I grew up in Bend and have watched, coached, played and covered for the media lots of Central Oregon high school sports. Here are the best I’ve ever seen.
Football Offense – Cory McCaffery, Sisters (I saw McCaffery play several times and I’ve never seen anyone who busts more long touchdowns.)
Football Defense – Joel Skotte, Mountain View (So big, strong, fast and hard hitting!)
Boys Soccer – Matt Tompkins, Redmond
Girls Soccer – Katie Emerson, Bend
Boys Basketball – Maarty Leunen, Redmond (6-foot-9 point-forward… dominant!)
Wrestling – Austin Northup, Mountain View (I haven’t watched a ton of wrestling and the “Austinator” was one of my best friends in high school, so I watched him wrestle several times)
Boys Cross County – Travis Neuman, Summit (I’ve never seen anyone in CO run the times that he has this season)
Girls Cross County – Abby McAllister, Bend
Boys Tennis – Paxton Deuel, Summit (singles state champion)
Girls Tennis – Laura Krull, Summit (singles state champion)
Boys Track – Jesse Thomas, Mountain View (I never watched Ashton Eaton in high school.)
Girls Track – Kellie Schueler, Summit (the best Oregon track runner ever?)
Baseball – Joe Dusan, Bend (I never saw Jacoby Ellsbury play in high school)

TEAMS
Football – Mountain View 2011
Volleyball – Crook County… I forget which year. Wow! They’ve really got something going there.
Boys Soccer- Mountain View 1999 (state champs)
Girls Soccer – Bend 2008 (18-0 and state champs)
Boys Basketball – Redmond 2003 (state champs)
Boys Cross County – Mountain View 1995 (I was on this team but didn’t run at state… I wasn’t fast enough Led by Jesse Thomas, Jake Ortman and Scott Miller, this was a fast crew. They won state by 36 points.)
Girls Cross County – Summit 2011 (I’ve never seen a team this dominant in XC… and I’ve seen some good ones!)
Boys Tennis – Summit 2009 (OK, so I coached this team… but I really think this was the best CO boys tennis team I’ve seen. Freshmen Paxton Deuel and Adam Krull, state dubs champs Josh Guyer-Tyler Walsh, plus Conor Hegewald, Nate Haldeman, Sterling Dillingham… they were good!)
Girls Tennis – Bend 1994
Boys Track – Summit 2011
Girls Track – Summit 2011 (112.5 points!)
Girls Golf – Sisters 2008 (I covered them at state and they were dominant! State champs)

I’d love to hear your thoughts! I didn’t put up a selection for every sport, because I didn’t have one that came to mind. So please share your picks.

This is what COA is all about! The reason I started this website was because of how many incredible athletes we have here in Central Oregon. Below are some of the COAs who are getting it done in September:
Max King – The Bend resident won the World Mountain Running Championships… as in best in the world!
Ashton Eaton – The Mountain View graduate took 2nd in the World Track Championships in the decathlon… OK, so it was @ the end of August, but I’m counting it!
Linsey Corbin – The Mountain View graduate was third in the Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.
Jacoby Ellsbury – The Madras graduate is third in all of Major League Baseball in hits and runs… basically one of the best baseball players in the world!
Ryan Longwell – The Bend graduate was two for two on point-after kicks and one for one with a 33-yard field goal for the Minnesota Vikings on opening weekend in the NFL.
Chandler Oliveira - The Summit freshman reached the semifinals in 16 boys singles at the Spokane Club Champs tennis tournament.
Joel Skotte – The Mountain View senior committed to Oregon State and has led the Cougar football team to a 2-0 start.
JC Grim – The Bend high football player has caught 9 passes for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns in two games, leading the Lava Bears to a 2-0 record.
Dakota Thornton – The Mountain View freshman finished 4th in the Marist XC Invite with a time of 17:12.
Hayati Wolfenden - The Mountain View senior finished 2nd in the Marist XC Invite with a time of 20:07.
Tawnie McDonald – Finished 23rd in the Ironman Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.
William McDonald – Finished 48th in the Ironman Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.
Lew Hollander - Finished 2nd in the Ironman Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.
Matt Lieto – The Bend resident was 14th in the Ironman Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.
Jesse Thomas – The Mountain View graduate was 17th in the Ironman Ironman 70.3 World’s in Vegas.

Please add athletes I didn’t mention… there are lots of them!

Summit Athletes of the Month for March.
Connor Mansberger nominated by Head Boy’s Golf Coach, Mark Tichenor:

Boys Golf nominates junior Connor Mansberger as athlete of the month for March. Connor has been selected team co-captain for the golf team based on character,leadership,grades, and maturity. He has worked hard to improve his golf talents not only during our season but also during the summer.He has earned a GPA of 3.9 taking a huge amount of AP courses ! He is constantly taking on leadership positions for our team regarding uniform ordering, communication with teammates,helping underclassmen learn our practice and game matches procedures. Connor is exceptional regarding trustworthiness and character. His treatment of teammates is such that he makes everyone feel better about themselves. Connor has been a member of the Golf team for all 3 of his years at Summit. He is the kind on student athlete a coach greatly looks forward to working with daily. On match day he is responsible for picking up equipment from my classroom and making sure all teammates receive needed items at course sites. Connor makes our program much better and student-athelete orientated.

Mariah Defoe nominated by Head Girl’s Softball Coach Derrick Butcher:

Varsity Softball would like to nominate Mariah Defoe for AOM.  Mariah has been a leader, everywhere from leadership, sportsmanship and taking her own personal time to help improve other players in the program.  She’s usually the first to arrive and last to leave.  Mariah has voluntarily worked with other pitches to teach and encourage them and also never leaves until the field is maintained.  Her communication with other players is always positive and encouraging. Mariah is our starting pitcher, bats left or right and a very fast base runner.   She has and will continue to set the tone for our season.  Mariah also has a 3.67 gpa and participated this year in volleyball and basketball.  

Stay in the loop and be part of the conversation by following Central Oregon Athlete on Facebook and Twitter. We are really creating an amazing community online, please join in and help spread the word to your friends!

Kami Semick is one of the best endurance athlete in the world. The ultra runner lives here in Bend and was kind enough to take a break from running and answer some questions for Central Oregon Athlete:

Central Oregon Athlete – How long have you lived in Bend?
Kami Semick – Husband and I moved to Bend in May 2003…so a little over 7 years. Moved to Bend when my daughter turned one year old – didn’t want to raise her in the bay area.

COA – Where did you live before Central Oregon?
KS – Berkeley California. I worked in the software industry.

COA – What got you into ultra running?
KS – Being in Bend inspired me to sign up for a 50k in Ashland. That was my first ultra and from there, I was hooked.

COA – Have you always enjoyed running?
KS – I’ve always run…in high school I was a sprinter and jumper, in college I walked onto the cross country and track team (earned a performance based scholorship after two years); then when in the software industry, I ran in the mornings to keep my sanity.

COA – What do you think makes Central Oregon such a popular place for endurance athletes? We have so many trails and access to amazing places in nature, I think KS – It’s inspiring to just go out and get lost, so to speak. So you develop endurance exploring. Also, based upon my relationships with other endurance athletes in the area, I get inspired by seeing them perform. So we build on each other.

COA – What kind of mileage do you put in when you are training hard?
KS – My “build” weeks are 90 – 110 miles. I rarely will go above 110 miles per week. On weeks where I am stepping down mileage, I’m around 60 mpw.

COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
KS – Winter – runs at Smith Rock/Grey Butte. I like doing repeats, in a sick way, on Grey Butte.
Summer – Most anything from Bachelor west.

COA – What are some of the highlights of your running career?
KS – Winning the World Cup 100k in 2009; Winning World Trophy 50k 2009. I think being the 5 time champion of Miwok 100k, a competative 100k run near San Francisco is also a highlight. I guess I would also add setting the course record at Vermont 100 mile this year – that was a highlight.

COA – What do you like to do when you aren’t running?
KS – In the winter I love to ski/snowboard (alpine & nordic) which is one of the reasons I love Central Oregon. There are so many great snow parks and places to explore. When I’m not being active, I enjoy the softer side of life – cooking, eating, drinking wine, hanging out with my family.

COA – Anything else to add?
KS – Thanks for the interest!

Stephanie Howe hasn’t been in Central Oregon for long, but she has already made a name for herself. The 2010 Pole Pedal Paddle champion took some time away from her busy schedule to answer a few questions for Central Oregon Athlete:

Central Oregon Athlete - How long have you lived in Bend?
Stephanie Howe – I have lived in Bend for a little over a year. I moved here from Eugene last summer.

COA – Where did you come from?
SH – Originally from Minnesota, but I haven’t lived there in over 10 years. I went to college in Michigan, lived in Bozeman, MT for a few years while completing some graduate school & then moved to Oregon to do some more graduate school!

COA – What brought you to Central Oregon?
SH – I love the outdoors in Bend. I like to ski in the winters & bike/run/paddle in the summer- so Bend is a good fit for me. I am also on the XC Oregon Ski team, which is based out of Bend.

COA – What sports do you compete in?
SH – A little of everything. Really My main sport is cross country skiing. I train year-round for races. I also compete in a lot of running races. I prefer trails & like distances anywhere from 5k-marathons. I REALLY like hills.
I do a few fun races to keep throwing my body for a loop. I raced in the high desert omnium the past two years, the flaming chicken adventure race, and of course the PPP this year.

COA – What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
SH – I teach at COCC in the Health & Human Performance Dept. I also work at Thump coffee a few days a month. When I ‘m not working I like to be outside as much as possible.
My favorite things (in no particular order) include: traveling, adventures outside, playing with my puppy, drinking wine (especially Zin), Thump coffee, cooking, geeking out on exercise physiology.

COA – What have been some of your sports highlights so far in your career?
SH – Winning the PPP this year was pretty cool. I’ve had quite a few good results like the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb the past 2 years, some of the local running races, lots of ski races around the country.
The things I remember the most about racing are the people & places I get to travel to. I have a great group of friends who also happen to be teammates: Sarah Max, Taylor Leach, & Felice Betzel are some of my best friends AND teammates. We always have so much fun when we travel to races. Some of my best memories have nothing to do with the racing.

COA – What was it like winning the Pole Pedal Paddle?
SH – It was pretty amazing! I was surprised! I was so stressed leading up to the race trying to figure out gear & what I was supposed to be doing. It was such a relief when the race actually started. As soon as I got into racing mode, I was like “Now I know what to do.”

COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
SH – Probably long trail runs up at Tumalo or other trails around Bend. I also really enjoy bounding up the hill at Archie Briggs (when I am craving pain). Long mountain bike rides can be pretty nice around here too.

COA – Do you have any sports goals you can share with us?
SH – Have fun is always the number 1 goal. Other than that I have some big ski races planned for the winter, including some racing in Switzerland and Norway. It should be a good year!!
Also, I started doing yoga with a goal to be able to touch my toes by the end of the year Still working on that one……

Lots of new Athlete Profiles up. Many more to come. Feel free to suggest athletes you’d like to see profiled! Here are the most recent:
• Jacob Hollister
• Molly McCool
• Jenna Mattox
• Hayati Wolfenden
• Sam Naffziger

Bend sophomore Jenna Mattox had an amazing Fall last year. She was the top placing freshman in the Class 5A state cross county meet and led her team to a 5th place finish, but that wasn’t all she did last Fall. She also won a state championship with the Lava Bears soccer team. Mattox is at it again this fall playing both sports and looking to join her older sister Kimber as an individual cross country state champion. She took some time from her very busy schedule to answer some questions for Central Oregon Athlete:

Central Oregon Athlete – How busy is your Fall as a two/sport athlete?
Jenna Mattox – It’s been pretty busy but my coaches have been great about allowing me compete in both sports. We plan my week of workouts ahead of time.

COA – Any special moves to balance soccer and XC, like morning runs or anything like that?
JM – I try to make up missed workouts on my own.

COA – How are the two sports different for you?
JM – They have some similarities but cross country allows me to strive for personal goals as well as team goals.

COA – What’s it like to have a family with such a strong running tradition at Bend High?
JM – Having my older brother and sister having success for Bend High as well as my cousin Ryan Douglass, I’m more motivated to push myself.

COA – What are your goals this soccer season?
JM – To improve my skills and have fun, while helping my team reach their goals.

COA – What are your goals this XC season?
JM – Help Bend High make it to state by improving my times. I would love to run at border clash again.

COA – What do you like to do when you aren’t playing sports?
JM – I love to hang out with family and friends. I enjoy all types of crafts and baking.

COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
JM – I love hill repeats on Pilot Butte, but probably my favorite workouts are “Kyle Will” workouts (strength training).

COA – What has been the highlight so far of your young sports career?
JM – At the district meet last year after our team had worked so hard, realizing we had earned a spot at the state meet.

Brit Oliphant is a great example of a young person who has grown up enjoying the Central Oregon lifestyle. The standout cross country runner at Summit high school is one of the best distance-running sophomores in the state. Brit slowed down just long enough to answer a few questions for Central Oregon Athlete.

Central Oregon Athlete – How long have you been running competitively?
Brit Oliphant - Well, I grew up in a family of all athletes, both my parent’s winners of the Pole Pedal Paddle and many other races so I was introduced to racing at a pretty young age. I started Alpine and Nordic skiing around 1st and 2nd grade and I think that’s where I got my competitive edge.

COA – Can you remember your first race?
Brit – I can clearly remember my first race; it was the little foot in Drake Park. I was in 2nd grade and nobody including myself really knew I could run. I ended up winning and getting my picture in the paper and I think that’s the day I fell in love with the sport.

COA – What got you interested in racing?
Brit – I would have to say watching the summit team when people like Zoe Roy were running. I always looked up to the Summit kids and they were really nice to me and helped me believe that anything is possible, even for a 2nd grader. But also my parents, I was surrounded with sports and competition my whole life.

COA – What other sports do you enjoy besides running?
Brit – Growing up I don’t think there was a sport that I didn’t do. I did everything: traveling soccer, basketball, Gymnastics, Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Swim team, Bicycle racing, I was an active member in a horse 4-H club, really I think I did it all. But as I grew up I had to start committing to the sports that I wanted to pursue so I chose running. Now days when I’m not running I enjoy paddle boarding, climbing, skiing and yoga.

COA – What are some of your hobbies besides sports?
Brit – I like camping and boating a lot, I also like spending time with my friends and just living the Bend lifestyle.

COA – Having grown up in Bend, what are some of your favorite adventures in Central Oregon?
Brit – I was born and raised here, in what I think is paradise. There are so many different things you can do in Oregon. Every summer I hike south sister and spend a lot of time wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing. Smith rock is right in our back yard as well as many lakes. I really enjoy going to Steelhead falls and jumping off the rocks. I also enjoy skiing on Bachelor all winter.

COA – What are your goals for this XC season?
Brit – I really want to focus on just staying healthy. I had quite a few injuries last year and I got sick as well. I think if I stay healthy success will come on its own.

COA – What’s the best part about running XC?
Brit – Cross country is great because we do so many things besides running. We go rafting and exploring and really anybody can do cross country. Plus we have the world’s best coaches.

COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
Brit – That’s impossible. There are so many fun places to run here I could never chose a favorite. But I do enjoy running along the river trail or out at smith rocks.

COA – Anything else to add?
Brit – Look out because a storm is coming!

2009 Highlights:
• 18:53 PR (third fastest by a Summit freshman girl ever)
• 7th @ State as a freshman (19:38) – 2nd fastest freshman @ State

The votes have been counted and The Source’s “Best of” best athlete in Central Oregon is Max King. With runner-up Chris Horner. King and Horner are both world-class studs! King is the King of running races in Central Oregon and beyond and all Horner has done this year was finish as the top American in the Tour de France. Here are a few more athletes that have to at least be put into the discussion:

Who I missed (8-16):
Adam Craig
Ryan Trebon
Tommy Ford
Ben Watts

Original list:
Max King – He’s fast… and he has a really cool name!
Chris Horner – Best cyclist in the USA? … pretty much!
Jacoby Ellsbury – Major League Baseball player from Madras.
Ashton Eaton – One of the top track athletes in the world.
Maarty Leunen – Professional basketball player from Redmond.
Torin Koos – Olympic nordic skier living and training in Bend.
Carl Decker – X-Games Rally Car driver and one of the best Mt. Bikers in the USA.
Lars Flora – Olympic nordic skier living and training in Bend.
Jesse Thomas – The Mountain View grad is killing it in triathlon.

Who did I miss?

And those are just the guys! I’ll put up something on the girls soon.