Apology to Warrior football, congrats to cross country

As I’ve entered the autumn of my years, I’ve had this feeling that maybe my time for big mistakes has passed.

Wrong.

I wrote the Wahluke High School football story and forgot to send it to the paginator last week. I learned of the blunder when coach Mike Foristiere texted me about the omission in the paper.

A gracious man, Mike accepted my apology, but I’m sure he wondered if his team was left out because of the struggles it’s had this year.

No.

We cover them all, win or lose. And we keep things positive when they lose. There is always something positive, even in defeat.

Mike is the best example I can think of when it comes to coaches reporting on their players. He never fails to contact me after a game.

That can’t be easy for Mike. Wahluke has struggled in football for years, including Mike’s three years. I’m sure it hurts him to be on the losing side.

But he never gives up. He never blames the players. I admire him for those positive traits.

Mike’s as positive as a coach who wins all of the time. He always has players to single out for individual accomplishments. He understands that even in the course of losing, many individuals play like winners.

In the 36-26 loss to Kiona-Benton, which wasn’t reported in the Sun Tribune, the Warrior defense was led by Reyes Ramirez with 10 tackles and two sacks. Marcos Guerrero and Jesus Cisneros had eight tackles each and Daniel Ayala and Gerardo Ledezma had six each.

Oscar Rodriguez, Jose Alejo, Juan Silva and Gerardo Ledezma scored a touchdown. Rock Foristiere had a two-point conversion run. Quarterback Oscar Rodriguez was 2-3 for 45 yards and one score. He had 22 yards rushing.

Jose Alejo had three carries for 41 yards, Daniel Ayala had 61 yards rushing, Juan Silva had 89 yards rushing, and Rock Foristiere rushed for 86 yards.

Meanwhile, congratulations to the Wahluke cross country program and coach David Miskimins.

The Warriors are sending 10 runners to the state meet in Pasco. That is the largest representation the school has had. There will be seven girls and three boys.

There is a complete story and pictures in the sports section.