June 18, 2025
ISSUE 25
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Hundreds of classic cars expected at Eatonville’s 29th annual Rod Knockers Car Show By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
For nearly 30 years, downtown Eatonville has been the place to be for car enthusiasts during the annual Rod Knockers Car Show. Now in its 29th year, the event returns June 21, bringing together classic car lovers from across the Pacific Northwest. “Last year we had 327 registered vehicles. We have them come up from Oregon and, of course, all reaches of Washington,” said Frank Tolliver, president of the Rod Knockers Car Club. The Rod Knockers Car Club, established in 1994, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the local community. The club provides funding for the Eatonville Senior Center and local food bank, and it sponsors tiny homes for veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting. In addition, the club supports education by funding two automotive scholarships at Bates Technical College. According to Tolliver, organizing the show takes months of planning. “There’s a lot that goes into putting a show on. Lining up sponsors is the main element, then collecting door prizes and knickknacks for the goody bags,” he said. “It takes time to organize and set up. Show time is very busy and energizing.” Tolliver added that car culture brings people together across COURTESY
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The Rod Knockers Car Show returns June 21.
Three Eatonville athletes rewrite the record books By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
KIERSTI NATION/GEOFF OLSON/JENAE ROULST
Eatonville's Ky Nation (left), Ethan Carter (center), and Jenae Roulst (right) all etched their names into the Eatonville HS record books this track season by breaking school records.
Eatonville High School's track and field record board is getting a serious facelift this spring—thanks to a trio of standout athletes who shattered long-standing marks and, in one case, kept breaking his own. Seniors Ethan Carter, Ky Nation, and Jenae Roulst have each etched their names into school history this season, redefining what’s possible on the track and in the field for the Cruisers.Seeing a single school record fall in a season isn’t unusual. But three in one year—two of them on the same day—is rare, and for Eatonville, it marks a momentous chapter in the school’s athletic legacy. Carter’s dominance in the pole vault has been nothing short of historic. The senior first broke Jahmai Judah’s 2019 school record of 14 feet, 1 inch with a 14-2 clearance at the 1A Evergreen League Championships on May 10. From there, he didn’t stop. In fact, Carter broke his own record five more times this season—peaking with a 15-8 vault on April 23 at Foss. “Every time I have vaulted to attempt and break the school record, I knew I was attempting it,” Carter said. “It feels amazing
knowing that I am a part of the Eatonville Cruiser history. I only hope my record pushes other kids to vault higher and break it again.” Carter, who plans to attend Pierce College before transferring to Pacific Lutheran University to continue competing, said he’s aiming to grow as both an athlete and future coach. While Carter soared over bars, Nation and Roulst scorched the track. Roulst broke Hannah Hanson’s 2023 girls 100-meter record with a 12.77-second sprint at a home meet against Steilacoom on April 30. “It feels amazing!” Roulst said. “My second older brother Jager Roulst has the school record for high jump and me not wanting to let him be the only one—I had to get my name in that trophy case with him.” Roulst, who overcame a serious foot injury that left her season in doubt, said the moment was even more special because it came at her final home meet. “I had no idea I broke it. I was feeling amazing that day,” she said. “I jumped up and down hugging
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