BOYS TENNIS

Northwest 2A District Tournament

The excitement of the Northwest 2A District Tournament reached its peak on Monday, October 20, when Colton Hong and Adam Van Egdom captured the doubles title. Their remarkable victory has secured them a coveted spot in the Class 2A State Tournament, set for spring.

This win was particularly significant for Colton and Adam, as they had narrowly missed qualifying for state last year due to an unfortunate blown overhead when they were holding match point. According to their coach, Bryan Benson, they were determined this year to leave nothing to chance. Throughout the season, they faced other contenders multiple times, engaging in closely contested matches to gain valuable insights into their competition.

The championship match saw the duo facing off against a team from Sehome, where they exhibited dominant play, winning with a score of 6-2, 6-2. Their tournament journey was equally impressive, with earlier matches showcasing their strength: they won 6-0, 6-0; 6-0, 6-2; and 6-0, 6-1 before confidently sealing the title.

"The second set had even less drama, except for the end, where Colton and Adam navigated through several match points before Colton finished with a skillful volley into open court," Coach Benson remarked. "Those tense moments at the end of a match highlight what makes tennis so exhilarating—it’s all about winning point by point without a clock to hold you back."

While Colton and Adam thrived, Anacortes teammates Alex Tull and Jerry Benson faced a more challenging road. They were eliminated after a tough match that ended 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, despite having initially won 6-1, 6-0 in their tournament opener.

The competition wasn’t as friendly for other Anacortes players either. Larkin Salzer and Hunter Dahlin lost their only doubles match, and singles players Sam Johnson, Vance Frerichs, and Finn McDonough each triumphed in their first matches but were halted in the second round.

The Seahawks concluded their regular season on October 14, showcasing resilience by defeating the Cougars in a Northwest Conference match. Coach Benson expressed immense pride in his players, highlighting their growth throughout the season and optimism for the upcoming years.

In singles, Adam Van Egdom excelled, winning 6-4, 7-5, while Sam Johnson showcased his skills with a perfect 6-0, 6-0 victory. In doubles, Jerry Benson and Finn McDonough dominated with a 6-0, 6-0 win, and Larkin Salzer and Hunter Dahlin won 6-0, 6-2. Anacortes finished the regular season with a commendable 7-4 in conference and 8-6 overall.

CROSS COUNTRY

Skagit County Championships

The Seahawks cross-country teams emerged as the stars of the Skagit County Championships held on October 16, with both the boys and girls securing impressive team titles at the Northern State Recreation Area.

In the boys’ race, Anacortes claimed five of the top ten finishes, showcasing their depth and talent. Dylan Rowell, marking an extraordinary feat, secured his second consecutive county title, completing the 5,000-meter course in an impressive 15 minutes, 18 seconds. Teammate Maverick Ball followed closely in second place with a time of 16:29, while Daniel Blee (sixth, 16:55), Rowan Morgenthaler (seventh, 16:55.3), and Owen Kennedy (ninth, 17:07) further contributed to the Seahawks’ triumph.

On the girls’ side, Anacortes claimed the podium’s top three spots. Ashley Becerra Guzman led the pack, finishing first with a time of 19:42, closely followed by Lucy Lemrick in second (19:47) and Megan Kennedy in third (19:52). Gwynne Letcher (sixth, 20:42) and Peyton Floyd (seventh, 21:01) rounded out the stellar performances by the girl runners.

The Seahawks faced upcoming challenges as they prepared for the Northwest Conference Championships at Civic Stadium in Bellingham on October 22.

VOLLEYBALL

In a tough match against the Nooksack Valley Pioneers on October 16, the Anacortes Seahawks were swept, marking a challenging moment in their season. Star player Tatum Swapp shined despite the loss, recording 11 kills and nine digs, while Leah Andrews contributed 12 assists, and Raely DeVries and Amelia Battaglia added strong performances.

The Seahawks head into this final stretch with a conference record of 2-9 and an overall mark of 3-9, preparing to face Sedro-Woolley on October 21.

On a brighter note, the team had previously secured a victory against the Borderites on October 14, which Anacortes Coach Sammie Worley celebrated as a "great team effort." Key players included Margaret Foote with 17 kills and Tatum Swapp with 12, while Leah Andrews and Raely DeVries combined for a solid performance with 16 and 20 assists, respectively.

FOOTBALL

In a triumphant return, the Anacortes Seahawks defeated the Cougars on October 18, snapping a two-game losing streak. Coach Justin Portz described an invigorating atmosphere where all seniors were given playtime on senior night, providing valuable experience to younger players.

Running back Shia Webster displayed exceptional talent, rushing for 111 yards and scoring two touchdowns on just five carries. Teammates Jack Hopen and Jake Harkins also made significant contributions with two touchdowns each. Hopen amassed 31 yards on the ground, while Harkins rushed for 66 yards.

Quarterback Ryan Harrington stood out by completing eight of ten passes for a remarkable 192 yards and three touchdowns, with standout receiver Lucien Francioch catching for 75 yards. Brendan Cutter also made an impressive contribution with two catches, including a touchdown for 56 yards.

The Seahawks improved their conference record to 4-2 and an overall record of 5-2, looking forward to their matchup against Burlington-Edison on October 24.

GIRLS SOCCER

The Anacortes Seahawks demonstrated their prowess on the soccer field with a 2-0 victory over the Nooksack Valley Pioneers on October 16. The goals came in the second half, with Charlotte Santos initiating the scoring with a stunning shot from outside the 18-yard box that found the back of the net.

Bianca Hooker also excelled, scoring on a well-timed pass from Mailee Hilburn, showcasing the team’s coordination and defensive prowess. Coach Gretchen Hanson praised her team, noting that their performance reflects the preparation and teamwork they bring to each match.

Holding an impressive 11-1-1 conference record and a 13-1-1 overall, the Seahawks are gearing up for their next challenge against Sedro-Woolley on October 21.

Earlier in the season, on October 14, Anacortes had a remarkable showing, shutting out the Borderites with a 4-0 lead by halftime. Mara Salzer, Elliot Davis, and Teagan Littke provided the goals, while Charlotte Santos stood out as the key playmaker.

GIRLS SWIMMING

The Anacortes girls’ swimming team finished their Northwest Conference season undefeated, demonstrating their skills in a match against the Bulldogs on October 16. Individual standouts included Alli Claridge, Chloe Hernandez, and Claiborne O’Donnell, each earning victories in multiple events.

Claridge emerged victorious in the 200-yard freestyle (2:10.90) and 100 freestyle (59.91). Hernandez excelled in the 200 individual medley (2:29.39) and the 100 backstroke (1:06.45). O’Donnell triumphed in the 50 freestyle (29.31) and the 100 breaststroke (1:23.57).

The team also claimed wins in all three relay events, continuing their undefeated streak as they prepare to host the Northwest 2A District Championships on November 7-8.

In a subsequent meet on October 14, Anacortes decisively defeated Squalicum, Mount Baker, and Blaine, demonstrating their dominance within the league, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in girls’ swimming.