Seven athletes named to All-State teams
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
Henry Matai, Aaron Cochran and Samantha Brewer were named to first team All State in football and volleyball for 2009. Also recognized were Allen Matai, second team for Lyle-Wishram football, and Monique Scherf, Ashley Meeks and Nolan Smith tabbed as honorable mention for their sports.
Henry Matai
Henry Matai, a junior at Wishram High School and member of the Lyle-Wishram football team was selected by Gridiron Beez as first team running back and first team linebacker. Matai rushed for 1,779 yards, an average of 11.8 yards per carry, and scored 26 touchdowns. Matai led the Cougars with 71 tackles and had two sacks.
Aaron Cochran
Cochran, a Goldendale senior, was also honored on both sides of the ball, first team for his offensive line work, generally as a center, and he was honorable mention as a linebacker. Cochran's leadership was key to Goldendale's 7-3 record and fourth consecutive post-season appearance.
Samantha Brewer
Brewer, a junior from Klickitat High School, is one of the premier middle hitters in volleyball. The six-footer gets maximum leverage from long arms when she cranks kill shots that test the game's best diggers. Brewer led the Vandals to fourth place at State this year, totaling 96 kills and 19 blocks in 16 games against four opponents.
Allen Matai
Allen Matai shared the rushing load at Lyle-Wishram with his brother, Henry. Allen missed one game due to illness and still ran for 1,528 yards on 149 carries and scored 16 touchdowns rushing and had one reception for a touchdown. Matai was also selected to the second team as a defensive end, playing more like a Lawrence Taylor linebacker position, stopping virtually all rushing around his end of the line and forcing two fumbles, making one interception, two sacks and 37 tackles.
Monique Scherf
Scherf closes out her career at Goldendale with the honorable mention as a libero. Scherf led the Timberwolves with 307 serve-receives, a 74.5 percent success rate and she was also top on the team with 370 digs. Scherf was the most consistent server for Goldendale, good on 244 of 250 serves. She was perfect from the line during district competition.
Ashley Meeks
Meeks, who is only a freshman at Klickitat, was solid as a setter during the season and was credited with 75 assists during the State tournament.
Nolan Smith
Smith was named honorable mention as a tight end. At 6-3, 245 he was a big target in the Cougar's seldom used passing game. While he came up with several key catches to sustain drives, his greatest value to the team was as a blocker and on defense.
Master Hunter program accepting applications
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be accepting enrollment applications for its Master Hunter program Jan. 1 through Feb.15.
Two orientation meetings on the application and certification process have been scheduled for:
• Jan. 9 - From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Valley Fire Department, 10000 Zier Road, Yakima.
• Jan. 16 - From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
Details on the program, application forms and enrollment procedures are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/ .
Master hunters participate in controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices, said Bruce Bjork, chief of the WDFW Enforcement Program. "Their knowledge and conduct in the field can help build positive relationships with landowners and assure public hunting opportunity in the future," said Bjork.
Hunters enrolling in the program are required to pass a written exam, undergo a criminal background check, sign a Master Hunter Code of Ethics form and provide at least 20 hours of volunteer service on WDFW projects that benefit the state's wildlife resources. Those who have been convicted of violating a state fish and wildlife regulation in the last 10 years are not eligible.
Hunters who become certified will receive a certificate; a patch and a master hunter identification card. | 
