Nixyáawii’s Brianah Matamoros and Aiyana Thompson-Redelk attempt to block a hit by Maya Payne, of Heppner, on Aug. 29, 2024, during the Umatilla/Morrow Volleyball Jamboree at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
By ANNIE FOWLER | Photos by KATHY ANEY | CUJ Special Contributors Pilot Rock splits matches at volleyball jamboree PENDLETON — Nine volleyball teams from Umatilla and Morrow counties came together Thursday, Aug. 29, for a jamboree at Pendleton High School, giving teams a chance to work out the bugs before the season gets under way. “We really enjoyed the…
Nixyaawii’s Noah Pierson and head coach Wyekin Bill run during cross-country practice on Aug. 23, 2024. KATHY ANEY | CUJ FILE PHOTO
NCS FALL CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Nixyaawii’s girls program is starting to take flight MISSION — Weyekin Wildbill is building the Nixyaawii Community School cross country with a little deception, but he will do whatever it takes to get the kids out on the road. “A majority of the cross country team does play basketball,”…
Pendleton cross-country runners tackle a hill during practice on Aug. 22, 2024. KATHY ANEY | CUJ FILE PHOTO
PENDLETON CROSS COUNTRY FALL PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Two-time state qualifier Jack Reynolds leads the way for the Bucks PENDLETON — Maddy Naughton is excited to get the season started. The Pendleton cross country coach has a plethora of talent returning on the boys team, and the girls team, which was one point shy of qualifying for…
Pendleton’s Josie Jeness sets the ball during practice on August 22, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
PENDLETON FALL VOLLEY BALL PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Primus takes over program after Speer resigns PENDLETON — It’s never easy being the new kid on the block. It’s even tougher when you are the coach. Pendleton volleyball coach Jodi Primus, who took over the program just a few weeks ago when Chelsie Speer abruptly resigned, finds herself…
Weston-McEwen quarterback Easton Berry hands off to Maddox King during football practice on Aug. 26, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
CROSS COUNTRY – FOOTBALL – VOLLEY BALL By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor TigerScots have a small but mighty program Dobos takes over Weston-McEwen team ATHENA — The great thing about cross country is there are so many fabulous places to run. Weston-McEwen coach Bill Dobos, who took over the program from his son Jeremy this season, likes to load…
The Pilot Rock cross-country team warms up with a run around the track during practice on Aug. 27, 2024.
KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
CROSS COUNTRY – FOOTBALL – VOLLEY BALL CROSS COUNTY: Rockets ready for a change By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Pilot Rock hasn’t sent a runner to state for 23 years PILOT ROCK — It has been ages since Pilot Rock sent a cross country runner to the state championships. That is something Rockets coach Tyler Zyph would like to change.…
UTFD Chief James Hall said that at approximately 4:20 p.m. the UTFD received a call of a fast-moving grass fire that was ignited by a baler on the west side of South Market Road that jumped the road and moved east. KAELEEN McGUIRE | THE CUJ
MISSION – The Umatilla Tribal Fire Department battled and contained a grass fire on Tuesday, Aug. 27 along South Market Road south of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. UTFD Chief James Hall said that at approximately 4:20 p.m. the UTFD received a call of a fast-moving grass fire that was ignited by a baler on the west side of South…
Pendleton’s Jared Pace reaches for the ball during soccer practice on Aug. 23, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
FALL SOCCER PREVIEW Bucks graduated their entire offense from last year By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor PENDLETON — Former Alabama football coach Bear Bryant once said, “Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships.” Pendleton boys soccer coach Evan Brandhagen is going to have to depend on his team’s defense this season as the Bucks’ entire offense graduated, including Greater Oregon League…
Nixyáawii’s Lenae Sampson bumps the ball during a volleyball practice on Aug. 23, 2024.
KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
FALL VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW Spencer is working to put the program on the map By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor MISSION — Nixyáawii Community School has been a basketball mecca since it opened its doors in 2004. Rayne Spencer is hoping to carve out a little piece of the fanbase for her volleyball team. “Volleyball is still very new to our…
Pendleton goalie Citlalli Garcia stops a kick on during practice on August 22, 2024.
KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ
GIRLS SOCCER FALL PREVIEW Rickman returns to Bucks’ sideline after 2-year absence By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor PENDLETON — When coach Kiana Rickman left the Pendleton girls soccer program after the 2021 season, Kelsey Graham was a freshman and the Bucks were playing in the 5A Intermountain Conference. Rickman returns to the program this fall after spending the past…
