TCP; Cougar baseball swings into season

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 14
Sports

March is just around the corner and that means it will be time for baseball. In this frigid winter season, the men of Cougar baseball have been diligently honing their skills for spring. Cougar freshman Cody Watkins is one of the hard working Clackamas athletes practicing for spring season.

“It’s slow right now because we can’t go outside,” said Watkins. “Just trying to get prepared inside before the weather gets good.”

The team has been acclimating to college ball and learning to work together. They have been hard at work all school year. The Cougars hope to translate their synergy into success against the competition during spring season.

“We’ve been together since fall,” said Watkins. “It’s nice to have that bond. There’s a lot of us coming out of high school where we use aluminum bats. Getting used to wood bats is different, takes some pop off your swing, bunting is easier.”

Some of the team is new and some are veterans, but they all have room to improve and they have been consistent on that goal. Cougar Hayden Heying has enjoyed building the team’s prowess throughout the year and is excited for spring.

“We’ll be the sleeper team of the league,” said Heying. “Trying to get stronger, throw harder. Trying to get one of the starting roles. We’re working pretty good, team chemistry seems to be pretty good.”

The NWAACC rules allow baseball to include an unofficial fall and winter schedule before they start the regular spring season. The Cougars fall season is from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15. Nov. and Dec. are for conditioning only. Winter baseball is Jan. 15 to March 1, then spring season starts. During the Spring baseball is allowed 22 game days against opponents. Spring season lasts until June 1.

The weather hasn’t allowed for any pre-season games since fall, but that didn’t stop the Cougars from improving. Shortstop Taren Bradd is excited for Spring too. He enjoys the teamwork in baseball and looks for the hard hits. Like his teammates, he has been honing his game in order to perform at maximum capacity.

“I’ve been working on hitting, staying inside the ball and becoming a leader,” said Bradd. “My favorite part of baseball is hitting line-drives, hitting the ball hard and making plays.”

Head Coach Robin Robinson has been teaching and coaching at Clackamas since 1990. He has seen his fair share of various teams with different skill levels to work with. Robinson is impressed with his team this year. He welcomes the talented returners and looks forward to seeing the team perform in league.

“I feel really good about the sophomore returners,” said Robinson. “Good group of sophomore kids. The depth of our pitching is better than we’ve had in years.”

With such dedication towards practice, Clackamas is off to a good start this year. The coming season will test their strength as a team. The Cougars first four games of the spring season are set for this weekend against Spokane in The Dalles. They will play two games on Saturday and two on Sunday.

TCP; Cougars triumph, wash Riverhawks down-stream

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 13
Sports

The Clackamas women’s basketball team dazzled the crowd with a strong performance Saturday afternoon. The Cougars faced the Umpqua Riverhawks in a match that involved a fist-full of three-pointers. The teamwork of the Cougars overcame the Riverhawks, with Clackamas winning 81-66.

Umpqua didn’t roll over and die. In fact, they were actually ahead during the first half. Umpqua took the lead with a three-pointer for 14-16. Umpqua fouled and Clackamas tied it back up at 16-16 with the free throw. Umpqua would never gain the lead back for the rest of the game.

Lacy Effenberger made a three-pointer with 9:12 left on the clock. The score was 19-16. The game remained competitive. With Clackamas leading at 25-23, Emily Pengelly caught a great pass from Effenberger to score a three-pointer. Pengelly was happy with the team’s communication and cohesiveness, she said.

“My favorite part was when there was flow together and the team was talking,” said Pengelly. “Ball movement was good and we took the shots that we needed to. Our lead kept up momentum. I think we’re looking really good for NWAACCs.”

Freshman Cassidy Edwards continued on the offensive with two points for Clackamas. After a time-out, Edwards sunk a two-point shot again. The score was 30-23 with 4:14 left in the first half. Throughout the game Edwards scored two of the 13 three-pointers by Clackamas. She was satisfied with the win and her team’s performance Saturday.

“That was really overdue,” said Edwards. “Everything ran really smoothly and we topped them on defense. That was a big win for us. If we continue to play like we have been, we’re gonna go to Kennewick and kick some ass and take some names.”

Nearing the end of the first half, the action was far from over. After an Umpqua point on a free throw, Effenberger answered with an ominous three-pointer. Umpqua was able to score two more points before the half ended, but Clackamas rained down more three-pointers. Tori Wilkinson hit the first and Effenberger picked-up another right at the buzzer. Clackamas commanded a 41-26 lead at half time.

Effenberger began the second half with a relentless three-pointer. After Umpqua scored a free throw the score was 44-27. Edwards followed with two points and Emily Pengelly hit a three. At 49-31, Umpqua began to fight back harder, gaining a few points from free-throws and two pointers. Umpqua brought the score up to 49-35.
During the back-and-forth fight for points and position, Clackamas freshman Lorissa Martine scored a nice two-point shot. The score was 54-37 and the battle continued up and down the court. Then Effenberger blasted through the defense and launched one her signature three-pointers for 57-37.

Edwards continued the momentum with a slick hook shot under the basket. The scoreboard read 59-37. Umpqua tirelessly retaliated, scoring four more points before Effenberger sunk one more three-pointer. Effenberger then made a free throw shot from an Umpqua foul. The score was 63-44. Effenberger’s three-pointer rampage included six stellar scoring shots out of 15 attempts. She was happy to win and was impressed with her team’s progress through the season, she said.

“We were off to a good start,” said Effenberger. “We had a few bumps in the road with injuries. That was a good game for us. We came out and accomplished it without any hesitation.”

Umpqua snuck-in a three-pointer, answered by Martine with a three. Then Umpqua hit another couple of three-pointers, bringing the score to 66-53. Umpqua showed that despite trailing, they were in the game to win. They methodically kept up with Clackamas on scoring through the remainder of the game.

The Cougars last shot of the night came from Wilkinson with a solid two-pointer. The second half was a better one for Umpqua. Even though they failed to gain a lead like they did in the first half, Umpqua was able to match Clackamas in score. Both teams scored 40 points in the second half. Despite the River Hawks attempt at a comeback, Clackamas won 81-66.

TCP; Cougars control action on the mat

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 10
Sports

The No. 4 ranked Cougar wrestling team continued to represent the fighting spirit of Clackamas last Friday. They took out No. 23 ranked Southwestern Oregon Lakers.

The match announcer, Aaron Hall, introduced the wrestlers with crowd-pleasing, fight-style face offs. It was good foreshadowing of the impressive battles that took place. The Cougars showed how hard work and determination pay off. They set a good example for all Clackamas students with their work ethic and performance.

“In wrestling, you’re never done,” said Hall. “You’re working on your weaknesses and strengths a lot.”

The 125-pound division was a forfeit for Clackamas, and Southwestern Oregon’s Matthew Nguyen was awarded the win. The score started out 0-6 in favor of the Lakers.

The first match was CCC’s very talented  C.J. Palmer versus Lucas Garza at 133 pounds. With a bit of a feeling-out process, Palmer finally caught the elusive Garza. Palmer held him with all four limbs up, winning via pin.

“He was really defensive, he didn’t want to wrestle,” said Palmer. “I had to lose four pounds before the meet. I was tired from running. It’s hard cutting weight right before a match.” 

The team score was tied after the first match 6-6. Next, at 141 pounds was CCC’s Robbie Rizzolino against Matt Gay. As Rizzolino tenaciously attempted to catch Gay, Gay executed a spectacular one-handed cartwheel evade. Gay gained the advantage and used excellent control. Gay won by decision. The score was then 6-9 Lakers lead.
At 149 pounds, Kenny Martin faced the Lakers’ Aaron Villain. Martin won the competitive match 7-4 and tied the meet 9-9. The Lakers had to forfeit the 157 pounds match, so the Cougars took the lead 15-9. For the 165 pounds division, Shane Sheppard of Clackamas wrestled Andrew Orr.

A few seconds into the match the referee halted the action for blood on the mat.

“There’s blood everywhere,” he declared.

It was Orr’s nose. At the restart from standing position Orr took a two-point takedown and got a pin. Orr won. The score was tied again, 15-15. Moving up the weight divisions, at 174 pounds, Tyler White was set to wrestle Mikey Ayala of Southwestern Oregon. White had a very good takedown and near-fall, accruing five points, and relentlessly tried to get Ayala’s arm out from underneath to get a pin. Ayala defended the pin, but White won. Clackamas took the lead again, 18-15.

Next up was 184 pounds Cougar powerhouse Adrian Salas versus Kolbjorn Skaflestad.

Skaflestad almost had a two-point takedown but Salas rolled at the last second. The referee called it as off the mat. The Lakers’ coach was very upset with the call. Salas executed a powerful two-point takedown and got two more points controlling the action and then two more. Salas got an impressive pin winning the match.

For the 197 pounds division, Ihoughama Odigizuwa accepted the win for Clackamas, putting the score at 24-15 as the Lakers’ forfeit.

Last, but certainly not least was CCC’s imposing 285 pounds Brandon Johnson against Teran Reedy.

Johnson had a strong two-point takedown and grabbed another three points before almost pinning Reedy. Johnson earned another three points for a dominant score of 8-0. He got another two-point takedown for 10-0 and one point for stalling was awarded to Johnson against Reedy, 11-0. Then one point was awarded to Reedy against Johnson for stalling, 11-1. Johnson executed one of the night’s most spectacular techniques with a takedown slam right at the buzzer. Johnson won 14-1.

“The slam was great,” said announcer Hall. “It was fantastic, the crowd loves those techniques. It gets the crowd into it.”

Johnson’s win put the final meet score at 34-15. Clackamas won, as expected, in dominating fashion. The following morning, Saturday, Jan. 25, the team traveled to Forest Grove for the Boxer Open tournament.
Johnson was satisfied with his team’s performance Friday night. He knew he had to stay consistent in his own game as well to succeed in the championships this season, he said.

“There’s been ups and downs,” said Johnson. “Trying to have more ups right now, just trying to push through being tired, trying to get in shape this season. Third round is usually when I start getting tired. You can lead the whole match and lose it all at the end.”

Palmer had confidence in his team for the remainder of the season and saw the possibility of championship glory.

“The biggest challenge will be getting mentally prepared,” said Palmer. “I think everyone should be ready.”
The Cougars’ last home meet will be against Pacific University on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Then on Feb. 15 they will head to Rock Creek, Wyo.,  for regionals.

TCP; Cougar wrestling beats #1 ranked North Idaho team

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 9
Sports

Staying true to form, the Cougar wrestling team has dominated much of their competition this season. Clackamas won the Cliff Keen National Duals earlier this month. Last Sunday, CCC hosted the Clackamas Open Wrestling Tournament. Schools from all over the North West attended the event and Clackamas saw seven of its team members place in the top three.

The previous Saturday featured an important meet at Clackamas between No. 4 ranked CCC and No. 1 ranked North Idaho. Clackamas came out on top. In front of a large and excited home crowd Clackamas avenged their loss from December to the top team in the nation 27-14.

First to hit the mat was Clackamas’ 125 lbs. Stevan Knoblauch who won against Jared Miller with a fall. Knoblauch placed first in the 125 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. In the 133 lbs. division CJ Palmer also earned a victory for Clackamas Saturday via fall against Zach Mahaney.

The scoreboard read 12-0 in favor of Clackamas. The 141 lbs. division was up. Robert Rizzolino wrestled for Clackamas against Kit Major. Rizzolino won and placed first in the 141 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. Daniel Leonard of CCC took second in that division as well Sunday.

The first three matches set a good pace for the team and fired up the crowd. The score was 17-0. At 149 lbs. Kenny Martin faced North Idaho’s Jeremy Golding. Golding won. Martin placed second in the 149 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.

With the visiting team finally on the scoreboard at 17-4, the 157 lbs. division brought out Clackamas’ Eleazar DeLuca to face Nico Moreno. North Idaho’s coach accused DeLuca of a choke.

“The coach tried to argue that it was a choke hold, but it was completely legal,” said DeLuca.

Moreno showed some fast escapes, but DeLuca answered with a solid takedown. DeLuca won the match 9-7 avenging his loss from December in Idaho.

“I felt like I controlled it,” said DeLuca. “I would have liked to have been more offensive, my main objective is to be in control in matches.”

DeLuca has had a very successful season so far.

“It’s been pretty good, we won Nationals last week,” said DeLuca. “Every week we just build a little more and keep progressing.”

Commanding a strong lead 20-4 Clackamas next sent 165 lbs. Kyle Bateman to wrestle Tyler Mclean. Mclean had a very good two point takedown in the first round. Bateman utilized excellent control in second round and wouldn’t let Mclean up. Bateman had Mclean’s left arm tied up behind his back. Bateman scored with a relentless two point takedown in round 3.     

Tied, the match went to overtime sudden victory. Mclean won the competitive match with a two point takedown. Bateman placed second in the 165 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
The Cougars were still in the lead with 20-7. At 174 lbs. Tyler White of Clackamas was pitted against Derrick Booth. White grabbed booth’s leg but Booth reversed the disadvantage and took a two point takedown. White managed an excellent reversal after being tied-up on the mat. Booth won 4-2. White pushed Booth in face at end and the ref called unsportsmanlike conduct for pushing in the face after whistle. The officials took two points from Clackamas making it 19-10.

Clackamas still held the advantage however. The Cougars sent 184 lbs. Adrian Salas to battle Johnathan Dennis. Salas won in dominating fashion 17-2 and placed second in the 184 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.

Staying well ahead of their opponents at 24-10 the Cougars set up 197 lbs. Ihoghama Odigizuwa to compete against the number one wrestler in the division VJ Giulio. Odigizuwa had a good two point takedown despite Giulio trying to flip out of it. Odigizuwa also executed a great escape. The crowd was very excited, Guilio landed a takedown. Odigizuwa took an impressive win 8-4.

“Last time we wrestled there was a lot of mistakes I made,” said Odigizuwa. “But coach helped me work on those. The hard work in the wrestling room and my conditioning helped.”

Odigizuwa placed first in the 197 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament and has proven to be a force to reckon with this season.

“It’s been alright, I won some and lost some,” said Odigizuwa. “Been working really hard in the wrestling room.”

A solid 27-10 lead was an assured team victory for the Cougars, but one match remained; 285 lbs. Brandon Johnson of Clackamas against Taylor Kurnoely. Kurnoely won. Clackamas was victorious as the team finished 27-14.

Head coach Josh Rhoden was pleased with the outcome of the meet.

“The kids wrestled great,” said Rhoden. “The number one team in the country came in and we had a good crowd. North Idaho beat us last time. We actually should have won a few more matches.”

The win solidifies Clackamas as one of the top contenders in the NJCAA and puts them at 9-3 for the season. The next home meet will be this Friday Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. against Southwest Oregon.

TCP; Women's basketball stays competitive

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 9
Sports

Winter is a good time for indoor sports and the Clackamas women’s basketball team has been heating the coals with a promising start to the 2014 season. With wins over Lane and Southwestern Oregon, Clackamas was 2-1 going into Wednesday’s game against the Chemeketa Storm.

The hard-fought win put Clackamas at 3-1 in league, 14-3 overall for the season. The road to victory last Wednesday evening was grueling and demanded patience. Both teams were methodical and defensive, but the Cougars were able to keep the lead and came out on top.

Much of the game was played at the free throw line as Chemeketa racked up fouls, Clackamas gave up a few fouls as well. The Cougars were aggressive early with nice shot attempts. They lead with a score of 4-0 in the first few minutes. Laci Effenberger started off strong with a good layup scoring two points for a solid 6-0 lead.

“We’re really working on playing possession for possession. The season has been really good, every game is the most important game of the season,” said Effenberger.

Shortly after Chemeketa scored their first shot of the game Tori Wilkinson hit a nice three pointer showing that the Cougars were there to fight the Storm. Clackamas was ahead 11-2 when their next three pointer found it’s mark. Emily Pengelly scored the shot putting the lead at 14-2.

Chemeketa used good offense, bringing the score to 14-5, but Ericka Pengelly scored this time. She hit a nice layup for a 16-5 lead. 

The score had reached 18-11 and Chemeketa fouled Jasmine Gibbs-Brown. Clackamas took a 19-11 lead as she made her first free throw and missed the second. Chemeketa was still struggling to keep up, but they were able to hit a nice outside shot which put the score at 21-15.

Towards the end of the first half, Wilkinson drove the ball through the defense, scoring a layup. The Cougars commanded a 23-15 lead. Continuing their momentum, Gibbs-Brown sunk a nice shot from inside. The score was 25-15; Chemeketa fouled Gibbs-Brown. She hit one of two free throws for a score of 26-15. Chemeketa picked up another foul on Emily Pengelly who missed both free throws. The next foul was called on Clackamas and Chemeketa scored one of the following free throws, but the Cougars had the advantage with 26-16 at the half.
Chemeketa started the second half with the ball and hit a shot bringing the score to 26-18. Rebekah Jamerson found a nice shot earning the Cougars their first basket of the half and 28-18 on the scoreboard. Playing more offensively, Chemeketa tossed a three pointer in. The scoreboard read 28-21.

Chemeketa seemed much stronger beginning the second half. They made a shot during a Clackamas foul that put them closer at 28-23, but they missed both free throws. Chemeketa remained patient despite trailing. They kept up good defense and launched strategic offense as they scored another shot for 28-25.

Chemeketa fouled Emily Pengelly who made her first free throw and missed the second. The score was 29-25. Chemeketa kept the game competitive scoring again. Now 29-27, the Cougars fouled Chemeketa. They scored both free throws, tying the game at 29-29 with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Less than two minutes later, Emily Pengelly took back the lead with another well-timed three pointer for 32-29. A Clackamas foul gave Chemeketa two free throws, both scored for 32-31. Chemeketa then fouled Wilkinson who made both free throws putting the lead at 34-31.

After a timeout, Clackamas fouled again, but it was for a single free throw. Chemeketa missed. Another Clackamas foul put Chemeketa back in front of the basket, making both free throws with 34-33.

Chemeketa picked up another foul on Gibbs-Brown who made both free throws commanding a 36-33 lead. Again Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made one free throw for 37-33. Clackamas caught another foul, too, and Chemeketa made a free throw to 37-34. Chemeketa found their next foul on Effenberger with 6:19 left on the clock. She made both free throws. Clackamas lead 39-34.

Chemeketa scored at 5:35 on the clock for 39-36. The infractions were piling up as Clackamas fouled Chemeketa. They made one free throw, taking the score to 39-37. Clackamas called a timeout at 4:43.

Emily Pengelly passed-in to Gibbs-Brown, who scored. At 43-37 on the scoreboard Chemeketa fouled Effenberger who made both free throws, 45-37. Clackamas fouled Chemeketa with 1:28 remaining. Chemeketa made both free throws for 45-39. Chemeketa was scrambling to try and catch up. They called a timeout with 57 seconds to go.

Chemeketa was penalized with another foul call at 0:38. Clackamas missed the single free throw. Chemeketa fouled again immediately after and Gibbs-Brown showed consistency making both free throws for a strong 47-39
lead. She lead in scoring with 14 points in the game.

“We’ve meshed really well as a team,” said Gibbs-Brown. “It feels like I’ve known them for five years but it hasn’t even been a year yet. When it comes down to it when we saw them catching up we really pulled together as a team. Once we came together on defense our offense came together when it counted.”

Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made a free throw for 48-39. Then another Chemeketa foul on Effenberger put the Storm further behind the Cougars as she made both free throws for 50-39. Clackamas won 50-39.

Head coach Jim Martineau was happy with the win, but saw room for improvement.

“We’re ranked second in the Northwest,” said Martineau. “We haven’t scored great this year, but defensively this is the best team I’ve been with. We’re three and one in league.”

Effenberger played hard and put some great plays together with her teammates.

“That’s a good win for us,” said Effenberger. “We’re so used to hitting shots, when we’re not hitting them it’s nice to come away with a win, making defensive stops.”

On Friday the Cougars travelled to Roseburg where they lost a close 72-76 game against Umpqua, but they will have a chance for revenge on Feb. 15 when they play Umpqua on home court. The Cougars next home game and chance to avenge their first loss of the official season will be Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. against Portland.

TCP; The new face of MMA in OC

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 8
Sports

Oregon City was the end of the Oregon Trail in the early 1800s. Pioneers and frontiersmen traveled from across the country to take part in the economic hub of the West. Now martial artists and athletes from the city and surrounding areas can convene at a hub of their own. Pyramid Sports Training Mixed Martial Arts Academy is the newest addition to historic downtown OC.

Located at 1401 Washington St., the new gym brings a much needed diversity to the local martial arts community. Practitioners of all martial arts have a place they can exchange ideas with others and become more well-rounded combatants.

“I just want to give fighters a home,” said owner and head instructor Forrest Parkinson. “I want this to be a one-stop shop for mixed martial arts.”

Parkinson teaches the MMA class for adults, kids and young adults. He is a brown belt in Taekwondo and taught it for one and a half years. Parkinson taught Krav Maga for two and a half years. He also has wrestling and Jiu Jitsu experience.

His father Keith Parkinson is part owner of the gym along with Isidro Sanchez. Parkinson senior is a U.S. Olympic weightlifting coach; he worked with college and pro athletes on speed agility quickness, SAQ. Sanchez is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Ryan Carr is also a black belt in Taekwondo and is a nutritionist; he will join the staff along with another certified BJJ instructor. Pepsi worked out a deal to sponsor the gym, helping with signs, donating Gatorade, waters and juice.

“Painting expenses were $6,000 over budget,” said Parkinson. “The last thing will be a platform [hanging] from ceiling for focus bags.”

Talesha Wood, Parkinson’s fiancé, painted the majority of the back rooms.

“We scraped the ceiling and sanded and spray painted, it was very hard,” said Wood. “Scraping was the hardest and keeping him [Parkinson] together. I knew one way or another he’d get what he wanted.” 

According to Woods, they had looked at three different places before deciding on this one.

“I’m excited about this place because I can start practicing self-defense,” said Wood. “We can keep it all family and friends and none of us are greedy. We’ve made so many new friends.”

Membership dues will start at $99 a month for regular classes and go up to $200 a month for fighters until they compete. Then training will be free. Punch card options are also available. The 80-year-old building has given them challenges as they wanted to be open Nov. 1. The new gym is already home to five local fighters, including two women.

“I want to give women fighters a place to feel comfortable and not be treated differently,” said Parkinson. 

Amateur female fighter Kacey Schreiber has a record of 3-0 and will fight for Pyramid. Amateur male fighter Jordan Carstensen has a record of 1-0 and will also fight for Pyramid.

Also fighting for Pyramid will be amateur Boxer/MMA fighter Jon Connors who has a record of 3-1in MMA and 4-0 in boxing. The training and curriculum will not involve testing, but instead will focus on performance-based rankings, much like Jiu Jitsu. Kajukenbo will have belt system. Curtis Frost Jr. is a U.S. Boxing coach who knows his stuff.

The gym has a very convenient amenity, a shower and also two bathrooms. They will also have lockers. Patrons can take a load-off in the lounge area, which features a couch and a TV.

Pyramid has a myriad of good equipment, including a great mat for grappling and a cage wall to practice against.

“If you train safe and smart, nobody gets hurt,” said Parkinson.

Carstensen works across the street at Spicer Bros. and saw the sign one day.

“The sign said Pyramid MMA,” said Carstensen. “I’ve had a little experience in MMA so I thought I’d check it out.”
Carstensen aspires to be an instructor some day.

“First fighting and see how I do and maybe coach,” said Carstensen.

He lists his strength as Jiu Jitsu.

“I need to work on my mentality for competing,” said Carstensen. “I had one fight, [won] 45 second TKO at the Washington Fisticuffs Gym event.”

He looks forward to his second fight.

With a good stable of fighters growing and qualified instructors available, the new gym has a bit to offer and if things go well it could turn into a local mecca of martial arts and sports training.

TCP; Cougar men finish fourth

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 8
Sports

Heart and perseverance catapulted the Cougars to fourth place in the men’s basketball tournament Thanksgiving weekend. The town of Mt. Vernon, Wash., hosted the Skagit Valley Cold Turkey Tournament.

Clackamas lost a close 84-87 battle against Northwest Indian College. They came back with an impressive 74-52 win over Tacoma Community College and finally a solid 82-71 victory against Wenatchee Valley College  for fourth place.

Score leaders in the Tacoma game were Tim Lott with 19 and Brandon Halter with 16. Grant Sitton grabbed eight rebounds and scored 11 points against Tacoma. Against Wenatchee, in the Cougars last game of the tournament, point leaders were Lott and Halter again. Lott hit 15 points and Halter 22. Ezekiel Martin snagged nine rebounds and scored 12 points.

Big Bend Community College took first place, defeating Skagit Valley College on Sunday. The Cougars moved to 4-2 in the season. They next face Clark College Saturday Dec. 7,  at 4 p.m. at home.

TCP; Cougars finish in Top 10 at NWAACC Championship

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 7
Sports

The regular volleyball season was over, but last weekend the Cougars kept swinging. The NWAACC championship was held at Mt. Hood Community College. The tournament featured 29 teams from the North west. Clackamas placed seventh in the competition.

Thursday, Nov. 21, the Cougars faced Shoreline for their first game of the championships. The game against Shoreline was an excellent example of the Cougars’ intensity and patience. Clackamas measured Shoreline’s attacks well and let the ball go when Shoreline hit it out. The game was one of attrition, so the Cougars patience really paid off. Set number one ended with a trio of well-aimed serves by Clackamas freshman Sierra VeraCruz. The Cougars 25th point ending the set was scored after a hard-fought long volley. The first set was 25-16.
Another long volley beginning set two cost the Cougars a point and Shoreline gained a slight edge with four points to nothing. Kiki Stonebraker started the comeback with a kill, and some inspiring teamwork brought Clackamas another point, bringing the score to 2-4.

Shoreline still held the lead at 4-9, then more Cougar teamwork put the points at 5-9 with a set by Alexa Toth to Bre Gibbons’ kill. VeraCruz continued the momentum with a couple of surprisingly effective back-to-back digs. Toth made great use of the second dig with a marvelous set over the net that scored. Clackamas kept catching-up at 8-9.

The set continued competitively with the score tied a few times. Stonebraker faked a spike and instead tipped the ball over the net, breaking the tie at 13-12. Shoreline ran ahead with a series of scores and was able to win the second set at 20-25.

Shoreline came back for the third set with three straight points, but Clackamas answered with three of their own to tie it up at 3-3. The Cougars held on to a good run, scoring four more before Shoreline was able to get a shot through. Gibbons fired right back with a kill earning the score of 8-4. Gibbons later powered another kill through to put the numbers at 17-13 in the Cougars’ favor. Another Gibbons power shot blasted through at 19-15. Clackamas stayed dominant in the third and won 25-18.

“Bre had like eight serves in a row,” said Stonebraker. “Stringing points together changed the momentum.”

A fourth set was played for the game, and freshman Hanna Olson scored the Cougars’ first point.

“The fourth game we got our momentum back up and when we had really good kills that got our momentum back up too,” said Olson.

It was a close set. The score reached 5-5 and a serve by Gibbons was sent back by Shoreline, meeting the great teamwork of Clackamas. The team’s perseverance gave Gibbons another opportunity to score and she landed another kill, gaining the lead at 6-5. Gibbons’ next score came from her following pin-point serve.

Celena Maxwell hit the next shot after great team set-up. The score was 8-5, but the Cougars didn’t let-up. Maxwell tipped the ball over at 13-5 and Gibbons continued to serve. Maxwell scored again on the run with a great kill, securing 20-5 before Shoreline was able to score again.

“I think the fourth set was the best because we had really good energy and came out and showed them Cougar volleyball,” said Maxwell.

When Shoreline finally did rack-up a few shots, Clackamas viciously battled back with tenacious teamwork. The scoreboard read 23-10 for Clackamas and Olson landed a solid kill. The next point won the set 25-10 for Clackamas and effectively the match was theirs, winning 3-1.

They next faced Blue Mountain. Olson was pumped coming off the game against Shoreline, she said. “I can’t wait, it’s exciting to be here,” she added.

Blue Mountain played a flawless season, entering the tournament with zero losses.

“They’re a solid team but if we come out on fire we can get ‘em,” said Stonebraker. “Anything can happen here. Lower Columbia beat Spokane. We just have to come out ready.”

The Cougars needed strong resolve and faith in their team if they wished to be competitive against the league leader.

“Oh my gosh, it felt so good to win,” said Maxwell. “The last game was a good way to end. We’re gonna come out strong with good intensity.”

Returning to the court Friday morning Nov. 22, the Cougars dropped the game against Blue Mountain, losing 1-3. Clackamas started strong and they were able to grab a victory in the first set with 25-20, but Blue Mountain secured the following three sets 15-25, 20-25 and 15-25. Clackamas was down, but not completely out as they geared-up for the losers bracket. Blue Mountain went on to win the championship against Olympic on Sunday.

The Cougars played Chemeketa later Friday evening. Using great teamwork, the ladies of Clackamas won 2-0 with 25-11 in the first set and 25-19 in the second. The team advanced and looked to keep a winning streak as they faced Spokane Saturday.

Saturday’s match decided who moved on and who dropped out. It was a very close game, but Spokane emerged victorious with the Cougars losing 1-2. Clackamas started strong with 25-22. It was a fast-paced, intense game and the Cougars seemed to have the upper hand until the score was tied 21-21 and Spokane ran ahead with a vengeance. Set two ended in 23-25. The final set went to Spokane, 11-15. Clackamas was officially out of the competition and placed seventh.

The Cougars had some excellent moments throughout the tournament. Gibbons lead the team in kills with 14 against Shoreline, 12 vs. Blue Mountain,  nine against Chemeketa, and scored 13 on Spokane.

Sunday, Gibbons and VeraCruz played for the South Region’s first team in the All-Star matches. Olson played on the second team. The North All-Stars defeated the South All-Stars 1-2 with 22-25, 25-21 and 15-11. The South All-Stars also lost to the West All-Stars 0-2 in a couple of close sets with 19-25 and 23-25.

TCP; NWAACC soccer wraps up season

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 6
Sports

NWAACC soccer season came to a close Sunday. Over the weekend, championship titles were awarded to teams.

Outstanding individual athletes and coaches were recognized and they took part in an All-Star match.

2013 NWAACC Women’s Soccer All-Stars from Clackamas were: South Region Coach of the Year Janine Szpara; South Region MVP Tori Roberts at midfield; Midfielder Claudia Flores; Defender Marci Haynes; and Keeper Melanie Trumbull. The Cougar All-Stars played for South-West in the 2-2 tie between North-East and South-West All-Star teams.

The winning women’s soccer team of the championships was Peninsula with a 2-1 victory against Edmonds on Sunday. Peninsula went undefeated in league this season.

Edmonds won their way into the final game with a victory on Saturday. That victory was a hard-fought, disappointing 1-2 loss for Clackamas. The Cougars subsequently placed third in the championships.

The ladies of Clackamas soccer are a classy and talented bunch. They were top in South Region and had an impressive season with 12-2-2 in league play. The Cougars have cause to be proud as they have proved to be one of the top teams in the league.

But luck was not on the Cougars’ side Saturday. The coin toss at the start of the game declared that Edmonds would kick off. The initial leverage of ball possession gave Edmonds a slight edge, putting Clackamas on the defensive early. Edmonds kept up the pressure.

Edmonds took a shot early in the first half that was deflected and went just wide, resulting in a corner kick. Shortly after, another Edmonds corner kick set up a header attempt that went over the Cougars’ goal.

A chill breeze and dark clouds rolled in momentarily, but the clouds passed and sun peeked back out. All-Star Claudia Florez attacked with a goal attempt that went over. The action flowed back towards the Cougars’ goal, Dija Kirkland took a hard fall while defending and a foul was called on Edmonds. Kirkland landed face-first outside the line and was down for a moment.

“She, like, kicked my ankle and I slid on the turf and twisted my ankle,” said Kirkland.

After the resulting free kick, Edmonds brought the attack back again, but Mecca Krutsinger tenaciously defended and deflected the ball. Then a corner kick by Edmonds brought a shot on goal, which Trumbull saved by smacking the ball away with both hands. Edmonds received another corner kick.

Edmonds sought another attack on goal and Trumbull showed how scrappy and resourceful she can be. With the pressure all on her, she saved multiple back-to-back, point-blank shots on goal. The Cougars used excellent teamwork and defense to stifle the attack. Trumbull was fired up. She yelled in triumph and pride for her team’s performance.

The Cougars picked up some momentum and started getting the better of the headers, defending and attacking. Towards the end of the first half, Marci Haynes showed solid defense as Edmonds attacked again. Then Edmonds shot, but it went over the goal.

The clouds returned and the sun was gone, dropping the temperature at 42 minutes on the scoreboard. As the first half neared its end, Tori Roberts took a great long shot that was just wide. It was 0-0 at halftime.

The second half began with an offside call against Clackamas. The play moved back toward Clackamas’ goal and a defensive slide tackle that looked like it hit the ball cleanly at first, was declared a foul, right outside the penalty box. Edmonds took an indirect free kick and managed to put together the first goal of the game. Clackamas was down 0-1.

Trumbull had a couple of really nice saves towards the beginning of the second half. The second attempt was a long shot that was set up by Edmonds, quickly driving up-line. On the offensive, Clackamas’ Marci Haynes intercepted and deflected an Edmonds’ pass and almost scored, but it went just wide. At 67:38 on the scoreboard, Haynes caught an assist from Roberts and scored after great teamwork and passing up-field. The score was tied 1-1.

“Tori crossed it and Marci shot and scored,” said Krutsinger

Trumbull showed more moxie and bravely challenged an attack by Edmonds, defending well. Then at 71 minutes on the scoreboard, Trumbull deftly saved a straight shot at goal. In an unfortunate turn of events, Carly Turner fouled while defending inside the Cougars’ penalty box. A direct penalty kick was awarded to Edmonds. Hannah Shouse took the kick and made it past Trumbull for her team’s second goal. Clackamas was behind 1-2.

“Defense was such a good effort, but when we messed up is when the goals happened,” said Krutsinger.

Shortly after Edmonds fouled just outside their penalty box at 75:16 on the board. Butler took the free kick straight towards goal. But Edmonds’ goalkeeper, Alecia Longsine, saved it. Tani Harr took another long shot later that was also saved. The Cougars were still battling, trying to attack and keep good defense. At 88:50 on the board, Kirkland showed more solid defense in front of the goal. A corner kick by Edmonds shortly after, turned into a shot on goal that was saved by Trumbull. Trumbull grabbed 11 saves throughout the game.

“I think it was really strong,” Flores said. “We fought all the way to the end, just couldn’t get a goal in, we couldn’t finish. We were fighting hard equally.”

The Cougars felt the sting of defeat as the match came to a close. Clackamas 1. Edmonds 2. Clackamas took third place. Edmonds lost to Peninsula Sunday and got second place.

“I thought we did good,” said Kirkland. “If we had done as good as we did against Spokane, we would have won. We tried.”

The Cougars played a strong game and had an inspiring run this season that brought them to the semifinals. Overall, they grew as a team and helped each other improve individually. Here’s to another great season turned in by the Clackamas Cougars women’s soccer team.

TCP; Cougars squash sasquatch, head to semifinals

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 5
Sports

Last Saturday the Cougars avenged a loss and earned a trip back to the site of that loss for the NWAACC Women’s Soccer Championship Semifinals.

Aug. 27 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., was the Cougars’ first game of the season. There they were defeated by Spokane 1-2.

“We played them in the beginning, but we are a whole new team and have stepped up to another level,” said Clackamas midfielder Tori Roberts. “We knew number three was gonna’ be tough, but we’re not a one-man team, we play together.”

On home turf this time, the Cougars defeated their Sasquatch rivals 2-0 at OC’s Pioneer Stadium in a wild and spectacular match.

“The first 12 seconds really set the pace,” said Roberts.

Indeed it did, as just 12 seconds into the first stanza midfielder Hope Butler scored a statement-making goal that
sent the crowd crazy with cheers for the Cougars.

“It was Tori that took a shot and I capitalized on it,” said Butler.

Spokane’s frustration showed early, their reaction after the first goal foreshadowed the atmosphere of the rest of the game. The Cougars continued to employ excellent teamwork and solid defense when needed, but they consistently attacked.

Melanie Trumbull put on another goalkeeping clinic with strong defends and brave sacrifice saves throughout the game. With four saves, this was Trumbull’s ninth shutout of the season. She has 58 saves total.

Spokane managed to make Clackamas a little impatient halfway through the first stanza. The hard teamwork by the Cougars momentarily became overzealous as they booted the ball forward instead of passing and setting up plays. But Spokane became too aggressive and with three back-to-back fouls, sent the action back towards their own goal.

Cougars defender Carly Turner and midfielder Tahni Harr each launched well-placed slide tackles in the first half, continuing Clackamas’ tenacious defense. On the offensive again at 34 minutes on the scoreboard, Roberts found herself in front of Spokane’s goal. Facing away from the goal with defenders closing in, she caught a nice pass and turned 180 degrees to shoot it through the defense, right at the goal. The spectacular shot was defended, but kept up the Cougars’ competitive pace and wowed the crowd.

Defender Marci Haynes continued the attack with a good header goal attempt off a volley from a corner kick by Butler. At 40 minutes, head referee James Shields had to issue his first warning to the already heated Spokane assistant coach Jeff Srock.

The game started getting rougher and more physical. A foul was called on Clackamas and as Spokane attacked, Haynes launched the ball back up field with a stiff boot. Spokane took a couple shots in the first, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The Cougars continued the second half with more constructive teamwork, good use of headers and defense against headers. The Cougars won the headers in the air and prevented Spokane from getting useful headers.

A melee broke out in front of the Cougars’ goal. Trumbull had to fight hard for the save and defended well, putting herself in the line of fire.

With 63 minutes showing on the scoreboard, a foul was called on Spokane’s Brittany Bruegeman and Clackamas was awarded a free kick. The foul brought Spokane their first yellow card of the match.

Spokane attacked aggressively again with a battle in front of the Cougars goal, but the determination of Clackamas fended off the attempt. Spokane’s team and their fans in the stands were becoming increasingly upset with the referees.

The rage turned belligerent at 69 minutes as Srock began verbally attacking Shields and questioning his refereeing. The Spokane assistant coach would not back down and Shields issued him a yellow card. Srock relentlessly continued, so Shields issued him a red card, ejecting him from the game and the field.

“We knew it was going to be a hard game,” said Roberts. “The other team didn’t think it was playing fairly but we kept our composure and I think that’s why we won.” 

Spokane was visibly frustrated, but still competitive as the game continued with the Cougars in the lead. On the defensive, Clackamas forward Claudia Florez shot in with a clean, well-timed slide tackle. Shortly after she found another tackle, but fouled. Spokane made their way towards the Cougars’ penalty box and sent a shot towards goal that was deftly deflected by the head of defender Stephanie Corea. Shortly after, Trumball saved a Spokane corner kick.

The second half continued on with Clackamas still winning headers and consistently defending. Spokane was still vocally upset with the referee. The score in the second was almost a stalemate. Then a free kick awarded to Cougar defender Carly Turner set up a long header by Butler that sailed perfectly into Spokane’s goal. The stands exploded with cheering voices.

“We’ve actually been practicing that a lot, [free kicks] working on diagonal balls,” said Butler. “As far as this game goes, we applied everything we learned in practice. This was by far our best team game.”

With 90 minutes on the scoreboard, the official game time kept on-field was counting down. Another fierce battle in front of the Cougars’ goal ensued and Clackamas defended again. The game ended with Clackamas emerging as the victor.

“I feel great,” said Roberts. “Now we’re in the final four.” 

The Cougars play Edmonds at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., for the right to play in the final match of the NWAACC championship the next day at 3 p.m. Roberts predicts Walla Walla to be the team they will face.

“We were a lot more positive as a team,” Butler said. “As long as we play like we did today, we’ll do well.”

TCP; Seasoned Cougars vs. Newcomers

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 5
Sports

Being a Cougar is something to take pride in. Friday night the men’s basketball team scrimmaged former members of CCC basketball, and the alumni proved once a Cougar always a Cougar in an exciting and competitive exhibition at Randall Hall.

The alumni team comprised former Southern region champions, NWAACC champions and players who continued college ball after CCC. Some were recently on the team and some graduated over a decade ago. The mix was interesting and entertaining.

It was a good game all around, but CCC’s current squad dominated the friendly match. The first half was CCC’s best, with quite a few useful defensive and offensive rebounds. The younger team showed their hard training and teamwork. Powerful plays by Tim Lot were some of the highlights during the first half, a slam-dunk being one of them. Anthony Russel of CCC scored the final shot of the first half with a three pointer at the buzzer. CCC was ahead 46 - 32.

In the second half the action was even more competitive as the alumni gained leverage with some spot-on plays. Some of the alumni team’s momentum was due to consistent three-pointers. They were able to accumulate 30 points out of 18 attempts in the second half. CCC seemed to still battle and put together great plays, but the alumni had a slight edge in the second.

The alumni garnered 55 points in the second half to CCC’s 50, an impressive comeback after the first half, but not enough to redeem it. CCC won 96-87 against the very game alumni.

Leading in points Friday night was alumnus Justin Steinke, earning 33 points with eight successful three-pointers out of 13 attempts. For the current Cougars, Mitchell Beckwith earned 18 points with two nice three-pointers out of three attempts. Beckwith was followed closely by Lott, who accrued 17 points including a couple of solid slam-dunks.

The last preseason scrimmage was a fun ice-breaker to foreshadow the 2013-14 season. The Cougars return to Randall for their first game of the season as they face Concordia University JV at 7 p.m. this coming Friday.

TCP; Cross Country finishes fourth in team results

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 5
Sports

“That was probably the best race of my life, it’s tough to lose that close,” said second place winner Jorge Gil-Juarez of CCC.

Leading Cougar runner Gil-Juarez finished the men’s eight kilometer race first with a time of 24:20, but so did Daniel Schofiel of Spokane CC. If not for an untimely fall, Gil-Juarez may have edged ahead at the finish line, but the tumble cost him a few inches and Schofield broke through the tape first.

“I rolled my ankle at the end,” said Gil-Juarez. “My legs just gave out, it was a fast race.”

The NWAACC Cross Country Championship race took place at Lewisville Regional Park last Saturday along the banks of the East Fork Lewis River. The waves of runners resembled the rushing river as they followed the flow of the current. Teams maneuvered around the bends and adapted to the varied terrain of the course. The caravan of athletes seemed an unstoppable force of nature.

Race fans were grouped around the start to kick off each race with loud cheers. As racers circled the loop they again passed by fans who loudly encouraged the athletes. The loudest, most frantic cheering was at the finish line when the first few runners neared the end.

The Cougars help each other through each race as a team. Using team strategy, they group together and keep a close pace to give each other confidence and pace the trail correctly.

Courtney Repp was proud of the teamwork the women’s team was able to accomplish throughout the season and at the championships.

“We all did really good as a team, all the girls did really good,” said Repp.

Repp finished first for Clackamas and 16th in the race with a time of 20:04. She also received the week three NWAACC athlete of the week award.

The terrain of the course was a challenge to some of the competitors as there were a few injuries. The ground was moist and varied from grass to gravel or pavement.

“It wasn’t an easy course, it was muddy, bumpy and holey, kinda’ twisted my ankle at the beginning,” said Repp.
“But it was easier than when we ran it earlier this season.”

Jessica Mildes of Spokane CC placed first in the women’s 5 kilometer race with a time of 17:51. Freshman Kira Norton followed closely behind Repp; she finished second for Clackamas and placed 32nd with a time of 20:44.
Also close-after was Clackamas’ Jessie Hansen, scoring 35th with 21:01.

“Jessie Hansen had a pretty good race, she looked good today,” said Cougar cross-country director Keoni McHone.

Kylee Johnson earned 39th with 21:21. Grace Klovski placed 49th at 22:16. Falisha Aho got 58th at 23:03 and Allison Pugsley earned 60th with 23:21, finishing 7th for the Cougars.

“It was alright, it was a hard race, it wasn’t easy,” said Repp.

At noon, an hour after the women’s race began, the men were off. After the first bend in the trail Cougar Badane Sultessa was at the lead of the pack with only one runner in front of him.

“After the third mile the other group took off,” said Sultessa. “Our plan was to work together, but right when the race started we got separated.”

The men’s eight kilometer race was a grueling fast pace. Clackamas’ runners struggled to stay ahead. The cold weather and the pressure of NWAACC championships were factors to be considered for the racers.

“Everyone is nervous, you kind of have to use those nerves to your advantage,” said Gil-Juarez.

Sultessa finished second for the team and sixth in the race with 24:45. Third across the finish line for Clackamas was week six NWAACC athlete of the week Bake Benthin, who finished 14th at 25:16. Austin Peila placed 22nd at 25:40. Danny Robertson earned 25th with 25:53. Jackson Baker was 27th in 26 flat. Scott Schmitt came in seventh for the Cougars and 45th out of the 68 placing runners at 26:37.

The Cougars men’s team placed third in the championships, the women placed sixth. As a whole, the men and women ranked fourth in the combined result.

“The season was really good,” said Sultessa. “The team was the best I ever had, better than last year.”
Sultessa earned the NWAACC athlete of the week award for week eight. Also awarded an NWAACC athlete of the week title was Gil-Juarez for week one. Gil-Juarez was happy with the cross-country season, but like many others he is now getting mentally geared-up for track pre-season training.

“Cross went amazing this year and if track goes well too I might think about going to Oklahoma State,” said Gil-Juarez. “They have a good animal science program and a good steeplechase program. Steeplechase is my event.”

Also eying track season is Sultessa, who runs the 800-meter and 1500-meter races in track. Even though he is an outstanding distance runner, he prefers a firm, consistent track over bumpy, winding trails.

“My focus is track,” said Sultessa. “Everybody takes two weeks off, then we start practicing for track.”

Head coach Kaitlyn Reid has lead the Cougars through a very successful season of cross country. She was awarded head coach of the year honors at the Southern Region Championships. On home turf the Cougar men’s team won and the women took sixth.

“We had a really good season,” said Repp.

The NWAACC championship was a close race, but the Cougars remain dominant in the Southern Region.

TCP; The red filters through

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 3
Sports

Thursday night was an intersquad exhibition.  Each team was coached by an assistant coach. Navy Coach Bret Born vs. Scarlet Coach Rich Vigorito.

The Scarlet team won 22-21.

At 125 Josh Johnson defeated Jared Cash (Dec.)

125 Stevan Knoblauch defeated Kamron Day (Dec.)

133 CJ Palmer pinned Urmas Yanis.

“I pinned him,” said Palmer. “I like Urmas. It’s gonna’ be a rough season wrestling allot of D1 guys, they do this for four years, they got allot more time.”

141 Peter Shea defeated Jordan Brewer (Dec.)

141 Lawrence Otero defeated Robbie Rizzolino (Dec.)

141 Daniel Leonard defeated Jared Sublet (Dec.)

149 Kenny Martin defeated Dylan Holcomb (Dec.) 10-4.

“It feels good to wrestle this first match, it’s been a while, I felt like I was able to maintain a good pace,” said Martin. “It’s a new experience, I was kinda’ nervous, I heard this was a good school to go to, I feel like it’s done me justice so far, I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life right now.”

157 Eleazar DeLuca defeated Elijah Taylor (Dec.) 6-3.

“I have allot of things I need to work on, so it was a good match to open-up what I need to work on,” said Deluca. “Coach Rhoden’s a really good guy, all the coaches have a killer mentality, they want to win and I really like that.”

157 Nikko Veltri defeated Brandon Davidson (Major Dec.) 13-4.

165 Kyle Bateman defeated Tyler White (Dec.) 8-2.

174 Dustin Harris defeated Kolby Mays (Dec.) 6-1.

184 Adrian Salas defeated John Morin (Dec.) 5-1.

197 Dustin Johnson defeated Ihoughwama Odigizuwa (Dec.) 8-7.

The  Cougars head wrestling coach Josh Rhoden comented on the evening.

“I thought it was pretty good, we got areas we can improve in, most of them it’s gonna be a little shock to the system so we got some adjustments to make, but overall it was pretty good,” said Rhoden.

The Cougars will compete against  NAIA Simpson University in Redding, Calif. next Saturday.

The first home competition will be on Nov. 9 against Division 2 Simon Fraser University in Randall Hall at 5 p.m.

TCP; Clackamas Volleyball beats the Storm

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 3
Sports

Last Wednesday the Cougars volleyball squad brought down their opponent the Chemeketa Storm.

The match was a competitive fray of defense and offense with a few long-winded volleys.

Bre Gibbons played a very active game with some solid blocks, well placed tips over the net, 12 kills and 17 digs.

Taylor Balkan served an excellent scoring ball in the second set, she had 20 assists throughout the game.

Megan Minke got her hands on a few really nice plays in the third set.

“It feels good to be playing in the middle again. Getting a kill in the middle is more intense and fast paced than the outside,” said Minke. “I think that were starting to get back in the groove, were on the uphill. Hopefully the goal is to win NWAACCs and to come out on top in league.”

Hannah Olson set up some good plays from a couple nice serves, she had 10 kills and some good tips over the net. Chemeketa attempted to return one of her serves in set three, but it was blocked by the double wall of  Gibbons and Minke.

“I have a hurt shoulder right now, so it was pretty good, it was one of my better games,” said Olson. “We are working really well together, it’s nice to have a team that gets along.”

Chemeketa tried to come back in the third, bringing the score dangerously close at 24-21, but the Cougars won the third set and the game was theirs at 25-20, 25-15, 25-21.

The Cougars head coach Kathie Woods was impressed by her squad’s hard work so far this season.

“Were ranked seventh right now, were 24-10,” said Woods.

Dressed as the Harlem Globetrotters, the Cougars competed over the weekend at the Mt. Hood Dorian Harris Halloween Classic.

The Cougars won on Friday against Edmonds and Tacoma.  They won again against Columbia Basin.

In the semi-finals the Cougars lost to Olympic College and placed third in the Halloween Classic.

The Cougars play SWOCC Friday in Coos Bay at 6 p.m.

Wed Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. will be the last home game.

TCP; Cougars walk on water

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 2
Sports

The sun was shining on OC’s Pioneer Stadium last Wednesday afternoon. The Clackamas women’s soccer team beamed just as brightly with a 3-0 win against the Lakers of Southwestern Oregon Community College.

The Cougars attacked often, but couldn’t find clear shots. No. 4 Khadijah Kirkland made her way up-field early in the game and sent a nice cross in front of the Lakers goal but it went out. The Cougars continued to attempt offensive plays but the Lakers' goalkeeper Cassidy Crandall defended well. Crandall snatched a straight shot from No. 2 Hope Butler in the opening stanza.

Early in the first half, the plays were aggressive, but lacked set-up. Janine Szpara, the Cougars' head coach was on it, she instructed the team to use better tactics.

“Guys, stop running forward all the time, switch!” shouted Szpara.

Butler drove forward and passed to No. 8 Megan Luckenbach who found the ball right in front of goal. With the first of her two attempts at the beginning, Luckenbach shot, but Crandall denied the score. No. 17 Claudia Flores took two consecutive shots during the first half. The first attempt was halted with a save by Crandall and the next went just barely too wide. Later, Flores had a third attempt with a long shot, but it went too high.

After a foul by the Lakers, No. 5 Marci Haynes took a free kick for the Cougars that lobbed over the defense, but Crandall defended the follow-up. Shortly after, No. 11 Tahni Harr found herself in position to launch a long shot that missed, just barely too wide of the Lakers' goal. Goalkeeper Melanie Trumbull’s voice rang out clear from the opposite side of the field as her team marked-up for the Lakers' goal kick.

“Get to the ball first, you better get that ball first,” yelled Trumbull.

No. 20 Tori Roberts hustled in response to of Trumbull’s rallying cry. Roberts struck her third and best goal attempt of the first half. It was a solid shot, but went just wide and hit the outside of the net. After the Lakers next goal kick, No. 19 Olivia Thoroughman drove the ball to the penalty box, but Crandall stepped-up and defended the Lakers' goal aggressively.

The Lakers were able to take the action back to the Cougars' side of the field. Trumbull defended the resulting attack. The Cougars regained the offensive and towards the end of the first half, No. 9 Stephanie Corea struck a nice shot, but the tenacious Crandall saved it. The Lakers' goalkeeper seemed to home-in on everything the Cougars tried to slip past her. Crandall aggressively intercepted a pass to No. 10 Hristy Prado, then another long shot by the Cougars.

Although the Cougars controlled most of the first half, the Lakers' defense was enough to keep the score 0-0 at halftime.

At just 00:36 into the second half, No. 24 Taija Channel scored the first goal of the game.

“I didn’t play the first half, so I wanted to come out strong and make an impact on the team,” said Channel.

That was all the impact the Cougars needed to pick up steam. They were ahead, but continued to press forward retaining a tight hold on the 1-0 lead in the second half. Corea took another impressive shot, but Crandall saved it again. Flores stayed savvy as she attempted a couple more shots in the second half. Flores received a spot-on pass for her last attempt and Crandall just barely managed to save it.

The Cougars were still on the attack. At 69:00 on the official time, No. 12 Mecca Williams assisted a pinpoint shot by Butler for the second goal of the afternoon.

“Mecca did a really nice diagonal ball which was what we talked about at half,” said Butler. “Taija had a first-touch (to Williams) which allowed me to split the defense.”  

Still hungry for points in the final minutes and using smart positioning, Butler ran the ball towards the goal but Crandall defended. The Cougars still commanded a dominant lead of 2-0. Roberts had three goal attempts in the second half and at 89:00 on the clock, she assisted an excellent open shot on goal by Luckenbach. Her shot scored and the Cougars finished out the game with a 3-0 victory over the Lakers.

“I saw Tori, she gave a good ball right in the air to me, I took a good first-touch that set me up for the goal,” said Luckenbach. “There was a defender on my right side so I had to battle to get in front of her. The whole right side of the goal was open, so I took the shot.”

Last Wednesday was not only a convincing win for the team, but the ninth shutout this season for goalkeeping magician Trumbull. Crandall of the Lakers managed to grab 10 saves. The Cougars were still top of the South region after Wednesday’s game and they continue to build momentum towards an NWAACC title shot. Butler offered insight into their journey towards playoffs.

“We need to apply what we do in practice to games,” said Butler.

TCP; CCC produces new legends of the fall season

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 1
Sports

Amidst the busy bustle of autumn, new beginnings have given shape to CCC’s 2013 fall sports season. With so many new recruits added to each of the Cougars’ fall sports teams, this season promises a fresh experience.

Volleyball

The Volleyball team acquired 11 new players for the season. The team has a record of 3-2 in NWAACC league and 21-8 this season. They are ranked third in south region.

Cross Country

Cougar cross country picked up seven new men and seven new women this season. The team competed in a few recent events. Sept. 7 was the Clark XC Classic NWAACC Preview in Battleground. CCC competed against Spokane, Clark, Everett, Highline, Lane, Mt. Hood, Olympic and SW Oregon. Two Clackamas runners finished the men’s 8000 meters ahead of the rest. Jorge Gil-Juarez was first with a time of 26:03 and Jackson Baker came in second at 26:04.

Clackamas competed against Mt. Hood on Sept. 21 at the Oak Knoll Loop in Independence, Ore. Jorge Gil-Juarez finished the 8000 meters first out of all NWAACC competitors with a time of 25:06.15.

CCC hosted the annual Mike Hodges Invitational this past Saturday. The Cougars placed four men in the top five of the 8000 meter race against Spokane, Clark, Highline, Mt. Hood and SW Oregon. Pake Benthin finished first at 26:19.54, Jackson Baker was second with 26:19.77, Jorge Gil-Juarez came in third at 26:19.97 and shortly behind was Scott Schmitt in fifth at 26:28.03. CCC men placed first as a team and the women placed fourth.

Soccer

CCC women’s soccer gained eight new recruits this fall. The soccer team is 8-1-1 in NWAACC league and 8-3-1 this season. They are the top team in the south region and are second in league points, tied with Walla Walla.
“We’ve had a few good games, the girls are doing really well,” said Miriam Coto, assistant coach. “Pretty much half the team is returners, we’ve got a good freshman class too.”

Non-Fall Sports

CCC’s winter and spring sports teams have also been gearing up for their respective seasons.

Wrestling

The wrestling team has been active as they ready for their first scheduled events. Navy & Scarlet, an exhibition, will be at home on Thursday Oct. 24 starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Oct. 26 CCC will host their 30th annual Takedown Tournament which is open to the public. All ages and weight classes are eligible. Registration begins at 8 a.m., a takedown clinic will be offered between 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the competition starts at 11 a.m.

Basketball

The women’s and men’s basketball teams have been hard at work preparing as well.
“We worked out two to three days a week during the summer,” said the men’s head coach Clif Wegner. “This is our first official week of practice.”

Softball and Baseball

Both CCC’s softball and baseball teams have been keeping busy, practicing and playing non-league games. The baseball team was proud to have some star players shine last month at Lower Columbia in Longview, Wash.

“Seven of our guys were selected for the sophomore showcase All-Star game for NWAACC,” said Robin Robinson, head baseball coach. “Four of them have been heavily recruited since.”

The Cougar baseball team will play seven weeks of fall ball.

TCP; Cougar volleyball team digs deep

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 1
Sports

Wednesday vs. New HopeThe stars seemed to align over Randall gymnasium last Wednesday evening, when CCC’s volleyball team defeated the New Hope Christian College Beacons in a non-league match.

The Cougars came out strong from the start. Early in the first set, No. 11 Kiki Stonebraker, drove down a powerful spike to put the team at a 3-0 lead. Stonebraker is one of only two sophomores out of the 12 team members.

“I’m the only returner, it’s brought a completely new chemistry and it’s refreshing,” said Stonebraker.

The game was fast paced and the Cougars commanded the lead. No. 14 Courtney Lofton scored with a nice spike and brought the score to 8-6. With another highlight, No. 3 Megan Minke launched a well-placed spike earning 12-8 over the Beacons. The Cougars won the first set 25-13.

In set two, the Cougars started strong again and kept the lead, using great communication and teamwork. The Beacons hit quite a few outs and the Cougars used good judgment letting the ball go out. The Cougars dominated 25-10 in the second set.

“I feel like we improve every day. Practices are intense, it’s really important for a championship NWAACC team. We have a solid group of girls who work really well together,” said No. 2 Taylor Balkan.

Set three started more even and the Beacons stepped it up. But the Cougars picked up more steam and grasped the lead. It was a very close set. A hard-won Cougar spike after a long volley brought the score to 11-9. The match became more competitive in the third and the Cougars took their first three time-outs. The score read 19-16 at the last TO. The Beacons fought hard but the Cougars finished 25-19 in set three and won the match.

“It was fun, we’re really thrilled with the season so far,” said head coach Kathie Woods.

The Chemeketa Tournament in August was a rude awakening for the Cougar volleyball team as they endured a 1-4 in the competition. The team has been very active since their first games. They have had ample time to figure out how to fight as a team.

“We had a slow start but now we are 21-7, 3-1 in league,” said Woods.

The Cougars squad gained momentum in their second tournament of the season, taking home four wins to one loss at the Spokane Falls Tournament. They went on to remain undefeated throughout September.

“For me, the highlight of the season was the Spokane tournament,” said Balkan. “We learned to play together; it was a fun learning experience for everyone.”  

The Cougars’ only loss since the Spokane Falls Tournament came Oct. 2 against Linn-Benton. Wednesday night’s win gave Clackamas confidence for their next game, a league match against top regional rival Mount Hood Community College.

“It’s really awesome; we’re on fire this year,” said Stonebraker. “We had a 15 game winning streak until Linn-Benton, but we’re back on track and ready for Hood on Friday. It’s gonna be a good game.”    Friday vs. Mt. HoodIn association with cancer awareness month, Friday marked the annual Diggin’ Pink event. The fund raiser and proceeds from the game benefited pets with cancer, diabetes and other illnesses.

“Diggin’ Pink is huge for us,” said Woods. “We raised $2,300 last year. We’re over $1,000 as of today [Oct. 11] and we are raising money all of October. Go to the athletic office to donate.”

Friday night was for fighting as the Cougars and Hood battled it out for regional supremacy. It was a rose-tinted evening as both teams sported pink jerseys in honor of cancer awareness. The Cougars even had pink shoelaces and spotted animal-print shorts.

“We call them Cougar shorts; they went well with the theme of tonight,” said No. 10 Hanna Olson.

While the Cougars were behind for much of the game, they had some nice plays and remained competitive. The Randall bleachers were full, the crowd was big. The team played well together often. One of the individual successes was Olson’s great block towards the end of set one, putting 16-20 on the scoreboard.

The Cougars suffered a hard- fought loss as set one ended in a close 21-25. They came back stronger in the second set. They gave Hood a run for their money, but even with the loud cheers and support from the Clackamas fans, Hood was able to steal the win for set two. The Cougars looked like they had a chance to win it after a great serve by Stonebraker, making it 22-24. They had great momentum, getting closer at 23-24, but were edged out 23-25.

After the second set of the Diggin’ Pink match, 2012 CCC volleyball alumna Annie Cook read a tribute in memory of coach Woods’ beloved pet dog Cougie and told the crowd about the fundraiser for animal cancer support and cancer awareness. The Cougars were down but not out; they still had desire to win. The third set was by far the most exciting and intense.

“It’s a big match for us, so we had to give it our all,” said Olson.

And they did. They managed to slide ahead on the scoreboard taking a 7-6 lead. There was a back and forth battle, with Hood getting the better of an epically long volley for 7-8. The Cougars later gained an 11-9 lead.

“I thought we played well, but inconsistent, we fought hard,” said No. 13 Bre Gibbons.

The fighting continued as Hood came back with a vicious five point lead in the remainder of set three. The game ended in a clear win for Hood at 19-25 of the third. The Cougars are now 3-2 in NWAACC league, but also an impressive 21-8 season total.

There is much to come from the championship-minded CCC team and the next home game is a league match against Chemeketa. The Cougars defeated Chemeketa before their match against New Hope and look to repeat that performance.

TCP; Cougars remain top in region

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Chris Browarski, The Clackamas Print
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Volume 47, Issue 1
Sports

Cloudy fall weather was not able to drown out the character of the Clackamas women as they donned bright pink jerseys in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Last Friday afternoon, in a match at Oregon City High School’s Pioneer Stadium, CCC Cougars tied Lane Community College Titans. Clackamas No. 4 Khadijah Kirkland is pleased with their teamwork.

“It was our best game so far, especially as a team,” said Kirkland.

It seemed that the hard-fought, stalemate battle didn’t discourage, but brought out the competitive spirit in the Cougars. Clackamas has been successful this season, but they still see room for improvement as they continue to learn to work together. One of this season’s freshmen, No. 17 Claudia Flores, is excited about this opportunity.

“I think it’s a really good experience starting out as freshmen,” said Flores.

While the match remained scoreless through 90 minutes of play, both sides looked competitive as the top two teams in the South region squared off. The Cougars started off the first half eagerly with two shots on goal. Lane also had a couple of nice shot attempts early that were saved by Clackamas goalkeeper Melanie Trumbull.

Assistant coach Miriam Coto commented on Trumbull’s perseverance.

“Melanie works really hard, she’s really intense. We kind of have to tranquilize her sometimes, but she’s a good egg,” said Coto.

Clackamas continued their aggressive attack with eight shots in the first 45 minutes, four of them very close, but stopped by Lane’s goalkeeper Samantha Schoene. At halftime the score was still 0-0.

Early in the second half Lane took a wide shot that missed its mark. On the latter of two consecutive corner kicks, Clackamas’ No. 23 kicker, Tani Harr, had a nice shot on goal that was denied by Schoene. As tension rose with the back and forth battle, the Cougars attempted a goal, but were forced back to defense. Lane fouled on their attempt at goal, receiving a yellow card. The following free kick by Clackamas sent the action back up field.

“We played hard,” said No. 9 Stephanie Corea. “[It was the] first team we actually had competition against.”

At 63 minutes on the scoreboard, the sun suddenly emerged and Corea took a good shot at Lane’s goal. The Cougars were awarded a couple of free kicks towards the latter half of the game. On the second kick, No. 2 sophomore Hope Butler lobbed a shot towards goal from center, which sailed over Lane’s defense. It just barely missed, going slightly too high and over the goal. Lane attacked and attempted a long goal but missed.

Flores had a nice shot at about 78 minutes that was saved by Schoene. Lane No. 20 Maddi Barton kept the Cougars on their toes with two back-to-back long shots from center. One barely cleared over the goal at 90 minutes on the scoreboard.
As the referee signaled the end of the match, the score remained 0-0. Lane took two shots and had seven saves in the second half. The Cougars struck eight shots and no saves were needed.

“Even though it was a tie, we felt like it was a win in our hearts,” said Flores. “We want to win playoffs. We’re going all the way.”

Throughout the game, two yellow cards were issued to each team. The Cougars forced Lane goal keeper Schoene to make 11 saves total, showing their struggle scoring was not due to lack of effort on offense. Cougar goalkeeper Trumbull collected three saves of her own, for her eighth shutout of the season. The team is off to a great start towards a successful run at the playoffs.

“We’re excited to win NWAACC,” said No. 12 Mecca Williams.

Friday’s match put the Cougars’ record at 8-1-1, they remain the top team in South region and second in NWAACC league. It provided both women’s soccer teams with their first tie of the season and broke the Cougars’ six-game winning streak. It was the first non-winning game at home this year.

Their next game will be Friday, Oct. 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the OCHS Pioneer Stadium against Southwestern Oregon Community College Lakers.