Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Sports at a Glance

All stories by Jean Schurman

Memories of the Class of 2006

Every year, when I sit down to write this particular column, I spend many hours thinking about the past school year and what made it what it was. This year was no different. I pondered and thought, and thought and pondered. Some things popped right out but other memories were more subtle, coming together slowly until a picture of the class of 2006 came into view.

There are many adjectives to describe this class - passionate, determined, focused and fun - all come to mind. Every class, from every school, made a contribution to my book of memories. Some were created this year. Others, began when these young adults were just tots.

Allison Markette was only three or four when I first met her. She was cheerful and full of mischief and kept my daughter on her toes while Erin babysat her. Even at that young age, Allison was intent on succeeding. It didn't matter what she was doing, she was going to do it right and do it well. This attitude carried her onto the soccer field where she excelled for the Corvallis Blue Devils and the Ravalli United teams. Whether on the soccer field, in the cutting arena or in international business, Allison will be a success.

Carmen Burdette is another Blue Devil I have watched grow up. This quiet senior doesn't say much, never has. But she is all heart on the field and in the classroom. This year, she came into her own behind the plate in softball and on the back row in volleyball. In addition, her heart of gold has touched children in the Dominican Republic and mountain goats in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. Her desire to do what's right and ability to focus on that goal will carry her far.

The Corvallis volleyball team as a whole offered some of the most inspiring moments this year for me. Their never-give-up attitude kept them playing, and playing and playing some more in a marathon of matches during the divisional tournament. Maria Peterson, Bonnie Burke, Tisha Smith and many others played on wobbly legs, pushing through fatigue to earn a berth at the state tournament in November. They continued their push at state and came away with a fourth place finish. It was awesome to watch these young women as they relied on each other and helped to reach a common goal.

When Jake Richter of Hamilton was in junior high here in the valley, most eyes were on his sisters, Crystal and Jessica. There were a few basketball buffs who were quietly looking forward to watching the young Richter boy play but those hopes were dashed when the family moved. Richter moved back here his senior year and what a show he put on. His guts and determination pushed his team. Although the Broncs didn't have the greatest success, their defeat of Anaconda at Divisional will be talked about for years.

Lucky Barrett loves baseball. He loves it so much he gave up playing football his junior year to focus on baseball. It took courage to stand up for his passion. Continue to stand up for your passions, that will serve you well throughout life.

Noah Stout always has a smile on his face. In fact, sometimes it's just a tad bit mischievous but it is a smile. He has learned early to have fun at what he is doing. (Although how you can have fun while running a 1,600 race is something beyond me.) His enthusiasm is contagious. Where ever Darby is, you can always find laughter and fun. The track team was sometimes like a litter of pups, falling over each other but there to take on the world together. And at the center of it all, Noah. When he donned the Tiger mascot suit this winter, the only thought in my head was Monty had better watch out because there was a new Tiger in town. Monty doesn't have to worry though, Noah will be heading to Gonzaga this fall.

Kara DeWalt embodies hard work. For four years she has focused on her running. Last fall she captured the Class B Cross Country championship. Throughout the winter she worked and ran in some indoor meets down south. This spring she had, without a doubt, the toughest competitors of any class and event to deal with. Caitlin Stone of Seeley-Swan and Shannon Flynn of Townsend were ferocious foes, not to mention Mother Nature at the state meet. DeWalt failed to take a state championship but her never-give-up attitude is an inspiration to everyone.

Every home basketball game at Stevensville, the littlest cheerleader has been there for her big brother. Olea Anderson was there to bump fists with big brother Tony and the rest of the Yellowjackets. And Tony was just as proud of his little sister as she was of him. Tony worked his way into being one of the best players in the valley, eating, living and breathing basketball. She will remember his work perhaps, but she definitely will remember the attention.

Amanda Burrington of Victor ran into a phenomenon from Big Sandy at the state track meet last week. This freshman dashed Burrington's hopes of a state championship in the hurdles and the sprints. But even though she was disappointed, Burrington acknowledged Kourtney Danreuther's feats and was gracious. Burrington has always been a bit in the background, doing what needed to be done whether it was on the basketball court, the volleyball court or in track and through it all has been a gracious, but tough competitor.

Aly Henderson and Laura Hanks were the heart and soul of the Florence softball team this year. They led by example, working long hours and through hard practices. The younger members on the team learned by watching and doing what these two seniors did. The seniors put into place the work ethic which will carry Florence Softball on, even with a new captain at the helm. After 10 years, 'Otto' won't be there to urge his team on and offer training tips even in the batters box. But with Hanks and Henderson's examples, as well as an echo of Otto in their mind, the younger team will do just fine.

As I examine the memories of the Class of 2006, I feel confident this class will make its way boldly through college, jobs, and life. And I feel confident they will know how to have fun, laugh and when to buckle down and tackle their goal. Congratulations Class of 2006.