February 19, 2025
ISSUE 8
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COURTESY SUSAN SANDERS
Warrior Combat Sports to open in Eatonville By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
Residents of Eatonville will soon have access to local martial arts training with the opening of Warrior Combat Sports on
March 3. Located at 205 Center St. E, adjacent to Plaza Market, the new gym aims to provide comprehensive martial arts education to both youth and adults.
The facility is the brainchild of Trey Sta.Rosa, a senior at Eatonville High School, and his father, Gerry Sta.Rosa. Trey boasts a notable record in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having recently
secured first place in the adult intermediate division at the Revolution tournament, despite being a teenager. He is also an accomplished wrestler and has three cage-fighting victories
against adult opponents. Gerry brings over 30 years of experience running his own martial arts gym, offering a wealth of knowledge in
SPORTS, 4
Council names ‘Athletic Ambassadors to Pierce County’ By The Tacoma Weekly
COURTESY THE TACOMA WEEKLY
Head Coach Keith Ross (second from left) and Sumner Spartans’ four captains (right) received the council’s proclamation.
The Pierce County Council named the 2024 Sumner High School football team “Athletic Ambassadors to Pierce County” at its Tuesday, Jan. 28, council meeting. The Sumner High School Spartans football team made history last year by bringing home the first 4A state football championship the school has had since 1977. This honor is to help celebrate the team’s impact beyond the scoreboard, recognizing their contribution to the community’s spirit and pride. “The Council congratulates the Sumner High School football team, coaching staff, and community on this incredible accomplishment and expresses its gratitude for their contribution to the spirit and pride of Pierce County,” states the proclamation. “This championship victory marks a significant achievement in Sumner High School’s athletic history and inspires future generations to strive for excellence.” The team’s success was built on skill, determination, and teamwork, with players demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship
both on and off the field. Their journey to the championship was fueled by hard work, resilience, and an unbreakable team spirit, bringing immense pride to the Sumner community and all of Pierce County. Head Coach Keith Ross and his coaching staff played a focal role in leading the Spartans to this historic win. Their leadership and commitment to excellence not only shaped a championship team but also inspired young athletes across the county. Coach Keith Ross and football captains Taylor R., Mason T., Jaden C., and Luke R. came to receive the proclamation on behalf of the team. “Sumner is an incredible community,” Ross said. “When you get on that winning streak near the end, you start getting people from all over. We’ve had really good teams in the past, but the difference was that this team was grittier than other teams.” The Spartans’ championship win is more than just a trophy – it’s a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of teamwork. Their legacy will inspire future generations of Sumner athletes to strive for greatness, both in sports and in life.