By James Day
The Academic All-State awards are in for spring activities, with both Kennedy and Silverton high schools placing well in multiple areas.
Kennedy finished best in its class in two sports, baseball and softball. The Trojans’ baseball team, which won its fourth consecutive Tri-River Conference title, turned in a cumulative 3.69 grade point average. Kennedy’s softball team, which finished tied for third in the district, also led the state, with a 3.92 grade point average.
Two other Trojans’ teams also placed in the top 10, boys track and field (seventh, 3.34 GPA) and band (eighth, 3.01 GPA).
Silverton, meanwhile, placed in the top 10 in seven activities in Class 5A, led by a second-place finish by its baseball team (3.68 GPA). Other top 10 finishes included boys track and field (third, 3.58 GPA), choir (sixth, 3.37 GPA), girls track and field (seventh, 3.70 GPA), girls golf (ninth, 3.53 GPA), softball (ninth (3.51 GPA) and band (10th, 3.42 GPA).
The Oregonian Cup: In the annual all-sports, all-school year competition compiled by The Oregonian, Kennedy finished third in Class 2A, behind Portland Christian and Union. Silverton, meanwhile, was 16th in Class 5A.
The standings are based on a combination of athletic success in Oregon School Activities Association competitions, academics (teams receive points for having a cumulative GPA in the top 10 in their activities and sportsmanship (teams earn extra points for having no ejections).
All-state: Kennedy baseball, which finished 25-4 and advanced to the Class 2A-1A quarterfinals, placed four players on the all-state teams.
Senior pitcher Dalton Susee was a first-team selection, senior outfielder Mark Unrein was a second-team choice, senior designated player Ty Sawyer made the third team, and senior first baseman Blake Traeger received honorable mention.
Meanwhile, Silverton softball, which finished second to West Albany in the Mid-Willamette Conference with a 17-4 record, placed two athletes on the Class 5A all-state team. Senior catcher Kayla Stocker was a first-team pick, while senior infielder Destinee Sandlin made the second team.
Homer races: The annual Homer Classic 8-kilometer run and 2-mile run/walk will be held Sunday, Aug. 3. The races switched from their normal Saturday slot two years ago so as not to interfere with traffic issues arising from the Homer Davenport Community Festival parade.
The races, whose proceeds benefit cross country and track and field programs at Kennedy and Silverton high schools, start at 9 a.m. at Silverton’s Schlador Street campus.
Registration costs $28 with a technical T-shirt and $15 without a shirt. Runners and walkers can find information on how to register at homerdavenport.com/hevent14.php. Day-of-the race registration is $20, with T-shirts an extra $15 if any are still available.
The races start and end on the track and the 8K course goes through the Gallon House Bridge. Ribbons will be presented to the top three finishes in each age group of the 8K, and the top 10 runners in the 2-mile, and there will be prize drawings after the race.
Those with questions should contact Kennedy track and field and cross country coach Steve Ritchie at 503-845-1801 or [email protected].
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