This month held the end of fall sports, the beginning of winter sports and was capped off with a great Thanksgiving. I spent some time giving back to the community this month, and I’ll let you know about your opportunities to do so as well.

Yes, sadly all fall sports are done for Montesano. In fact, they all ended the same weekend. The football team lost to Connell in Connell. It was a tough game and Connell was still in the playoffs when I wrote this column. The volleyball team played in the Sun Dome in Yakima where they eventually ended their season on the second day. Soccer ended their season at Cascade Christian to Cascade Christian. All of these teams had great seasons, and it will be sad to see the seniors go. Montesano sports were very well represented in the All-League teams that were announced, including the Coach of the Year for football and volleyball. I am definitely proud to be a Bulldog.

With fall sports done, in come the winter sports. Boys’ and girls’ basketball and wrestling have all begun. Practices officially started on Nov. 14.

I am so excited to report that I made the boys JV basketball team this year. It feels great because all of my hard work is paying off. I accomplished a goal I set for myself this summer. My first high school basketball game is Nov. 30 if you are reading this when The Vidette comes out (on news racks) on Wednesday.

Basketball has also given me many opportunities to give back to the community. As a kid I always loved doing the Little Dribblers camp and games every year. I always looked up to the high school players who coached and refereed. Now it is my turn to do so. I have already worked the first weekend of camp, and I am looking forward to the weeks to come, and especially to the games.

While that is a way I am giving back to the community, you can give back by donating to the Montesano Food Bowl. You will have many opportunities to donate if you live in Montesano. First of all, if you received a paper bag for the Paper Bag Drive, please donate money or food, and we will be around to pick it up this Sunday, Dec. 4. Thank you. Food Bowl has, is, and will always be a busy, fun, and meaningful time of the year in town and at the school, and I really enjoy it.

Next, as I mentioned last month, Knowledge Bowl was going to be starting up for the high school. I have always loved doing Knowledge Bowl. My team and I (consisting of all freshmen) went to our first high school meet at The Evergreen State College. There were 39 teams there, and it was pretty intimidating. However, we finished 19th, which from my point of view, is pretty good for freshmen. Anyway, we have two more meets, and then state. We will more than likely not qualify for state, but in the coming years, you bet we will be there.

This month also concluded the first quarter of school. I ended with all As and one A-minus in my classes. Since a 4.0 grade point is a huge goal of mine, I need to get that grade up to an A by the end of semester. Time is flying by, but I am determined to raise that grade.

I did some really exciting things this month. One being going to the Seahawks vs Eagles game. The ‘Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball. I saw the longest run at Centurylink Field ever. I saw the first receiving touchdown by a quarterback in Seahawks history and the first passing touchdown by a wide receiver in Seahawks history. Definitely a great game to go to. As I wrote a couple months ago: Super Bowl 51 here we come.

Another very exciting thing I got to witness this month was a high school student sign her letter of intent for college. I was able to watch as Jordan Spradlin signed with the University of Arizona for track and field. That is a really big deal and was awesome to witness. Hopefully I will get to watch her compete. Good luck Jordan. Bear Down.

Braden Dohrmann is a freshman at Montesano High School. He writes about what it’s like growing up in Montesano. He participates in many school sports and activities, works hard in class and enjoys taking vacations with his family.