The Columbia River boys tennis team sent one of the area’s longest-tenured coaches out on a winning note.
River’s 4-2 win over Prairie on Wednesday was the final league dual match in Jim Chapman’s long career.
Chapman spent 29 seasons coaching wrestling at River, six coaching football and the past 25 coaching tennis.
Before the match, Chapman was honored by Principal Alex Otoupal and Athletic Director Tony Liberatore.
Then the Chieftains won a hard-fought match that saw six of 13 sets finish 6-4 or closer. Owen Carlson, Nick Neathamer and Nathan Behrins each won as River swept the three singles matches.
“The kids kinda rallied and wanted to win that one,” Chapman said. “It was fun.”
Chapman said he’ll remember not only the best athletes he coached, but the ones who got the most out of their potential.
“I think the real reward for coaches across the board is seeing kids improve and surpass their expectations,” Chapman said. “A state championship is a milestone, but I feel the same way about a kid that might take fourth in district if he has worked hard to improve and be the best he can be.”
Stars of the day
Kyle Peterson, Hockinson cross country, won the boys 5,000 meter race in 16 minutes, 42 seconds as the Hawks beat R.A. Longt.
Jackie Ramsey, Battle Ground swimming, won the 200 freestyle and 400 free in a meet at Lacamas Swim and Sport.
Quinn Hadley, Skyview boys tennis, won his No. 3 singles match 7-6, 7-5. His ability to win two close sets proved to the difference as the Storm tied Mountain View 3-3 but won on the tiebreaker — sets won 7-6. Skyview can create a three-way tie for the league championship with Mountain View and Union with a win over Battle Ground on Thursday.
Clayton Rajewich, King’s Way Christian boys golf, shot a 1-over 37 at Club Green Meadows to win medalist honors in a win over Seton Catholic that gave the Knights the 1A league title.
Jose Ignacio Perez, Hudson’s Bay boys tennis, will be seeded No. 2 in singles for next week’s sub-district tournament. He beat the No. 3 seed Miles Gilchrist of R.A. Long 6-0, 6-0.
