SHS Softball
Dear Editor: Thank you for once again allowing me to use this space to share my appreciation for the fine people who made the Sitka High School softball season possible. As always, there were many, including the parents who have to foot an increasingly large part of the financial responsibilities of running a high school team.
Furthermore, many of our parents housed out the visiting teams numerous times over the course of the year. Without this amenity many sports in S.E. Alaska would not be able to exist and it is a great way to really get to know our opponents on a personal level. Those who are willing to share this part of softball are much appreciated.
Financially, the team was kept afloat by CHARR, who always comes through for the girls; the Denkinger family; and all of you who supported our fund-raising activities. Katie Wood and Karen Iwamoto manned and organized the concession stand this season. It not only brings in much needed funds, but also adds to the ambiance of the ball park. Allen Marine and Sitka Electric provided discounted or free services over the course of the year.
I would be remiss if I did not also give my sincerest thanks to my all-volunteer coaching staff: Jessica Gibson, Ed Iwamoto and Kyle Young. The commitment to coaching is immense and even more challenging when they are at the field at 6 a.m. three days a week and back at it at 3:30 p.m. five days a week. Add to that being away from home for travel and home game weekends and it all adds up to a heck of a lot of time spent. These folks also chose to donate their pay back to the program to ease the burden slightly on the families and the community. The kids and community are lucky to have such great adults for the kids to be around.
The City of Sitka and employees of the school district were also instrumental in helping change Moller Park from the best baseball field in Alaska to the best softball field in Alaska. We are all grateful for their assistance and cooperative efforts. With all the hands that make a successful season, I am sure that I have missed important people. Please accept my apologies and thanks without being named publicly.
The Lady Wolves, though they finished tied for second place behind Juneau Douglas High School, did not qualify for state and did not get to defend their championship. We are rededicating ourselves to that task and look forward to starting our streak of state championships once again.
Respectfully yours.
Bob Potrzuski, Coach,
Sitka LadyWolves Softball
Dog Rescue
Dear Editor: We would like to thank Don Kluting and the Sitka Mountain Rescue responders in the rescue of our dog, Oliver. Last Tuesday evening, Oliver and I were jogging up the Gavin Hill/Harbor Mountain trail when Oliver took off towards the cabin/shelter.
After searching and calling him for a significant amount of time, I grudgingly gave up the search for the night as it was getting dark. Early the next morning, my daughter and I went back up Harbor Mountain and searched the area where Oliver was last seen. After exploring the area for some time, my daughter heard the cries of a dog. Oliver had fallen over a 30-foot cliff and perched on a ledge. He could not climb out and we could not get down to him. I called the Sitka Fire Department, which referred me to Don Kluting (thanks, Dave). Don was the first responder there and wasted no time in repelling down to Oliver. He assured us Oliver was safe, secured and assessed his injuries. After the rest of the crew members arrived, they hauled Oliver up. They gave him water, covered him in blankets and bandaged his legs. Don then packed our 60-pound dog in his backpack back to Harbor Mountain Road parking lot.
Oliver received a chipped elbow and a few gashes from his ordeal but thanks to Dr. Martin he is recovering nicely. We appreciate the quick, professional and caring response to all those involved in our dog’s rescue: Don Kluting, Gerald Gangle, Paul Norwood, Bill Lehmann, Zephyr Feryok, Jake Denherder, Tyler Orbison and Dave Patt.
Also, a special thanks to Karen Kluting for keeping those of us back home informed. Thank you so much, Sitka Mountain Rescue.
Gary and Tamara Perensovich
Oliver (Ollie) Perensovich
