PORT TOWNSEND — The East Jefferson girls soccer team got two players put on the Nisqually League first-team and midfielder/center back Iris Mattern was named the league’s defensive player of the year.
Coach Robert Cantley said Mattern was also voted the team’s most valuable player by her teammates. She finished the season with eight goals and four assists.
“Initially deployed as a midfielder for the first half of the season because of her natural game intelligence and skill set, Iris was moved to her familiar position at center back after a tactical switch was needed in order to stabilize the team and provide calm to the back line. Team performance immediately improved as her leadership guided those around her,” Cantley said.
Making first team were Ava Shiflett, who finished with 13 goals and 13 assists.
“Whether at forward or as an attacking midfielder, Ava was a constant problem for opposing teams who often double- or triple-teamed her in order to stop her and she has the bruises to show for it,” Cantley said.
Kaylen Pray, with 12 goals and three assists, also made the first team.
“Kaylen had a relatively quiet year owing to a tight hamstring for much of the season. [She was] still able to turn on the speed when it was needed, she excelled at getting in behind defenses and finishing one-on-one chances,” her coach said.
Making the honorable mention team was Mi Amada Lanphear-Ramirez and Akili Clevenger.
Gladfelter an all-state runner
BELLINGHAM — Port Angeles’ Jack Gladfelter was one of seven athletes named to the first team all state by Runners WA.
Gladfelter finished third at the state 2A cross-country championships earlier this month, the highest finish ever for a Port Angeles cross-country male runner. He won five races this year, won the Olympic League and West Central District championships, came in sixth in the Nike Hole-in-the-Wall and twice set 5-kilometer school records.
Gladfelter also runs distance track for the Roughriders. Last year as a junior, he finished fifth in the state in both the 1,600 meters and the 3,200.
Sequim Grey Wolves
SEQUIM — The Sequim Grey Wolves Senior Softball Club has elected a new board of directors — President John White, Vice President Lauren Scrafford, Secretary Annette Hanson and Treasurer Joel Hecht.
David Unruh is the outgoing president after serving four years, guiding the club through the recent COVID pandemic and a period of growth.
The board oversees organized fostering, encouraging and promoting co-ed senior softball in the Sequim area which is open to all players 50 (men) and 45 (women) and older. Priorities for the new board are promoting good sportsmanship, maintaining a positive social atmosphere, continuous field improvements and outreach to prospective players.
The four elected and six appointed board members volunteer their time and energy in leading and overseeing the biweekly softball games in accordance with most of the rules established by Senior Softball USA with some added player safety measures.
Active on the Olympic Peninsula for more than 15 years with a history of interleague play in Washington State and Victoria, Sequim’s Grey Wolves play year round, weather permitting, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Community Park, with games starting around 9:45 a.m. Interested players are encouraged to come out, sign up and get on the field. Bats and gloves can be provided.
All players of all skill levels are welcome to join. For more information, people can contact John White at 360-460-3084 or email at greywolves.senior.softball @gmail.com.
Port Angeles’ Jack Gladfelter, far right, was one of seven athletes named to The Runner WA first-team all-state team of runners. Gladfelter recently came in third at the state 2A cross-country championships.
