A team of Silverton middle-schoolers has come home with a state baseball title. Silverton’s JBO Senior Federal team outlasted Beaverton 11-9 in the July 23 title game at Central High in Independence.
It was the third meeting of the tournament between Silverton and Beaverton. Silverton won the first contest 12-10 on Friday, July 21, before falling 7-6 to the Beaverton squad on Sunday, a result that set up the winner-take-all championship matchup in which Silverton rallied from a 5-0 deficit.
“This team showed so much toughness and grit, no matter what happened they never gave up and continued to fight,” said head coach Blinn Carstensen. “Our pitching and hitting depth made a difference throughout the season and was especially important in the state tournament. Whether at the plate or in the field we had key contributions from all 11 of our players. I’m excited to watch these young men as they continue to grow both on and off the field.”
Players taking part for Silverton included Trey Carstensen, Jai Thao, Luke Horner, Kane Mack, James Collier, Caden Druliner, Wyatt Hurl, North Sheldon, Henry Briggs, Colson Swartz and Noah Blodgett. In addition to Blinn Carstensen the team was coached by John Horner, Nick Foreman and Ty Hurl.
Trey Cartensen of Silverton took home the individual sportsmanship award for the tournament.
This is the second state JBO title for Silverton in four years. In 2019, the program’s Junior American squad captured a state title. Players participating on both title teams include Henry Briggs, Wyatt Hurl, Kane Mack, Luke Horner, Trey Carstensen and James Collier. Ty Hurl and Blinn Carstensen coached both squads.
Officials needed: The Oregon Athletic Officials Association and the Oregon School Activities Association are recruiting officials for the high school fall sports season. There is an immediate need for officials in football, volleyball and soccer.
Becoming a high school official has several benefits, including staying involved in athletics, maintaining good physical condition and earning money, according to OAOA Executive Director Jack Folliard.
“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” Folliard said. “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”
Those interested should visit www.newofficials.org.
Daddys Dash: Mount Angel 16-year-old AJ Aker captured first place in the 10-kilometer Daddys Dash race held Saturday, June 17 in Mount Angel. Aker ran the 6.2 miles in 37:53.2, nearly three minutes ahead of runner-up Sean Aker, who ran 40:17.5. Sophia Patterson of Salem ran 51:49.1 to finish ninth overall and take top honors for women runners.
Scotts Mills runner Johnathan Kintz, 17, captured the 5K event in 18:13.5, nearly 2.5 minutes ahead of runner-up Reese O’Connell, 40, of Salem, who ran 20:44.0. Kristin Barber, 50, of Keizer, ran 24:12.7 to finish seventh and was the top woman finisher.
Nearly 120 individuals participated in the races.
Homer’s Classic: This year’s races, including a 2-mile run-walk and an 8K covered bridge run, get rolling at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, starting from Silverton High on Pine Street. Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Silverton/HomerClassic to register. Please note that because of construction on James Street, the 2-mile run-walk will be conducted entirely on campus, including a 0.86-mile gravel jogging path that is not stroller friendly. The 8K runners will run for 200 yards on Highway 214, but cones and course monitors will be in place to keep the runners safe.
Sponsored by the Silverton Runners Club, proceeds benefit cross country and track and field programs in Mount Angel and Silverton.
