Scholarship Applications Now Open!
The Stan Naccarato Sports & Civic Betterment Scholarship and the Clay Huntington Sports Broadcasting Scholarship are now accepting applications! Each scholarship awards $2,500 to deserving students.
To learn more and apply, visit our website
Click on the "Awards" tab in the top ribbon, then select "Scholarships."
Don't miss this opportunity!
Halte was the top-ranked bowler at the 2A SPSL League Tournament, finishing with an impressive average of 195 across her three individual games. Halte then led her team to back-to-back SPSL League Championships.
Madilynn Pollock, the Emerald Ridge girls bowling captain, has led her team to another undefeated season and a total of 31 consecutive season team wins over the past two-and-a-half years. She also leads the team in average pins this year, propelling her team to its second consecutive SPSL 4A tournament title, a competition in which she also finished first overall individually with a 645 high series, averaging 215 for the tournament.
Nathan Frederickson has shown consistent growth both academically and athletically. Teachers recognize dedication, punctuality, and willingness to assist others. This season, Nathan has defeated multiple state qualifiers, placers, and runners-up, including seven state-level opponents in the past month. Among these victories, Nathan defeated the top-ranked wrestler in the state for both 4A and 3A. Currently ranked second in the state at the 285-pound weight class in 3A, Nathan continues to represent Silas High School at a high level.
A varsity cheerleader at Bethel High School, Ella Blue maintains a 3.85 GPA while participating in the Running Start Program at Pierce College. A member of the Cambridge Program since 2022, Ella also serves as a Bethel High School Link Crew Leader, assisting with team building and freshman orientation. Since freshman year, Ella has been a key member of the cheerleading team, contributing to both the 2024-25 Gameday and Traditional Cheer Competition Team and playing a pivotal role in reaching the state competition this season. Known for exceptional work ethic, Ella consistently leads by example, demonstrating skill in choreography, performance, and leadership. Respected by teammates and coaches, Ella sets the tone for practices, games, and competitions while excelling both academically and athletically.
Join us for the Tacoma-Pierce Athletic Commission February membership meeting on February 13th, 2025, at 12 PM. Our guest speaker, John Ladenburg, will be sharing insights about Chambers Bay Golf Course. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!
Aiden Hammer remains undefeated in individual races for the 2024-25 season. At the Swimvitational, he won the 200 Freestyle in 1:46.87 and the 500 Freestyle in 4:20.14, breaking the 1995 state record. Hammer’s times set new records for the state, Gig Harbor High School, the Swimvitational, and he achieved a NISCA All-American Automatic qualification.
Zoee Martinson, a senior leader for Sumner Cheer, helped the team qualify for State in its first competitive season in 2025. As a back spot, Martinson provides stability and safety; in one instance, she caught a hard-falling flyer that resulted in a broken nose. Her perseverance ensures her readiness for the state competition despite this injury.
Against Clover Park, Bailey Andersen recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Against Orting, Andersen scored 16 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 6 steals while breaking the all-time girls’ scoring record at Eatonville High School.
Casper Appleman competed in the Lads and Lasses tournament this past weekend. He won the title at 144 pounds with a dramatic last-second takedown against a class 4A opponent. Appleman is undefeated this season, with a 24-0 record as a sophomore. Along with being a stand-out on the wrestling mat, he also excels on the football field and in the classroom, boasting a 3.14 GPA.
The Sound Christian Girls Basketball Team is currently the only undefeated team in the SeaTac 1B/2B League, boasting a 6-0 record as of January 7, 2025. This marks their best start since the 2018-2019 season when they started 4-0. The Lady Lions are averaging an impressive 50.2 points per game while holding their opponents to just 25.3 points per game.
Tamia Yeager, the anchor bowler for the Spanaway Lake Lady Sentinels, added another milestone to her storied career on December 19th by rolling her first perfect 300 game—12 consecutive strikes—in a match against Sumner High School. The Vanderbilt commit, a two-time 3A state champion and three-time league MVP, followed up with a 231 in her second game, finishing with an impressive 531 series and a 265.5 average.
Ehmarii McChristian finished all three games this week in double digits. She recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 stills in the 45-60 loss vs. River Ridge; 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steals, and 2 blocks in the 60-47 win vs. Clover Park. She recorded her first career double-double in the 63-34 win vs. Timberline (19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals).
Trenton Bergren is making waves for Steilacoom High School this swim season. In the first five meets, the senior standout has already secured district qualifying times in all eight individual events, with several times nearing state qualification. A two-year team captain, Bergren’s leadership and skill were on full display last season when he advanced to the state finals in two relays and two individual events. With a strong start this year, he’s poised for another impressive showing at state.
Caitlyn Stickley, a Senior Cheerleader, shines as a two-time state champion and an incredible team captain. Her dedication and leadership inspire her teammates both on and off the mat. Known for her excellence as a student leader, Caitlyn exemplifies the perfect balance of athleticism, commitment, and academic achievement. She also plays a key role in continuing to build the positive and thriving culture here at Emerald Ridge High School.
Don 't miss out on the January Membership Meeting. We have Tom Mustin discussing the Golden Gloves event on January 25th and we have Corey Widman, who is one of our newest members, talking about his journey as a coach and father. 
Darius Alexander led Spanaway Lake boys basketball in all three games of their first week in the 4A division. Alexander led each game in both points and assists. In the first game, he put up 20 points, six assists, and seven steals. In game two, he scored 21, assisted on six baskets, and had three steals. In the third and final game of the week, the junior put up 27, six, and three. Alexander is currently a junior at SLHS who takes running start classes at Pierce College, works part time, and holds a 3.72 GPA.
Herky Briggs sailed through his junior tennis season as Bellarmine Prep’s top boys singles player, finishing the fall without dropping a single set. He always had a great attitude and demonstrated full effort in practice and matches, although his ability level usually far exceeded that of his opponents. Briggs won both the Puget Sound League and District Tournaments with ease, beating all of his opponents in straight sets. He is an excellent example of a high-achieving student-athlete who manages to stay grounded and still have fun playing tennis with kids at any level. He’ll head to the State Tournament this coming spring.
Join Us for the December 12th TAC Membership Meeting!
Featured Speaker: C.W. Herchold from Bellarmine Prep
Topic: Insights into their athletic program and community impact
Quick Overviews by Bellarmine Coaches:
Brian Jensen - Football
Bobby Moorehead - Boys Basketball
Kevin Meines - Girls Basketball
Willie London - Girls Fastpitch
Derek Woodworth - Girls Soccer
Morgann Crook - Boys Tennis
When: December 12th
Where: Cheney Stadium
Register Here: https://tacomaathletic.com/events/december-12th-lunch-meeting/
Don’t miss this inspiring and engaging session! See you there!
Senior Lacee Williams has put togethger an undefeated league season for the Sumner Swim and Dive team. Williams is also this seasons 4A District 3 diving champion.
Ava Field is ranked first in her league and has achieved State-qualifying times in all eight individual swimming events in 2024. She has broken two Steilacoom High School records and the league meet record for both individual events she competed in last week, winning every race.
As a quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back for Puyallup High School, sophomore Luke Parker has helped lead his team to four straight victories. Parker was the starting free safety before taking over at quarterback when the starter got hurt. As a result, the Vikings now head to the playoffs with a 5-4 record, most recently beating Yelm 28-17 in a crossover game this past Friday. In that game, Parker went 9-for-17 for 186 yards and three touchdowns, also rushing the ball seven times for 78 yards and another score. In four games since he took over, the sophomore is 45-for-62 through the air for 866 yds and 15 touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes, with a 140.8 passer rating. He has also run the ball 24 times for 178 yards in that stretch. His selflessness and leadership and team-first attitude should be commended. He is literally willing his team to win, helping them to the playoffs, which seemed out of reach just a few weeks ago.
Bonney Lake’s Latham West has a 4.0 GPA as a junior who is driven in everything she does. This year she placed fifth in the elite Hole in the Wall division, third at the John Payne and Bellermine invites, and first in every other race, including the SPSL League Championships and the 4A District 3/4 meet on Saturday.
Joe Withee, Director of Publicity at Emerald Downs and a popular racing host, will be the speaker at our November 14th membership meeting. He will share his journey in the horse racing world, including his connections to Tacoma. A 1971 graduate of Kennedy High School, Withee played basketball against Tacoma teams and has built lasting ties to the area.
He worked at Longacres with Vic Cozzetti, who owned a Tacoma sporting goods store and knew Warren Chinn, a horse owner and restaurateur, and Clay Huntington, who traded track passes for advertising on KLAY radio. Withee was honored as the 92nd inductee into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.
Join us on November 14th at Cheney Stadium to hear about Joe's incredible journey!
Kaitlyn LaTendresse has had a noteworthy 2024-25 season. During the regular season, she was undefeated in all her individual races. She was a double winner at the 2024-25 Swimvitational, setting new meet records in both the 200 Freestyle (1:59.20) and 500 Freestyle (5:18.83). LaTendresse has qualified for the 3A WIAA State Championship Meet in both of those events. Her successes in the pool are the result of hard work, dedication, resilience, and the desire to compete against herself as well as her competition. She is an intelligent, mature, and energetic young woman who has earned great admiration and popularity among her peers.
Senior Layne Dent, a six-foot-two outside hitter for the Cougars of Cascade Christian, has once again earned another pair of volleyball statistical “double-doubles” after leading her team to two victories this past week. She has now recorded “double-doubles” statistically in seven of her team’s 16 contests. On October 14, in a win against Life Christian, she totalled 19 kills and 12 digs. On October 16, taking down Seattle Christian, she put up 14 kills and 12 digs, Dent is the team captain and a full-rotation player, playing all six positions. She demonstrates remarkable ability at every position and possesses an outstanding vertical leap, quickness, speed, and athleticism. Dent is a Division 1 commit to St. Mary’s in Moraga, California. Her current season stat totals through 16 games are the following: 253 kills, 132 digs, 30 blocks, and 23 services aces.
Drenyn Chittenden is a full-time running start student who also takes an Aerospace Manufacturing course at Washington High School, in addition to his college course work. Chittenden placed first in league, finished second in the League Tournament, earned fIrst-team all-league honors, and notched his second trip to the State Golf Championships this spring. He was also named the SPSL Boys Golfer of the Year.
This last week, Curtis junior Kai Muller won his second SPSL singles title in a row. After completing a season with one loss leading up to the league tournament, he cruised to the final without dropping a set. Starting the final down 4-1 he fought back to win the first set 6-4. finally, he secured the second set 6-4 before winning the league championship in straight sets. In addition to his second league title, Mueller is a model student-athlete, maintaining a 3.77 GPA this semester while enrolling in five AP classes. He is a two-time first-team All-SPSL player and went 15-1 against league opponents this season, winning over 85% of the total games played.
Abe Jones serves as a freshman varsity starting goalkeeper for the Cascade Christian Academy soccer team. In one game last week, Jones managed 41 saves. Only a freshman, he is an instrumental part of the team, holding down the only goalkeeper spot on the team. Jones also serves as freshman class president.
Alexis Esser is undefeated this year in every one of her races, including the 200m and 400m relays. She has set personal records in her primary events, the 100m and 200m free, and has district qualifying times in all eight individual events. She is an integral part of the team and helped Silas beat Stadium, their 4A cross-town rival, for the first time in five years. Her anchor leg of the 400m relay solidified the win by making up over 4 body lengths over the last 100 meters, swimming an impressive 55 to finish. She’s a team captain, and a great leader.
We are excited to announce that Jeanne Naccarato will be our featured speaker at the October 10th TAC Lunch Meeting! Jeanne is a member of the Professional Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Tacoma-Pierce Hall of Fame in 2005. She will be sharing her incredible journey, offering insights into her success, and discussing how she became one of the most accomplished figures in the bowling world. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true legend!
The Sound Christian Lions football team has struggled over the past couple of years, usually winning one game per season. The Lions coaching staff is now in its second year at the helm. They made the playoffs in their first season, only to have an early exit at the hands of Neah Bay. Our coaches spent the offseason planning out a new strategy for the team, revolving around a few key players and some new ones that were joining the team at the start of the season. This season, Sound Christian, as of September 30, has matched their win total over the past two seasons combined, currently outscoring their opponents 106-64 in three games. The Lions have had two shutout victories, one against a larger 1A school in Vashon Island. The Lions are above the national average in completion percentage, yards per completion, passing yards per game, completions per game, passing long, and quarterback rating. In the ground game, the Lions are above the national average in yards per carry, rushing yards per game, rushing long, and rushing touchdowns. The Lions are currently averaging 485 all-purpose yards per game, which amounts to 170.8 yards per game higher than the national average. The Lions football team also had the honor of being ranked in the WIAA RPI Top-10 for the first time in five-plus years.
As a Title 1 school, Franklin Pierce has some struggles with academics and involvement. However, the boys cross country team has consistently demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the course. The senior boys this season make up four of the top five varsity spots on our team. They are all four-year varsity lettermen in cross country and have broken countless records while at Franklin Pierce. However, their involvement doesn’t stop on the course. Two of the four are also completing their associate’s degrees while in high school and will be graduating in the spring with their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees from Pierce College. Another senior is a four-year leadership student, current senior class president, and has held various other leadership and involvement roles throughout his time in high school. The fourth senior varsity boy has a high school cumulative GPA of 3.93 and received offers from top schools to continue his academic and athletic accomplishments after graduation. These four seniors set the bar for being exemplary student athletes with their work ethic, dedication to academic excellence, and athletic prowess. The varsity squad is completed by a sophomore in the fifth spot who set the team record for personal records in a season with seven and was voted Rookie of the Year as a freshman by his teammates. The sixth and seventh varsity spots are held by two freshmen coming from the local middle school. They are as dedicated as the current seniors were as freshmen and will continue the strong academic and athletic performances in the coming years.
Junior Annika Weedon is a tough person to spike on. She currently leads the Sound Christian Lady Lions Volleyball Team in blocks. At their last game versus Northwest Christian (Lacey), Weedon had 11 successful blocks, with only four errors. The Lions have played 14 sets this year, and Weedon is already at 22 blocks for the season, closing in on the 52 she had last season. Currently, the junior is ranked third in Washington for blocks, as well as first in the Sea-Tac League.
Last week, Femke Laudy recorded eight goals and had two assists in only two games played, despite being double- or even triple-teamed by defenders. In four total games this season, Laudy has either scored or assisted on 19 of Annie Wright’s 23 goals.
Peninsula senior Elektra Higgins won her race at the Olympia XC Classic this past week, setting a new course record in the process. She also owns the record in the Junior Division, which she sat last year.
Sophomore Samara Kula, Stadium High School swimmer, won every race at her first meet of the season against Auburn this past Thursday. She took first place in the 100 back, 50 free, and both relays in which she participated.
Sumner High School senior Austin Ferencz kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime in a week one victory over two-time defending State Champions Lake Stevens this past weekend. Ferencz is also Sumner’s ASB president and carries a cumulative GPA of 3.868.
We're excited to announce that Chris Egan, the KING 5 sports anchor and reporter, will be our guest speaker at the TAC September membership meeting! He'll be sharing his incredible journey from the Olympics, where he had the unique opportunity to join the athletes and broadcast the events. Don't miss this chance to hear firsthand about his experience!
Event Photos Now Available!We're excited to share that the photos from the event are now available online. Simply click on the photo on the left to be directed to the storage page where you can view and download them.
For any questions regarding the photos, please reach out to Makana Murashige at (808) 223-3286, via email at Kanaphotographs@gmail.com, or on Instagram @Kana.photographs.
Enjoy the memories!
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