Bainbridge Top 10 sports stories

By Nicholas Zeller-Singh Bainbridge Island Review • December 30, 2022 1:30 am

It was an interesting year for sports on Bainbridge Island in 2022, at least more interesting than they were the two previous years when COVID caused so many issues.

Following are the Top 10 sports stories this year in the Bainbridge Review:

1. JR Ritchie of Bainbridge Island was picked 35th in the Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves, signing for $2.4 million. The hard-throwing right-hander had planned to play baseball on scholarship at UCLA, but decided to put his education on hold as he pursued his dream of playing pro ball.

2. Women’s sports has drastically changed over the last 50 years since Title IX was made law. Besides a 33% increase in participation, the opportunities for female athletes has grown tremendously. The story talked to some of the older and younger coaches and administrators in Kitsap County about what they went through in the last 50 years.

3. Kristin Gellert became the first female coach to win the state water polo championship. In addition, she coached the boys under 18 team that placed seventh at the Junior Olympics in Dallas. She did all that during COVID-19.

4. Seattle Seahawks star receiver Tyler Lockett came to a Bainbridge High football practice after playing the previous day in Seattle. Lockett shared some of his insights and drills to help the Spartans succeed. He also reflected on his time in high school and shared some words of advice.

5. BHS pole vaulter Ella McRichie placed third in the pole vault, with a mark of 13 feet, at the state 3A track meet at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma. She’s one of the top prep pole vaulters in the nation.

6. BHS places 2nd in water polo, 3rd in swimming, eighth in cross country in the fall. The Bainbridge water polo team came into the state tourney as the first seed. However, they ended up in second place after winning state last season. The girls swim team finished third after winning state last season, too. And the Spartan runners captured eighth in the state, one of the best finishes for any prep team in Kitsap County.

7. Female football player breaks barriers: Cate Presher grew up watching Washington State University football games and playing with family and friends. After finding out she could play in high school, Presher decided to put on the pads and play tackle football at Bainbridge High, a first in the school’s history.

8. BI golfer putts his way to PGA Championship: Austin Hurt of Bainbridge Island qualified for his first PGA tournament after falling short a few times before. He missed the cut, however. Hurt was assistant pro at Wing Point for seven years before being named to the top spot about a year ago.

9. BI kayaker fifth in world’s longest race: Brian Harmon of Bainbridge Island competed in the Yukon 1000, the world’s longest kayak race, placing fifth overall.

10. BHS coach shares cheerful time as Seahawks cheerleader: Bainbridge cheer coach Tawnya Jackson was a Seattle Seagal during the 1990s. Many years later, Jackson has used her experience to showcase one of the best cheer programs in the county.