ABOUT THE TAHOMA ORIENTEERING TEAM
The Tahoma Orienteering Team (Tahoma-O) is a scholastic club that is comprised of students and parents who live in Maple Valley, Wa. The team includes students who attend public, private and home schools within the boundary of Tahoma School District. The team varies between 30 and 50 runners and is made up of elementary, middle and high school students.
As a team, Tahoma-O prepares for the winter race series by conducting trainings September through February. Beginning in November, members of the Tahoma Orienteering Team compete individually and as a team in the Washington Interscholastic Orienteering League (WIOL). The WIOL season culminates in February with the League Championships. Tahoma-O also competes at the national level and sends a team to the Junior National Championships in March or April. Tahoma-O has also maintained close ties with neighboring orienteering clubs in Oregon, Montana and British Columbia with members attending races at these clubs throughout the year.
However, to be a part of the Tahoma Orienteering Team you do not have to race or travel the country. You just need to have a passion for getting outdoors and challenging yourself. Even if racing isn't your preference, students (and parents) are invited to join the team on weekend trainings, Wednesday trail runs, and prerace course reviews. In addition to the training regimen, we also have a lot of fun with friends and family. Each year Tahoma-O hosts an "open to all" Halloween Street Run, a local Thanksgiving orienteering race, the team party in March and the Chase-For-The-Case (five local races in two days).
The cost to be a member of Tahoma-O is $30 per year and covers the cost of printing maps, training aides and other orienteering supplies. If you are interested in participating in the WIOL races, the general cost for the 8 race series is $70. However, more information about the WIOL races can be found at the following link - Cascade Orienteering Club - WIOL
A Special Thank You
The Tahoma Orienteering Team would not exist without the tremendous efforts of John and Sherri Brady. The two Brady's have grown the Tahoma Orienteering Team into what is today. John has created all the maps we currently use, continues to mentor and develop the varsity team, is the driving force behind the Chase For The Case, masterminds the springtime Advanced Training Camp and much more.
In addition to John's coursework, Sherri has developed all of Tahoma's incredible artwork and designs. Sherri has developed all the jerseys and shirts Tahoma-O wears, in addition to the logos, stickers, patches and the team's feather banner. Sherri can always be found mentoring the younger runners, coaching practices and provides incredible outreach to the community. All of the Tahoma Team appreciates the effort, passion and work you two have put into this team! Thank you!
Tahoma owes a portion of its success to the Cascade Orienteering Club. Through a focus on the kids and their parents, Cascade has turned the local youth race series into the nation's preeminent interscholastic orienteering league. Specifically, Tahoma would like to thank Michelle Kastner (Series Director), Ing Uhlin (Get It Done Person), Kathy Forgrave (Series Registrar) and Jennifer Castelluccio (Venue Permitting). Without the countless hours these key volunteers devote to the WIOL series, Tahoma would not be able to experience orienteering to the extent we are able.
