Coach of the Year: Don Bartel, Eastlake football

The Reporter chronicled the Wolves’ new leader on the gridiron from his hire back in January to the team’s 4A state quarterfinal run during the fall, the first for the program since 2011.

Players spoke throughout the year of a decidedly positive and energetic tenor around the program, emblematic of their sideline leader.

Those good vibes continued through the KingCo season and culminated in a trio of postseason wins, first in the conference crossover round and then over Kentwood and Union.

Inspirational Story of the Year: Eastside Catholic hosts wrestling tournament to memorialize life lost

Jean Hill with a t-shirt from the 2006 tournament. FILE PHOTO

Jean Hill and her family endured a life-altering tragedy when 16-year-old Brian, an Eastside Catholic student and member of the wrestling and football teams, died in a car accident near the school’s former Newport Hills campus in 2004.

But in the years after his passing, and even through a change in location to its Sammamish campus, the school and wrestling program have made sure to keep his memory alive.

The Brian Hill Invitational brings competitors from around the region to the school for a wrestling tournament, something Jean said has been an invaluable gift.

Team of the Year: Eastlake Little League All Stars

The Eastlake team on the SportsCenter set. KELLY CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY

The first team from Eastlake Little League to capture a state championship at the Majors division wasn’t satisfied with only one trophy, and parlayed its first victory into many more en route to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

Eastlake thrilled a national television audience in the Northwest Regional Tournament, winning a semi-final game in comeback fashion before taking the title the following day. At the Little League World Series, the Sammamish youngsters advanced to the knockout stage, posting a 3-2 record.