Area players named to all-state teams

By COLE COSGROVE

Associate editor

As an offensive lineman on the Jefferson football team, senior Aaron Gilbert anonymously assists his teammates as they gain yardage, score touchdowns and receive all the credit and recognition.

Ž“But it sure feels good to have a little, too,Ž” Gilbert said.

This week, Gilbert was recognized by Washington sports writers as an offensive lineman on the Associated Press All-State high school football team.

Ž“ItŽ’s nice to see that recognition for a young man,Ž” Jefferson coach Kevin Hanis said. Ž“ItŽ’s good for him and itŽ’s good for our program. IŽ’m real happy for him.Ž”

Gilbert was the only player from Federal Way to receive the honor this season.

Ž“It was one of my goals,Ž” Gilbert said. Ž“But mostly I wanted to help (running back) Michael Smith and (quarterback) Jared Bronson try to get all-league. Most of my goals were for them.Ž”

Hanis said Gilbert was Ž“unmotivatedŽ” when he started at Jefferson as a sophomore, but has since put in a lot of extra time in the weight room.

Ž“When you come in as a sophomore and everybody is already strong, itŽ’s not exactly the best motivator,Ž” Gilbert said. Ž“But it gets easier when you start lifting and break the school records.Ž”

Gilbert holds the Jefferson weightlifting record in the squat (500 pounds) and the dead lift (550 pounds).

In addition to getting stronger, Gilbert has worked to improve his footwork and speed.

During the summer, Gilbert worked with track coach Sam Beasley and dropped his 40-yard sprint time to 5.1 seconds, unusually quick for a 6-foot-3, 305-pound lineman.

Ž“HeŽ’s put in a lot of time in the weight room and on the field,Ž” Hanis said. Ž“Because of his size and strength he can dominate kids. He still has a ways to go on his technique, but he also has extremely good feet, and that will help him on the next level.Ž”

Gilbert takes his on-campus visits to colleges in January. He has received one solid offer for a scholarship offer and is communicating with others that are interested. The signing period is not until February.

Until then, heŽ’ll enjoy the recognition he finally received after being named to the All-State team.

Ž“I was kind of surprised,Ž” Gilbert said. Ž“I thought they would give it to Blaine Gunther (from Bethel, the SPSL SouthŽ’s Offensive Lineman of the Year), if anybody else.

Ž“But I canŽ’t wait until track season, so I can tell him about it,Ž” Gilbert added with a laugh.

Girls soccer all-state team

In addition to All-City and All-SPSL MVP, Jefferson senior Chelsea Hunt can add all-state to her resume.

Hunt was chosen by Washington sports writers as an All-State soccer team forward.

Hunt is planning to attend the University of San Francisco on a scholarship and will play soccer.

Also making the All-State team was Roxy Davis, who lives in Federal Way but goes to Bellarmine Prep.

Ž“It was really exciting,Ž” Davis said. Ž“ItŽ’s a cool honor.Ž”

Davis, a senior forward, was the MVP of the Narrows League, made the all-area team and was the offensive MVP for her team. She helped Bellarmine finish undefeated in the regular season.

Davis is planning to attend Dartmouth University on a scholarship and will play soccer next year.

Ž“I liked everything about it,Ž” Davis said of her decision to attend Dartmouth. Ž“It had the right combination of athletics and academics. I liked the whole atmosphere of the campus.Ž”

Jefferson senior defender Jamie Salmon was named an All-State honorable mention performer.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.