Ida B Wells Athletics Weekly

It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.
-Muhammad Ali

Guardian Athletics

Be Courageous

Be Encouraging

Be Helpful

Be Gracious

Be Energetic

Be A Guardian

• The older you get, the more you realize life isn’t asking you to be impressive. It’s asking you to be honest and real.
• Time has a way of stripping away what’s unnecessary and revealing what actually matters.
• Purpose is rarely found in answers; it’s revealed through the questions you’re willing to keep asking—and sit with.
• The question “Who am I?” never expires—it matures as you do.
• What feels like an ending is often life making room for something you couldn’t carry before.
• Transformation often requires letting go of who you once were to honor who you’re evolving into.
• Strength isn’t avoiding the storm; it’s learning how to stand inside it.

Greetings Sports Fans!

We have a big week of Guardian Athletics coming up this week.

For Our Wrestling Program, our Frosh/Novice Wrestlers traveled to Roosevelt yesterday for their District Meet. And the program has their final home meet on Wednesday versus Jefferson as they prepare to get tuned up for their District Meet next week. It's also their Senior Night! You can find out more about our Wrestling Program here: https://app.smore.com/n/fn2yc

Our Swim Program travels to Dishman for their JV District Meet on Wednesday and then the Varsity District Meet is on Friday(Prelims) and Saturday (Finals). Huge shout out to our Guardian Swimmers and Swim Coaches for all of their hard work this year! Great to Be A Guardian!!

Our Cheer team had their final competition this past weekend at the Tualatin Invitational. Our cheer coach continues to be so impressed how the team continues to improve each week. They have their State Competition this Friday at Oregon City HS.

We had a tremendously exciting Battle of the Birds Men’s Basketball Game this past week against Lincoln. The game was close the entire contest and then Senior, Ahman Surur came up clutch hitting three free-throws with 1.9 seconds to win the game 49-48. Great turn out for the game! Unfortunately, they could not replicate their efforts and fell to the Astros on Friday night. The Women’s Program traveled to Lincoln on Thursday and could not quite come out on top dropping to the Cardinals and faced off against a very talented Astros team on Friday and fell short in their efforts as well. Both programs face off against the Lightning and Rough Riders this week with the women at home on Tuesday and the men at home on Friday.

Once again, the spring season is approaching quickly so check below for information about registering and upcoming player/parent meetings.

Great to Be A Guardian!

For a complete listing of the weekly athletic schedule, please visit the athletic dept. website:IBW Athletics/THIS WEEK. Links to team schedules can also be found on their team pages on the athletic website and in the 2025-26 Winter Season Media Guide. Use the QR Code or this link 2025-26 Winter Season Media Guide

We have some big home contests coming up so mark your calendars now and come out and support our teams! Stay tuned for more!

February 11 - IBW hosts a PIL Dual Wrestling meet vs. Jefferson. It's also SENIOR NIGHT!

February 13 - Men's Basketball takes on Roosevelt in a big PIL matchup - Theme: Valentine's
Varsity Swimming District Meet

February 20 - Women's Basketball vs. Cleveland - Theme: Jailbreak

February 23 - Unified Basketball vs. Grant, 4:00PM SENIOR NIGHT!

February 24 - Men's Basketball vs. McDaniel SENIOR NIGHT!

February 27 - Alumni Night! Double Header Varsity Men and Women take on Grant! Women's SENIOR NIIGHT! Theme: Guardian Out

“When we understand that each day isn't one more day but one less, we'll start giving more value to things that really matter.”

I. Instead of…

• Instead of chasing, allow what's meant for you
• Instead of doubting, root into your knowing
• Instead of fearing, trust your unfolding
• Instead of shrinking, take up space
• Instead of rushing, honor divine timing
• Instead of fixing, witness your wholeness
• Instead of hiding, show up as you are
• Instead of settling, raise your standards
• Instead of running, rest and recalibrate
• Instead of overthinking, just begin

Source: @therisingcircle

II. Say It While They’re Still Here

Everything we say at funerals should really be said at birthdays instead.

• Why do we wait until someone is gone to say how much they meant to us?
• We write the most beautiful words, share the warmest memories, speak with trembling voices when it's already too late for them to hear.
• We leave so much love unspoken, thinking there will always be time. But there isn't.

Say it now. Tell people you're proud of them. Tell them you love them. Celebrate them while they're still here to smile back at you.

Source: @lostt_pages

III. What We’re Remembered For

Your kindness speaks louder than your car, your heart shines brighter than your house, and your integrity matters more than your income.

• Your compassion outweighs your credentials, your authenticity is worth more than your address, and your character surpasses any career title.
• The way you make others feel will be remembered long after they've forgotten what you wear or where you live.
• Your grace under pressure tells more about you than your possessions, and your genuine spirit is worth more than any status symbol.

Be rich in what truly counts humanity, empathy, and the courage to remain true to your values. These are the real measures of wealth that no bank can hold.

Source: Vex King, Things No One Taught Us About Love

IV. Question

With the Now being the only thing that’s guaranteed, what will you choose to say, do, or appreciate today?

V. This Week, I Will

• Promise to choose presence over perfection.
• Promise to honor my needs without guilt.
• Promise to celebrate the small wins.
• Promise to speak kindness and truth to myself and those I lead.
• Promise to trust that slow progress is still progress.

The Last Words-

“Appreciate everything. Appreciate when you walk outside and the sun warms you. Appreciate it when someone smiles at you. Appreciate the people who tell you they care about you. Appreciate who you are and appreciate that you are here for a reason. Appreciate that people want you here and that they love you. Appreciate the effort people give you. Appreciate the way you feel when you accomplish something you thought you couldn't. Appreciate the way your mind races with ideas at 3:00a.m. because it means you're still dreaming. Appreciate the moments you catch yourself smiling for no reason at all. Appreciate all of the blessings in your life, no matter how miniscule. And the same goes for all of the lessons you have endured. Appreciate that you are constantly evolving and that this position you are in right now is not your final destination.”

― Author Unknown

Ahmad Surur had an amazing week for the Wells Boys Basketball program, helping the Guardians to big wins over PIL-Leader Grant HS on the road, and coming up clutch with the game on the line from the free throw line against our rival Lincoln HS in front of a packed Wells Gym last Thursday night, sinking 3 free throws with 1.7 seconds left on the clock to secure a victory in the Battle of the Birds. These are the types of moments kids imagine when they’re playing in their driveways as kids - and Ahmad just made it happen in real life. What was the first thing Ahmad brought up when he was interviewed by a reporter after the game? His teammates. Ahmad said “My guys believe in me, my coaches believe in me, the fans believe in me. Just had to make sure I got to the line, breathe, shoot it, get my legs in there, and I knew they were going in.” We, your coaches, teammates, fans, this school, this community, we couldn’t be more proud of you Ahmad, on and off the court.

The IBW Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week is Hayden Janssen. While her impact may not always show up in a box score, it is felt every second she is on the court. Hayden is the ultimate proof that stats do not tell the whole story. As the heartbeat of our defense, her tenacity sets the standard for the entire team. Hayden possesses the rare ability to apply stifling pressure on ball handlers while remaining a literal wall, forcing opponents out of their rhythm and away from the hoop. Her relentless energy doesn't just disrupt the other team—it ignites her own teammates. This combination of "shutdown" defense and infectious energy makes her a true leader and a vital spark for our team’s success. Congratulations Hayden!

Whether it’s a grueling 8:00 PM practice or the last event of the night at a meet, Ada brings a level of enthusiasm that is second to none. A natural powerhouse in distance events, she thrives where others might fade. Beyond her own lanes, Ada serves as a dedicated mentor, sharing her technical expertise and providing a steady leadership her teammates have come to rely on.

Gideon is the living definition in how consistency and grit translate to results. As we head into Districts, he leads our Varsity contingent in the breaststroke—a testament to his relentless work ethic. Off the blocks, Gideon is a staple of our dryland training, patiently guiding teammates through complex exercises. When the races get tough, Gideon’s strength carries him (and the team) through.

Unfortunately, Jacob has been injured for most of the season, but that hasn't stopped him from being a vital member of the team. Jacob has not missed a single varsity tournament even though he wasn't able to compete. He is always at someone's match cheering, coaching, or recording. He also makes sure that athletes are ready, and have all necessary equipment with them. At practice, he is a constant positive presence, always there and ready to help out. Over the last couple of practices, he essentially assumed the role of coxswain as we all worked on the rowers. Jacob went from rower to rower, coaxing the best out of everyone. We can't wait for Jacob to be healthy full time, he is a tremendous asset to this team.

Misha has been wrestling extremely well over the last couple of weeks. She goes into each match fearless and ready to compete. At the Guardian Invite she finished 3rd and won both of her dual matches this week by pin. Misha is also looking to get better. She asks great questions and is always trying to invent new moves or find ways to score. Misha is one of the first athletes asking for extra matches or if anyone is available to have an exhibition match. She has put herself in a great position to do well at regionals this week, we hope all of her hard work pays off!

We are in the final stretch of the winter season and we need your help! We have some big nights coming up and we have a few openings THIS WEEK on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday!

Thanks in Advance!!

Gym Shack Concessions: https://signup.com/go/ycboLia

The Ida B Wells Awesome 80s auction will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. We hope you will join us to support our student community!

Here's how you can support now:

• Attend: Get your tickets now here.
• Collect donations: IBW clubs, organizations and athletic teams are collecting donations for items for the auction and they get to keep the money raised. Rally the groups you are affiliated with to start procuring! Want to learn more? Check out this video.
• Sponsorships: Does your business want exposure to our community? Auction sponsorship is a great way to reach our community. More details here or email fundraising@ibwboosterclub.org for more information.

We are still collecting donations to run our Zero Period Weight Training for the remainder of the school year. Student-Athletes from many of our programs take advantage of this opportunity to lift weights before school. Donations of any size are very appreciated!

Registration but now open and ready for you to register for baseball, softball, golf, tennis, lacrosse, track and field and boy's volleyball. See our website for all the details and links needed for registration https://www.ibwathletics.com/registration

SchoolPay is also open to make the payment for the Spring PIL Pay-to-Play Fee. It is important to note the $400/individual or $800/family maximum for the year. For many, the spring season is free. Lacrosse is still a club sport and does not count towards the maximums. More information to come regarding Boy's Volleyball.

We increased to 202 from 167 spring season registrations last week but still have a ways to go building towards 500! Keep it up!

Registering early informs coaches of intent to participate and they can then add you to their email lists otherwise you may miss out on receiving important information. Here are all our Spring Coaches. Contact them if you have specific questions about the program.

Baseball: Head Coach, Jeremy Shetler, jshetler@pps.net

Golf - Men: Chris Hudson, chudson@pps.net
Golf - Women: Mick Mulligan, mimulligan@pps.net

Lacrosse - Men (Club): Kyle Hincks, kylehincks@rocketmail.com

Lacrosse - Women (Club): Hyland Cullen-Musengo, coach.hyland.musengo@gmail.com
Parent / Player Night, Thursday, February 12th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Lucky Lab

Softball, Krissy Govertsen, kgovertsen@pps.net

Tennis - Men: Welcome Frankie Moua! fmoua@pps.net
Parent/Player Information Meeting, February 11th at 5:00pm in the Cafeteria

Tennis - Women: Dyllan Fitzgerald, dfitzgerald@pps.net

Parent/Player meeting on February 25th at 6pm in the Cafeteria

Track and Field: Thor Esbensen, tesbensen@pps.net

Volleyball - Men (Club): Mark Mendak, mmendak@pps.net
Player Information Meeting, February 11 at lunch in Room 117

Did you know that Portland was just announced as the home city of one of the first professional women’s softball teams—the AUSL Portland Cascade? Or that softball is returning to the Olympics in 2028, with games being played in Oklahoma City? Or that Portland has the largest adult recreational fastpitch league in the country?

Softball is one of the fastest-growing sports—and here at Ida B. Wells, we’re leading the way. We are the only school in PIL with three softball teams, and that’s because we do things differently.

We don’t cut. To make that happen, we need 42 athletes.

If you’re looking for a spring sport—or even just curious about trying something new—softball might be for you. No experience required, just a willingness to compete and learn. We have equipment you can borrow if cost is a barrier.

Interested in giving it a try? Please fill out this form.

We also have multiple opportunities to come check softball out. Sign up here:

• Wednesday nights – Hitting in the batting cages, 6–8 PM
• Saturday 2/7 Defense – 6–8 PM, IBW Gym
• Saturday 2/21 Offense – 6–8 PM, IBW Gym

Come see what IBW Softball is all about—we’d love to have you. If you have any questions, please reply to this email!

Go Guardians,

Get Your IBW Sports Button! Show your school spirit by purchasing a IBW sports button for just $5-- add up the amount of buttons needed and pay that x5 ! Once your button is ready, we’ll deliver it directly to your student to bring home or you can email ecaldwell@pps.net if you prefer to pick it up from our school. Don’t miss out—support your student and represent our team! https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Photo-Buttons-w-IBW-Athlete-Photo/SeywSvE

Thank you to all of our sponsors - both to those who are continuing on this year and to some brand new sponsors! It's not too late if you are Interested in being a sponsor this year? See the different options below and contact Athletic Director, Mike Nolan, at mailto:mnolan@pps.net

Website:www.ibwathletics.com

Phone: 503-916-5280, ext 75318
Athletic Director, Mike Nolan,mnolan@pps.net
Athletic Assistant, Leanne Van Horn,lvanhorn@pps.net
Instagram: ibwhs_athletics
Facebook: Ida B Wells HS Athletics
Trivory App: A great way to see the daily Athletic Schedule