The Lewis County Board of Commissioners started off its weekly business meeting on Tuesday, June 10, by recognizing state champion athletes from across the county, including the Adna softball team, which won its third straight 2B State Title this spring.
The Lewis County commissioners also recognized two Onalaska athletes, Luke Barrick and Ethan Thayer, who won state track and field championships, along with Adna golfer Trevin Salme, the first Pirate to win a state title in golf. All the athletes got a chance to introduce themselves to the room, share their plans for the future and take a photo with commissioners Lindsey Pollock and Sean Swope.
The Adna softball team, led by coach Bruce Pocklington, became the first 2B softball team to ever win three consecutive state championship titles this spring with a 10-6 victory over Freeman High School. The team's entire coaching staff and its 20 players were introduced and honored during the county commissioners meeting.
Barrick became the 2B pole vault state champ at the 2B Track and Field State Championships in Yakima, clearing a bar set at 15 feet and 7 inches to also break the previous 2B state record of 15 feet and 5 inches. During the commissioners meeting, Barrick said he plans to continue his pole vaulting career after high school at a four-year college.
Thayer earned the 2B discus state title by hurling the discus a distance of 169-6, beating out his teammate for the top spot and also setting a new personal best. Like Barrick, Thayer said he also plans to pursue competing at the collegiate level.
Also recognized with the Onalaska teammates was Onalaska track coach Carla Hoppie, who herself is an accomplished pole vaulter.
Salme became the 2B golf state champion this year after shooting a 71 — that's one stroke under par — during the 2B boys golf state championship and becoming the first state champion golfer in Adna High School history. He introduced himself during the county commissioners meeting, saying he planned to pursue a collegiate golf career after high school.
The commission also recognized Salme’s coach and father Luke Salme, who also works as athletic director for Adna.
