Wanderscheid Player of the Year in junior golf
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
Zach Wanderscheid was named Washington junior golf Player of the Year after finishing second in the Washington Junior Golf Association's (WJGA) championship. Player of the Year honors go to the golfer who finishes with the most points in tournament play during association point events.
The Goldendale senior didn't let late July's incredible heat at Bellevue's Overlake course get him down as he posted a one shot, first round lead of two under par 69.
The second day moved to the nearby Glendale Country Club where Michael Rutledge, of Fall City challenged for a share of the lead at 142.
Wanderscheid got off to a rough start, bogeying the first hole of the final round and going three over for the front nine. "I should have done better," said Wanderscheid. "I was burning the edges...just couldn't get putts to fall." In the end, Rutledge had a two stroke victory, but Wanderscheid had enough points to be named Player of the Year.
Wanderscheid's point total also placed him on the Washington Hogan Cup team, which will play Aug. 15-16 in Portland. The Hogan Cup involves 12 teams from the west. Oregon sends two teams, and California sends a San Diego team plus teams representing southern California and northern California. Washington, Hawaii, British Columbia, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Arizona each send one team. Wanderscheid's teammates will be Li Wang, Tyler Salsbury, and Kent Hagen.
Wanderscheid was also named recipient of the Teats award for most inspirational player, based on perseverance, citizenship and sportsmanship.
The week went a long way to make up for some disappointment for Wanderscheid at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, in Bedminster, N.J., last month. His two rounds of 80 and 79 left him short of the cut. But true to the title of "most inspirational," he used the experience to get fired up for the WJGA championship. The first day of the US Junior was a decent day, but four drives into the deep rough, had Wanderscheid deep in the pack. The next day was rainy and difficult, leaving Wanderscheid lamenting his inability to take advantage of the good weather the day before. He was determined to make the best of it.
"It put a fire in my belly. I committed to use it to do well at the WJG," said Wanderscheid.
In the weeks that follow the Hogan Cup play, Wanderscheid will turn that fire toward a totally different, although equally individual sport, cross country. He hasn't posted the kinds of times that would put him with the top runners in the state, but clearly he is competitive and as he has said before, it helps him with stamina and concentration for his true interest, golf.
 Knights try their hand at football
Goldendale is not the only school to drop high school soccer. 2009 marks the introduction of eight man football to Sunnyside Christian High School, in place of soccer.
According to athletic director, Dean Wagenaar, fall soccer against 1B and 2B schools was involving a lot of traveling for the 1B Knights. Chatter that other schools in the league might drop soccer due to the economy led the school to consider switching to football and many fewer games.
"We put the question to the families back in March and had 89 percent approval," said Wagenaar.
The player response has been good, with 20 students out for the sport this spring and 18 expected to stick with it this fall. The upstart team participated in football camp at Whitman University this summer. The coach will be Ray Hernandez, of Wapato, and the team is looking to bring an exciting brand of football to the field with a three-man backfield, all of whom can run or throw.
The team plans on playing at Sunnyside High School one night and perhaps Grandview on another. Otherwise, home games will be on the soccer field, starting at 3 p.m., since they have no lights. Goal posts are being installed and there will be bleachers.
The team will play in the same league as Lyle-Wishram. They visit the Cougars on Sept. 18, in Lyle. There may also be an early, non-league game against a Vancouver team, possibly played in Goldendale, but details were yet to be finalized.
The school is noted for great basketball under Wagenaar, who is the boys coach. When asked about how he felt about having basketball players playing football, Wagenaar responded that he didn't think many would, but he didn't oppose it. "Maybe it will make them tougher."
Referees needed for volleyball
Referees are needed for high school and middle school volleyball games throughout Klickitat and Skamania counties. According to assigning secretary, Bill Daniels, there is a particular need for people who can work afternoon matches in the Stevenson and Carson end of the district.
Referees are paid per game plus mileage for the season, running from September through October. Referees are required to join the Washington Officials Association, which costs $40 and covers insurance, official patch, two rule books and training.
Knowledge of volleyball is beneficial, but not required, as officials will be trained. Ages from high school on up are encouraged to apply. An on-line clinic and test are required for certification.
The first meeting is Aug. 24, 7 p.m. at the Riverview Community Bank in Goldendale. The second meeting is Aug. 31, with other meetings held during the season. Contact Daniels at 509-773-3980.
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