June 4, 2025
ISSUE 23
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STATE CHAMPIONS
Eatonville’s Taylor Johnson wins double gold, Ethan Carter takes pole vault title By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
Four Eatonville High School athletes capped their seasons at the WIAA 2A State Track and Field Championships this past weekend at Mt. Tahoma High School, highlighted by a dominant showing from junior Taylor Johnson and a dramatic victory by senior Ethan Carter. Johnson claimed two state titles in the ambulatory events, winning both the shot put and discus with commanding performances. In the shot put, Johnson launched a personalbest 17 feet, 5.75 inches — more than two feet ahead of the next closest competitor. She followed that up in the discus with another personal record of 52 feet, 2 inches, outdistancing the field by a staggering 12 feet. “Taylor Johnson is simply amazing,” said Head Coach Geoff Olson. “Two state first places as a junior and she’s such a hard worker, always looking to get better. And the most humble individual — she really is an inspiration to all.” Carter, a senior, delivered in dramatic fashion to win the boys pole vault state title. He cleared 15 feet,
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PHOTOS COURTESY GEOFF OLSON
Eatonville’s Taylor Johnson stands proudly with her coaches after winning the state championship in the discus. Pictured with Johnson are (from left) Coach Geoff Olson, Coach Wes Potter, and Coach Trinity Potter, celebrating a historic moment for Cruiser athletics. RIGHT: Vaulting to victory: Eatonville's Ethan Carter claims the 2A state title and shares the spotlight with Coach Geoff Olson.
Local girl earns Junior World Reserve Grand Championship in horse agility By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
Elouise Hemenway is being recognized for her achievements in the equine arena after being awarded the 2024 Junior World Reserve Grand Championship, an international honor. “I practiced so many hours with Harley every month so that our videos were the best they could be. Becoming the Junior World Reserve Grand Champion for 2024 was hard work, and I’m really proud of myself and Harley,” Hemenway said. Kathy Richardson, a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor and Horse Agility Accredited Trainer and judge, teaches
horsemanship and focuses on communication with horses and riding. She serves as both Hemenway’s instructor and coach. Richardson explained how Hemenway formed a bond with her horse, Harley. “Elouise began competing exclusively with Harley, who had been frightened and reactive due to past treatment. Through hard work, Elouise earned Harley’s trust, and their relationship has grown strong and trusting,” Richardson said. “We went from not really trusting each other to having a really strong bond and relationship. Horse Agility is a huge part of why our bond is so strong. I feel like Harley
knows he will never be hurt again,” Hemenway said. Hemenway competes with the International Horse Agility Club, which was founded in the UK by Vanessa Bee in December 2009. Richardson joined the club in August 2012 and began competing. Horse agility, which emphasizes soft, gentle training and manners, taught Richardson more refined and effective methods of working with horses. She became a Horse Agility Accredited Trainer and judge in 2014. Horse agility competitions are primarily online, with patterns posted monthly.
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COURTESY
Elouise Hemenway is being recognized for her achievements in the equine arena after being awarded the 2024 Junior World Reserve Grand Championship, an international honor.