Owls Competing at State Championships
Class finals aren't the only tests that some of our Overlakers are preparing for.
This week, several Owl athletes are competing at various WIAA State Championships.
The action began on Tuesday with golfers taking to the links at competitions in Olympia and Tumwater.
Overlake Girls' Golf had three athletes in the opening round. Anna C. ('20), Ivy H. ('21), and Vibha N. ('22) entered the first day of competition with medals on their minds. "Every golfer improved so much from the beginning of the season," said Head Coach Chad Tachell. "The girls were really excited entering State and while we stressed really enjoying the game and the moment, we really wanted to prove that our program is among the best in Washington."
Success usually comes with experience, and one Overlake golfer, who was making a repeat appearance at State, ended the first day of competition among the top on the leader board. With a score of 76, Ivy's first day put her in fifth place and guaranteed her a second day of play in the final round.
Early at the Tumwater Valley Country Club on Wednesday, she hoped to not only get a medal but finish as State Champion. Unfortunately, every golfer that day had the same intention. While she matched her play from the previous day, Ivy's approach to the green was off on a couple holes. That little difference dropped her to a 7th place finish, but a spot on the medal stand. "It was an amazing experience, and I'm really excited for the next couple years," says Ivy. "Last year I went out to State by myself, and now the team is really becoming competitive. Staying in a hotel and going out to dinner before competition really made this a special experience."
On the boys' side, Conrad I. ('21) returned to State as the sole Owl golfer. Flanked by Coach Justin Prohn, Conrad was hoping to improve on last year's 17th place finish. "He's really focused on improving his game," says Prohn. "As a coach, I don't have to motivate him. He uses every opportunity to get better, and I'm just re-enforcing things he already knows." While he made the cut to the final competition, Conrad struggled to keep up with the state's top golfers. He completed this year's competition with a 34th place finish.
This weekend the focus turns to soccer and tennis.
Tennis Coach Jeff Loranger is preparing his Senior double's team of Kamila M. and Mihika S. for their opening match Friday at the Yakima Tennis Club against Freeman. "This team worked hard to get to State," says Loranger. "Districts weren't easy, but Kamila and Mihika were up to the challenge as underdogs to upset some strong squads."
Boys' Soccer is hoping for a three-peat as they enter the Final Four round at Sunset Chevrolet Stadium in Sumner on Friday. The Owls take on a strong squad from Winlock-Toledo and are excited that Overlake's spirit bus will bring dozens of fans to the afternoon contest. "It's great to see the green and gold in the stands," says Goalkeeper Lucas R. ('19). "We're playing some of our best soccer right now, and we want to make sure to share it with our school."
Friday's game begins at 4pm. Go Owls!