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July 24, 2012
The 2012 AMA Washougal National featured a ton of action on the dirt and in the air Saturday, at Washougal Motocross Park. Ryan Dungey (above) won at Washougal for the fifth year in a row.

Fans pack the hills at Washougal MX Park for annual AMA National

The world's fastest motorcycle riders were gaining altitude under blue skies during the 2012 AMA Washougal National Saturday, at Washougal Motocross Park. With six professional races to watch in one day, the estimated 20,000-plus fans in attendance got their money's worth. Justin Barcia, Ryan Dungey and Ashley Fiolek sliced through the turns, climbed Washougal's famous "Horsepower Hill" and soared above the Evergreen trees en route to the checkered flag.

July 17, 2012
The ninth Lacamas Lake half marathon, and 4-mile run and walk event, begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, at Cardon Field, behind Camas High School.

Lacamas Lake run keeps going strong

An estimated 1,200 runners and walkers will traverse Lacamas Lake and Round Lake Sunday in search of beauty, exercise and the thrill of crossing the finish line. The ninth Fit Right Northwest Lacamas Lake Half Marathon and 4-Miler begins at 7:30 a.m. on the Cardon Field track behind Camas High School, 26900 S.E. 15th St. Race director Dave Sobolik said this event originally started as a launching pad for a new Fit Right store opening in east Vancouver. "It has grown from just a run and walk to a half marathon and a community engaging event," he said. "We have a lot of local companies, vendors and volunteers involved, and we are going to donate the money we raise to local charities. It's just a real great way for all of us come back together and support each other."

July 17, 2012
The stage is set for another exciting week of amatuer and professional racing at the Washougal Motocross Park. Gates open Wednesday at 10 a.m. The 2012 Washougal AMA National is on Saturday.

AMA pros will tear through the dirt and soar above the trees in Washougal

The fastest motorcycle riders on the planet are ready to tear through the turns, conquer the hills and soar above the trees when the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series comes to Washougal Motocross Park Saturday. Gates open Wednesday at 10 a.m., followed by amatuer racing on Thursday and Friday. More than 20,000 racing fans are expected for the Washougal National on Saturday. The women kick off the action at 12:15 p.m., followed by the 450 class at 1:10, the 250 class at 2:10, and then the final three motos at 3:20 (women), 4:05 (450) and 5:05 (250).

July 17, 2012

Cougar Creek Bridge replacement project is scheduled for mid-October completion

Motocross fans might wonder why the project to replace the Cougar Creek Bridge started yesterday instead of waiting one week. The project requires a complete closure of Northeast Washougal River Road, from Milepost 5.1 to 5.2 for an estimated 15 weeks. The bridge is located at Milepost 5.16. During the project, traffic is being detoured around the construction zone. The designated detour route includes 17th Street, Evergreen Highway, 32nd Street, Jennings Road, 357th Avenue and Vernon Road.

July 10, 2012
Nicholas Hamer (far left) joins in the celebration after providing the asisst on the decisive goal scored by Mark Sherrod. The Portland Timbers U-23 team defeated Washington Crossfire 1-0 Friday, in front of an estimated crowd of 2,056 fans at Doc Harris Stadium in Camas.

Portland Timbers U-23 team returns to Camas Friday

An estimated 2,056 soccer fans filled Doc Harris Stadium in Camas to cheer the Portland Timbers U-23 Premier Development League team to a 1-0 victory against Washington Crossfire of Redmond Friday. The Camas-Washougal Soccer Club hosted the game as a featured attraction for its Clash at the Border soccer tournament. The majority of the spectators were from the youth soccer teams playing in the weekend long festival. "The club, town and the facility did itself very proud by hosting this game," said Timbers U-23 head coach Jim Rilatt. "It's a real kick for these guys to be able to play in front of so many kids. They love to stay after the games are over to sign autographs and talk to the kids about soccer. It's a summer they will never forget."

July 10, 2012
Perri Belzer (left) of the Vancouver Timbers 99 Red takes on a defender from the Camas-Washougal Soccer Alliance Valencia in the U-13 Platinum championship game of the Clash at the Border tournament. The Timbers beat Valencia 2-0.

Clashing styles

Championship glory tasted sweet for Perri Belzer and several other local athletes who participated in the Clash at the Border soccer tournament this past weekend. "What I'll remember most is being able to play with my team and winning," said Belzer of Camas. "Getting first place was just awesome for us. We were all happy we got the result we wanted" Belzer and Elise Schney both scored goals to lead the Vancouver Timbers 99 Red to a 2-0 victory against the Camas-Washougal Soccer Alliance Valencia in the U-13 Platinum championship game Sunday. Five other Vancouver Timbers teams earned first-place trophies from their respective brackets, and nine more Timbers teams finished in second place.

July 10, 2012
Nate Lauritzen gets down and dirty for the Camas-Washougal Granite against the Vancouver Jayhawks during the semifinals of the Southwest Washington Senior Babe Ruth state tournament Saturday, at Louis Bloch Park in Camas.

Tyler Purkeypyle’s return from heart surgery inspires his teammates

With heart and hustle, Camas-Washougal Granite Construction is going to the Northwest Regional Babe Ruth Championship Tournament, for 16- to 18-year-olds, in Kent, Wash. "I hope this means something because we are representing the community, and our hats say Camas and Washougal on them," said manager Scott Purkeypyle. "I just want these guys to make the plays they're supposed to make, and to never get out-hustled. That's the one side of the game we can always win."

July 3, 2012
Emily Thomas became the first Gonzaga Bulldog to compete at the NCAA West Premilinary Outdoor Track and Field Meet, in Austin, Tex. The Camas High School graduate crossed the finish line in 24th place with a time of 35 minutes, 55.98 seconds.

PAPERMAKERS … keep running

Two Camas High School alums ran their way to the NCAA West Preliminary Meet in outdoor track and field. Emily Thomas, a current Gonzaga University redshirt sophomore, placed 24th in the western conference, running 10,000 meters in 35:55.98. Kayla Blackford, a sophomore at Weber State in Utah, placed 38th in the same event with the time 37:34.42. Blackford and Thomas happened to see each other at the San Francisco State Invitational in late March when they both qualified for the NCAA preliminaries and again in Austin, Texas, for the NCAA preliminaries race. They both hugged, wished each other luck and congratulated each other at the end of both races.

July 3, 2012
A total of 158 soccer teams will be in town this weekend for the 10th Clash at the Border.

A milestone clash

A record number of 158 teams are expected to participate in this weekend's Adidas "Clash at the Border" soccer tournament. The previous record had been 144 teams, according to Tournament Director Jeff Castagnola. They will be arriving from areas such as Portland, Eugene and Bend, Ore., as well as Seattle, Yakima and Everett, Wash. The 10th annual event will be held Friday through Sunday, at several local fields including Skyridge Middle School, 5220 N.W. Parker St., and the fields surrounding Doc Harris Stadium, 1125 N.E. 22nd Ave., in Camas.