Sealth's Nels Enquist who has been part of the Sealth family for decades was honored at an Alumni basketball game that brought back many of the male and female star athletes from years past. Athletic Director Sam Reed presented Enquist with a plaque at the event on Friday Nov. 23. CLICK THE PHOTO ABOVE OR SEE THE GALLERY BELOW FOR GAME PHOTOS
Chief Sealth International High School has seen many talented athletes in its history and on Friday Nov. 23, many of them returned to honor someone important in their lives. Nels Enquist who has been part of the Sealth family for a major portion of his life, was the focus of games played by both mens's and women's teams and a ceremony honoring his life of service to the school.
Approximately 500 spectators were in attendance, who paid a small admission charge that will go toward current and future alumni projects.
Enquist, who attended Sealth as a student went on to become a coach, teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal, crossing paths with thousands along the way.
Sam Reed, Athletic Director presented Enquist with a plaque at the event.
Enquist will be permanently honored with a plaque that will hang in the entry of the gymnasium.
Reed offered following the game, "Jimmy Rainwater with 20 for Blue in the win. Melvin Jones led red with 18." Mens final score was 65-62, Blue team over Red.
The purpose of tonight was really two-fold. Most importantly it was about recognizing a man that has done so much for the Chief Sealth community, from pretty much every angle, and being able to bring back so many people to simply say thank you. Secondly though, I hope this event serves as a springboard for reconnecting former Seahawks and building an even stronger alumni connection."
"As with any first year event, you quite know what you're going to get, but I was absolutely thrilled with the turnout from both the participants as well as the crowd. It was fun to see a near full house on that side."
The alumni basketball game is planned to be an annual affair, with each game focusing on recognizing another person or group that has made an impact on the Sealth Athletics community. Next year will focus on the 1989 state championship boys basketball team as we will be commemorating the 25th anniversary of that team.
Stacy Howard who attended the game and was the ASB President in 1995 said, ""It was a great community event and an honor to see Nels Enquist receive the recognition he deserves for all the years he put in at Sealth. It was entertaining seeing all the alumni out there for a good cause and many good laughs!"
Former stars who participated in the game included:
Men's Team
RED TEAM
John Boyd (Class of 1982)
Gregg Springer ('86)
Mike Anderson ('89)
Jason Hutson ('93)
Marvin Kasim Jr. ('94)
J'Quai Holiday ('01)
Jaray Austin ('02)
Paulino Pablo ('04)
Willy Pablo ('06)
Melvin Jones ('07)
BLUE TEAM
Elgin Lambert (Class of 1983)
Robert Brewer ('87)
Marcus Subblefield ('89)
Michael Vo ('94)
Jimmy Rainwater ('95)
Devon Hall ('02)
Elliott Holte ('03)
JoeEvan Jones ('04)
Robbie Graham ('07)
Reggie Rogers ('07)
Women's Team
RED TEAM
Usufono Kei-Satele (Class of 1996)
Dorothy Talamaivao ('96)
Katie Jo Maris ('01)
Arlana Angel ('01)
Jasmine Walker ('10)
Kayla Modica ('10)
BLUE TEAM
Lilly Siatunuu ('96)
Leslie Fausto ('96)
Regina Rogers ('07)
Tosha Brown ('08)
Natalie Mackey ('11)
Alyssa Palermo ('12)
This story will be updated with more details and photos.