Edmonds District honors top scholar-athletes

Published 10:49 am Friday, February 29, 2008

Edmonds-Woodway’s Reed Brown and Lynnwood’s Molly Hunsinger never sought personal glory during their respective high school athletic careers.

The two senior standouts instead were always intent on supporting their teammates in the best way possible.

Brown and Hunsinger, however, were unable to avoid the spotlight at the third annual Edmonds School District Scholar-Athlete Banquet, as they along with 14 other student athletes were recognized for their academic and athletic excellence May 26 at Edmonds-Woodway High School.

All 16 student-athletes and one student athletic trainer were awarded scholarships. Brown received the Don and Rose Balke scholarship ($2,500) and Hunsinger received the Ken and Pat Allen scholarship ($2,500).

Brown, who played baseball, football and basketball, was proud just to have been nominated and was surprised when he received his award.

“We don’t work hard for the publicity,” Brown said. “We work hard for our team.”

Brown helped lead the Edmonds-Woodway baseball team to the state tournament this season.

Edmonds-Woodway baseball coach Joe Webster described Brown as an example of everything he likes to see in a student-athlete.

“He’s hard working. He made the most of his ability,” Webster said. “He’s been an outstanding student and citizen on and off campus. He’s humble. I just don’t know what else there is to say.

“He’s right up there with the very best student athletes that I’ve had the privilege to know. He’s just a great person.”

For Brown, athletics and academics went hand in hand. Participating in three sports kept Brown actively involved at the high school and at the top of his academic studies.

“I always knew that if I’m not going to have the grades, I’m not going to be able to play on the team,” Brown said. “(Sports) kept me focused on my school work … It always kept me motivated.”

Despite her numerous individual accolades throughout the years, Hunsinger has never let success go to her head, according to Lynnwood volleyball coach Jean Kellogg.

“She’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Kellogg said. “Molly does not bring any attention to herself. You can’t compliment her. She doesn’t acknowledge it. She transfers it to the other kids. It’s always the team.”

Kellogg has seldom coached a player who can read defenses like Hunsinger can. In one match at the state tournament, she recorded 32 kills.

But just as important as her on-the-court skills, Hunsinger also had a knack for knowing what the team needed.

“Molly has an attitude of humbleness and an understanding of what it takes to be a team,” Kellogg said. “She has unconditional respect and unconditional caring of others. That’s what Molly is — unconditional caring.”

During her senior year, Hunsinger led the volleyball team to the state tournament and helped the basketball team to a district playoff appearance. She played tennis in the spring and was a captain for all three teams.

Hunsinger’s leadership skills extended beyond athletics.

“She does a great job of mentoring other kids and with leadership in our school,” Kellogg said. “She’s actively involved as a class officer and coaches youth basketball and volleyball. She puts in the extra time.”

Hunsinger is used to keeping busy.

“I like to challenge myself,” she said. “It’s the only way to really find out your potential.”

Hunsinger’s parents, Paul and Lisa, also were honored as Community Contributors at the banquet.

“They’ve always remained pretty anonymous,” Hunsinger said. “For them to get some recognition and the credit they totally deserve for everything they’ve done the past four years made the night even better.”

While Brown is undecided on where he will be going to college, Hunsinger is headed to the University of Puget Sound, where she will play volleyball and basketball.

Mountlake Terrace’s Michael Arquillano and Lynnwood’s Kelsey Ayres each received a $2,000 scholarship from First Horizon Home Loans. Other scholarship recipients who each received $1,000 awards were Edmonds-Woodway’s Susan Quick (Sanur Homes and Reliable Floor Coverings), Lynnwood’s Ryan Mulvaney (Alderwood Hoops), Edmonds-Woodway’s Titus Lester (Pacific Little League and Research Technologies), Mountlake Terrace’s Briana Knight (Pacific Little League and First Horizon Home Loans), Meadowdale’s Sarah Johnson (Drs. Lee, Van Mieghem and Stenberg and First Horizon Home Loans), Lynnwood’s Ryan Crollard (Limback Lumber Company and the Brie McGaughey Memorial Fund), Mountlake Terrace’s Corey Preugschat (First Horizon Home Loans and the family of Jim Clemans), Meadowdale’s Megan DesRosiers (First Horizon Home Loans), Meadowdale’s Kevin Myhre (Edmonds School District coaches), Edmonds-Woodway’s Tiana Roma (Edmonds-Woodway volleyball coach Mike Pittis), Meadowdale’s Casey Hoffman (First Horizon Home Loans and Seaview Chevrolet Pontiac GMC) and Mountlake Terrace’s Erin Higgins (First Horizon Home Loans and Patrick McMahan).

Meadowdale student athletic trainer Katie Hallaian received a $1,000 scholarship (anonymous). A total of $22,000 in scholarships were awarded.

Two coaches from each of the four high schools received Coaches’ Professional Development Awards, which included a $300 stipend. The eight were Edmonds-Woodway’s Joe Webster (head baseball, assistant football) and Rick Fillman (head track and field), Lynnwood’s Jon Rasmussen (head girls basketball) and Kim Plumis (head girls soccer), Meadowdale’s Karen Blair (head girls basketball) and Josh Knowles (head girls golf, assistant wrestling) and Mountlake Terrace’s Jerry Myers head boys and girls soccer) and Dory Pearce (head girls swim).

Five coaches were recognized for their more than 25 years of service to the district. The five were Lynnwood’s Duane Lewis (head track, 38 years), Meadowdale’s Wally Nagel (head boys swim, 34 years), Edmonds-Woodway’s Mike Pittis (head volleyball, 33 years), Edmonds-Woodway’s Candi Holland (assistant volleyball. 33 years) and Meadowdale’s Ron Martin (head baseball, 29 years).

Six individuals — Carol Betts (Edmonds-Woodway), Katie Quealey (Meadowdale), Paul and Lisa Hunsinger (Lynnwood) and Lloyd and Teresa Stacks (Mountlake Terrace) — were honored as Community Contributors.

Former Edmonds and Edmonds-Woodway cross country coach Tom Campbell was recognized for his recent induction into the inaugural WIAA Hall of Fame.

Edmonds-Woodway cheer adviser Pam Daines was honored with the Director’s Award.