In 2022, Whatcom County athletes tallied 24 state titles during the spring season alone. Last season they earned 25. Could 26 be on the horizon in 2024? Spring sports mark the return to the outdoors — often with frequent weather-related hiccups in the early season. Snow flurries, torrential downpours and gray, windy days make “spring” sports challenging. But that’s part of the ride.
[ Whatcom County spring athletes have big shoes to fill in 2024 ]
In today’s story, learn about Blaine High School junior Max Yuryev and senior Kijah Van Rijswijck.
Related Stories
Catch up on stories from the 2023 spring season
MAX YURYEV
Junior, Boys soccer, Center back
After reaching last season’s bi-district game, but losing, how will you and the team improve this season?
I want our team to stay unified as much as possible throughout the season. Because I know most teams have more support — bigger teams, bigger coaching staff. For our team, it’s little. And even through last season, we still were cohesive as a unit. I want that same build, that same energy, that same camaraderie on our team this year.
If we’re together as a team or together as players with this small unit, no one can stop us. Small teams, even though they may not have as many players, have a bigger heart and a bigger bond because of the small group of players.
How would you describe your role on the team this season?
I’m going to have to help grow some of the newer, even some of the older players on the team. I know some of the older players are feeling a little worried, a little scared even about this coming up season because we lost some great seniors … but at the same time, we have some great young talent. And I’m trying to build them together, connect them with one another.
What do you enjoy most about playing soccer?
People say soccer is a hard sport, but at the same time, it’s easy. Every part of it is just simple rules, simple goal, simple mindset … it’s the ultimate team game.
Anyone from any position, from center back to keeper to even striker, can make a huge outcome in the game.
KIJAH VAN RIJSWIJCK
Senior, Girls golf
What’s been your favorite moment of your golfing career thus far?
Probably joining the high school golf team. The community is really nice. I’ve made some really good friendships with those girls, and I don’t think I would have without joining the golf team.
I love our rides to the matches and food afterward. Just having that community of golfers, even though we don’t see each other at matches, we still keep a pretty tight bond.
In your mind, what does it take to be successful in a sport like golf?
You have to be mentally strong. It’s a big mental sport — a lot more than people imagine. So just being confident in yourself is a big thing, and something I struggled with, but confidence is the biggest part. When you believe in yourself, then everything you do after that point in golf is going to become easier.
Last year was one of the most successful seasons in Blaine girls golf history. How do you plan to add to that this season?
We were district champs last year, so hopefully we can bring that home again. We have some new freshmen, so just getting them the experience and maybe taking them to the district championship, too. Then me and my fellow senior Ellie Tanjuaquio also would love to go to state. We’ve both been once, so we would like to go again together this time.
Visit CDN’s prep sports previews page every Tuesday and Friday until April 19 to learn about more Whatcom County athletes.
