This was graduation weekend for the valley. Each spring friends and family gather to celebrate this rite of passage for young adults. And each spring I take a few minutes to reflect upon the outgoing class and my interactions with them. This year is particularly poignant for me because of two little girls from Florence.
When I first met Brittany Heinz of Florence, she wasn’t even in school but she was in the gym. Her sister, Kim, was a standout on the Florence basketball team and Brittany and her family were always on hand to cheer for the Lady Falcons. Through the years I watched this little blond spitfire grow into an accomplished athlete on the basketball court and the softball diamond. From the beginning, I was always met with a great big grin and a hug. There were times when things didn’t go her way but Brittany has always been one to bounce back with a smile. That’s a trait that will serve her well as she enters the next stage of life. (But I will miss her hugs.)
Grace Zeiler is another youngster from Florence that I’ve watched grow up. I remember one basketball season when her older brother was playing, Grace was at my side almost every time I waited to interview a coach. She wanted to know everything about reporting because that was her interest too. As she made her way through high school and a couple of season-ending injuries, the two things that were consistent for Gracie was her smile and the support she gave her teammates. Her determination to do the right thing, whether on the court or in the classroom, was and is her strength. She, too, met me at almost every game with a smile and a hug and I will miss them.
Although he came to Florence later in his high school career, Quinn Smith is another Falcon that I will miss. Quinn had a tumultuous few years but found a home in Florence. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a more positive kid (if you can call a 6’8” guy a kid). His love of basketball was obvious when he was on the court but I could also see how excited he was to play with a group of friends. It does take a village to raise a child and the reception that Florence gave Quinn is one that I hope he will pay forward in later years.
Maddie Jones first caught my eye when she was playing volleyball in junior high. Her serving was so strong that every time she served, the opposing team took another step back. Her athleticism, strength and skill in every sport had the other teams drawing up special plays to stop her. But what I will remember about Maddie is her great grin. I know that grin sometimes drove her coaches crazy but seeing her enjoyment of playing the game even in situations that were not ideal was always a high point. Keep on enjoying life, Maddie.
Another Yellowjacket that I’ll miss is Jalen Pfau. He is the epitome of the saying ‘when life give you lemons, make lemonade.’ Although not very big, his toughness on the football field kept his opponents on their toes. He didn’t play basketball this year but kept involved by being one of the most efficient managers Coach Chambers has had in a long time. Just remember, keep on making lemonade Jalen.
Corvallis’ Rodee Anderson has the athletic ability of a cat. He almost always lands on his feet, no matter what the situation. He’s also one to push the envelope when he can. But the neat thing about Rodee is that when he’s gone to far and I call him on it, he hangs his head and says ‘yeah, I know’ and gives me a hug. Rodee has wowed the spectators of the valley with some of his feats and now plans on playing baseball at Southern Nevada. Just remember to think things through Rodee.
Playing catcher toughens one up, just ask Korie Conder. She has been playing catcher from the time she was old enough to understand the position. Her sister could burn the mitt and I’m sure that Korie, younger by three yeas, blinked back more than one tear. Throughout her high school career, this three-sport athlete took it for the team more than once and not just on the diamond. This last winter at the Southwest A tournament, Korie was hit in the mouth so hard that her teeth came through her lip. She could have sat out the final game but she didn’t. She was there, just four hours later, playing with a guard on and the ultimate fat lip. As I said, she is one tough cookie.
Siblings are a joy, for the most part. But sometimes kids get a bit overlooked if they have an older brother or sister that has had an outstanding career. Kaurie Albert played in her sister’s shadow while at Hamilton. But what has impressed me throughout Kaurie’s four years of playing is how hard she works and her quiet dignity. Kaurie improved her game every season and always gave 110 percent. It is this trait that will serve her well no matter what field she chooses.
TJ Hanson didn’t play basketball but to me he was one of the most important people in the Hamilton gym during tournament time these last four years. TJ handled the stats for the Broncs and for the tournaments. His consistency and accuracy was a huge help to all of us on the media table. His commentary about life and the people around us brightened my day. He is a worker bee that figured out how to make the most out of a situation that could have been boring and mundane. Thank you TJ.
It’s no secret that Darby has struggled on the court and on the field these past few years. It’s tough to go out there and play as hard as you can in each and every game. Sarah Jakober has done that. Whether it was basketball or volleyball, she never stopped playing her best. It was nice to see she was rewarded with her hard work with a state championship in the triple jump last week. The hard work paid off.
Aaron Johnston of Darby is another athlete that has learned just how much work it takes to become the best. From his freshman year on, this young man has known he wanted to run. He has spent countless hours training in the off season, driving to Pocatello, Idaho, in the dead of winter to compete, learning how and what to eat; all to get better at running. His work paid off as well this spring when he won the 200 at the state meet and helped the Darby boys bring home the championship trophy. His smiling attitude has been fun to follow.
The last two graduating seniors are a couple of kids from Victor. Although he goes by Emmett now, he’s always going to be Fischer to me. Fischer Elliot grew up right next door to me. I watched him make his first wobbly way down the lane to school on his bicycle and learned that hockey was a passion for him. Through it all he’s been a distance runner, running both cross country and the 1,600 and 3,200 for the Pirates. He’s had some success and he’s had some not so successful days, but through it all, I’ve always had the sense that Fischer knew exactly where he was going. He’s figured out how to set goals and then make it work.
Liz Taylor is another senior that I’ve watched grow up here on the sports pages. As the daughter of athletes and coaches, Liz had the advantage of getting lots of gym time in early and perfected her shots. But being the ‘go to’ player as a freshman can be stressful. Liz just smiled through it. That’s the thing about Liz; she smiles through anything, including a torn Achilles tendon. The injury put her on the sidelines for almost a year but she was ready to play when she came back. Her calmness and good attitude no matter what the situation will be missed but they are lessons we all can learn.
One last senior didn’t make it on the sports pages, but I did have the privilege of watching her grow up. Aubrey Howell had her ups and downs as all kids do but she blossomed into a charming young woman. Watching Aubrey enjoy her senior year made me think she should give lessons to all underclassmen. Aubrey and her friends were on the sidelines of the Yellowjackets in football and basketball, cheering on the team and making memories. Learning how to have a good time in a positive manner is one of the best lessons these young adults have learned. Good luck Class of 2011!