PNWS: What we’re thankful for about the teams we cover
On this holiday, the Pacific Northwest Sports staff takes a few minutes to give thanks for the teams we cover.
On this holiday, the Pacific Northwest Sports staff takes a few minutes to give thanks for the teams we cover.
The Pacific Northwest is a great place for sports fans. Whatever you like, you can find it. In this area we are fortunate to have quality professional and college sports teams to follow.
The staff at Pacific Northwest Sports considers ourselves very lucky to cover these teams. We wanted to share some of what makes us thankful about them.
Seattle Mariners (Chris Phillips)
I’m thankful for the 2022 Seattle Mariners team. They final ended the longest playoff drought in sports. The season didn’t end the way we had hoped or wanted. Regardless, it was a huge success.
Next season should be even better as the young stars, Julio Rodriguez, Ty France, Cal Raleigh, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby all improve.
And then there’s a full season of Luis Castillo pitching in the Pacific Northwest. This team looks poised for another playoff run and I am very thankful for them.
Seattle Seahawks (Clint Prasky)
I am thankful that our beloved Seahawks have given us so much to talk and write about. I’ve been a fan since 1979 and would’ve been from day one but I was only 3 years old then.
I am thankful that the team has brought a title to our city and that they also cared enough about the fans to retire a number just for us. The city pride and in turn the city’s pride in the team is an amazing feeling.
The future is bright around our city and our team and I am thankful to be able to write about it as it happens.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (Teresa Powe)
I am very grateful that I’m covering the Gonzaga Bulldogs. I’m an extremely big fan of basketball, the NBA in particular. By covering the Bulldogs, I’m getting to see young men from high school not only gain access to the NBA but be the number 2, 5, 15, or even number 30 pick in the NBA Draft.
I’m getting to cover a team that’s being coached by a winner. Mark Few has yet to get the elusive National Championship trophy, but his win/loss record of 661/130 says it all.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs will most likely return to the NCAA championship this March, and whether they get to the Final, Elite Eight, or Sweet Sixteen, I am grateful to be covering what is, to me, the most exciting team in college basketball.
Portland Trail Blazers (Rob Ryan)
I’ve been thankful for all the recent additions but I’m especially thankful for the Jerami Grant trade.
Next, the Blazers drafted Shaedon Sharpe, he’s got superstar potential.
You can’t overstate the impact in the present and the excitement for the future these players bring. Good times are ahead in Rip City.
And then there’s Dame.
Washington Huskies Football (Ed Stein)
I love me some Kalen DeBoer. He’s an innovator, lets his players and coaches do their jobs, and holds people accountable.
Several years ago, I covered the Big Ten and was impressed by Indiana QB Michael Penix. I always wondered what he could do if he stayed healthy and was surrounded by more talent. Now that he’s a Husky, I know.
Husky Stadium. They call it the Greatest Setting in College Football for a reason, and that’s not hyperbole or hype.
*Editors Note: Normally, Herb Nightengale would have done this section, but I assigned it after he told me he had Thanksgiving plans. As an editor I’m thankful for the love and passion for the Huskies that Herb shares with all of us.
Washington State Cougars football (Chip Clark)
I’m thankful for an entertaining team. I really enjoy Wazzu football and after last season, I thought the Cougars were in for some down years. Jake Dickert has this program headed in the right direction.
Daiyan Henley. After Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods graduated, it looked like the void at linebacker was too big to fill. Henley transferred from New Mexico and has been a dominator.
Defense. For the last decade the Cougs tried to win by being an unstoppable offensive juggernaut, outracing the other guys to the finish line. Now if the offense stalls, WSU’s defense can step up and keep games close.
Seattle Kraken (Jonathan West)
The Seattle Kraken organization should be very thankful this holiday season, with the addition of three key dishes to their frozen sheet of plenty. After four years, former Shark netminder Martin Jones is back to starting goaltender status.
Justin Schultz is a two-time Stanley Cup champion for the Penguins, and is on pace for a 40 plus point season from the blueline.
Buoy the Fremont Troll mascot has finally arrived, starting bona fide community team efforts that have been long overdue.
It’s a better spread on NHL Seattle’s Thanksgiving table from a year ago. And there is a watchful eye towards next year’s festive season, with anticipation of big, round green and gold packages under the tree at Climate Pledge Arena.
Final Thougts
I’m thankful not only for the teams Pacific Northwest Sports covers, but for all our hardworking staff and loyal readers. You are the best.