2021 - 2022

Community Beacons

Community "Beacons" are different than the Beacons nominated and chosen by the individual schools. While the school-identified Beacons are people important to the individual schools, the community Beacons are people for whom particular mascots and colors are less important. These are not just successful people -  many people are successful as measured by wealth and notoriety. No, these are people who have reached their status in our community by being willing to help. These are people we turn to in times of need. Whether a community swimming facility, turf fields, support in the way of advertising, donations, or sponsorship of local youth athletic teams, these are the members of our community who rarely say no to our kids. They are truly "Beacons of Excellence and Leadership through Athletics".

Alan Bushong

Community Beacon

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Mark Gilman

Community Beacon

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John Piper

Community Beacon

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School Beacons

School "Beacons" are those people, as identified by each school, who have been involved in the respective athletic program of that school. These are people who have (or may still be) furthering the mission of developing students who "focus on excellence in academics, leadership, character development, and competition as a vital part of the educational experience." These honorees can range from great Salem-Keizer athletes to great coaches to great supporters. What they cannot be is without great character, great integrity, and a much bigger picture of what athletics can do for young people. These Beacons are proud Royal Scots, Celtics, Vikings, Saxons, Olympians, and Titans.

The Yolanda and Francisco Tavera Family

McKay H.S.

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Vic Backlund

McNary H.S.

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Claudette Groenendaal

North H.S.

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Lara Tiffin

South H.S.

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Al Zupo

Sprague H.S.

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Shawn Stanley

West H.S.

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Posthumous 

Kathleen Hanneman

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Athletes of the Year 

Football

Tyler Copeland - McNary

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Volleyball

Laila Leaks – South Salem

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Boys Soccer

Nathan Martinez – South Salem

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Girls Soccer

Nicky Williams - Sprague

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Boys Cross Country

Jack Meier – West Salem

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Girls Cross Country

Isa Swain – North Salem 

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Boys Basketball

Dallon Morgan - Sprague

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Girls Basketball

Lizzy Bennett - West Salem

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Boys Wrestling

Brayden Boyd - Sprague

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Girls Wrestling

Sarahi Chavez - McKay

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Boys Swimming

Will LaDuca - South Salem

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Girls Swimming

Madi Spier - South Salem

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Baseball

Chris Rogers - Sprague

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Softball

Lacey Vasas - McNary

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Boys Tennis

Chris Bedard - South Salem

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Girls Tennis

Libby Blair - Sprague

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Boys Track and Field

DeMari Thompson - North Salem

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Girls Track and Field

Jordan Koskondy - North Salem

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Boys Golf

Colby Sullivan - McNary

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Girls Golf

Maddie Dustin - South Salem

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Coach of the Year 

Mike Ritchey

Mike Ritchey

Sprague Wrestling


Coach Ritchey took the reins of the Sprague program only shortly before the wrestling season began. He quickly showed why he was the perfect person to lead the Olys. Ritchey led Sprague to their tenth consecutive conference championship.


 Sprague finished second as a team in a highly competitive field of teams at the OSAA state championship tournament. The Olys had five individual OSAA 6A champions, tied for the most in program history while developing a young group of wrestlers along the way. 


Job well done, Coach Ritchey.


Thank you Salem-Keizer. 

Once again you showed
that high school sports matter.