The last 12 months have, as is typical, been busy in Kirkland – especially in sports. Local teams have hit new highs and individuals have accomplished impressive feats.
In January local tennis phenom Henrik Wiersholm heated up the court overseas, playing in the international Les Petitis As tournament in France. The Kirkland native, 13, also reached the finals in an English tournament in singles and doubles. He competes with the U.S. Tennis Association. Weirsholm later went on to compete in the World Junior Tennis Finals in the Czech Republic last August.
The Juanita girls basketball team had a strong winter season, winning the KingCo league title for the first time since 1987. They went on to fall to Cleveland in the district tournament. The Rebels finished with a 19-7 record.
During the same post season run, the Juanita wrestlers finished in third at KingCo, while Lake Washington had three state finishers at the 3A meet in February. Joel Navas finished sixth, Jerry Petrechko was fifth and Jack Michels was fourth. Juanita’s Jeremiah Laufasa was second overall.
In boys basketball, Lake Washington’s season ended in the district tournament in February against Rainier Beach. The Kangs were 15-11 overall.
In March, Kirkland readers met Ruby Engreitz, a Kirkland native and University of Washington gymnast. After missing her senior season during high school because of injury, she bounced back in college stronger than ever. She had an extremely strong season, both in the gym and academically.
The Juanita girls softball team won the 3A state title over Memorial Day weekend, beating Bainbridge 6-1 for the win. The team also won the KingCo title and it’s third straight district title.
The Lake Washington baseball team capped a strong spring season at the end of May with a run to the first round of the state tournament. They lost to Richland 14-8.
The Juanita girls track team finished seventh as a team in May during the 3A state track meet in Tacoma. The Rebels top finisher was Alanna Coker in second place in the 100 meter race.
Kirkland native and professional wake boarder Nick Jones made a trip back home in July with the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard tour. The Juanita graduate visited his hometown while competing on Lake The in Monroe.
The Little League Junior Softball World Series held another successful tournament in early August. Teams from around the world came to Everest Park to play for the title of best in the world. The team from Croswell, Mich. representing the Central region of the U.S. took home the title.
The Lake Washington girls volleyball team finished their season at the district tournament, falling to Mercer Island in the consolation bracket. The team was 8-12 this autumn.
The Kangs girls soccer team was one win away from the 3A state tournament in the fall, but lost to Eastside Catholic in early November to end the season.
Here’s to another wonderful year in sports in Kirkland!
