Home grown heroes speak to Saddle Mountain students
Ted Escobar/The Sun Tribune - Clayton Buck, kneeling right front, and his Wahluke High School boys basketball team pause for a picture with the students who attended the Saddle Mountain Elementary Leadership Assembly last Friday.
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District administrators are always seeking role models for their students, and sometimes they are found right in the community.
That was the case a couple of Fridays ago when Saddle Mountain Elementary School students had their monthly Leadership Assembly.
“Our league champions, the Wahluke High School boys basketball team, spoke to students about the challenges they have overcome, and the secret behind their great success as a team,” principal Sean Langdon said.
Wahluke posted a 16-3 record and won the SCAC East league title, the first since the 2004-05 season. They play this week at the SCAC District Tournament in an attempt to qualify for the state tournament.
The Warriors entered the gymnasium with overhead lights dimmed, flashing lights and excitement. Students and adults rose to their feet and welcomed the team with huge applause.
“The team had just won the league championship the night before,” Langford exclaimed.
Athletic Director Cody Marlow and Head Coach Clayton Buck introduced the team and coaches. Each player took a minute to share what it takes to become a league champion.
“They delivered a consistent message that it takes hard work, and dedication during the season and, most importantly, in the off-season,” Langford said. “They also spoke to resilience, never quitting, and believing in each other.”
Team members compared their hard work on the court to hard work in school. The message could not come at a better time, Langdon said. SME students were coming off of mid-year testing, with plenty of time left in the school year to reach their goals.
Coach Buck inspired students, parents and staff with a brief message, and perhaps a secret to the team’s success.
“We WAHLUKE in whatever we do,” he said. “On and off the court, the boys are examples of leading the WAHLUKE Way. They WAHLUKE at home, at school, in their chores, and when things get tough”
Coach Buck concluded that SME students make choices every day that nobody can make for them.
“You choose your attitude,” he said. “Have a positive attitude, even when it may be easier to have a negative attitude.”
“You also choose your effort,” he added. “You are either improving or not. There is nothing in between. Always work to become better, and help others do the same.”
“What a fantastic message from our very own WHS Boys Basketball League Champions,” Langdon said. “Thank you to head coach Clayton Buck, and assistant coaches Everardo Corrales and Leon Yorgesen. Special thanks WSD Athletic Director Cody Marlow.
“We are continually inspired by the team, the coaches, and their leadership and great example. This has been an outstanding season, and even more, an inspiration for our youngsters.
“Here at Saddle Mountain Elementary, we will hold onto this message throughout the year, in our attitude and effort, and everyday choose to WAHLUKE the Warrior way.”