The past year was a banner one for sports in the Auburn area, both recreationally, in high school competition and at the collegiate and professional levels.
With 2009 ready to fade into the rearview mirror, here is a look at a few of the highlights of the past year in sports.
Chris Eyelander makes the bigs
In January of 2009 Auburn Riverside graduate Chris Eyelander was named to the Seattle Sounders inaugural Major League Soccer squad as a backup to goalkeeper Kasey Keller. Eyelander, who played collegiate soccer at the University of Washington, played goalie for the United Soccer League First Division Seattle Sounders from 2006-2008. In that time Eyelander led the league in saves and had 78 appearances with 29 shutouts. The USL-1 Sounders were the league champions in 2008.
Jake Swartz grabs third wrestling title
Auburn grappler Jake Swartz ended a standout career with the Trojans, capturing his third state title with a 7-0 decision over Decatur’s Darren Faber in the 189 pound class. Swartz finished his prep career with a 148-12 record. Currently Swartz is wrestling at Boise State University.
Ravens fourth at 4A girls hoop state tourney
After two years as the reigning 3A girls basketball champs, the Auburn Riverside Ravens finished the season with a fourth place finish at the Washington State 4A tourney. Led by junior guard Mercedes Wetmore, who was selected to the all-tourney team
and averaged a tournament-high 20 points per game, the Ravens finished off Issaquah 55-48 to snag fourth.
Also instrumental in the Ravens’ season, which included a West Central District III title, were Nicole Jackson, now playing at Portland State University, and Amanda Thomson, who is currently at California State University, Northridge. Wetmore will attend and play basketball at the University of Washington next year.
Mountainview second at 3A gymnastics tourney
Fueled by a strong performance by senior Ashley Perkovich, the Lion’s gymnastics team bettered its third-place finish at the 3A state tournament in 2008 by taking home a second-place silver medal at the 2009 3A meet.
Perkovich finished eighth in the all-around competition with 36.400 points and was second in the floor exercise.
Junior Natalie Hostetter finished 21st in the all-around competition.
Turnbow turns in winning performances in two sports
Auburn Riverside junior Rebecca Turnbow had an impressive year finishing fifth overall in the all-around at the 4A state gymnastics meet and capturing fifth in the pole vault at the 4A track and field championships. Turnbow notched a 37.00 score in the all-around and was tied for second on the bars, fifth on the beam, 11th on the floor and tied for 22nd on the vault. In the spring Turnbow turned in an 11-foot personal best vault for the fifth-place.
Fitzsimmons pitches Ravens to fourth
Raven pitcher Amanda Fitzsimmons capped her high school career by helping Auburn Riverside place fourth at the 4A fastpitch tournament. Fitzsimmons finished the season with a 15-5 record and a .056 earned run average. From the plate she had a .655 batting average with 22 RBIs and 16 runs.
Jordan captures second diving title
Auburn senior diver Shawna Jordan captured her second state diving title with a 422.80 score. The title was Jordan’s first 4A title. As a sophomore, Jordan captured the 3A diving title.
Kukors powers to world swimming record
Auburn Mountainview graduate Ariana Kukors swam her way to a world record 2 minute, 6.15 second time at this past July’s FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome. Kukors, who swam collegiately for the University of Washington, upset Olympic champion Australian Stephanie Rice in the 200-meter individual medley.
