Hermiston High School celebrates state sports achievements at board meeting

Hermiston School District celebrated a remarkable winter sports season at the Special School Board Meeting on March 24, 2025, highlighting the achievements of student-athletes and coaches. District Athletic Director Larry Usher opened the meeting with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication displayed by the students.

The standout moment came with the recognition of head swim coach Tammy Fisher, who was named Coach of the Year in the Mid Columbia Conference for boys swimming. Usher praised Fisher for her ability to build a strong swim program despite the challenges of training at a distant facility. "To build an incredible culture like Tammy has done is very impressive," he stated.

The meeting also celebrated the inaugural success of the Hermiston High School bowling team, with standout bowler Lily Fields finishing second at the WIAA state championships. Usher expressed pride in the team's achievements, noting the significance of having an official bowling team for the first time.

Wrestling was another highlight, with both boys and girls teams achieving significant victories. The girls' wrestling program, still in its early stages, won the Mid Columbia Conference Championship and placed third at the state championships, showcasing the talent of its athletes. Coach Al Davis emphasized the team's rapid growth and commitment, stating, "Most of these girls didn't even start wrestling until they were in high school."

On the boys' side, the wrestling team also excelled, securing a second-place finish at the state tournament. Usher commended the athletes for their resilience and teamwork, noting that many were young and had bright futures ahead.

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of pride in the accomplishments of Hermiston's student-athletes, setting a positive tone for the future of the district's sports programs. The recognition of these achievements not only celebrates individual and team successes but also fosters a spirit of community and support within the Hermiston School District.