September 20, 2023
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LYNDEN — e Lions football team has been one of the perennial superpowers in the state for numerous years and is coming o backto-back state championships in 2021 and 2022.
e question is can Lynden keep up this level of dominance to three-peat?
ree titles in a row is an in-
credibly challenging feat, but if anyone can do it, it's Lynden.
e Lions lost a lot of valuable players from last year's team on both sides of the ball. Namely, Troy Petz, Dane Gatterman, Lane Heeringa, Campbell Nolte, Isaiah Stanley, Kobe Baar and a number of other starters.
However, the Lions are always reloading their roster and developing players to ll
in. We will get to them a little bit later.
e Lions season had a rocky start with their 24game winning streak being broken by Ferndale on Friday, Sept. 1.
It was an uncharacteristic performance by the Lions, but it looked like they were just needed to knock the rust o . ey played great defense, but their o ense struggled to put points on
the board.
e following week we saw the Lynden team we all know. e o ense came alive against WF West and put up 48 points in a blowout win. eir game against WF West will be the blueprint Lynden wants to follow going forward.
Winning with a strong defense that forces turnovers and capitalizing with consistent o ense.
Quarterback Brant Heppner has the reigns for the Lions and he is poised for a great season under center. Heppner also has new weapons to use in the passing game.
Sophomore Daniel Bowler has been a standout and could be the most valuable receiver the Lions have.
He is a game-wrecker and takes the top o of defenses with his unbelievable speed. Bowler already has three receiving touchdowns in two games this season.
e Lions also will rely on Isaiah Oudman and Cooper Moore for help on o ense. Very di erent play styles that complement the o ense well.
Oudman is a big tight end with strong hands and can beat most defenders one-on-one. Cornerbacks are too small to guard him and linebackers cannot keep up with him.
He holds a valuable role in the o ense and will be a good safety valve for Heppner.
Moore, on the other hand, is a shifty receiver who can work well out of the slot and nd the creases in the defense to get open.
He is an excellent route runner and is always an option on underneath routes.
Heppner said that these players have waited their turn and they are proving to be electric on the eld.
e 2A classi cation is tough this year, with a few teams that could rival Lynden down the stretch in the state tournament.
Enumclaw and Tumwater are likely the two biggest threats to Lynden's crown. More locally, Sehome and Sedro-Woolley boast solid teams and will make it tougher for Lynden to win the Northwest Conference.
But Lynden has the pedigree and the talent to make it back to the state championship.
Will they win a third straight title? It is very possible.
QB — Brant Heppner, junior
QB/RB/LB — Charlie Ayres, senior
WR/DB — Daniel Bowler, soph. OL/DL — Kuyper Assink, senior OL/DL — Blake Holman, junior WR/DB — Cooper Moore, senior TE/ LB — Isaiah Oudman, Junior
The Scoop:
2022 record: 13-0
The Lions are not bringing many starters from last year back, but this younger group of Lynden footballers will make a push for a third straight title.
e Lynden Lions’ 2023 varsity roster is: Cooper Moore, Brady Elsner, Weston VanDalen, Charlie Ayres, Joshua Grace, Brant Heppner, Zachary Welch, Isaiah Oudman, Trey Baar, Brody Price, Sullivan Petz, Dane Marti, Jesse Stewart, Jax Baar, Jaydin Oaks, Lukas Lalji, Issac Lohrer, Kaiden Lagerway, Grady VanDalen, Malachi Bowman, Daniel Bowler, Jayden Vis, Darius Gilstrap, Jonathan Espinoza, Craig Stau er, Ty Jorgenson, Luke Human, Adason Holzer, Hudson Maynard, Xavier Lopez, Maximus Assink, Alofaifo Tigilau, Koltin Visser, Clayton Wiesen, Iapesa Simanu, Alvaro Mendoza-Batey, Antonio Simanu, Ivan Garcia-Zapata, Wyatt Hanson, Isaiah Harris, Noah Pelleboer, Jakarri Weathermon-Simmons, Malachi Koenen, Lincoln Spoelstra, Julian Barboa, Parker Williams, Zachariah Dykstra, Brady Stewart, Derek Marchwiany, Weston Card, Alejandro Cruz-Luna, Cooper Costanti, Oscar Meza, Isaiah Bueno, George Balcom, Eric Antonio, Jordan Wyatt, Bennett Roorda, Kuyper Assink, Ryan Van Berkum, Joshua Bredson, Gurjoban Khungha, Carter Vrieling, Blake Holman, Elliot Smith, Evan Schuyleman, Logan Ostry, Javier Zavala, Kai Smith, Landen Jones, Nathan Johnson, Gri n Morris, Justin Phillips, Quinn Tolsma, Logan Rehberger, Gabriel Butenschoen, Aaron Villa, Cooper Townsley and Braiden Luna.
The two-time reigning champs are losing some weapons on offense, such as Troy Petz, Isaiah Stanley and Lane Heeringa. But there is a new swath of players stepping in to fill those roles, in speedster Daniel Bowler and the shifty Cooper Moore.
The ceiling of this team will hinge on how well the defense can keep up with the top teams in the league and if revamped offensive weapons will consistently produce throughout the season. We will see if another title is in this team’s future.
QB — Jeremiah Wright, senior TE/LB — Kayden Stuit, senior
— Hollis Owen, junior
— Treven Blair, senior
— Mick Owen, junior
— Carter Seigman, senior
— Cody Craig, senior
— Tyson Bajema, senior
2022 record: 8-2
The Lyncs had a fantastic regular season in 2022, but the year was cut short after falling in a threeway tiebreaker with Nooksack and Mount Baker.
e Lynden Christian Lyncs’ varsity 2023 roster is: Mick Owen, Jayden
Huleatt, Boyce Robertson, Joshua Hubbard, Jeremiah Wright, omas
DenHartog, Brody Bouwman, Eli Maberry, Dawson Bouma, Jackson
VanderVeen, Tyson Bajema, Treven Blair, Trey Blair, Jaxon Huleatt, Matthew
Hagglund, Luke Moorlag, Gunnar Parriera, Hollis Owen, Kayden Stuit, Levi
DeKoster, Trey Bosman, Austin Engels, Treyson Johnson, Jace Ryan, Carson
Libolt, Luke VanRooyen, Malachi VanderMey, Nicholas Molendyk, Nicolas
Brommer, Cody Craig, Carter Seigman, Kyler Sterk, Cole McClellan, Tanner Bosman, Jack Parriera and Judah Calvin.
The Lyncs are losing big names such as Kade Eldridge and Tyler Sipma but the team retains quarterback Jeremiah Wright to lead the offense. Kayden Stuit is another standout at tight end and is hard to stop in the open field. The Lyncs will battle with Nooksack Valley for the top spot in the 1A Northwest Conference and unfortunately, this year only one team from the 1A NWC classification will get an automatic bid into state. There will be a lot of fireworks this year from the Lyncs when they start conference play. Biggest game of the year for the Lyncs is on Oct. 6, at NV.
RB/LB — Talan Bungard, junior QB/DB — Bishop Ootsey, senior RB/DB — Conner Walcker, senior
OL/DL — Camden Raymond, senior WR/DB — Aydin O’Tool, senior RB/DL — Phoenyx Finkbonner, senior
OL/DL — William Poast, senior
2022 record: 9-3
The Golden Eagles opened their season in impressive fashion with a statement win against Lynden. They followed that up with another win over Oak Harbor.
e Golden Eagles’ 2023 varsity roster is: Hunter Wills, Vincent Cooper, Jacob Gandy, Kleaveland Atwood, Parker Merwin, Eli Kennerley, Dylan Moore, Lincoln omas, Levi Terry, Bishop Ootsey, Kevin Woods, Nolan Boleak, Esaia Ness Leaupepetele, Aydin O’Tool, Phoenyx Finkbonner, Kaveer Dhillon, Conner Walcker, Jonathon Stanek Maxim Cowie, Marcus Perez, Ryder Beaven, Talan Bungard, Arturo Telles, Tucker Rawlins, Diego Sanchez, Brandon Gutierrez, Loren Cultee, Kayden McGary, Benjamin Graybill, Cooper Herrick, Michael French, Hadin Perkins, Brian Tackett, Jaden Gallegos, Isaac White, Wyatt Strait, Karanjot Randhawa, Kellan Lafave, Kulshan LaValley,William Poast, Justin Dudley, Raul Diaz, Dominic Bailey, Camden Raymond, Nikolas Rodriguez-Kittila, Halston Hadrath, Delyncieo “Benny” Cueva-James, Jacob Kennedy and Ryan Je erson
Ferndale started the season on the right foot and if they can keep up this level of rushing versatility they will be hard to stop no matter what defenses throw at them.
Bungard and Finkbonner are two tough runners and they are complimented by Walcker who can do it all on the offensive side of the ball. Walcker is more of a wing back and can make things happen in the passing game. Could this be the year that Ferndale gets over the hump in the 3A state tournament?
QB/DB — Jaeger Fyfe, junior RB/LB — Kaden Klinkhammer, senior
WR/DB — Cohen Fuller, senior RB/LB — Josh Elmer, senior OL/DL — Carson Campbell, junior
RB/LB — Landen Downey, junior
2022 record: 6-4
The Trojans are a young team this season with just five seniors listed on their roster. Meridian is still expected to hang around the middle of the pack in the 1A Northwest Conference.
e Meridian Trojans’ 2023 varsity roster is: Kaden Klinkhammer, Daniel Larsen, Treu Alexander, Jaeger Fyfe, Cooper Marum, James Hedahl, Peyton Bender, Victor Perez, Jaymasen Alexander, Brock Haugen, Nathan Larsen, Cohen Fuller, Gabe Galbraith, Pierce Brzozowski, Ross Driscoll, Kayson Culp, Kasey Brennan, Kelley Gray, Josh Elmer, Trevyn Crabtree, Landen Downey, Aiden Mellema, Jax Hurlbut, Mason Apeles, Rhett Duersch, Lincoln Hoefer, Ivan Rodriquez, Noah Franks, Lese Petaia, Carson Campbell, Simon Maas, Christian Clawson and Arjun Nagra.
e 2023 Meridian Trojans’ football schedule and roster can be found at meridiantrojans.com.
With Jaeger Fyfe manning the quarterback position, the Trojans should be able to stay in games. The question for Meridian is how well can their defense hold up? Being in the same conference as LC and Nooksack Valley is a tough draw for any team, not to mention, Mount Baker is still there too.
The Trojans will try to surprise some people this season in the NWC and maybe they will be able to pull off an upset or two and find themselves in contention for the top spot.
QB — Joey Brown, senior RB/LB — Colton Lentz, junior WR/DB — Jackson Bennett, senior OL/DL — Duke Halaapiapi, senior OL/DL — Cian Coppinger-Carter, senior WR/ DB — Cory Olney, junior WR/DB — Wayne Silves, senior OL/DL — John Stremler, senior RB/LB — Skyler Whittern, senior
2022 record: 9-3
The Pioneers have been touted as this season’s team to beat. Nooksack Valley returns the majority of the team’s starters back this season and is one of the favorites in the 1A conference.
e Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ 2023 varsity roster is: Jackson Bennett, Kasey Newton, Cory Olney, Cole Bauman, Skyler Whittern, Evan Bravo, Jorgen Vigre, Colton Lentz, Cole Coppinger, Joey Brown, Matthew Blake, Jaxon Hester, Tristan Kamphouse, Colby Martin, Crew Bauman, Raeon Almojera, Jake Lange, Kade Mitchell, Cody Penninger, Austin Martin, Wayne Silves, Trace Palumbo, Mason Moua, Dylan Reimer, Jaden Jones, Elijah King, Grady Hoekema, Aadan Huante, Cameron O’Bryan, Andrew Dugger, Daemion Perez, Max Lautenbach, Cian Coppinger-Carter, John Stremler, Cohen Ho ord, Freddy Hernandez, Dalton Hickey, Adlei Whitworth, Lance Vanberkum, Trenton Higgins, Logan Harlan, Owen Butenschoen, Bryce Lankhaar, Gabe Snyders, Brady Ackerman, Braxton Cicogni, Cody Bruland, Brock Lankhaar, Sebastain Finkbonner, Duke Halaapiapi, Jake Lautenbach, Rhyce Swa eld, Preston Howard-Julian, Jacob Woodrich, Muhammad Azzam, Tevek McMillian, Russell Roberts, Landon Stau er, Kaiden Moorlag, Kaden Visser, Brian Leyerly, Dane Ackerman, and Caleb Visser.
Joey Brown will be under center for another year and will look to build on his 2022 season. His brother, Evan, will also see a few snaps at QB when the offense wants to utilize Joey’s athletic ability.
Colton Lentz and Jackson Brown are the other two big skill position players, along with Cory Olney.
Additionally, Nooksack Valley returns its entire offensive line. It is not hard to see why the Pioneers are favorites. It will be interesting to see if they live up the expectations.
QB/LB — Setoga Tigilau, sophomore
RB/LB — Dylan Moa, junior OL/DL — Alex Maloley, senior RB/DB — Landen Hanstead, senior
RB/DB — Brady Bruland, junior OD/DL — Vance Lawrence, senior
2022 record: 9-5
The Mountaineers were the underdog heroes from last year, knocking off LC late in the season to force a three-way tie at the top of the 1A NWC. They advanced all the way to the state championship game after beating Nooksack Valley in the semis.
e Mount Baker Mountaineers’ 2023 varsity roster is: Maddox Strickland, Brice Cooper, Luke Smith, Jet Ross, Setoga Tigilau, Dean
Allred, Landen Hanstead, Hayden Rosse, Dylan Moa, Brady Bruland, Shane Dugger, Bryson Moa, Gunner McGrath, Kamden Moa, Noah Illichev, Alder Giarde, Vance Lawrence, Logan Reeves, Jon Wyngaert, Alex Maloley, Jeremiah Sheridan, Kell Reardon, Luis Zavala, Trenton
George, Ben Ruiz-Santana, Tanyen Staton, Tanner Harkness, Aaron Escalante and Caden Mosher.
This season, that task could be a little more challenging after they lost key members of the team across the board.
They are running out a new quarterback and a less experienced offensive line that could have trouble keeping up with the other top teams in the NWC. But, as we have learned, do not count out the Mountaineers, because it seems as if they can make a run at any point.
LIB — Mya VanderYacht, senior S — Grace Rice, senior OH — Haylee Koetje, senior OH — Ashley Shumate, senior M — Rian Stephan, sophomore DS — Kasi Thomas, senior
2022 record: 20-3
The Lions had a fantastic year advancing through the district tournament and winning the district title over BurlingtonEdison.
e Lynden Lions’ 2023 varsity roster is: Kamryn Hermanutz, Mya VanderYacht, Campbell DeJong, Kasi omas, Reese Nyho f, Grace Rice, Ava Langstraat, Lexi Hermanutz, Finley Parcher, Ashley Shumate, Rian Stephan and Haylee Koetje.
e 2023 Lynden Lions’ volleyball schedule and roster can be found at lyndenathletics.com
Lynden went into the state tournament as the top seed but lost an early game dropping them into the consolation bracket where they placed fifth. This season the Lions bring back most of their starters but lost Joslyn Sipma and Kayla DeJong, along with Lucy White. Lynden is poised to make a deep run this year with their two big hitters and excellent defenders. Rice will have plenty of places to pass with Shumate and Koetje on the outsides.
The Lions will again battle Burlington-Edison for the top spot in the Northwest Conference.
Lyncs’ 2023 varsity roster is: Emery
Wiersma, Etta DeJong, Ella Fritts, Audrey
Ellingboe, Sydney
Terpstra, Eliana
Meyer, Allison Wright, Malia Johnson, Lyla
Parriera, Jocelyn Eshuis, Tabitha DeJong, Taya VanderKooi.
e 2023 Lynden Christian Lyncs’ volleyball schedule and roster can be found at golyncs.com
2022 record: 21-4
The Lyncs’ roster was fairly gutted following the 2022 season and they only retain one senior this season. However, LC head coach Kristy VanEgdom is confident in the squad they have and they started the 2023 season on 3-0 winning streak.
The Lyncs finished third in the 2022 1A state tournament and will have the opportunity to make their way there again. Malia Johnson will be one of the primary hitters and should have a big impact.
The Lyncs will battle Meridian and Nooksack Valley for the top spot in the 1A Northwest Conference.
OH — Emry Claeys, senior L — Rylan Bernardy, junior
OH — Maren Wefer, junior M — Taya Benson, sophomore, M — Gracie Pap, sophomore S — Gracie Wells, sophomore
The Scoop:
2022 record: 13-7
A year ago, the Trojans suffered a heartbreaking finish in the district tournament after dropping games to Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley.
Despite that, Meridian had a solid year that was propelled by the Claeys sisters and Avery Neal. This year they lost Neal and one Claeys sister. Luckily, Emry is still around and she is one of the premier hitters in the conference.
e Meridian Trojans’ 2023 varsity roster is: Eden Bernardy, Emry Claeys, Taya Benson, Rylan Bernardy, Chloe Bressler, Maren Wefer, Kinsley Neal, Gracie Pap, Grace Wells and Amelia Koning.
Emry Claeys is also the only senior on the Meridian roster so she will have some heavy lifting to do. The Trojans also saw a shift at head coach with Angie Short taking over for Shannon Claeys. Even with only one senior, the Trojans have started the season 3-0 and are looking good in the early going.
M — Tia Gilday, senior PIN — Mallory Butenschoen, senior L — Mariah Reyes, sophomore PIN — Jillea Fox, sophomore
The Scoop: 2022 record: 16-7
In 2022, the Golden Eagles narrowly missed placing in the top-six of the tournament. This season could be a bit of a transition period for the Golden Eagles with a new head coach.
e Ferndale Golden Eagles 2023 varsity roster is: Jillea Fox, Mariah Reyes, Brooklyn Larrabee, Katrina Ferry, Olivia Copps, Tia Gilday, Amelie McKeon, Mallory Butenschoen, Terrace Hendrickson, Kaylie Carver, Gabrielle Lenssen and Lay Williams
They also lost Madisyn Butenschoen who was arguably their best player. Her sister Mallory is still there and will bring a veteran presence along with Tia Gilday.
Ferndale always has a tough task playing in the Northwest Conference and being a 3A team.
Ferndale has started the season slow but it could take some time to mold together. We will see if they can make the most of their season.
M — Tana Hoekema, senior PIN — Lainey Kimball, senior RS — Cailyn Likkel, senior L — Juliana Gimmaka, senior S — Payton Bartl, sophomore
The Scoop: 2022 record: 16-8
e Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ 2023 varsity roster is: Avery Juergens, Kennedy Burke, Payton Bartl, Gracie Rutgers, Cailyn Likkel, Karson Olney, Annie Stremler, Juliana Gimmaka, Halle Pallumbo, Lainey Kimball, Tana Hoekema, Elizabeth De Lange and Grace DeHoog.
The Pioneers were late bloomers last season coming on strong in the district tournament and pushing through the state tournament to place fifth. Nooksack Valley will bring back some key seniors that should help carry them through a treacherous Northwest Conference.
The Pioneers will battle with Meridian and Lynden Christian for the top spot in the conference once again this season. Lainey Kimball will bring most the offense and has already been stuffing the stat sheet with kills. At press time, Nooksack Valley is 1-0 in the 2023 season.
S/RS — Annalee Cohn, junior M/RS — Natalie Horsmon, senior DS — Kaia Gesmundo, sophomore
2022 record: 2-15
The Mountaineers had a rough go in the 2022 season. With only two wins, Mount Baker failed to stay in contention with the other 1A Northwest Conference volleyball teams.
e Mount Baker Mountaineers’ 2023 varsity roster is: Emilee Anderson, Reace Brown, Willa Brown, Kylee Bruland, Annalee Cohn, Alyssa DeRoco, Norah DesRosiers, Mack Flores, Jade Frierott, Brynn Fullner, Kaia Gesmundo, Natalie Horsmon, Cailyn Jewell, Dakota Jimmie, Luci Kerlin, Maddi Lewis, Hayden Macdonald, Kaitlyn Malloway-Johnson, Amariah Nutting, Ellie Nutting, Lily Reeves, Emma Richardson, Claire Rising, Brianne Roberts, Alina Romanyuk, Gaby Ruiz-Santana, Alaiha Schwinden, Natalie Van Liew, Maggie Williams and Kenzie Zender.
This year, Mount Baker sports a young squad, with two seniors and numerous freshman. It is hard to see a world where the Mountaineers will compete with the likes of LC, Meridian and Nooksack, but I hope to be surprised.
This season should be more developmental, giving their young players starting time so that they can build their skills and become a competitive team in the NWC.
Mount Baker has started its season 0-2 as they were swept by both Bellingham and Sultan.
The Mountaineers start their conference games at home against Meridian on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Key Returners:
MF — Kayla Yun, sophomore
G — Jessa Wynstra, junior M F— Eliza Kamphouse, senior D — Alina Veltkamp, senior D — Taryn Bos, senior
The Scoop:
2022 record: 18-3-2
The Lyncs were loaded with talent last year from backto-front. They tore through districts and the state tournament and placed second in all of 1A.
With Daisy Poag and Demi Dykstra having graduated, LC will have to rely on new weapons to score goals for them this season.
Kayla Yun is one to watch, as she is shifty in the open field and great with the ball. Yun could lead the Lyncs in goals scored this year.
e Lynden Christian Lyncs’ varsity 2023 roster is: Jessa Wynstra, Hannah Terpstra, Avery Langstraat, Eliza Kamphouse, Kayla Yun, Nayla Speer, Ellie VanLoo, Estela Segel, Alina Veltkamp, Taya DeRuyter, Estela Hernandez, Andi Anderson, Emily Young, Claire Bryngelson, Taryn Bos, Addison Arnold, Brooke Love, Gracelyn Russell, Taryn Blankers and Brinkley Bajema.
Jessa Wynstra will be the goalie once again after starting all of last year and she will be an important piece should the Lyncs succeed. So far, the season has started a little tough as they hold an 0-4 record. They will start conference play soon and should see some improvement there.
F — Mallary Villars, senior MF — Faith VanBroklin, junior D — Miranda Basart, senior F — Evelyn Saldivar, junior D — Annabelle Uyttewaal, senior G
Isla Holman, freshman
e Lynden Lions’ 2023 varsity roster is: Isla Holman, Meg Clarke, Maliah Mitchell, Morgyn Heutink, Rilanna Newcomb, Reta VanderMey, Mallary Villars, Jayda Villars, Faith VanBrocklin, Miley Tjoelker, Sloan Dickson, Miranda Basart, Blaine Holman, Evelyn Saldivar, Annabelle Uyttewaal and Jules Slayton.
2022 record: 13-4 -3
The Lions had a triumphant season in 2022 as they advanced to the state tournament and won a state game for the first time in the program’s history. Lynden also won the district title and brought home some hardware. The Lions could repeat with big returning players like Mallary Villlars and Faith VanBrocklin.
They have a freshmen goalie and the season could hinge on how well she will perform in pressure situations.
Key Returners:
Tori Slette, senior Ava Drafs, senior
The Scoop:
2022 record: 4-8-1
The Mountaineers had a decent season last year. They advanced through districts but were blown out by Lynden Christian. This year, Mount Baker has four seniors who will look to guide this team through a competitive 1A Northwest Conference.
Mountaineers’ 2023 roster is: Ana Camacho, Kelly Camacho, Stefany Camacho, Ava Drafs, Sierra Harder, Adah Lee, Jane Lentz, Rhonda Madera, Dixi Murray, Tyla Olson, Lillian Petersen, Tori Slette, Abby Washburn, Lily Washburn, Faith Wilson-Bowman and Melanie Wilson.
MF — Audrey Holdridge, senior D — Emily Holdridge, senior MF — Mia Kinsfather, senior GK — Sofia Gardoski, senior D — Layne Lively, senior
The Scoop:
2022 record: 6-8-2
Ferndale had an up-and-down year in 2022 but they advanced to the play-in game of the 3A district tournament.
O’Neil, So a Gardoski, Madison Lunde, Sarah
Gum, Kayla Washington, Layne Lively, Eowyn
Schivitz, Audrey Holdridge, Mia Kinsfather, Annaleigh Adams, Samantha Nowak, Emily
Holdridge, Riley Tomtan, Isabelle MiguelPetersen, Kaytlynn Sierra, Isabella Vargas, Audrey Kallin and Kasey O’Neill.
They played Everett in a downpour but sadly fell and were eliminated from contention. This season, the Golden Eagles should be improved as they have nine seniors, which makes up almost the whole starting lineup.
The Holdridge sisters will be two of the most important players on the field. Audrey Holdridge will most likely lead the Golden Eagles in goals this season and will also likely make an all-conference team. Her sister, Emily will be on the other side of the field playing defense.
G — Jessica Richardson, senior D/M — Ocean McMains M — Katie Prengaman, senior D — Morgan Adams, senior F — Brooklyn Fuller, junior
The Scoop:
2022 record: 6-10-3
e Meridian Trojans’ 2023 varsity roster is:
Chole Heinrich, Jessica Richardson, Ocean
McMains, Alexis Neil, Mia Blankenship, Erica Stotts, Bella Romanyuk, Olivia
Rowley, Brooklyn Fuller, So a Brooks, Katie
Prengaman, Jovi Jensen, Allie Richter, Katie
Nolton, Morgan Adams, Savannah Storgaard, Kaitlyn Storgaard and Kennedy Farrar.
The Trojans had a decent season last year when they advanced through the state tournament and into the district crossover game. Meridian fell in the crossover to Bear Creek, but it was still a solid finish for the young squad. With LC in the process of reloading its team, the Trojans could have a window for the district championship. Meridian will also need to get past Blaine, who can be a dangerous team. It will be fun to watch a more experienced Trojans team this year.
Morgan Adams and Katie Prengaman are players to watch on the Meridian Trojans going forward along with the speedy Brooklyn Fuller.
MF — Peyton Duque, senior M — Cecilia Rogers, senior D — Alayna Dykstra, junior M — Keana Mora, junior D — Alexa Anaya, sophomore
2022 record: 3-12-1
The Pioneers were the bottom team in the Northwest Conference last season. It’s no wonder that nothing seemed to go right for them in 2022.
e Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ 2023 varsity roster is: Marley Brock, Phoebe Hunt, Sarah Isenhart, Keana Mora, Gretchen Elmendorf, Alayna Dykstra, Raquelle Flores, Nevaeh Corona, Naomi Hjort, Deysi Garcia-Zaragoza, Valesca Rodriquez, Carley Harr, Sydni Kooiker, Ally LopezMorales, Kennedy Brown, Maggie Byers, Lalaie Slosson, Ana Raymond, Peyton Duque, Alexa Anaya, Hadley Lodder, Alexys Agustin Mendoza, Maicy Hammond, Alyxis Larson, Kim Rodriquez-Vicente, Echo Christensen, Maddie Garwick, Cecilia Rogers and Valeria Salazar.
e 2023 Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ girls soccer schedule and roster can be found at nooksackpioneers.com
Nooksack Valley is an incredibly young team that has just two seniors on the varsity roster, so there is a lot of room to grow for this Pioneers squad. So far in 2023 the Pioneers have struggled to find the net with only one goal scored across two games. They are playing their out-of-conference games against teams they will not see later in the year, so the experience is good for them.
Nooksack Valley will grow during the year and hopefully improve on their 2022 record.
LYNDEN — e Lyncs’ soccer team went on a deep run in the 2022 state tournament, making it all the way to the state championship game and placing second.
LC lost 3-1 in the nal game to Klahowya after defeating Vashon Island, Overlake and Seattle Academy in the rst
three games of the state tournament.
e Lyncs were dominant in 2022, going 20-3-2 with a couple of losses at the beginning of the season. LC also went on a 16-game winning streak leading into the 1A state championship game.
is season, the Lyncs come into the season losing big names from their 2022 team who were integral to their success. Daisy Poag, Demi Dykstra, Taryn Herwerden and
Grace Kroontje all graduated, leaving holes in the LC mid eld and defense. Additionally, Grace Hintz is out with a torn ACL.
at is a lot of starters from a championship contender, so the question is, can LC replicate their success in 2023?
LC head coach Brent DeRuyter said they have added new pieces and they are ready to go.
“Our goal here is to reload, not rebuild. at's our motto," DeRuyter said. "Everybody thinks we are rebuilding, but these girls are out to impress and prove we are reloading instead. Now that word rebuild, we do not like."
" at means we're inferior, so these girls have proved they are not inferior by any means," DeRuyter said.
LC has started the season a little slow opening with an 0-4 record, but at this point, they are playing 2A and 3A schools that are a little tougher than their 1A opponents. Even with the slow start, the Lyncs have been in every game. ey lost three of the games by just one goal.
Last year, even when the Lyncs were championship-bound, it felt like they were viewed as underdogs when fac-
ing the larger Seattle-area schools. eir most impressive win was the 1-0 victory of Seattle Academy in the seminals.
LC will be viewed as underdogs again should they advance through districts. But they are here to prove that is not how they should be seen. ere are a few players to watch this season for the Lyncs. eir three seniors are Eliza Kamphouse, Alina Veltkamp and Taryn Bos. Veltkamp and Bos are both defenders, so that should be a strength for the Lyncs this year.
On o ense, Kamphouse and Kayla Yun will carry a lot of the load along with Andi Anderson and a few other mid elders.
Jessa Wynstra will be an important piece for the Lyncs at goalie. Good goalie play will be crucial for a team that has struggled on o ense in the early going.
A team with only three seniors will need to rely a lot on younger players and have them contribute.
DeRuyter said the young girls have come a long way so far this season and he has seen their soccer IQ go up.
Lynden Christian will play their rst 1A conference game against Blaine on ursday, Sept 28.
e Lynden Lions’ 2023 varsity roster is: Maren Baldwin, Abby Bareman, Ella
Bredeson, Gabby Briceno, Amberly
Briskin, Lana Burrill, Jayla Casiano, Mara
Esparza, Claire Fleming-Butela, Joci Hall, Breanna Bogard, Kayla Bogard, Lillian
Holt, Avery Rutledge, Ava Sebens, Anna
Young, Belen Lopez, Kaitlin Morris, Aurora
Solum, Sigourney Somma, Anneka Swaney and Katarina Vucetic.
e 2023 Lynden Lions’ girls swim and dive schedule and roster can be found at lyndenathletics.com
Key Returners:
Lana Burrill, senior Breanna Bogard, senior
e Ferndale Golden Eagles’ 2023 varsity roster is: Luz Alcala, Aiyanna Brown, Oneyda Calderon, Meadow Childs, Angie
Dominguez, Aliyah Flowers, Lillian
Foulke, Taylor George, Carley Hougen, Alicia James, Nevaeh Kidd, Kenley Latta, Kaydence Leifheit, Grace Lewis, Avarose
McAllister, Mariah Moore, Emma Sande and Angelina Warbus
e 2023 Ferndale Golden Eagles’ girls swim and dive schedule and roster can be found at ferndalegoldeneagles.com
Key Returners:
Luz Alcala, senior Oneyda Calderon, senior
e Lynden Lions’ 2023 varsity roster is: Ryan Broersma, Adrien Fassotte, Cooper Graddon, Declan Hurley, Michael DeYoung, David Polinder, Adrian Tjoelker, Luke VanKooten, Owen Visser, Kase Namminga, Hale Van Dyk and Brady Wakatsuki.
e
varsity roster is: Trey Bisson, Jonas
Carpenter, ad Dayley, Caelan
Francik, Maddox Gemin, Mason
Helt, Matthew Hippner, Luke
Jones, Zachary Nielsen, Camden
Schauer and Jack Wasilewski.
2022 state meet participants: Gage Ellis and Ella Frerichs
The Lions sent two athletes to the 2A state races last season and both return this year for their senior season.
e Lynden Lions 2023 cross country roster is:
Allie Adams, Evan Bajema, Issac Bajema, Andrew Bargen, Treyson Beanblossom, Aaron Bennett, Bryan
Chapina, Sam Clarke, Avery Cobb, Jorja Dyck, Eve
Ellis, Gage Ellis, Jude Ellis, Silvia Feliciano, Dakota Feller, Marli Flores, Victor Fouse, Ella Frerichs, Bailey Heutink, Evan Holmes, Grayson Kelley, Sierra Lankhaar, Blaise Lovegren, Charlotte Martin, Donte Massey, Jared McCrory, Daniel Mrak, Colby
Nosbusch, Ethan O’Connor, Cooper Oliver, Carlos
Ramirez, Caleb Rus, Asher Samms, Veramaria
Simon Lopez, Ethan Spoelstra, Issac Tadema, Peter
Tamminga, Hudson Taylor, Conrad Timmer, Aaron
Ubben, Luke VanBerkum, Mila VanWyk, Tessa Vargas, Audrey Ward, Logan Wilhite and Liam Wilson.
Gage Ellis placed 48th in state with a time of 17:31.9. Ellis will very likely find himself in the state tournament again this year and will have the opportunity to improve on that time. Ella Frerichs had a fantastic showing in the state tournament, finishing in 12th place overall. Frerichs will be back this year and could place even higher.
Another girl to watch this season is sophomore Jorja Dyck who narrowly missed the state races as a freshmen. Another year of experience should put her in position to reach state. Senior Daniel Mrak is a runner to keep your eyes on this season. He marked a time of 17:24 flat in the district meet and missed out on state. I think there is a good chance that Mrak reaches the state tournament this year.
2022 state meet participants: Andrew Luce, Nickolas Luce, Avery VanWeerdhuizen and Lydia TerBeek.
e Lynden Christian Lyncs’ 2023 cross country roster is: Dylan Bishop, Maddox DeVries, Gavin Haskell, Colby
Honcoop, Blake Justice, Haiden Kooiman, Weston Kooiman, Nickolas Luce, Larson Rische, Alexander Smith, Kellan Toland, Jude VanderGiessen, Aaron Zhu, Levi Zylstra, Ella Vos, Avery VanWeerdhuizen, Emmy VanderGiessen, Makalie Tveter, Hannah Stremler, Elaina Rast, Mia Mellema, Katie Hiemstra and Allison Dalrymple.
The Lyncs return two of their four state competitors from last year. Andrew Luce was a dominant force in the Northwest Conference for years and losing him is a hit, but his brother Nickolas will try to fill his shoes. Last year at state, Nickolas Luce placed 62nd in the state tournament last season with a time of 18:21.4. He was also just a freshman, so he should see some improvement across the board. Avery VanWeerdhuizen will also be back after finishing 95th last season in the state tournament with a time of 23:24.7.
The Lyncs have a very young cross country roster with only two seniors. They have a fairly small roster compared to some other schools, but LC always boasts high level athletes who make an impact at the state level. LC will build off last season and hopefully have a solid season as individuals and as a team.
e Meridian Trojans’ 2023 boys cross country roster is: Lakin Alaniz, Bowen Anderson, Jack Anderson, Braxton Ashmore, Dane Beishline, Rane DenBleyker, Ben Duersch, River Durben, Ian Forbes, Bradley Hansen, Tate Hanson, Eli Hays, Logan Jacoby, Nolan Jacoby, Canyon James, Casey Johnson, Harold Manookin, Liam Martinez, Jackson Miller, Brandon Montgomery, Marcus Montgomery, Carter Nichols, Willem Nichols, Everest Peterson, Kylan Peterson, Gavin Poortinga, Ryan Rempp, Carson Siadal, Logan Smith, Reuben TeVelde, Asher Todd, Kellen Todd, Liam Wolven, Adelle Ashmore, Kerri Barnes, Grace Bender, Allie Gordley, Ava Hansen, Logan Ignacio, Jada Katschke, Maejae Larson, Natalie Larson, Emi Manookin, Fran Manookin, Addison Mullin, Sophie Petke, Aunaleisa Ross, Cadence Scellick, Natalie Schultz, Maddy Swanson and Rhiannon Zurcher.
2022 state meet participants:
Braxton Ashmore, Nolan Jacoby, Conner Tenkley, Asher Todd, Jackson Miller, Willem Nichols, Dane Beishline, Logan Ignacio, Emilee Swanson, Adelle Ashmore, Ava Hansen, Natalie Larson, Sophia Petke and Kerri Barnes.
Meridian is one of the premier cross country and track and field schools in Whatcom County and possibly all of Washington. They had 14 state competitors last season which was by far the most in 1A Northwest Conference cross country.
Twelve of those 14 athletes are retuning to the team for the 2023 season so Meridian should see a repeat performance with their amount of state competitors.
Logan Ignacio was the highest placing Meridian athlete at state last year, coming in 16th place with a time of 20:22.2. Watch out for her again this season.
Braxton Ashmore came in 27th place in the boys division with a time of 17:43.4 and will likely be back near the top of the 1A ranks again this year.
2022 state meet participants: Katie Manly.
Katie Manly has been the lone Ferndale state participant in the past two years. She is a very promising athlete and had an impressive display at state, finishing 108th with a time of 21:11.4. She will likely be at state again this season and will try to improve her time.
e Ferndale Golden Eagles’ 2023 cross country roster is: Samuel Andres, McKinnon Bailey, Broderick Beier, Aiden Britain, Aron Dahlstrom, Mason Filippini, Stefan Gergen, Spencer Hamilton, Lucas Harris-Nelson, Henry Huynh, William James, Jackson MacBeth, Ethan O’Larey, Landon Shaw, Benjamin Stau er, Grant Stau er, Tamon Wattam, Aiden White, Jaxson Wippert, Kyler Woodrich, Jackson York, Evan Ziesing, Carley Burchard, Annabelle Carmichael, Julia Chao, Kayleigh Hurd, Emma Karber, Kayla Lee, Isabella Mam, Katie Manly, Ava Martinez, Cara Retasket-Sampson, Alyssa Stamm, Lina Veliz, Claire Walker, Grace Wright and Kendra Ziesing.
e 2023 Ferndale Golden Eagles’ cross country schedules and rosters can be found at ferndalegoldeneagles.com
The Golden Eagles are another young squad which seems to be a trend among northern Whatcom County teams this year. They have only six seniors so there will be a lot of opportunity for young athletes to make their mark.
Ferndale has a decently sized roster, with a good turnout this year for the team. Other names to watch include Kyler Woodrich and William James who might make state this year for the Golden Eagles. This young squad will be fun to follow.
2022 state meet participants: None.
The Pioneers have a very small roster this season, second smallest in the Northwest Conference. Mount Baker currently holds the smallest roster. But even with a smaller roster there could be some gems that make their mark throughout the season. Isaiah Buckley is one name to watch for the Pioneers. He just missed out on the state tournament. Buckley had a great showing at the District one 1A championships with a time of 19:02.54 and was just over what he needed for state.
e Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ 2023 boys cross country roster is: Skyler Briskey, Isaiah Buckley, Garrett Reid, Connor Hopkins, Ethan Morris, Jack Cowman, Daniel Donato, Aiden Anson, Lesly Cruz-Antonio, Juan Mendez-Velasquez, Mina Azzam and Monica Garcia
e 2023 Nooksack Valley Pioneers’ cross country schedules and rosters can be found at nooksackpioneers.com
Lesly Cruz-Antonio for the girls is another one to keep your eye on. She could push her way into state. Don’t be surprised if some of these Nooksack athletes shock you. There are always top-level competitors coming from that area and they could make a run.
2022 state meet participants: Jorey Johnson and Erica Cook.
Despite a small squad, the feisty Mount Baker athletes made their mark on the conference.
Jorey Johnson has since graduated, but he was a high placer at state in 2022, where he finished in 51st place with a time of 18:12.0.
Mount Baker’s young athletes will try to replicate that success.
e Mount Baker Mountaineers’ 2023 cross country roster is: Erica Cook, Palmer Detta, Violet Fox, Wyatt Freeman, Hazel Grout, Quinntin Hernandez, Emma Little, Megan Little, Christopher Martinez, Ben Mireault, Brayden Richardson and Cameron Scott.
e 2023 Mount Baker Mountaineers’ cross country schedules and rosters can be found at gobakerathletics.com
Erica Cook returns this year for her senior season and it should be a good one.
Cook finished in 105th place at the state level with a time of 23:38.7. She is one of three seniors on the Mount Baker roster and she will be someone to watch.
Mount Baker always performs well, and a couple of these competitors could make it to state.
