Character & Leadership Spotlight – Blaine High School

02/12/2025 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait. This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Blaine High School!

BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL

Grit

Juliana Zuzarte (Blaine)

Juliana is a standout student-athlete in the Blaine School District, known for her exceptional grit and determination. As captain of the Girls Soccer Program, she leads her team with a fierce competitive spirit, always pushing herself and her teammates to excel. Her leadership on the field is matched by her success in track, where she consistently demonstrates athletic excellence.

Her relentless work ethic, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to balance academics with athletics make her a role model for her peers. Whether sprinting on the track or guiding her team on the soccer field, Juliana embodies the true spirit of perseverance and dedication.

Accountability

Malaki Murillo (Blaine)

Malaki is a remarkable student-athlete in the Blaine School District, recognized for his unwavering accountability. As a key member of both the Football and Track and Field teams, his commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does. Throughout the calendar year, he never misses a practice or a weight room session, consistently showing up ready to give his best effort.

Whether on the field, the track, or in the weight room, Malaki leads by example, demonstrating the value of hard work, consistency, and dedication. His teammates and coaches know they can always count on him to rise to the occasion and give his all, especially when it’s needed most. His accountability is a true testament to his character and leadership.

Borderite Athletics Person of Distinction – Diane Berge

02/06/202502/06/2025 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year. From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Blaine Athletics

Person of Distinction – Diane Berge

Diane Berge has been a distinguished and invaluable member of the Blaine School District for many years, serving in a variety of roles throughout her tenure. Her extensive experience and deep commitment to the district have made her a vital figure in ensuring the smooth operation of countless school athletic events and activities. Currently, she is responsible for organizing and preparing event staff, a role in which she excels. Diane’s ability to coordinate, train, and manage staff ensures that events across the district run seamlessly, contributing to a positive and well-structured environment for students, staff, and the community.

“Diane was one of the first people I met when arriving in Blaine. She was the athletic secretary when I arrived and was invaluable in showing me what my job entailed, how to create a systemic approach to the job, as well as understanding how you organize correlates to how well you do your job. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without her unwavering support and work ethic to make sure Blaine is the best it can be.” Athletic Director Chas Kok.

Her dedication to the Blaine School District goes beyond logistics; Diane has consistently shown a passion for creating supportive and engaging experiences for everyone involved. Whether behind the scenes or working directly with staff, her leadership and organizational skills have left a lasting impact on the district.

Thank you Diane!

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Mount Baker High School

01/21/2025 by kowen

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Mount Baker High School

01/21/2025 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

MOUNT BAKER HIGH SCHOOL

DETERMINATION

Luke Smith (Mount Baker)

Luke Smith exemplifies a strong character, earning the respect and admiration of his peers, coaches, teammates, and younger students alike. His dedication to excellence and integrity sets a standard within his community, inspiring those around him to strive for their best. Luke’s ability to lead by example fosters a supportive environment, encouragement and growth among his teammates. Additionally, his mentorship of younger students highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation, making him a role model who embodies resilience and determination.

Coach Lep

LEADERSHIP

Tyla Olsen (Mount Baker)

Tyla Olson is a leader both on and off the field. We talk about leadership in our girls’ soccer program a lot. Leadership is about influence. Everyone has an influence on others in some way, it’s about how you use your influence. One key trait of leadership that we talk about most is the willingness to serve others. I have seen Tyla embody this throughout her four years in our program. She is not above doing the little things it takes to help the team be better. Tyla knows that we are better when we go towards our goals together and not just go alone. She is vocal about what she knows needs to be done and holds herself and her teammates to a high standard. Tyla has a drive to be great and she leads and encourages others to achieve greatness too. As her coach, I have valued Tyla’s leadership in our program.

Mike Barksdale

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Meridian High School

01/17/2025 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL

SERVICE

Brooklyn Fuller (Meridian)

Brooklyn Fuller finds value in service, especially when it comes to serving her basketball team as captain. She exemplifies what it truly means to be a leader and she does it all with extreme enthusiasm and humility. The way she brings joy with her wherever she goes and that enthusiasm for life is contagious for everyone around her. We are called to serve and Brooklyn answers that call day in and day out.

– Bree Joy

MHS Head Girls Basketball Coach”

ENTHUSIASM

Landen Downey (Meridian)

“When the request to nominate an exemplary athlete came out Landen’s name immediately popped into my head. You hear the phrase “coachable” thrown around alot, but with Landen it fits perfectly. He never makes excuses, takes constructive criticism earnestly, and almost immediately implements any changes or improvements you suggest. He is a quiet leader who doesn’t need to raise his voice to command respect. He is the first to arrive and the last to leave. Kids have off days, but you would never know what day that is with Landen, as he is consistent in his effort every time he steps on the field or the mat. At least once a season I send his parents a message to let them know just how great a kid they have raised. If I owned a business I would hire him, needed a favor I would ask him, or had to choose one kid for the game winning anything, it would be Landen ten times out of ten. He always looks out for the newer/younger kids, or anyone who might struggling and lifts them up with his attitude and enthusiasm. “

– Josh Zandstra Head Girls Wrestling Coach MHS

Mountaineer Athletics Person of Distinction – Jolene Baisden

01/13/2025 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Mount Baker Athletics

Person of Distinction – Jolene Baisden

I am super honored to be writing about my friend and coworker Jolene Baisden. I met Jolene over 28 years ago when she and my husband were volunteering for the local fire department. We became quick friends and I have to say that she has been by my side through the darkest times in my life but also for some of the best times as well.

Jolene not only has been a great friend to countless others and me but she is also a dedicated wife, mother and daughter to her family. She is a proud member of the Tlingit nation from SW Alaska, which is evident by her countless hours, and love that she has provided to the many first nation students at our school. Jolene can be found in many diverse and challenging classes providing expert assistance. Further, you can find her sharing her office with students that might need a mental break, a snack, or just a quiet place to study. Another wonderful thing about Jolene is her willingness to be involved with the extracurricular events around the school. Jolene can be found taking tickets at Friday night football games year after year and assisting with the JH/HS school volleyball and basketball scorebooks. Moreover, one cannot forget to appreciate the many hours she has spent being a union secretary, a member of the Athletic Booster Club and countless other committees and boards throughout her 25-year career with the district.

Jolene Baisden is a true pillar of strength in our community and in our school district. She leads by strong moral and ethical beliefs, a warm and thoughtful heart and the willingness to hold herself up when faced with a challenge. I am thrilled that she is being recognized as a person of distinction, she is truly deserving!

Stacy Cain

Mount Baker School District

Sedro-Woolley Growing Track & Field with New Podcast!

01/09/202501/08/2025 by kowen

Skagit County Track & Field Podcast – Season 2, Episode 1: Back on the Track!

Get ready for another season of spikes, sprints, and soaring jumps! Join hosts Jake and Johnny as they kick off Season 2 of the Skagit County Track & Field Podcast. In this preview episode, they’ll outline what you can expect in the coming weeks, including exciting interviews with Skagit County coaches and even coaches of state championship-winning teams! Plus, they’ll recap all the action from the 2024 Skagit County Track Meet, highlighting the top performances and memorable moments. Don’t miss the starting gun for Season 2 – tune in now!

YouTube Channel Link:

Spotify Channel Link:

Northwest Conference “Thank an Official” Campaign

12/20/2024 by kowen

Northwest Conference
“Thank an Official” Campaign

During the school year, the 16 member schools of the Northwest Conference are recognizing the importance of the umpires, referees and officials who manage our athletic contests. During each of our athletic seasons, the Northwest Conference has designated a week to show our appreciation for officials through the “Thank an Official” Campaign. Throughout the NWC, we are recognizing and celebrating our officials.

More than 5,000 officials serve Washington State high schools by doing their best to ensure all contests are fair, safe and fun.

Officials are required to register with the state officials’ association, complete annual rules meetings, and attend yearly training clinics. In addition, they spend countless hours in preparation for and traveling to contests.

High school officiating is an avocation, not a vocation. It is something done in addition to full-time employment. Officials work for the enjoyment of staying involved with the sports they love and for the opportunity to give back to kids, coaches and schools.

Officials are crucial in providing our student participants an opportunity to learn life lessons through education-based athletics. Enforcing the rules of the game fairly and consistently, and holding students and coaches to behavior expectations, are vitally important to successful high school events.

We ask all spectators, athletes, and coaches to be especially appreciative of the officials and the great job they do in serving our kids and programs. Without them there are no games!

More officials are needed in all sports and at all levels. For more information on how you can get involved, go to woa-officials.com for more information on becoming an official.

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Lynden High School

12/09/202412/09/2024 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL

COMPOSURE

Kiki York (Lynden)

A composed athlete possesses the mental fortitude to remain calm and focused under immense pressure, allowing them to make clear decisions and execute their skills effectively even when facing setbacks or challenging situations. Kiki York exemplifies this in both basketball and track.

Kiki’s ability to remain calm no matter how big the moment, is a testament to her composure. She always competes with a level of control that allows her to rise to the occasion.

TOLERANCE

Spencer Adams (Lynden)

Spencer Adams personifies the word “tolerance” because he has a fair, objective, and welcoming approach about the people he comes across at school. Whether it is in the classroom or on the basketball court, Spencer respects and accepts others who are like him and those who are unlike him. He is the first to offer to give younger players rides to team events.

Spencer encourages and supports all his teammates and sets a good example in his behavior and attitude. In addition, he is all-in for younger students in our community whether it is serving lunches at elementary schools or teaching the game of basketball to seventh graders at one of Lynden’s youth basketball camps. Tolerance is a good virtue, but Spencer goes beyond that because he is also kind to students and staff.

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Lakewood High School

12/05/202412/02/2024 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

CONFIDENCE

Bakary Sonko – (Lakewood)

Bakary was nominated by teacher, coach, and advisor Mr. Sam Watson. He writes, “Bakary is the perfect example of representing our school, community, and team with great character, confidence and leadership. Not only is he a talented athlete, but he is confident in his own ability but in those of his teammates as well. He is the kindest young man I have had the pleasure of coaching. In just one year of knowing him as an athlete there were countless examples of Bakary going out of his way to include and support any of the younger players.” Bakary is a member of our varsity football, basketball, and soccer teams.

CARING

Megan Omlid (Lakewood)

Meg is known around Lakewood to be as caring as she is talented. She can always be counted on to help in any situation and serves our school in countless ways. Meg is a lead mentor in our Cougar Crew, plays Unified Basketball, and is a member of our Student Section Committee. She is our ASB Treasurer and also performs as part of our LHS choir. Meg was nominated by Coaches Alyssa Conn and Chris Walster. She is a member of our varsity volleyball and track and field programs and was also recognized this year as Lakewood’s representative to the Northwest Conference Leaders in Sportsmanship.

Cougars Person of Distinction – Dawn Taylor

11/22/202411/21/2024 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Lakewood Athletics

Person of Distinction – Dawn Taylor

Dawn volunteers her time as the Director of Operations for both our football and boys basketball programs. She spends countless hours at practices, on the sidelines and at the table supporting the players and coaches of Lakewood High School. In addition to her role of coach and supporter of our football and basketball teams, Dawn also serves on the Lakewood School District Board Director. Dawn is a Lakewood graduate and has raised her four children in the District, two of whom have continued on to play college football. Dawn Taylor represents the dedication and service that keep our community alive and vibrant. She is a true public servant who brings people together with ideas and has an uncanny ability to make things happen.