Philomath High School Athletes Shine with All-State Honors

Philomath High School has once again showcased its athletic prowess, with standout performances in football, girls soccer, and cross-country earning several athletes first-team all-state recognition. The achievements of these student-athletes stand as a testament to their hard work, talent, and commitment to excellence.

Football Standouts

The football field has been a prominent arena for Philomath’s athletic talent this season. Senior Rocco De La Rosa made headlines as he earned a spot on the Class 4A first team not only as a wide receiver but also as a kickoff return specialist. This dual recognition underscores his versatility and skill set on the gridiron. De La Rosa had an impressive season, accumulating 39 catches for 629 yards and an impressive 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he received the honor of being named Special District 3’s Offensive Player of the Year and is committed to play at Oregon State next year.

Joining De La Rosa is senior CD Nuño, who made the all-state first team on defense as a linebacker. Nuño also showcased his receiving capabilities, earning an honorable mention at wide receiver with 53 receptions for 621 yards. Notably, he plans to pursue collegiate football at Boise State after completing a two-year church mission.

Also featured in the honorable mention lists were junior quarterback AJ Altishin and junior defensive lineman Jamin Peters, further illustrating the depth of talent at Philomath High.

Girls Soccer Excellence

When it comes to girls soccer, Philomath’s sophomore Kya Bolton emerged as a standout player, making the first-team all-state selection as a forward. Her impressive tally of 33 goals this season made her the leading scorer in Class 4A. This performance not only reflects her skills but also the effective strategies employed by the team’s coaching staff.

Additionally, several other athletes from Philomath received recognition, including senior midfielder Ana Candanoza and junior defender Annaleise Brown, who were both named to the second team, while junior goalkeeper Makena Sleeman earned a place on the third team. Sophomore forward Bethany Cannon received an honorable mention, indicating the team’s overall strength and competitiveness.

Cross-Country Achievements

The cross-country team also saw a strong showing at the state championships, with sophomore Cassidy Smart leading the way. She captured first place with a remarkable time of 18:33.7, earning her first-team recognition. Freshman Sienna Bushnell distinguished herself as well, landing on the third team thanks to her finish time of 20:16.4, while sophomore Reagan Nuño made the honorable mention list with a 28th place finish at 20:39.3.

On the boys’ side, senior Leo Pausch was recognized as a second-team all-state competitor, finishing eighth in the state with a time of 16:41.3. These athletes not only display exceptional individual talent but also reflect Philomath’s strong cross-country program.

Volleyball Recognition

The volleyball court also witnessed impressive performances, with two Philomath High players earning all-state honors. Junior hitter Nora Stanley secured a spot on the second team, while senior hitter Shaylee May received honorable mention recognition. Their contributions were pivotal to the team’s competitive performance during the season.

Marist Catholic dominated the individual honors in volleyball, with Laura Rohman being named Player of the Year and Shari Pimental receiving Coach of the Year accolades. These recognitions stem from a rigorous league and special district nomination process, emphasizing the competitive landscape of OR 4A volleyball.

Conclusion

Philomath High School’s athletes have made significant contributions across various sports, earning all-state recognition through hard work, skill, and determination. The achievements of these young athletes not only reflect their individual abilities but also highlight the supportive environment fostered at Philomath High, making it a breeding ground for athletic excellence. The entire community can take pride in these young sports stars, whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration for future generations.