Wrestling season has started at Selah High School. With multiple state participants the last couple years, Selah Boys Wrestling has a big reputation to uphold. One of the biggest pieces to the vikings team is junior captain Mario Lamas. 

Lamas had a standout sophomore season in 2023, wrestling at the 165 weight class. He finished the season as a district champion, and a regional champion. This allowed Lamas to qualify for state. He ended the season on a high note with a 4th place finish at state. 

Head Coach Enrique Gudino has high hopes for Lamas this year. Coach says, “I think Mario has a good chance at being a state finalist this year. We hope to see him in the state championship this February.”

Lamas’s stats this season speak for his skill. With a current record of 11-1, he is already one of the best competitors at the 165 weight class in the Central Washington Athletic Conference. He says he is most excited to wrestle at state this year, and hopefully win a state title. 

You can watch Mario and the rest of the Vikings Wrestling team this Thursday as they take on the Ellensburg Bulldogs. The girls start at 5pm and the boys start at 7pm at Selah High School. 

Determination is one way to describe Chase Bugni. Chase is a three-sport athlete and excels in each sport, but wrestling sticks out. He has had a great career so far and plans to keep it going this year. Chase is a heavyweight wrestler, and his goal is to win state.

After a difficult junior year, Chase has forgotten the struggles and prepared himself for this year. After some tough losses to rival opponents, Chase has trained harder and harder, preparing himself for when he faces these opponents again. 

This year Chase has started hot; he has a record of 7-2 and is a force to be reckoned with. Most notably when he was wrestling against Quincy and picked up his opponent and slammed against the mat. Even though he was deducted points he still ended up taking the W home. Bugni is a standout heavyweight at Selah and after making it to regionals last year he plans to make it to state and win. 

Coach Enrique Gudino has high hopes for Chase and believes he should have a great year. While not just coaching, Gudino will also inspire kids. For example, Chase recalls his coach often said, “Wrestle smart, don’t be dumb”. These simple words are what Chase bases his wrestling career on.

For the first time in the history of College Football, the playoff features 12 teams. The College Football Playoff, otherwise known as the CFP¨ previously featured just 4 teams which means there would only be a total of 3 CFP games which are usually some of the most entertaining games in all of sports. However, with the new format, there are a total of 11 games.

Last year's national championship game featured 2 undefeated squads between Michigan and Washington. Both teams came into this game 14-0 and ranked number 1 and 2 and coming off of close wins to get there. However Michigan dominated on both sides of the ball and ran away with a 34-13 victory to complete their undefeated 15-0 season. The script has flipped this year though, with Michigan finishing the regular season 7-5 and Washington 6-6 Neither team will be making their return to the CFP this year.

The first game will be played on December 20th as the 7 seed Notre Dame will host 10 seed Indiana, Both teams entering this game with an 11-1 record. Notre Dame is heavily favored to come out on top in this matchup but Indiana is a very resilient team so this game should be a battle.

Next we have 6 seed Penn State hosting 11 seed SMU. This will be the first of 3 CFP games played on December 21st and Penn State is favored to win with their home field advantage. Penn State has only lost 2 games, both to other teams that made it into the CFP, but SMU has proven to be a tough team to beat as they won 9 in a row before falling to Clemson in the ACC Championship.

After that we have the 5 seed Texas Longhorns hosting the 12 seed Clemson Tigers. Texas is favored in this game and is also one of the favorites to win the national championship. Texas only has 2 losses on the season, both to a tough Georgia team who earned a first round bye. As Clemson has a 10-3 record with the ACC Championship. 

Finally to wrap up the first round, we have what should be a very good game between 9 seed Tennessee and 8 seed Ohio State. Both of these teams come into this game with a 10-2 record. Tennessee had a few ranked wins over 7th ranked Alabama, 15th ranked Oklahoma, and 24th ranked NC State. Ohio State has ranked wins over 3rd ranked Penn State and 5th ranked Indiana. These teams have both proven they can beat some of the top teams which makes this a great matchup.

With the new CFP format, the top 4 highest ranked conference champions were granted a first round bye. The Big 10 champions were the Oregon Ducks after an incredible season going 13-0 in the regular season in their first season in the new conference, earned the top seed and will play the winner of Tennessee vs Ohio State. Oregon beat Ohio State at home earlier in the season 32-31 and a rematch between the two would be a great game

The 2nd overall seed went to the SEC Champions, The Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs beat Texas twice this year while the Longhorns were ranked 1 and 2. Georgia with an 11-2 record fell short to two other ranked teams, 4th ranked Alabama and 16th ranked Ole Miss. Georgia will play the winner of Indiana vs Notre Dame on New year's day.

The 3 seed goes to the Boise State Broncos, after a 12-1 season with their only loss to 1st ranked Oregon, The Broncos cruised through conference play and easily won the Mountain West Conference. Led by junior running back Ashton Jeanty who is chasing Barry Sanders´ single season rushing yard record, Boise State will play on New years eve against the winner between the Penn State vs SMU matchup.

The 4 seed and final first round bye was granted to the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils pulled off 4 ranked wins this year and dominated in the Big 12 championship game beating Iowa State 45-19. Senior running back Cam Skattebo totaled over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns to help lead them here with an 11-2 record. Arizona State will play on New Years the winner of Texas vs Clemson. As all these teams fight for the college football playoff national championship trophy, The national championship game will be held on January 20th in Atlanta, Georgia.

Over the last year, the Selah Vikings program has significantly improved, going from a 2-8 record up to a 5-5 record. With the hiring of Greg Haste, a new light has started to spark in the program. However, this is just the beginning of the fire in the years to come for Selah, as the upcoming sophomore class has some special athletes who showcased their talents this year. Running back Calen Wuitschick, corner Hayden Nelson, and linebacker Clayton Bucknell are just a few players of this promising young class for the Selah Vikings.

Linebacker Clayton Bucknell showed potential throughout the season with his outstanding playmaking ability. Clayton first got his chance against the league champions, the Othello Huskies, due to a position change where he proved that he was capable of playing against great competition. When Clayton was asked why he cares about Selah football, he stated, “I care about the unity of the Selah football team; I love the game and everyone around it. Although the past few years haven’t been special, we’ve been working hard and improving every single season. I’m confident that we will grow as a team and soon become league champions.”

Greg Haste, Selah’s new coach, is not new to the program. He’s advised the high school program on multiple occasions and also coached the middle school 8th-grade team for several years. Haste brought energy to the team and his overwhelming passion for the game made Selah a better team. He said, “I think ‘winning’ is more about the process and the mindset behind it. I believe having a winning mindset or process is about finding a way to be successful in life or in sports. It's about understanding the reality of your current circumstances and finding a way to be successful. It is definitely a mindset surrounded by optimism, purpose, and faith. Winning is doing the best you can with what you got and knowing how you can get better. That's why winning matters.”

Going into the year, Calen Wuitschick was an already proven player, being one of the two freshmen on varsity. He came into this year with motivation and determination to win games and to raise the expectations of Selah football. When questioned about why he puts in so much effort, he stated, “I have endless love for the game and a passion to win with my team. I’m so grateful for my teammates, and they’ve made this past year great; they give me motivation to get better each day.”

The last player that stood out in the sophomore class this year was corner, Hayden Nelson. Hayden immediately made a great impact on Selah's defense, making a great interception against Quincy in only his first game. Hayden led the team in picks and demonstrated elite ball skills as well as being an elite open field tackler. Hayden said in an interview, “The reason I care so much about the team is because family is everything, and the connections I’ve had with my brothers the past years have been everything to me; that’s why I do it.”

In an interview about the upcoming Selah football season, Hayden Nelson says, “The Selah Vikings football program took a huge step up this season compared to the other years; this has to do with players gaining a strong passion to be great.” These three young stars are an example of how effort and a love for the game can change the course of a team and even the whole program.

The Lady Vikings opened their season at Eisenhower, where they got the scoring going early and often, jumping to an early 16-7 lead after the first quarter. The Vikings kept it rolling in the second quarter, taking a 29-17 lead into halftime.

 They would then enter the fourth quarter with a comfortable 37-29 lead—or so they thought. In the fourth quarter, the Cadets stormed back and went on a huge run at the end of the fourth quarter, tied the game up at 46 with less than a minute left. As time expired, the Vikings committed a foul, sending Eisenhower to the free-throw line with no time on the clock. The Ike guard knocked down her first free throw, and the game was over.  

Sophomore Elise Kingston was the Vikings' leading scorer with 16, and Freshman Makenna Pepper added 15 in her debut. Eisenhower then brought a rowdy crowd for the boys' game. They were coming off a 67-61 victory against East Valley, which boosted their confidence for this game. They started off the game with a 24-21 lead on Selah after the first quarter. Juelz Terry started, with 9 of their team's first 13 points.

The game went back and forth bucket for bucket. The Vikings went into halftime down by two points as the Cadets led 35-33 and Selah eventually took the lead at the end of the 3rd 54-50. The Vikings, who fell a game short of a state playoff berth, were looking to start their season off with a win

The Cadets start to rally back but then Jackson Pepper demands the lead back with a 3-pointer, Vikings now up 66-65. Then, with 16 seconds left trailing by 1, Ike junior Lucas Stevens hits a fade-away jumper to win the game 67-66 bringing Eisenhower to a 2-0 start to their season. Juelz Terry leading the way for the Cadets with 25 points and Stevens with 20. Selah had the Pepper brothers lead the charge Senior Jackson went for 22 points and Sophomore Oliver added 16

Selah is taking on 2-1 Grandview who is coming off back to back wins and also got 2nd place in state last year on this next friday at Selah high school on December 13. Eisenhower will be heading to Hermiston to face the 1-0 Bulldogs.

Selah-Jackson Pepper 22, Wright 13, Oliver Pepper 16, Alexander 8, Benjamin 4, Tait 2, Tilley 1 Eisenhower-Juelz Terry 25, Lucas Stevens 20, Michael Serna 13, Davis 4, Colunga 2, Elmore 3

With winter right around the corner, it is almost time for the high school basketball season, and the Selah Vikings have their eyes focused on something bigger than what they got last year. After a 12-12 finish a year ago with the new head coach, Jordan Starr, the Vikings came up just one game short of making it to state. However, something uncommon about the Selah roster is that nobody in the starting five last year was a senior. This year, the Vikings roster will bring more experience, which is an important factor in high school basketball.

6´3 senior guard Jackson Pepper leads the Vikings. Jackson has been a varsity starter since the first game of his freshman year and played a big role last year as the team's leading scorer having a career-high in an early season game against Southridge, scoring 42 points. Pepper, who received first team all conference honors in each of the last two years, scored his 1,000th point in a district playoff game against the Ellensburg Bulldogs in which he scored 35 and led the team to a win to advance a round further in the district playoffs.

Another star for the Vikings will be 6´5 senior forward Eli Wright. Eli has also been a varsity player in the Vikings basketball program since his freshman year and can be a bully in the paint. Wright was the leading scorer in the season opener for the Vikings last year, Scoring 25 of the 50 team points against Toppenish. He also added 11 rebounds that game, making it one of his many double-doubles from last year. Eli made 2nd team all-conference last season and honorable mention the season before that, he looks to add to his resume this season. 

Selah´s squad this year certainly doesn´t lack size to go along with Eli, the Vikings also have 6´8 senior Jaiden Alexander. Jaiden broke onto the scene last year earning him a spot in the starting lineup in the middle of last season. His best game came last year was at home against Ephrata where he put up 14 points to go with his 15 rebounds and three blocks. When asked what his main goal for the year was Jaiden simply said ¨Win…Everything¨

Selah guard Beau Benjamin is another one of their 4-year varsity players. Benjamin earned an all-conference honorable mention last season and is a pest for opposing offenses. Not only does Beau tally up a lot of steals but he is also one of the top options on offense. Efficiency is the name of his game as he has one of the highest field goal percentages on the entire team. Beau is aggressive on both sides of the ball. A standout game he had last year was in East Valley where he had 19 points, all of which came in the second half as he helped the Vikings claw back into the game erasing a five point deficit going into the fourth quarter. Beau is setting the bar high for his final season as his goal is to ¨go 24-0 in the regular season¨ This would be historic as Selah´s best season in recent history they finished 24-2 in 2018.

Another Viking senior Rylan Tilley took a big leap last year becoming a Varsity starter. The 5´10 guard is a sharpshooter and also received all-conference honors last season as an honorable mention. Rylan jumped onto the scene last year and brought some great energy to the team. He is an aggressive playmaker and a great player to have as point guard. Tilley is a hustler and had many solid games last season. Rylan said his goal for this season is to ¨help lead his team to the state tournament¨ The Vikings have not made it to the state tournament since 2020 where they lost in the first round to North Kitsap. Selah will face North Kitsap this season in the annual SunDome shootout on December 27th.

Another Viking Oliver Pepper, a sophomore who has made a big leap from last year is the brother of Jackson. The two Pepper brothers look to tear up the CWAC competition in their final year as teammates. Selah has another pair of seniors, Jackson Decker and Rowdy Mullins who look to make a big impact and fill their roles when needed. 

Coach Starr said ¨The expectation for the season is to focus on one game at a time and win those and make it to the end, win league and get us a spot at state.¨ The Vikings look forward to the season opener this Friday, December 6th at Eisenhower as they will face the Cadets in hopes of starting their season off right, with a win.

As 2024 comes to an end, there is a debate on the most influential album of the year. Charli xcx was most known for her hit single “Boom Clap,” which was released in 2014. With this becoming popular, Charli had a few months of real recognition but this newfound popularity quickly faded. 

Before Brat, Charli had seven albums that had never gotten people’s attention. When she released Brat, she had no hopes of it becoming extremely popular. This album was a big change compared to her previous albums because she finally opened up about not feeling successful, the fear of missing out, friendships, jealousy, and difficulty with family.

 Before Brat was released, Charli released a music video for her single “360” which included all of the most popular “it girls.” This grabbed people's attention and 360 started to go viral on social media. 

About a month later, Charli released a remix of her single “Von dutch” featuring the famous TikTok star Addison Rae. With Addison, Charli gained more and more attention. On June 7, 2024, Brat was finally released, and songs like “Apple” and “Girl, so confusing” had became her most popular songs on the album. The album gained so much success that many people called summer “brat summer” celebrities mentioned it, it was all over social media, and Charli had gained about 30 million more listeners compared to her listeners before Brat was released. With Brat, Charli had the success she had been wanting since the start of her career. She went on tour with her best friend Troye Sivan,  she earned Collins Dictionary's 2024 Word of the Year with"brat”, It promptly debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and is now her highest-selling U.S. album ever!

The new look for the Selah Vikings in 2024 got off to a hot start on the season. With a 59-0 week one win and three receiving touchdowns from Keaton Pitzer, the Vikings had no problem in Quincy. The Vikings came back to Selah the following week to host the Ellensburg Bulldogs. This game ended up being a defensive battle as it was a scoreless first half for both teams. The Bulldogs came out of the break and scored a field goal to take a 3-0 lead and took it into the fourth quarter. As the Vikings were running out of time to retaliate, Colton Shea scored on a Quarterback sneak up the middle on a fourth down to take a late 7-3 lead which would ultimately be the final score after a clutch interception by Markie Gallegos to stop the Bulldogs from marching down the field.

After a 2-0 start, Selah traveled to West Valley to face the Rams as it would be their on their brand new field. The Viking's new star edge rusher, Dorian Ortega, was chasing down the Rams ball carrier and unfortunately suffered a season-ending ankle injury and was taken to the hospital. After Ortega's injury, the Vikings struggled to stop West Valley’s run game which resulted in a Vikings loss of 28-7 with the lone Vikings touchdown coming on a 23-yard connection between Quarterback Dylan Kingston and Wide Reciever Keaton Pitzer in the 4th quarter.

The Vikings then went back home to host the top team in the CWAC, the Othello Huskies. All they could get was three points against the tough Huskies defense and dropped their second straight game, this one with the score of 10-3. Although the Huskies came out on top, the Vikings showed that they can hang in there with some of the great teams the CWAC has. 

After falling to 2-2, Selah traveled to Toppenish to face the 4-0 Wildcats. The Viking's ground attack featuring Calen Wuitshuck and Colton Shea could not be stopped in this game. Shea rushed for 108 yards and Wuitshuck, the sophomore running back added 147 more yards on 22 carries and each of the two Viking touchdowns. Selah ran away with a 14-6 win over the Wildcats in bounce-back game to get them back on track.

Next, The Vikings would host the 0-5 Grandview Greyhounds. The Vikings didn’t waste much time getting points on the board this game as Keaton Pitzer caught a 52 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Dylan Kingston. Kingston would then scramble 25 yards for the touchdown on a 3rd &11 on the following drive for the vikings as they would head into the half with a 12-0 lead. In the second half, the Greyhounds scored their first touchdown and the Vikings snagged a pair of interceptions by Junior Trevor Parke and Sophomore Clayton Bucknell. Neither team managed to score after this and the final score ended 12-7 in favor of the Vikings.

The next matchup for the Vikings would be no easy task as they would face the East Valley Red Devils In Selah for the Viks’ senior night. The Selah Vikings would open up the Scoring with a 9-yard touchdown rush by Colton Shea. The Red Devils would then get on the board with a 68-yard touchdown pass to tie the game up at 7. Each team would drive down the field but fail to find the endzone and settle for a field goal knotting the game up at 10-10 going into halftime. It would be the Red Devils that scored first coming out of the half as they stormed down the field and ultimately ran it in for a two yard touchdown and followed that up with an 84-yard pick-six to take a 10-24 lead. However, The Vikings were still fighting as Clayton Bucknell ran it 38 yards to the endzone to cut the lead to eight. The Vikings, back on defense couldn’t stop the Red Devils as they marched down the field and found themselves inside the ten looking to extend the lead back to two scores. Still, Senior Safety Tucker Stephens had other plans as he intercepted that pass at the goal line and took it to the endzone for a 100-yard pick-six, which would end up cutting the lead to two points. However, the run game was working too well for the Red Devils and the Vikings would ultimately drop this game with a final score of 22-31.

The Vikings now with a record of 4-3 would head to Ephrata to face the 3-4 Tigers. As a whole, Selah struggled throughout the entirety of this game as they couldn’t get much going on offense as well as the defense struggling to keep the Tigers out of the end zone. They end up falling short for the second consecutive game by a final score of 13-34.

The last CWAC opponent the Vikings would face this season would be an away game against the Prosser Mustangs. Prosser came into this game riding a winning streak as they beat each of the last five CWAC teams they played. The Mustangs came out firing as they scored the first two touchdowns to put the Vikings down 0-14. Selah then answered with a 4-yard touchdown run, gave up another touchdown and then Colton Shea took a 50-yard touchdown run to the house and Calen Wuitshuck caught a pass from Shea and ran 47 yards to the endzone, tying the game at 21 points a piece. However, as the Vikings offense was completely shut out after this, it would be a different story for Prosser as they scored 27 unanswered points after this to hand the Vikings their 3rd straight loss, 21-48.

Selah Football would wrap their season up against North Central in Spokane. The Viks would open up the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run by Colton Shea. Wuitchuck added a 37-yard touchdown, and even Jakob Greene got a three-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the game Colton Shea and Keaton Pitzer would connect on a deep ball one last time as Selah Vikings, going for 71 yards. Selah ran away with a 43-7 win and would end up with a 5-5 record which is a huge improvement from last year's 2-8 season. Even after a bumpy season, They ended off on a high note, showing us what we have in store for the years to come with new head coach Greg Haste. 

Recently, SHS introduced a new reward system called Minga. Although it has the potential to succeed, many problems have emerged; such as students’ feeling rushed by short hall passes, or even teachers’ opting out of features entirely.

Minga is an app that students can download to see news, make hall passes, and earn rewards. The ‘points’ are an alternative for Thor Tickets and are rewarded for good behavior and can be redeemed for items like an off-campus lunch and snacks. Minga also includes a badge system that gives students special permissions such as leaving early for Celebrate Success or being able to leave for Running Start. Hall passes are another feature included in Minga that allows students to create passes so staff can acknowledge these students with a pass can be in the halls until it expires. 

As a student, Minga feels confusing to explore and locate specific items. For example, if a student is looking for their praises (points), it can be difficult to find due to a strange layout and or naming scheme. While the system works, students are having issues with certain aspects. Students presenting concerns such as ‘Hall passes’ or ‘Badges’ were made present. These problems occur because of a confusing design and layout for students unfamiliar with similar platforms. Students expressed concern that the hall pass time is too short under certain circumstances. For most reasons, a hall pass has a timer of seven minutes, which often causes students to feel rushed to come back and cancel it before the pass expires. 

The badge system is another major issue. A sticker normally appears above a student’s ID but depending on the type of badge it may not display. For example, during the previous ‘Celebrate Success’ students noticed that their ID wasn’t displaying their badge to leave early; this left students uncertain if they could leave regardless of meeting the requirements.

While most teachers love the new system, certain teachers face difficulty.  problems emerged that stem from different concerns with the same problems students face. In an interview with one teacher, the points system was brought up and although it seems promising; the time it takes to input information causes various teachers to neglect giving out the points. The teacher had concerns stating, “that takes way too long” as they would have to disrupt their class to hand one out; whereas they noted how “Handing out Thor tickets was extremely simple and quick.”

In conclusion, Minga has potential to help with student management. Although most features prioritize ease of use, optimization of Minga could prove to create significant benefits. With some changes, Minga could create a platform students’ would be eager to engage with.

Halfway through the College Football season, the race for the prestigious Heisman trophy is really starting to heat up. The Heisman Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding player in College football. The award was given its name in 1936 after the death of John Heisman, the clubs' athletic director. Last year's winner was LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels who was drafted with the 2nd overall pick to the Washington Commanders. This Year there are 4 candidates who have been standing out above all else throughout the first half of the season

#4: Dillon Gabriel 

The Oregon Ducks Quarterback, Dillon Gabriel is off to a very hot start in his senior season. Gabriel has always been a great quarterback no matter what school he is playing for. He began his college career at UCF in 2019 and eventually ended up transferring to Oklahoma in 2022. He had a great 2 seasons at Oklahoma racking up a total of 73 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. Right after the 2023 season came to an end, he knew he wanted to take his talents to the University of Oregon where he just took the college football world by storm after leading the ducks to a 7-0 record with a crucial 32-31 victory against the #2 team in the country, Ohio State.

#3: Cam Ward

The new quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes has fit into their offensive scheme perfectly. The transfer from Washington State University decided he wanted to take his talents to the University of Miami for his final season of college football and has been fantastic to start the year tallying 27 touchdowns to 5 interceptions along with being 1st in the nation in passing yards, but most importantly he has led the Canes to a 7-0 record and the 6th ranked team in the nation. Ward is projected to be one of the top picks in the first round of next years NFL draft. 

#2: Travis Hunter

What Travis Hunter has been doing this season is remarkable. Hunter plays both sides of the ball as he is the best wide receiver on his offense and a lock down Cornerback on defense. Through 7 games this year Hunter has hauled in 51 Receptions for 604 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense he has forced a fumble and picked off 2 passes. What makes Travis Hunter so special is he is playing almost every snap of every game which is so rare to find. While Hunter is only a Junior, he is projected to be one of the first names taken off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

#1: Ashton Jeanty 

Ashton Jeanty is a standout running back for the Boise State Broncos and has had a historic first 6 games to start the year. He started off the year by rushing for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns against Georgia Southern. There hass been no answer to Ashton Jeanty, he is seemingly unstoppable. Through the first half of the season, he’s rushed for 1,248 yards averaging 208 yards per game and 9.9 yards per carry. He has found the Endzone a total of 18 times which is good for an average of 3 a game. Jeanty is just a Junior and has a chance to break some of Barry Sanders’ records such as his 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns that have stood since 1988. Ashton Jeanty has better stats through his first 6 games than Sanders. If Jeanty continues running like this and catches up to Barry’s records, it is hard to make a case for anybody else but Ashton Jeanty to run away with the Heisman Trophy.

While balancing academics, sports, and competitive dance can be a daunting task, for Maci, it's just another day. Maci is embarking on her fourth year as a member of the SHS dance team where she is now a captain. Her final season on the team is bound to be filled with success and celebration. 

Maci comes from generations of dancers and was born into the environment since her mother and grandmother own a dance studio. She followed in her family's footsteps and started dancing at the age of two.  Maci says that she uses dancing to cope; she loves dancing because it's a good way to express her emotions. 

When she talks about the difficulty of being a dancer, she says that there is a lot of physical strain and mental exhaustion, which anyone can understand. For her, there is a worrying factor about doing well during a performance because she feels people will be judgemental if she doesn't perform her best. 

Maci is involved with the competitive dance team at SHS, which is separate from the team that performs at games and assemblies. Being on the competitive dance team for SHS means more practice and hard work. This team is a selected few who go and compete for awards and if they score high enough, can compete at state. For the upcoming SHS comp season, Maci said, “There is a great set of girls for the team," and hopes they do make it to state.

While being involved in dance at SHS, Maci also dances for Footlights Dance Studio which is an outside-of-school competitive dance team where she competes as well. This means practicing every day of the week aside from Fridays. Maci puts hours of effort into dancing and it all shows through when she's performing. Maci is constantly busy with practice, games, and performances so when she has even the smallest bit of free time she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.

As Maci enters her final season, she sees great things coming for the team and is surrounded by people who are like a second family. Maci sees dancing in her future and hopes to dance for UW. 

College In the High School (CIHS) and Running Start are two programs offered at SHS that allow students to get college credit while still in high school. These programs come with added rigor and challenges, they are a great way for students to get a head start in their college journey. 

College In the High School:

The College in the High School program allows students to get college credit through participating colleges by taking college-level courses at their high school. Through the program, appropriately qualified teachers can instruct classes that grant students college credit if they pass with an eligible grade. While these classes can be a great way to earn college credit, they come with unique challenges and added hardship. As one CIHS student puts it, CIHS classes feel different than normal high school classes because they work faster and farther ahead in a college-structured curriculum. Low grades in these classes are even more detrimental than high school grades because these appear on their college transcript and can “have a high impact if it is low.”

CIHS classes also offer some unique advantages compared to Running Start; for example, CIHS classes allow students to start earning college credit much earlier than compared to Running Start. To qualify for Running Start, students must be at least a junior; however, students can take CIHS classes as freshmen. Another advantage to CIHS classes is that “The classes are free for students” (Mrs. Forbes). Students not paying commute allows them to advance ahead without what would be the largest downside of college courses.

Running Start:

The Running Start program allows students to enroll at their local colleges as high school students and take classes at that college. This program allows students to experience college-level classes and the added rigor and responsibilities that accompany them. Running Start better mirrors the responsibilities of college life, where students are responsible for their scheduling, commuting, and financing. Students are also given much more freedom over their schedule and the type of classes they choose to take. 

In Running Start, students are hit with a different level of difficulty, where they have an authentic college experience. As one Running Start student puts it, taking these classes can be bad for students who are not adequately prepared for the challenge; although the challenge of the classes might not be the biggest problem. Another Running Start student said “High school is nothing like college. SHS does not adequately prepare students for college where deadlines have much more rigidity and retakes are not offered.” Despite these challenges, students still choose to participate in the program because of the added freedom and ability to earn college credit in a fast-paced environment. 

Both programs come with a balance of time, rigor, and monetary requirements. Either program would help smooth the transition into post-graduation and college. Although CIHS and Running Start are similar, the deciding factor comes down to individual preference. Running Start allows students the experience of college in person, with the cost included; CIHS allows students to take college classes with no fee, making it the more accessible option for students.

Balancing academics and athletics is more difficult than it may seem, but for Keaton Pitzer, it’s just another day. As a standout Wide receiver on the football field and starting Center Fielder on the diamond, Keaton has shown incredible versatility that sets him apart. 

Keaton Pitzer, also known as “KP,” fell in love with sports at a very young age. Growing up, he was a huge fan of the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and Washington State Cougars. As he watched these sports, his passion for them grew, and he knew he wanted to be as good as the players he was watching. Some of his hobbies include lifting, golfing, and hanging out with his friends. 

While maintaining a 3.8 GPA at Selah High School, Keaton is also a captain of the football team. After earning 2nd team all-conference honors as a junior last year, he was not satisfied as the Vikings only won two games. Pitzer spent all summer refining his skills and it showed in the season opener against Quincy where he hauled in 6 receptions for 149 yards and scored three touchdowns en route to the Viking's 59-0 victory. Keaton has found the endzone four times in the first five games of his senior season.

As a captain of the Selah Vikings football squad, KP has shown incredible leadership throughout the first half of the season and is one of the most dedicated on the team. So far this year he has proved that he is one of the best wide receivers in the CWAC as he is 3rd in the conference in receiving yards. After high school, he has the option to continue playing football at the next level as he received his first offer this past summer from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

All in all, Keaton is a great student and arguably an even better athlete. He looks forward to seeing how the season pans out for both football and baseball.

College Football is known for its Infamous venues, rich traditions, and intense rivalries. College Sports fans in general are some of the most passionate and enthusiastic fans you’ll ever see, making rivalry games even more entertaining. 

College Football is exciting and when these wild fans are cheering their teams on, It makes each one of these meetings that much more interesting. These big rivalry games can get heated with both sides focused on one thing, winning. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most Iconic rivalries in the sport.

#5 - Miami Vs Florida State

After 68 meetings, the Miami Hurricanes lead this rivalry 35 wins to Florida State's 33. These two teams are always competing with each other whether it’s for recruiting or winning the rivalry game. Both of these programs have extremely rich histories with Miami being crowned the national champion five times, and Florida State being three-time national champions. 

In 2006, This game broke ESPN’s viewership record with 6.33 million people watching the game on ESPN, which at the time, was the most watched college football game in history. Florida State ran away with a 13-10 victory over the hurricanes. These two teams will face off once again this year on October 26th in Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. 

#4 - Army Vs Navy

The first meeting between these two teams was in 1890 which ended with a 24-0 shutout by the Navy. This game brings an incomparable atmosphere each year when the two service academies go head to head. The current series record is 62-55-7 in favor of the Navy Midshipmen after 124 total meetings. 

This rivalry is so entertaining that it is now the only game played in week 16 of the college football season, a week before the bowl games begin. The next meeting between these two is set for Saturday, December 14th at FedExField in NorthWest Stadium, where the Washington Commanders play their home games.

#3 - Alabama Vs Auburn

The rivalry popularly known as The Iron Bowl has featured some of the most Iconic moments in the history of College Football. With a series record of 50-37-1 Alabama leading, they have won each of the last four meetings, but the game between these two programs is usually a good one, coming down to the wire. 

The two universities are just 159 miles apart in the state of Alabama, meaning they are constantly in a battle for the top recruits in the state. With Alabama being hard to compete with for any team, the winners of 16 national championships rarely find themselves ranked outside of the top 10. Auburn has 6 national championships in their history, their most recent being in 2010 with star Quarterback Cam Newton. The tradition of the Iron Bowl will be continued this year on November 30th in Tuscaloosa, home of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

#2 - Texas Vs Oklahoma

This game is known as the “Red River Rivalry” between The University of Oklahoma Sooners and the team down south, the Longhorns at the University of Texas. The Red River Rivalry between the two schools that border each other is almost always played in Dallas The Cotton Bowl is packed with over 96,000 people half of them in red, and the other half in burnt orange. 

Texas leads the series 63-51-5 with the Sooners bringing a win, and the Golden Hat back home to Norman. These two teams were introduced to the toughest conference to succeed in, moving from the Big 12 to the SEC, making the stakes higher and making the rivalry that much more important. The annual battle for the Golden Hat will be held in the Cotton Bowl on October 12th.

#1 - Michigan Vs Ohio State

This Big Ten Matchup is one of the most heated rivalries in American sports. Two of the biggest powerhouses in the sport meet in the last week of each regular season for a rivalry simply known as “The Game.” These two programs seem to hate each other every time they match up against each other, many Ohio State players and fans will not even say the word “Michigan,” simply referring to them as “the team up north.” 

These teams alternate hosting “The Game”, but regardless of where the game is played, there will still be lots of attention to the matchup. “The Game,” always has a sold-out crowd, and both Stadiums hold over 100,000 people. On top of that, this is annually one of the most-watched college football games throughout the entirety of the season. To this point, Michigan has Ohio State's number, leading the series 61-51-6.

 Ohio State will have the home-field advantage this year paired with an extremely talented team, It will be a tall task for Michigan to extend their lead in this series and continue their winning ways. Michigan also lost their Legendary Head Coach Jim Harbaugh who Coached the Wolverines from 2015 to 2023 and found himself a new gig coaching the Los Angeles Chargers. Be ready for “The Game” this year on November 30th.

The world of sports often comes with a thrilling environment. The enthusiasm and encouragement surrounding sports at SHS comes with a pair of pom-poms. Turning the attention to SHS cheer captain Aly Steltz, a senior on the team. 

Aly Steltz, affectionately known as "Stelly,” has been on the team since her freshman year. She found her love of cheerleading when she was six years old and attended football games with her father; watching the cheerleaders on the sidelines, she instantly knew she wanted to be like them. Her passion for the sport grew when joining the SHS team. 

Aly enjoys cheering because it makes her feel more involved at SHS, and she finds it exciting. She says her favorite part about being a cheerleader is having little kids look up to her and feeling like she has a role in the school. With the little extra time Aly has, she enjoys hanging out with her friends.

Aly was co-captain of the team last year, and she felt it was stressful. However, this year, with Macy Writer and Avery Goetz as the other two captains, she feels that their help makes it much less stressful. Every year when new cheerleaders join the team, she is eager to see what they will accomplish and how they will progress through the season. Additionally, with the new season came a new coach, and she thinks that coach Vereniz Delgado is a breath of fresh air and very understanding. “It's good to see her in the role,” Aly said. Aly, now in her senior year, has a bright season ahead of her and a team that will support her the whole way.

As the new football season kicks off, the Vikings are looking for redemption. After a tough season last year finishing 6th in the CWAC league out of seven teams with a record of just 2-8. However, the Vikings have made some big changes during the offseason including a new head coach, Greg Haste. Haste brings high energy and a love for the game the Vikings will need this season. Haste also brings coaching experience; having coached at Selah Middle School for the last five years, he knows many of the current players. 

The team's current roster has 24 seniors with some key senior returners including QB Colton Shea, WR/DB Keaton Pitzer, lineman Chase Bugni, and Inside linebacker, Jakob Greene all of whom received all-conference honors last season. Sophomore Calen Wuitschick, who received all-conference honors as a cornerback last year as a freshman, Is expected to take on more responsibility this season as a running back.

Selah has also taken on a couple of transfers this year who are expected to make an impact. Junior tight /defensive end Dorian Ortega, who transferred from Eisenhower, brings good size and speed for his position. Senior transfer from Naches, Tucker Stephens received first-team all-league awards last year, second-team all-league in his sophomore year, and won freshman of the year. Tucker plays WR/DB and he brings some impressive speed to the table.

Selah’s first game of the 2024 season was smooth sailing. The Vikings traveled to Quincy to play the Jackrabbits and came home with a 59-0 Victory on Friday, September 6th. The Vikings totaled 786 yards of offense against Quincy with 421 through the air, and 365 on the ground. The Viking's defense also put on a show and held the Jackrabbits to just 126 yards. When asked about his goals for the season, quarterback/safety Colton Shea said, “A Big goal for this season is to make it to the playoffs.” The Vikings have not made the playoffs since the 2017 season, and have set the bar high for this season. Senior Wide Receiver Keaton Pitzer says, “You have got to stay focused on the most important thing you know, winning games.” Pitzer did his part in the week one win in Quincy, hauling in seven receptions for 127 yards three of them for touchdowns. Pitzer is on track to have a great season this year filling in the role as the wide receiver on the team.

Another face we will see on the Vikings sideline this season is new C-team Head coach Dominic DeClaire. Coach Declaire says, “The reason I started coaching football is because I love coaching, I coached C-team basketball last year and loved it but I’ve always liked football more than basketball.”

Selah will be hosting the Ellensburg Bulldogs for their home opener this Friday, September 13th, at 7:00pm. The Vikings will use their strengths and talent throughout the year as they continue their journey to make it back into the playoffs. 

From 2013-2018 the Seahawks fostered excitement surrounding the Super Bowl. Aided by the trash-talking persona of some key players, the team restored Washingtonian faith in their beloved team. Richard Sherman, one of these key players once said, “When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that's the result you’re gonna get.” This signaled the beginning of the legion of boom. 

The Seahawks were dubbed the legion of boom early in the 2013 season when they only allowed 14.4 points per game, which was 1st in the NFL and led them to a run in the playoffs. Before the Legion of Boom, the Seahawks struggled with a weak offensive line. 

New additions to the team such as Sherman and Chancellor, combined with the defensive line overhaul coach Carrol brought, the Seahawks began to dominate. The next season the team advanced to the Super Bowl against one of the best offenses in the era, the Denver Broncos led by Peyton Manning. During the game, the Seahawks embodied the cliche, “defenses win championships.” The Seahawk's defense dominated the Broncos offense causing four fumbles and ultimately winning with a score of 43-8.

Unfortunately, the era ended in 2018 when Kam Chancellor retired due to a neck injury, Richard Sherman signed with the 49ers, and later in the season, Earl Thomas signed with Baltimore. This began a downward trend for the Seahawks over the following years. 

There is optimism this year for them to turn things around and focus on their defense again with a new coach Mike MacDonald taking over for Pete Caroll.  They are off to a 1-0 start early in the 2025 season.

The club consists of many games to be played such as Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, SF6, Mario Kart, Apex Legends, and Valorant. The club is currently composed of a Varsity and JV team. While both varsity and JV play Super Smash Bros, Overwatch 2 is reserved for varsity players.

Practice:

The club's practice includes playing with each other online and in person, depending on the game. Online games are played outside of school during free time whereas in-person games such as Super Smash Bros are played after school until ~3:00 daily. The Competitive Gaming Club loves to help other members in most games so whether you’re looking for friends to play with or even compete in tournaments this club has what you need!

Advisor:

The greatest teacher in the school (not biased) is the advisor for the competitive gaming club, Mr. Roberts. Having Mr. Roberts as the team advisor allows practice after school and also online together to help bolster chances of victory. Mr. Roberts is a tech guru with a background in cybersecurity and likes to build computers. Mr. Roberts also streams on Twitch with his wife, Mrs. Roberts.

Tournaments:

The Competitive Gaming Club competes in state tournaments and smaller tournaments alike, each game is unique in the amount and size of the tournaments.

Awards:

Selah High School's current team has won the Lincoln Invitational Smash Bros tournament and made it to state for both Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Currently, they are placed top 8 in the state for Overwatch and are hoping to win the state tournament this year. The team has been scouted once before, which facilitates scholarship opportunities for gamers.

CWAC All-League achievements have officially been announced for spring sports. Here is the complete list of Selah’s all-league athletes.  Congrats on a great season!

BASEBALL: 

League MVP: 

Eian Peralta, Senior 

First Team: 

James Hull, Senior 

Second Team: 

Mason Bailey, Senior 

Rowdy Mullins, Junior 

Braxton Young, Freshman

Honorable Mention: 

Beau Benjamin, Junior 

Keaton Pitzer, Junior 

SOFTBALL:

First Team: 

Maddie Telles, Senior 

Second Team: 

Ellie Urlacher, Junior 

Kyra Rudick, Sophomore  

Honorable Mention: 

Taylee Gonzales, Sophomore 

SOCCER:

First Team: 

Nico Rodriguez-Burdeaux, Senior 

Second Team: 

Miles Case, Senior 

Rylan Tilley, Junior 

Carlos Cardenas, Sophomore

Jack Nuemeyer, Senior 

Honorable Mention: 

Colton Shea, Junior 

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD: 

First Team: 

Madi Huri, Senior 

Allyson Garza, Senior 

Chloe Myers, Freshman

Clara Holmes, Senior 

Honorable Mention:

Isabella Escamilla, Senior

Mallory Keller, Sophomore

Kadence Goldberg, Sophomore

Chloe Myers, Freshman

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD:

First Team: 

Nicolas Spencer, Senior 

Owen Moultray, Junior 

Second Team: 

Nathan Shipley, Senior 

Noah Lorton, Senior 

Hayden Gill, Senior 

Honorable Mention: 

Caleb Williams, Junior 

Hayden Gill, Senior 

Josh Borchert, Junior 

GIRLS TENNIS: 

Singles Player of the Year: 

Macie Ladd, Senior 

Second Team: 

Kendra Adams/Janae Hall, Senior

BOYS TENNIS:

Second Team: 

Ben Michael/Caleb Adams, Senior/Freshman

Honorable Mention:

Ethan Sausen, Junior 

GIRLS GOLF:

Second Team: 

Kaylee Putnam, Junior 

Kaylin Warner, Senior 

BOYS GOLF:

Honorable Mention:

Drew Lucas, Junior 

Hidden in the sea of mountain peaks that make up the daunting North Cascades stands the elusive Dakobed - better known as Glacier Peak. The stratovolcano is only 70 miles northeast of Seattle but is inaccessible by road. Its summit stands at 10,525 feet above sea level, making it the fourth-highest peak in Washington. Despite being one of the tallest mountains in the Cascade Range, Glacier Peak is notorious for its rugged, isolated terrain and little-traversed natural beauty. Join the Viking Voice and explore this enigmatic piece of PNW culture.

The geologic history that makes up Glacier Peak is a story tens of thousands of years in the making. Nearby river valleys showcase remnants of numerous lava flows all dating relatively 10,000 years old. Both the summit and false summit are likely made up of lava domes - a volcanic feature formed by the slow extrusion of highly viscous lava from a volcano. Mudflows called lahars are seen both on the mountain and in its subsequent river valleys. The Cascade Range is volcanically active and has been for the past 36 million years, but Glacier Peak’s most recent eruption was in the early 18th century.

Glacier Peak offers 450 miles of hiking on a staggering 100 different trails. These trails vary from relatively easy hiking on maintained footpaths to strenuous and seldom-used old animal trails. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) follows the crest through the area for about 60 miles. The easiest hike at Glacier Peak is the North Fork Sauk River Trail. This trail is relatively flat and offers great views without having to hike for hours and climb massive elevations. One of the most popular hikes at Glacier Peak is the Highline Trail. This is a hike for people with more experience who are willing to go the extra mile for the best views near the summit.

From over a dozen stunning glaciers to rivers meandering through old-growth forests, Glacier Peak and its surrounding wilderness remain evasive toward the swaths of visitors that nearby natural wonders receive. This isolation gives Glacier Peak a unique charm that attracts only the most extreme hikers, mountaineers, and naturalists alike. For those who venture into its rugged embrace, Glacier Peak reveals an untouched wilderness, a true paradise for the intrepid explorer.

“Glacier Peak Wilderness on Trailforks.” Trail Fork, www.trailforks.com/region/glacier-peak-wilderness/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. 

“Glacier Peak.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Peak. 

Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. When you gamble, you are putting money on the line to win something more valuable. Though it’s not entirely clear what exactly triggers compulsive gambling, contributing factors could be biological, genetic, and environmental.

Gambling stimulates a “thrill” which triggers the reward system to release ten times more than the normal amount of dopamine and endorphins. After prolonged gambling, a person may eventually grow tolerant. At this point, the brain stops producing the same "thrill" it once did due to dopamine acclimatization. When the brain becomes overstimulated by compulsive gambling, it increases the brain's defensive response and weakens the reward system, ultimately lowering the amount of "pleasure" that a person feels.

For those of you who may not know what endorphins are, “Endorphins are peptides produced in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of well-being. They are produced and stored in the pituitary gland of the brain. Endorphins are endogenous painkillers often produced in the brain and adrenal medulla during physical exercise or orgasm and inhibit pain, muscle cramps, and relieve stress.” Whether gambling online or in person, gambling offers excitement, a chance to win, and socialization. However, to prevent addiction and possible financial loss, it's crucial to gamble sensibly.

Sources:

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, April 11). Endorphins. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins 

Note from the authors:

In recent weeks, the students here at Selah High School have been treated to a masterclass in creativity by the district’s nutrition staff. Lunch periods have seen numerous new dishes along with the beloved classics of lunch antiquity. In reflection on these changes, the Viking Voice is proud to bring a weeklong school lunch review to its loyal readers. Bon Appétit!

Monday, March 18: Cowboy Burger

Chad  8.5/10: The Cowboy Burger: where juicy beef, smoky ham, melting cheese, and a crunchy onion ring come together for a flavor rodeo in your mouth. It’s like the Wild West had a showdown on your taste buds. I liked the combination of everything including the little bit of barbeque sauce. The new item on the menu got an 8.5 from me. The flavors were excellent but it could have used more barbeque sauce.

Noah 7.7/10: Sheer curiosity persuaded my venture into the unknown during second lunch today. This venture took my tastebuds to America’s historic southwest via the lunch team’s new Cowboy Burger. I was impressed by the complex palette presented with the beef patty, ham, onion ring, sharp cheddar, and barbecue sauce. My only regret in my choice was that I didn’t add any jalapenos. Overall, this new item got a 7.7 from me because it had great flavor, but could use more onion rings and sauce.

Tuesday, March 19: Spicy Chickenwich / Teriyaki Dippers & Rice

Chad 7.5: After devouring my Spicy Chickenwich, I could see smoke coming out of my ears. I felt like I was auditioning for a role in a fire-breathing dragon movie. Thankfully, my taste buds were the only casualties. The Spicy Chickenwich packs a spicy punch with its perfectly seasoned crispy chicken and fiery breading,  leaving me wanting more after every bite. The Spicy Chickenwich is a classic that I will always pick over other options when getting lunch 7.5/10.

Noah 7.2/10: Today Selah High School saw a classic lunch lineup. The Spicy Chickenwich is a safe option that I’m rather fond of. I had the Teriyaki Dippers and Rice, a meal I remember having in elementary school when they were called beef bites. The portion sizes are always good with this dish and the rice:meat: sauce ratio was solid. I would’ve liked to see some more variety in the fruit options today. Overall, it's a decent Tuesday roster.

Wednesday, March 20: Bánh mì Sandwich / Chickenwich

Chad 9.5: Today, I tried the Chickenwich, It was amazing. This sandwich was as straightforward as it gets,  just two slices of bread embracing a juicy piece of chicken. No fancy toppings, no complicated sauces just pure chicken goodness. With my first bite, I was greeted by the crispy and juicy chicken, each mouthful showcased the quality of the chicken. This item got a 9.5 from me because of its great flavor. 

Noah 9/10: Never in my short career as a food reporter have I had to communicate such raw emotions as I dealt with during lunch today. We got the high-quality chicken patties, which is always a pleasure. More importantly, today saw the dawn of the Bánh mì Sandwich, which ended up being a delightful concoction of new flavors. The savory chicken was expertly contrasted by a host of light greens and carrots. This alone would’ve made a good sandwich, but the dagger was the sauce topping it off. I was extremely impressed with the consistent quality of options today and I look forward to tomorrow’s menu.

Thursday, March 21: Super Nachos / Fishwich

Chad 6.5: Nachos are the friends who add flavors to every occasion. These had plenty of cheese but lacked in quantity and variety of other toppings. They tasted good but could have used more toppings like sour cream or salsa. The crunchiness was spot on though. A very classic enjoyable lunch item, but could have been better. 6.5 from me.

Noah 5.8/10: I don’t have many grandiose words or even much of an introduction for today. I’d like to disclose that I strongly believe nachos are good and a strong second option for lunch, but they can’t perform as the chef’s special. I like the idea of more toppings or a more plentiful nacho bar. I don’t mind the fish sandwiches, but I couldn’t get any tartar out of the container and they seem to get squished more often than their chicken counterparts. I’m not disappointed in today’s lunch, but it’s competing in a week full of some impressive lineups and it just didn’t stack up.

Friday, March 22: Pulled Pork Burrito

Chad (7/10): This burrito brings a decent amount of game to the table. Imagine tender shreds of pulled pork, not overly dry wrapped snugly in a tortilla. It's the kind of burrito you’d grab on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’re not looking for a fancy meal to satisfy your cravings. It delivers a decent flavor punch.  While it won’t blow your socks off, it’s a reliable option for a satisfying meal. A decent meal for lunch. 7/10 from me.

Noah 6.8/10: Friday saw the last lunch of an interesting weekly menu. Today I tried the pulled pork burrito for the first time. The burrito was pretty filling and had a good meat-to-rice/bean ratio, but I think some sort of taco sauce could’ve taken this dish to the next level. I’ve had the grilled cheese before and the cheese is questionable but I enjoyed it with the tomato sauce on the side. No home runs in the lineup today, but some solid choices to round out the week.

Mount Rainier is an icon of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. For decades, the Cascade peak and the national park surrounding it have been a mainstay of recreation for locals and tourists alike. The area’s stunning beauty, impressive collection of outdoor activities, and proximity to the Seattle metro area have all contributed to a 50% increase in annual visitors from 2013 to 2022.

Due to this recent influx, the park has taken after Arches, Yosemite, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks and imposed a timed-entry system. Visitors entering the Paradise Corridor (SW or SE entrance) will need a $2 reservation from May 24 to September 2. A separate reservation is required for the Sunrise Corridor (NE entrance) from July 4 to September 2. The reservation is required to enter between these dates from 7 am to 3 pm along with the previously required park pass or entry fee.

Conservation is the driving force behind the park’s decision to implement these restrictions. Rainier’s slopes are home to alpine and sub-alpine meadows criss-crossed by a network of beloved trails. Limiting the crowds on these narrow paths sustains the fragile meadow ecosystems and makes the mountain’s popular destinations more enjoyable for all.

Despite these new constraints, Mt. Rainier is still a haven for outdoor adventurers. Hike the Skyline Trail to witness panoramic views of glaciers and wildflower meadows, or trek through the ancient forests along the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail. For a challenging adventure, the Wonderland Trail offers a 93-mile loop around the entire mountain, showcasing diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Ohanapecosh Campground offers a peaceful night under the stars, surrounded by old-growth forest. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit Paradise, a renowned spot for its stunning vistas, hiking trails, and the historic Paradise Inn. Keep in mind the new restrictions while planning for another memorable summer at Mount Rainier National Park.

For many, baseball season is the most exciting time of the year filled with spirited competition and impressive displays of athleticism. Last season, Selah was one of the best in Washington with a fourth-place finish at state and a 19-2 record. However, this leaves many wondering what this year will look like for the Vikings with many starters last year not available.  

They will need to replace starting pitcher Carter Seely, catcher Grant Chapman, and first baseman Ryan Bair who all graduated last year.  They will also be missing left fielder Evan Ancira who is out for the year and DH/pitcher/catcher Justin Busey who transferred to Ike.

This year, Selah has 3 returning starting seniors, starting pitcher Eian Peralta, shortstop James Hull, and right fielder Mason Bailey all of which will have a big impact on the Viking's season. 

Junior Rowdy Mullins is sure to have an impact on Selah this season. He is the likely candidate to fill the 2nd starting pitcher role after taking over the relief spot last year.  He showed competitiveness on the mound and Selah will need him to step up this year if they are going to make another run.  

Beau Benjamin, another Junior infielder for the Vikings who started at 2nd base last year will be coming back to keep some consistency in the infield. Benjamin’s athleticism and quick reaction time makes for him to be a great help in the infield. 

Selah should get some big help from incoming freshmen this year. Braxton Young should see the field quite a bit this season. With quick hands in the infield, and a strong bat at the plate, he should be a great addition to the team this year. 

Other players who will be crucial to the success this year are Keaton Pitzer a junior who started in center field last year, Lucas Williams is set to take on the catching role filling the big shoes left by Grant Chapman, and Dylan Kingston who will be a utility player that brings a ton of athleticism and he will fill in where he is needed.

Senior Mason Bailey says, “I’m excited to play Lynden this year considering we lost to them last year during the state tournament. I feel like this year we will compete and have to work even harder for a winning spot.”

This season, the Vikings will compete for the District title once again. This season's biggest rivals will be Ellensburg. Although Selah beat them in the 2023 season, Ellensburg was second in the CWAC, falling behind the Vikings. Ellensburg and Selah should create a competitive atmosphere, and make for a fun game when they play. 

The Vikings first game this season is the jamboree on March 8th, against Eisenhower at home. They then play Nooksack Valley, Saturday March 9th, at home at 11:00 and 1:00.  Selah should have a good year, utilizing key returning players and a few underclassmen to create another great team. 

Ricky Carmicheal gets the title Greatest Of All Time due to his talent on a dirt bike. With 67 amateur motocross championships, 9 of them being at the prestigious Loretta Lynns Ranch, he has proven himself as an incredible rider. In 1996, Carmicheal attended his first professional race in motocross, where later in the year he was awarded Rookie of the Year. Going into the ‘97 season, riding on a pro circuit Kawasaki bike, he achieved his first professional championship.

Going into the ‘98 season, Carimicheal had an undefeated season winning every round in the 125cc class. In 1999 he started to race the 250cc in Supercross but had a bad start due to the new bike. Ricky Carmicheal returned to the 125cc class for motocross and was able to get his third championship and last championship with Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

The 2000 season was off to a great start with a win at Daytona and an additional five podium finishes. On the 250cc, he was on Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki and was able to get yet another championship and his first in the premier class (250cc). In this season he also got to ride alongside Travis Pastrana and Ryan Hughes in the Motocross of Nations.

In 2002, Carmicheal switched to Honda before another championship in Supercross. Going 24 out of 24 with an undefeated season Carmicheal holds the record of winning every race, a perfect season. In the 2003 season, there was no surprise that Carmicheal would win both championships, going 24 out of 24 win streak once again this time on a CRF450R instead of a CR250R.

In 2005, Ricky Carmichael switched to Makita Suzuki and once again won every championship that season along with the Motocross of Nations win for the U.S. However, this was when Carmichael decided to retire. In the 2005 season, Carmicheal secured his 5th Athlete of the Year reward from the AMA.

Later, Ricky Carmicheal went on to druce NASCAR and competed for Rookie of the Year, although he did not attend every round. Ricky Carmichael is now an announcer at every Supercross round. Carmichael owns a farm in Cairo, Georgia called The GOAT Farm, and is very limited to who can ride it. The only way to go to the track besides personally knowing him is by winning a championship at Loretta Lynn’s.

Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was born in Queen Creek, Arizona. Purdy would eventually play high school football at Perry High in Gilbert, AZ where he would lead his high school team to two state championships. 

Coming out of high school, Purdy had three stars coming in at 6’1 and weighing in at 200 pounds. He was strongly criticized by retired Alabama coach Saban "You're below average in height. Your arm strength is whatever. Your accuracy is average.” Purdy would use this criticism to fuel the Iowa State Cyclones, throwing for 12,170 career passing yards, and completing 993 of 1,467 pass attempts. During his time at Iowa State, Purdy won the starting job and played two full starting seasons, finishing with an overall record of 23-15 and 9th ranked nationally.

Purdy would declare his campaign for the NFL draft in 2022 where he was picked last (262 overall) by the San Francisco 49ers leaving him as “Mr. Irrelevant.” During the 2022-2023 season, Purdy would get a chance to prove himself despite being the shadow of starter, Jimmy Garoppolo and 2021 1st-round pick Trey Lance. Due to injuries, Garoppolo and Lance were unable to play and Mr. Irrelevant was forced to step up midway through the season where he would take the 49ers to the NFC Championship before suffering from a torn UCL and finishing the season with a 13-4 record. 

With much speculation on the starting quarterback as the 2023-2024 season

 neared, the 49ers decided to start Brock Purdy and trade away both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Brock Purdy would go on to prove he is much more than a “system quarterback” by leading the league in passer ratings and taking the 49ers to Super Bowl 58. Unfortunately, the 2023-2024 season would come to a devastating end in the Superbowl against the Kansas City Chiefs with a record of 12-5.

Riley Maier is a math teacher at Selah High School, with a degree in secondary mathematics. Mr. Maier, a former SHS alumni, later attended CWU and attained a degree in secondary mathematics. Before education, he worked as a plumber in the summers.

 In Mr. Maier's free time, he said, “Oh, I love all sorts of stuff, hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, dirt bike riding, virtual hiking, camping. Also watching my hobbies on YouTube, mowing the yard, watching people build things, buying/shopping on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, etc” He added that he doesn't do karaoke often, but when he does, his go-to song is anything by Taylor Swift. 

Mr. Maier's favorite place to eat is, “Literally everywhere, unless it's expensive!” On his bucket list, he hopes to go on a bull elk hunting trip. Mr. Maier claimed he hasn't discovered his hidden talent yet, but added, “I have a pair of webbed toes. Do I swim faster? Maybe?” 

Selah High School's principal, Colton Monti, says, “Mr. Maier is cool as ice! He is funny and personable yet extremely knowledgeable! Students love him and he is great at connecting and supporting them. Grateful to have a guy like him at SHS.” 

Students at Selah High School also have some remarks. Sophia Ehlis, a junior at SHS stated, “He's really funny and makes sure that his students understand what's going on during class.”  

A SHS freshman, Avery Baker added, “I think he is really cool. He is super relaxed but makes sure everyone is caught up and doing well. He relates to students and understands what they need to learn better.”

Mr. Maier is an all-around great educator and person. He is appreciated by all students and staff and is a true asset to the SHS community.  

Finding a career path that offers stability, job security, and good pay is a top priority for many people in today's rapidly shifting job market. Some careers stand out as winners as industries adjust to changing consumer demands and technological breakthroughs. If you have the right knowledge and understanding, you can locate opportunities that fit your interests, abilities, and financial objectives.

Job 1:  Industrial Engineer

Median salary in 2021: $93,500 

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 10.2% (faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Engineering and Manufacturing

Industrial engineers optimize and make business operations efficient using math, statistics, and engineering. They assess people, systems, and processes in areas like supply chains and operations to find the best ways to create products or services efficiently. They aim to integrate systems effectively, reduce costs, boost productivity, and achieve organizational goals.

Job 2: Marketing Manager

Median salary in 2021: $135,030

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 9.9% (faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Business and Marketing

Marketing managers spread the word about products, services, events, and brands, persuading customers to buy, attend, or follow. They may be generalists or specialize in areas like content marketing or social media. They create, execute, and refine strategies to boost awareness, engage customers, and increase sales or conversions.

Job 3: Physician Assistant (PA)

Median salary in 2021: $121,530

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 28% (much faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Health Science

A physician assistant or PA is a licensed medical professional who provides routine patient care. Just like an MD, a physician assistant can examine, diagnose, and treat patients; prescribe medication; and develop treatment plans. But unlike doctors, who work independently, PAs must be supervised by an MD. PAs can work in a variety of settings including doctors’ offices and hospitals and within different specialties from primary care to surgery.

In conclusion, it's known that getting a career with high demand and decent pay involves work, but the rewards are certainly worth the effort. Look for industries where your interests and skills fit in. In the end, the ideal professional route is one that not only offers financial rewards but also allows you to have a major impact on your industry.

A student's healthy diet is positively associated with higher academic performance. According to the “National Institutes of Health,” “79.3% of students who don't have fast food recorded excellent school performance compared to 50% of those who eat fast food.” 

Students who improve and maintain a healthy diet have significant increases in their academic performance. Sufficient nutrient intake improves a student's cognition and energy levels. However, these traits reverse when not enough food of nutritional value is consumed. 

Cognitive skills are a significant factor in a student's developing brain. A student's cognition refers to their ability to think, learn, problem-solve, and make decisions. Cognitive skills are constantly present in an educational environment. A nutrient-filled diet is required to uphold them. 

An article written by “MAPFRE” states, “...according to one of the authors, Jordi Júlvez, the association between food and cognitive development may be since healthy diets, including an organic diet, are richer in the nutrients required by the brain than fast food, such as fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, meaning that when combined, they promote cognitive functions” A healthy, nutritious diet improves one's cognitive skills, further enhancing ones performance in an educational environment. 

Nutritional intake heavily relates to one's energy level on any given day. High energy is critical for academics, but those who do not maintain a healthy diet have low energy levels. The majority of students in the US reported an intake of unhealthy and unbalanced foods. The article “Trends in junk food consumption among US children and adults” states, “In total, 92.7% of US children…reported at least some junk food consumption on any given day”. 

In correspondence (considering other factors), “In a nationwide survey of 21,678 U.S. high school students, researchers from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the Yale Child Study Center found that nearly 75% of the students’ self-reported feelings related to school were negative.” Many students who have negative feelings towards a school environment also have poor diets, which both heavily relate to low energy levels. 

In the article, “Nutrition has a large impact on a learner’s energy levels. Learn Healthy Habits”, written by Jess Corrine, states, “Spending the time to establish and uphold proper eating patterns is just as important as exercise and sleep. Nutrition has a large impact on a learner’s energy levels…” Maintaining a healthy diet as a student is highly suggested as an increase in energy levels also increases motivation, ability to engage, and enjoyment. 

Misbehavior in students who lack attention or act out can often be related to a poor nutritional diet. An article by “Pioneer” states, “When kids are hungry, they have an increased possibility for behavioral issues like hyperactivity, aggression or anxiety. Their moods can change. When they feel that physical hunger, it impacts their emotional and mental well-being, causing them to act out in different ways.” Misbehavior in class affects their ability to learn and their attention span. 

In addition, the article “Healthy Food Choices in School” states, “Studies show that malnutrition leads to behavior problems and that sugar has a negative impact on child behavior. However, these effects can be counteracted when children consume a balanced diet of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.” Misbehavior can affect an individual's ability to learn in an academic environment; therefore, a balanced diet is necessary to be a growing student. 

A student's healthy diet supports their performance in an academic setting and is essential to maintain. A poor diet engages one's negative characteristics in their personality, which can affect cognitive skills, and energy levels, and induce misbehavior. If you want to improve your academic performance, start with creating a healthy meal plan!

Over the last 7 years, electric cars have been on a consistent uprise in the vehicle market. Today, almost all major car manufacturers, from Nissan to Ford, manufacture at least one electric car model. Even a few exclusively electric car companies have taken shape, the most popular of which is Tesla. For those living under a rock, Tesla is an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturer founded by Elon Musk. Now, one of Tesla’s car models, the Model Y, is the best-selling car in America, the first fully electric vehicle to achieve such a title. Being that they are marketed as  “Zero-Emission,” many have switched from their gas-guzzling cars to what they perceive as an Eco-Friendly vehicle. That, however, is not entirely the case.

Offset emissions: 

Since the first lightbulb was installed, electricity has been produced primarily by burning fossil fuels. Modern electricity production is no different. According to the  

EIA, fossil fuels generated 2,554 billion kilowatts of electricity or 60.2% of all electricity generated in 2022. In comparison, renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric, only generated 21.5% of the electricity used.     

With this in mind, it's apparent that running an electric car still produces a carbon footprint, they just don’t come from the tailpipe. Another offset emission is the production of the electric car. Damien Erst, a researcher for Liege Universite, says, “The manufacture of the battery therefore emits 0.236 [kg / kWh] x 43022 [kWh] = 10153 kg of CO2, a little more than ten tons.”(Ernst 11). In comparison, Russel Campbell says, a gasoline vehicle produces, “ Around 5.6 tones of CO2 are released during a petrol or diesel car's manufacture on average, around three quarters of which are released during production of the steel body in white.”(Campbell 7). The electric car produces almost double the carbon emissions in the battery alone. This is the primary dilemma surrounding electric vehicles. The batteries have an extremely heavy carbon footprint, both in the electricity used to charge them and the production of the battery itself.

Consumer cost:

Another factor is the initial price of an electric car. A base model Tesla Model 3 will run about $38,990. That gets you rear-wheel drive and 272 miles of range. In comparison, and Toyota Camry, with all-wheel drive and 510 miles of range will cost the buyer $30,991. $8,000 less, but double the range and AWD included. From the consumer's perspective, the Camry is the best deal, at least upfront. Furthermore, brand reputation plays a crucial role in a consumer's purchasing decision. Toyota’s reputation for producing extremely reliable vehicles. In Motor 1’s list of 12 vehicles most likely to last longer than 250,000 miles, Toyota has 6 vehicles on it, and with longer-lasting cars, consumers need to buy less often, therefore, reducing cost. 

Charging infrastructure:

Another major factor to take into account is the potential issues it may cause in regard to the power grid. From 2012 to 2022, power usage in the US increased by roughly 5%. By 2030, it's projected that power usage will increase by 18%. The US power grid, for the last 25 years, hasn't seen any major surges in consumption. So upgrades are limited and largely implemented as needed. However electric car charging puts stress on an outdated power grid designed for joint usage with fossil fuels. Solutions are expensive and take time, Kevala, a Grid analytics company, conducted a study on how much a modernized grid would cost. For California, it would cost $50 billion. While this may not seem like a lot relative to California's massive GDP, however, over the last 10 years, California has only spent $100 billion on infrastructure, or about $10 billion annually. Furthermore, adopting a better power grid would contribute to the already staggering $33 trillion national debt.

In the distant future, electric cars could see more widespread adoption. They’re fast, quiet, and safe vehicles. Right now, however, there are several major issues with the vehicles themselves, and the power grid supporting them. Until these problems are addressed, they will only cause more harm than the standard ICE(Internal combustion engine) cars society has relied on for the last 137 years.