Inspite of numerous injuries, the team has been able to maintain their high standards. "I don't think many teams could lose good wrestlers and still be 11-4. I'm real happy with their effort and the way the young wrestlers have filled in the varsity level," said wrestling coach Denny Daniels.

The next step for the team is to qualify for the state tournament. The JV's success at the sub-regional qualifiers may give the team encouragement. "I think it will inspire them. [varsity wrestlers]. It inspired us as a coaching staff," said Daniels. Some strong individuals who have a shot at the state tournament are seniors Leonard Wilson (record is 24-0), Josh Terry (19-5), Tim Tobin (15-6), Chris Babka (12-3), juniors Josh Mishler (16-7), Dustin Williams (15-5), and sophomore Ramone Coronel (14-9).

Boys' Basketball

The boys' basketball team is currently second in the South Rivers League and battling with Mark Morris for the top position. "Right now we're in our toughest stretch of games. If we lose to Aberdeen, Olympia, and Mark Morris, we'll probably finish second. If we split those two [Aberdeen, Olympia], depending on Mark Morris, we'll be tied for first," said head coach Dale Leach.

Team work and good strategy will not only lead the Bearcats to a possible win over the North Rivers League teams, but smart playing from the individual players. Senior Justin Thompson remains as the leading scorer and rebounder, and is a key element under the hoop. Senior John Kesting also presents a physical presence inside. Senior John McCroskey, the team's second leading scorer and main ball handler, "...runs the team and is our floor leader," according to Leach. These key players as well as juniors Dave Barrett and Justin Peterson, who contribute with their shooting skills and hard work, will finish the season with intensity and hard playing.

Rifle Team

Inspite of the inexperience this year on the W.F. West Riße team, the shooters have stayed consistent and have used this year to build their skills. The scores of the team have been steadily improving, even though their season record of 3-7 may not reßect that. Close matches have shown their effort. Their match against Shelton ended with a score of 917-883, Shelton. "They left the door wide open for us, but we couldn't pull it off," said Rifle team coach Steve Kostanich. On the up side, the Bearcats defeated our cross-town rivals with another close score of 911-900. "[We] just beat Centralia [by] the skin of our teeth," said Kostanich.

The key shooter on the team has been freshman Shanda Duval. Duval is currently number one in the league. "She has the potential to really go out and be a top shooter in the U.S. She's an outstanding young lady." More shooters have earned a varsity letter this year than in the past. Varsity lettermen include seniors Pat Luethe, Jason Houle, and Mike Aho, junior Bob Gorski, and sophomores Nathan Shepherd, Jason Berg, and Jeff Berg. "In past years the varsity members have consistently been the same people, but this year there's been a total of seven kids who have made varsity," said Kostanich.

Girls' Basketball

The girls' basketball team has done an outstanding job this season. Their record is only 6-7, but they have risen to the competition in each game. "I'm really happy with the way they're playing. We're competing well even in games we've lost. I think the main thing is that they continue to improve, work hard, and believe in themselves," said assistant coach Tim Kindle.

The team's main focus now is the district playoffs. "We're still in the position to play in the playoffs and that's what's most important right now," said Kindle.

Key players on the team include seniors Robbie Schwarz, who is the main ball handler and scorer, and "Ali Smith [who] has been a real versatile player and a good leader," according to Kindle. Other important players are Salena Rinta, junior, who averages over 10 points a game and has had 36 steals total. Juniors Danielle Klovdahl and Natalie Roe have played strong under the hoop. "They've shown the most dramatic improvement in their scoring and rebounding," said Kindle.