Athletes Wrap Up Regular Season, Gear Up for Post-Season Events

As the fall sports season wraps up, Cascade High School athletes are celebrating remarkable achievements in post-season competitions. From the cross country team competing at state to the girls’ soccer team making their first state appearance in six years, and the football team reaching post-season play, CHS students have shown dedication, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the season. 

Cross Country 

The cross country team takes a picture with their pink hoodies after the boys’ state race. Photo credit: Gabe Snider (Kodiak parent). 

After a year of dedication, both the Cascade High School (CHS) girls’ and boys’ cross country teams qualified for state at districts on Saturday, November 1. The girls’ team claimed the overall victory, highlighted by Greta Broom (9) sprinting to win her race. The team’s success was a result of strong contributions from all runners, with the top four making the top 20. 

The boys’ team also performed strongly. Landon Smith (9) led his teammates, placing second individually in his district, helping the team secure second overall. 

The week following districts, the team focused on preparing for state. “For the first few days we did short, moderately intense workouts,” said head coach Eric Wulfman. “Then we reduced duration and intensity for the rest of the week. Their bodies had been used to moving every day, so we did enough to keep them loose and not tired.” 

On Friday, November 7, the team departed for the state meet. Fellow CHS students formed a send-off tunnel, cheering as firetrucks led the vans with sirens blaring and lights flashing through the district. After looping past Peshastin-Dryden, the team began the 2 hour 43-minute journey to Pasco, where the state meet was held. 

The team stayed at the Red Lion Hotel and walked the race course together. “I was just really happy and excited to be there,” said Lane Bedard (10). “I was nervous, but less so than at districts.” 

Race day was the following morning, with the girls starting at 10:00 a.m. and the boys at 12:00 p.m. Multiple girls achieved personal records (PRs), including Greta Broom, who sprinted to second place in a thrilling finish. The girls’ team placed sixth in the state, one spot higher than the previous year. 

“My last season was super fun,” said Miles Porter (12). “I got to know a whole new group of kids and grow with them.” Multiple boys also set PRs, placing 14th overall in the state. 

 “It’s great to have worked with everyone from the start and see the improvements. They raced as a team and pushed each other to PRs almost every outing. We are a young team, and each season we will do more as everyone matures. My expectations for this season were met and exceeded.” 

Coach Wulfman reflected on the season: “It’s great to have worked with everyone from the start and see the improvements. They raced as a team and pushed each other to PRs almost every outing. We are a young team, and each season we will do more as everyone matures. My expectations for this season were met and exceeded.” 

Girls’ Soccer 

 Before the whistle for their game at state, Cascade girls’ soccer team and their opponent gather together for a prayer. Photo credit: Arlo Gibbs (12). 

This year, the Cascade girls’ soccer team made it to state for the first time in six years. Their hard work during pre-season, regular season, and post-season games earned them a spot in Blaine to compete against Lynden Christian School on Tuesday, November 11. Despite a 0-8 loss, the team’s achievement remains historic. 

“I think we went into the game with good intentions,” said Ada Missal (11). “Our spacing was good, and we were able to adjust to the motion of the game really well, but we weren’t all on the same page.” 

“I think we went into the game with good intentions,” said Ada Missal (11). “Our spacing was good, and we were able to adjust to the motion of the game really well, but we weren’t all on the same page.” 

Senior players reflected on the significance of the accomplishment. “Because the seniors have been playing together for so long—through club, rec, etc.—it was super bittersweet,” said Adi Castaneda (12). “Since my freshman year, we’ve made many accomplishments, but this year we actually made it to state. I would be proud of this season.” 

Making it to state for the first time in six years highlighted the seniors’ dedication and the growth of the soccer program, leaving a lasting legacy for future players. 

Football 

The Cascade High School football team also competed in post-season play after a 34-0 win against Chelan. Their next game was at Wapato High School, where the team faced a 23-14 loss, ending their season. 

“By making it to the post-season, we exceeded expectations. 

“We were one step closer than last year,” said Head Coach Carl Haberberger. “By making it to the post-season, we exceeded expectations. With more time, we would have been more prepared, but given our schedule, there wasn’t much else we could do this year.” 

Players reflected on their experience. Marquise Rainey (11) said, “The game was very eventful. People were upset after the game. I don’t think we locked in enough during practice, and we lacked urgency during the game, which is why we lost. Still, we did a good job keeping momentum during the game.” 

Senior players appreciated the progress made in the program. Connor Schoenwald (12) stated, “The game was way too fast, and we only had one day to prepare. The seniors were sad, some angry or distraught, but overall, we enjoyed the season. We built a good program for the upcoming seniors next year.” 

After multiple coaching changes and evolving practice methods over the past four years, reaching post-season was a major accomplishment for the senior football players and a testament to their hard work and commitment.