Stories by Meg Wochnick

Columbian staff writer

@MegWochnick

(360) 735-4521

Meg.Wochnick@columbian.com

A Heritage cheerleader runs the flag up feild following a Heritage touchdown in the first quarter against Evergreen at McKenzie Stadium on Friday night, Aug. 31, 2018.

Heritage names assistant Dennis Moody new football coach

February 26, 2019, 4:55pm Prep Sports

In Leta Meyer’s words, Heritage High School found “our kind of coach” to lead its football program. That’s how the school’s longtime athletic director described the Timberwolves’ new head football coach Dennis Moody, as announced by Meyer on Tuesday afternoon. Moody joined Heritage last fall as… Read story

Battle Ground junior Brendan Beall doesn’t shy away from taking big shots. On three occasions this season, he has hit game-winners for the Tigers. That has Battle Ground headed to the state tournament and the Tacoma Dome for the first time since 2002.

Beall’s big plays help Battle Ground end 16-year state drought

February 25, 2019, 8:18pm Prep Sports

Brendan Beall never shies away from challenges thrown his way. The Battle Ground High junior guard thrives on them, whether it's challenges by coaches, teammates or, better yet, a challenge on himself. Read story

The King's Way Christian boys team poses for a photo after beating Overlake to advance to the 2A state tournament round-of-12 in Yakima (Tim Martinez/The Columbian)

1A boys regional: King’s Way thrives in elimination game once again

February 23, 2019, 7:38pm Prep Sports

BATTLE GROUND — King’s Way Christian boys basketball coach Daven Harmeling has no fear putting his Knights in tough situations all season. For starters, there’s a beefed-up schedule. The Knights faced plenty of state-bound opponents in preseason and league, including eventual 3A bi-district champion Prairie,… Read story

Prairie's Cassidy Gardner (15) attempts to dribble past Arlington's Sierra Scheppele (20) during the first half of a 3A regional basketball game at Battle Ground High School, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. Prairie went on to defeat Arlington 55-46.

Gardner’s hot shooting performance lifts Prairie at 3A regional

February 23, 2019, 2:41pm Prep Sports

Falcons advance to 3A state quarterfinals after 55-46 3A state regional win over Arlington. Read story

1A boys regional: La Center uses defense, 2nd-half spurt to earn quarterfinal berth

February 23, 2019, 12:38pm Prep Sports

There’s certainly a lot of positives, particularly for the La Center Wildcats, by winning their Saturday 1A boys basketball regional game against Deer Park. For starters, they get a first-round bye straight to the quarterfinals, can watch potential opponents, and perhaps the… Read story

Union boys advance with defense

Alishawuan Taylor of Union drives to the basket in the Titans' win over Battle Ground (Ken Nowaczyk for The Columbian

February 22, 2019, 11:38pm Prep Sports

Union's 56-37 victory Friday night over league-rival Battle Ground in their 4A boys basketball regional game at Mark Morris High School means the top-seed Titans get at least two more games and advanced straight to Thursday's 4A state quarterfinals. Read story

Camas’ Kim gets his ‘benchmark’ time at 4A state meet

Swimmers take off in the 4A boys 100 backstroke final Saturday.

February 16, 2019, 10:14pm Prep Sports

FEDERAL WAY — Jaden Kim’s event specialty is the 100 butterfly. The Camas High junior is a multi-year top-3 state placer in the event, including runner-up finish as a freshman two years ago. At Saturday’s Class 4A boys state swimming and diving championships,… Read story