Red-hot Sports in Redmond

As our newspaper is about to go to press for the final time in 2009, I’d like to take a look back and some of the most memorable sports stories we saw this year, in what was my first full year as a sports writer in Redmond.

Although I can’t possibly pick one, there were certainly a handful that stood out as moments that I will never forget from what was quite an exciting year.

Who can forget Redmond’s version of March Madness when the senior-laden boys’ squad made it into the 4A state tournament and overcame a first-round loss to post three straight wins and take 5th place in front of a Tacoma Dome jam-packed with Superfans every single day? I will never forget Chris Harrington’s two free throws with no time left on the clock that he drained to send the 5th/8th place trophy game into overtime, and I doubt he or any of his teammates will either.

Or Redmond senior Sarah Lord finally winning gold at the state track meet after finishing close time and time again…. and the Mustangs’ incredible upset of No. 6-ranked Eastlake this fall at Walter L. Seabloom stadium.  I was on the field getting ready to interview head coach Mike Pluschke and nearly got soaked by the traditional water cooler drenching as what seemed like the entire student body ran out on to the field to celebrate.

Memorable moments were not just limited to Redmond High either…

This fall we witnessed incredible runs by both small schools, 1A Overlake, whose boys were unbeaten for the first time in the program’s history, and the girls’ team whose “super six” seniors led the team all the way to the state finals, and the 2B Bear Creek School boys did the same, overachieving in a big way after losing a crop of senior talent.

Other big topics of discussion off the field was the controversial new $275 per sport athletic fee imposed by the Lake Washington School District due to lack of funding, and we have already seen its unfortunate impact.

All in all, economic recession notwithstanding, 2009 was a memorable year and I can only wonder what excitement and amazing sports stories 2010 will bring.

We’ll get the year started off on the right foot this New Year’s Day with a feature on Overlake senior Trent Halvorson, who overcame the death of his mother and a myriad of injuries last year to come back and lead the boys’ basketball team.  Having gotten the opportunity to meet him in person, Halvorson is an incredible kid and is an inspiration to anyone dealing with tough times in their life.

Everyone have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I’ll see you in 2010!