![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
After their performance at the Three Rivers League District Tournament on March 2 and 3, three members of West Linn’s Speech and Debate Team qualified for the State Championship Tournament at Western Oregon University from April 19 to April 21.
Elise Brown, junior, and Hunter Bosson, sophomore, competed in Public Debate and will be advancing to state. This will be the first time a Public Debate team from West Linn has gone to state since 2003. Brown also competed in Oratory, and having received third place, she will be the alternate at State.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Bosson said. “I hope that this time we kick Lake Oswego’s ass.”
Eric Dale, freshman, earned third place in Radio Commentary and will compete at state as well.
“It’s very rare for a freshman to go to state, especially in this competitive district,” Brian Gutowski, coach, said. “I’m very proud of him, and of everyone on the team.”
The last qualifying tournament of the year will be the Northern Oregon National Qualifier at Mt. Hood Community College from March 22 to March 24. Winners there will compete at the National Tournament this June in Indianapolis, Ind.