew your membership online with a credit/debit card - CLICK HERE or you may complete a membership form and mail it along with your payment to the TAC at: Tacoma Athletic Commission, PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411
from the 1979 Girls 3A and 2A High School Basketball Tournament program
A female athlete growing up in the 1960s; the challenge of athletic competition dimmed in the face of finding the results in the newspapers the following day.
"Here! Here!" I can recall my father shouting: looking up over the rim of his magnifying glass. "Isn't this story about it? Right Here!" "No, dad," I'd say, lifting the paper to my better eyeball. "That's next Thursday's weather prediction for Haymarket, VA."
Some things are reluctant to change. It still takes a persistent hunter to find results of local girls' and women's competition in most of the Northwest's larger newspapers. Chris Evert's achievements may make a familiar headline, but Chris Smith's 13 strikeouts for the city softball championship most likely won't be known by anyone who wasn't at the game.
Although coaches of women's teams seem to think they have an ally when they hear the pitch of my voice on the phone, I have to give them the same answers they'd hear from the baritones: "No one apparently wants to know about it because no one goes to the games."
"Aha," they say. "But no one goes to the games because no one knows about it."
"Oh, shut up," I cleverly retort for want of having a better answer. If it's any consolation, women's sports are not alone. As the majority of readers demand to know the length of Dennis Johnson's toenails and an increasing number of subscribers can't sleep without knowing who assisted on the Washington Capital's eighth goal, the results of all amateur and youth sports shrink in type size.
What is encouraging is that the lack of media recognition apparently has not taken a major toll on the growth of women's sports. While I once prided myself in knowing both the other girl jocks in Seattle, now I'd use less breath running a mile than in reciting the list of local women involved in sports.
Not only has the number of participants changed, but so has the psychological style.
You could pick my peers out with a single glance. That girl with the basketball may not have looked like Tamara Press, but she sure felt like she did. I could never convince myself that I didn't have an anchor tattooed on my arm.
I recently watched a pair of girls' high-school age soccer teams kick each other in the shins on a cold, Sunday afternoon. There was a satisfaction in watching the skills, of course, but something even more pleasing in seeing the mental toughness.
A little blood, a little chill did not deter their aggressive attacks. They moved with a free-gaited confidence that made me wonder what could possibly stop them later in their pursuits as adults.
So, someday, maybe a voice at all newspapers will answer the phone with: "Girls' Basketball? Oh, good, we've been waiting for your call. You say you turned away how many thousand spectators at the gate?"
But it's going to be awhile — maybe a long, long while or maybe never.
In the meantime, the satisfaction from sports — for almost all high school girls, and for boys in all sports but Basketball and Football — will have to come from self-recognition.
For those who can't wait, my dad can give a good buy on a well-used magnifying glass.
Greetings fellow TAC members and guests and welcome to the newsletter of the second month of the TAC year!
The fall high school sports are in full swing and Willie Stewart and the AOY committee are working hard to put together the recognition program for the accomplishments of the boy and girl student athletes in the fall sports. Thank you, Willie.
I hope everyone that wanted to participate in the Apple Cup “Game Pool” had a chance to be included in the 100 squares. Doug McArthur is doing his great job (as always) of organizing the game pools, so if you did not get in this one look for one of the game pools coming in future months. Thank you, Doug.
The October membership meeting had Joey Waters, former Tacoma Stars soccer player and soccer coach for many years at Bellarmine Prep, providing a wonderful program about his early years growing up in Ireland and how he arrived in Tacoma. Please join us for the November 11 Veteran’s Day membership meeting when we honor those who have served our country in uniform and our speaker for the meeting will be Bob Christofferson (AKA the SodFather), retired head groundskeeper for the Seattle Mariners. Jim Whitacre and the Program Committee are working hard to present great monthly sports programs. Thank you, Jim.
Please consider asking your friends and colleagues that enjoy sports and supporting sports activities in the local high schools and colleges to join the TAC. Also, please consider joining one of the TAC committees to help in the efforts of the group.
Thank you for being involved in the activities of the TAC.
The work of the Tacoma Athletic Commission is possible because of members and the committees. There are 10 standing committees within the TAC. These committees are looking for members to help in a variety of capacities. There are positions that are hands on, behind the scenes, logistical, technical, and must more. Please review the list of committees below and see which one you would be interested in joining. If you are not sure which committee you would like to join and would like to discuss which one would be a good fit for you, contact Karyn Siegrist. The committees are listed below with their chairs noted. To sign-up for a committee contact the chair or Karyn Siegrist. You will see that there are two committees which currently do not have a chair. If you have been interested in taking a leadership role in the TAC, this is a great way to start the process.
TAC STANDING COMMITTEES
S-1 AOY (Athlete of the Year) (Chair: Willie Stewart)
*Tom Names Salute to Sports
*TV Tacoma AOY Broadcast
S-2: ClubRunner (Chair: Karyn Seigrist)
*Newsletter
*Member Communications
S-3: Corporate Partners (Chair: Mark Mininger)
*Sports Discount Card
*Fundraising/Grants
S-4: Finance (Chair: Terry Ziegler)
S-5: Golden Gloves (Chair: Greg Plancich)
S-6: Grant Awards (Chair:__________________)
S-7: Golf Tournament (Chair:__________________)
S-8: Membership (Chair: Pat Garlock)
S-9: Programs/Speakers (Chair: Jim Whitacre)
S-10: School Connectors (Chair: Aaron Roetcisoender)
Congratulations to Lincoln Nguyen from Lincoln High School, WIAA's Week 3 Athlete of the week.
Nguyen went 3-0 on the court last week with two victories at #1 singles and one victory at #1 doubles. His victories in singles were against Stadium and Bonney Lake, while his doubles win was against Lakes (6-0, 6-0). Nguyen is currently 5-0 and unbeaten on the regular season.
Week 6 for the WIAA’s Athlete of the Week is a great week for Pierce County. There are 5 athletes honored from our area. Visit the WIAA’s page for all of the athletes and prior weeks honorees.
Congratulations to:
Matthew Davidson, Bonney Lake Golf: Davidson led the Panthers to a team title in the Pierce County League Golf Tournament. He posted a two-day total of 80, followed by an amazing ever par (72) at the difficult Eagle's Pride Golf Course. Bonney Lake will be competing in the West Central District Tournament at Trophy Lake Golf Course in May.
Cooper Faker, Concordia Christian Academy Soccer: Faker scored four goals on 10/18 against Evergreen Lutheran, playing center defender for the first half and striker for second half. In the previous game versus Rainier Christian, he notched a hat-trick to tie the game and netted an additional goal in the penalty-kick shootout. The junior is the team captain and an all-around leader. Additionally, he excels in the classroom and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Junior Classical League, and serves as a school ambassador.
Logan Parejo, Franklin Pierce Tennis: Logan Parejo finished his senior year as part of the number one doubles team in league. He has compiled a 47-5 career record and went 13-1 this season. He also holds a 3.9 GPA and is the school's senior class vice president.
Alejandra Ruppe, Steilacoom Swim & Dive: Senior Alejandra Ruppe continued her undefeated streak in individual swim competition, winning all four of her races in State qualifying times. She has completed the rare "State Ironwoman" status by achieving State 2A qualifying times in all eight individual swimming events. Ruppe is currently ranked 1st in the State (2A) for 100 back and 200 free, 3rd in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke, 4th in the 100 butterfly and 500 free, and 5th in the 50 and 100 free. She is an excellent team captain, leading dryland groups, helping notice swimmers, and inspiring teammates.
Joshua Wood, Graham-Kapowsin Football: Wood led the Eagles to a perfect 7-0 start by beating the previously undefeated Sumner Spartans. He completed 15-of-20 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. He also had eight carries for 90 yards and two more touchdowns, as G-K won 41-14 in the South Puget Sound League match at Sunset Chev Stadium. He is also involved in multiple sports, the school's leadership program, and holds a 3.593 GPA. The senior continually is a great teammate, who works at his skills and sets high standard for those around him.
September was the start of a new TAC year. If you have not already paid your dues for the new year, please do so.
You may pay online - Click here or you can complete the membership form and mail the form and a check to the Tacoma Athletic Commission, PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411
The speaker at our December 9th meeting will be Craig Wrolstad - Current white had referee with the NFL. Craig went to Meeker Junior High and Lindbergh High School, he now lives on Lake Taps and has coached multiple youth sports in the area over the years.
Wrolstad served several seasons in NFL Europe, including three seasons as a referee. Prior to entering the NFL, Wrolstad was in the Pac10 conference and the Arena Football League. Wrolstad was hired by the NFL in 2003 as a field judge, and was promoted to referee with the start of the 2014 NFL season following the retirements of Ron Winter and Scott Green. Wrolstad wore uniform number 89 as a field judge, then switched to number 4 upon his promotion. Wrolstad was named the alternate referee of Super Bowl LII and was named the referee of the 2020 Pro Bowl.
Outside of the NFL, Wrolstad is a high school athletic director at Seattle Christian School.
The December 9th meeting will be at Tower Lanes, 6323 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 and on Zoom. Please arrive early to allow time to get your lunch and a seat. Lunch is $13. The TAC asks that all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, please wear a mask unless you are eating/drinking or presenting.
IF YOU PLANTO ATTEND IN PERSON, PLEASE RSVP TO KARYN SIEGRIST (KarynTAC@gmail.com) SO THAT TOWER LANES AND THE TAC MAY PROPERLY PREPARE FOR THE MEETING. THANK YOU.
The speaker for our meeting on November 11th will be Bob Christofferson, a.k.a. the SodFather. Bob retired last year as the head groundskeeper for the Seattle Mariners. During an M's game earlier this year he threw out the ceremonial first pitch and was honored at the game for his years of service. You can watch a video of the ceremonies at https://mlbn-distro.mlb.com/20210914SEA-FIRST-PITCH-BOB-CHRISTOFFERSON.mp4
Our meeting will be November 11th at 12:00 at Tower Lanes, 6323 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 and on Zoom. Please arrive early to allow time to get your lunch and a seat. Lunch is $13. The TAC asks that all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, please wear a mask unless you are eating/drinking or presenting.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND IN PERSON, PLEASE RSVP TO KARYN SIEGRIST (KarynTAC@gmail.com) SO THAT TOWER LANES AND THE TAC MAY PROPERLY PREPARE FOR THE MEETING. THANK YOU.
During the September 9th meeting the TAC honored the Stanley’s Shoemen, the first West Coast team to win the World Series of Amateur Baseball. Pictured are: Jim Gallwas (3b), George Grant (SS), Earl Hyder, Jim Harney (2b), Doug McArthur, Mrs. McArthur, Mrs. Hyder
Congratulations to Isaac Looker, from Rogers High School, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Week 5 Athlete of the week for Football.
Looker, the Rams' starting quarterback, suffered a labrum injury last week on the opening kickoff. Unable to throw the ball, Looker was asked to play wide-receiver on his final home game and senior night. In his first game ever at wide-receiver, Looker ended with 11 catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Although the Rams fell short to Bethel, 19-23, he scored all three touchdowns and kept his team in the game while battling the injury.
Joe Waters was this year’s recipient of the Frosty Westering Excellence in Coaching Award for soccer. While his playing career originally brought Ireland-native Joe Waters to Tacoma, his coaching career has left his most significant mark on the South Puget Sound region. Waters took the reins of the Bellarmine Prep boys soccer team in 1002, and in 27 years since he’s led the Lions to 15 league titles and 19 state tournaments. Hist teams have advanced to the state semifinals seven times, claiming state championships in 2004 and 2008. He’s received Coach of the Year honors at virtually every level: all-league, all-area, all-state and all-region. Since 2003 Waters has held a monopoly on Bellarmine Prep soccer, coaching the girls in the fall and the boys in the spring. In his time at the helm coaching the girls, he’s led the Lions to eight league titles, 10 state tournament appearances, three semifinals, and 2004 state title. Waters grew up in Limerick, Ireland and began playing professional soccer at the age of 15. He was named Rookie MVP with Leicester City and played for the Irish national team before coming to Tacoma to play for the Tacoma Stars in 1984. His stellar play continued as he set records for blocked shots and was named MISL Man of the Year. Water’ coaching career began in 1988 when he became the Calgary Kickers player-coach. He also served as an assistant coach with the Tacoma Stars from 1989-92 and served as head coach of the pacific Lutheran University men’s soccer team from 1998-92 and lead the Tacoma Stars in 2013.
Welcome to the “new” Tacoma Athletic Commission year which starts in September and runs through next August. The main reason for this calendar year is to follow the school year with our key support of high school boy and girl student athletes in all the Pierce County high schools. Karyn Siegrist, our new Executive Secretary/Director, is doing a great job and getting well versed in all the TAC activities. Karyn will be rolling out the new ClubRunner data base soon with roster information, committee activities, and other items regarding the TAC. When you see or talk to Karyn thank her for all her efforts on behalf of the TAC. Please check out the list of “standing committees” of the TAC and consider getting involved in one or more of the activities. You will find a list of the committees in this newsletter. Also, please share the invitation to join the TAC to friends, teammates, or competitors. You will find a summary of “what we do in the TAC” and a membership application also in this newsletter. To grow the TAC membership with active participation will benefit all of the sports activities we support. Thank you for being involved. See you at the next meeting at noon on October 14 at the Tower Lanes on 6th Avenue in Tacoma. -Jim Merritt
Greetings fellow TAC members and sports enthusiasts! As the Summer is winding down the TAC Executive Committee and Committee Chairs are busy planning for the new TAC year starting in September. The Executive Committee met early in August to plan the calendar and review programs/events as well as committee needs. Please mark Thursday, September 9th, for the noon meeting at the Tower Lanes in Tacoma. As you know, the mask mandate and COVID 19 restrictions may impact our meetings and schedule so please monitor TAC communications for updates to our programs. Karyn Siegrist, our new Executive Director/Secretary is busy installing the ClubRunner program that will provide easy access for all members to the TAC Membership Roster, Newsletter, and Website as well as many more features. Karyn will be presenting learning segments during each of our meetings so that we all are well versed with the program. Stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing you in September. -Jim Merritt
With the success of the newsletter this year during challenging times, it seems appropriate to continue the newsletter through the summer to communicate with members and share upcoming activities.
The Executive Committee will have a meeting in August to plan the 2021-22 TAC year. If you have any suggestions please send to Karyn or me. Also, if you would like to get more involved in TAC activities on a committee or on the Executive Committee please let us know. Remember, it is all about many members doing a little bit to spread the load and make it fun for everyone.
With the unknowns during the golf tournament planning phase, the annual TAC Summer Golf Tournament has been deferred to next year. If you would like to be a member of this committee please let us know.
Karyn, our new Executive Director/Secretary, is off to a great start. Bill White really organized the background information well for Karyn. The main focus for Karyn during the summer is setting up the ClubRunner program to manage communications, website, and membership roster for the TAC.
Also, we will be reviewing the by-laws for consideration of any modifications at a Fall meeting.
Please check out the TV Tacoma schedule for the Athlete of the Year program highlighting the
The Shanaman Sports Museum's Tribute to Champions is on Monday August 23rd at the Tacoma Convention Center. This special event recognizes those in our community who have achieved the highest level in sports. They are honored for their positive contributions in the areas of sports, recreation and civic betterment.
There will be a silent auction and social hour from 5:30 - 6:30 and dinner, special awards, and Hall of Fame induction from 6:30 -8:30
BERKELEY PORTER
JACOB PLEMMONS
AIDAN RADY
We are excited for the launch of the new Tacoma Athletic Commission website. Please take a minute to explore the site. For members there is a link in the upper right corner to log into your account and access members only content. While exploring the site you may occasionally find a link to the historic site. Although we have migrated a large amount of the content to the new site, there is still a large amount of history contained in the old site. We will continue to migrate content to the new site. 
CINQUE MAXWELL
MYLINA PLUFF
SIERRA WANGEN
Gig Harbor Dance/Drill
Orting Boys Wrestling
JOHNATHAN GRESSETT
SKYE JOHNSON
TY EDWARDS
My Recollection of Playing in the annual Turkey Day Game
Perusing the Turkey Day football programs available in the 
The Stadium Girls golf team completed another undefeated Pierce County League season finishing 6-0 by winning their season-ending league tournament at Eagles Pride Golf Course. They won by 125 strokes over their nearest competitors in the two-day tournament. The Lady Tigers' program has recorded five-straight years of undefeated PCL matches and league tournament titles. They were led by league MVP Una Johnson (JR) who shot 79-75 to take home the medalist award for the best two-day total score. The Tigers received great support from Browyn Byrne (FR), Stella Johnson (FR), Olivia Avauisini (SR), Elle Curran (SO), and Caitlyn Hughes (SR). Besides having success on the golf course, they also excel in the classroom carrying a team GPA of over 3.5. Way to represent the school!
