EHS JUDO: Williams earns second state title

Behind the Stevie Williams state title, the Hornets made a run at powerhouse Kentridge at the state judo championships.

After dropping to third place in the Puget Sound Judo League, Enumclaw High had something to prove at the Pacific Northwest High School and Middle School Judo State Championships. “With seven seniors returning, we are a better team than that,” coach Mike Nepper said.The Hornets proved him right, pulling together a near upset of powerhouse Kentridge. The Hornets chased the Chargers to the end, but just didn’t have enough athletes to overrun the returning state champions. Kentridge finished with 108 points, with Enumclaw at 62 and Kentwood a distant third at 39.Hornet sophomore Stevie Williams captured her second straight state title, while sophomore Jade Paterson picked up her first, in their respective divisions.Freshman Carrie Brocx finished third in her division. Sarah Thomas placed third in the biggest women’s division of the day. Freshman Jessica Conrad was fourth in her division.Krystin Schlager was sixth and Logan Pacey finished fifth in their divisions.First-year senior Virginia Gonzales was seventh.In the men’s divisions, seniors Erik Hines and Christopher Hanrahan won state titles. Hanrahan also was the recipient of the Dr. George L. Wilson Scholarship, give each year to judo athletes who exhibit the spirit of the sport.Senior Justin Cooper was a runner-up in his division, while freshman Nathan Nyugen and senior Austin Luthi took fourth.