Lincoln sports’ accomplishments in the Portland Interscholastic League were showcased at its 18th annual celebration at Nike headquarters in Beaverton on May 22. Each champion team, players and coaches were honored.

The Cardinals took home the most PIL team titles, winning in baseball, girls’ track & field, football, tennis, golf and swimming. In individual competition, 23 LHS athletes won in district competition in 25 different athletic events.

Lincoln coaches were also recognized: Wes Warren (football) won the Paul McCall Coach of the Year award; Mike Blake (baseball) won Ron Pheister Assistant Coach of the Year for helping both varsity football and baseball to league titles.

In Warren’s opinion, Blake especially deserved the honor, juggling being an assistant coach while working towards a graduate degree at Concordia University. Certain days in summer started at Lincoln at 7 a.m. to work with athletes in the weight room for three hours, move to the field and practice with the football team for an hour, work in the batting cages with the baseball players afterwards, drive to Concordia for classes and end the day coaching summer baseball.

“The award was a testament to all the extra hours he put into coaching both teams during their off-seasons,” Warren said. “His hard work and effort paid off for both teams and their head coaches in the long run.”

Sydney Kobak and Blake Long won PIL Sportsmen of the Year from Lincoln. Kobak was honored for her seven varsity letters for soccer (3) and track & field (4) as well as her work in the classroom. Long received his award for his contributions on football (3), lacrosse (3) and basketball (1).

“I was happy to see Lincoln so well-represented,” Warren said. “When all our athletes kept coming on stage, it was pretty exciting. It’s moments like those that make you feel proud to be a Lincoln coach.”