Smoke in Cloud Town - By Landon Charlton

Football practice took place in Art Dawald the past two days.

    Air quality in Mid-Columbia has been less than ideal lately due to the raging fires burning all around the region.  And it is creeping into our Richland Bombers sports. 

    Current fires from Goat Rocks, Kootnai River Complex, Cow River, and at times Cedar Creek near Bend, Oregon have shifted the Bomber's sports schedules. Practices are getting moved indoors, and games are being rescheduled, even canceled. Due to the bad air quality, the players are unsure of what is to come of this week's activities and it's leaving athletes in strange situations.

Images from space show smoke currently pushing out of our region. GIF courtesy of NOAA.

    Monday (9/12) was the first day that the Bombers were forced inside by the smoke. All practices were cramped inside Art Dewald Gym for all five fall sports. But all teams practicing, considering Richland's size, was made possible by Richland's athletic director Mike Edwards who was on top of getting the Bombers a place to continue to excel. Edwards spoke about the work that he did saying “ there are 7 different teams that want that space… making sure that everyone has fair equal time and a good amount of space, it’s crazy and hectic.” The long-time AD at Richland is excited to get the teams back outside. 

    The Girls' soccer team was uneasy about what was to come of their big match against Chiawana this week. Originally the game was set for Tuesday (9/13) but was rescheduled last minute to Wednesday (9/14). The game is huge for both teams, each are poised for an MCC championship this year. “This is a big game for us but we’re ready to play” said an excited Sorrel Stratford, a Richland soccer captain. They had a late practice on Tuesday in the gym. Rather than playing a game that night, Stratford says, “The gym hasn't slowed us down, everyone is in the same boat so we have to make it work.” They are ready to take on the Riverhawks and are excited to get back on their home field. 

    Richland Girls volleyball team wasn’t directly affected by the smoke, but the times of practice and other teams being in the gym only allowed them one practice before what people may consider the biggest game of the season: Chiawana. Senior starter Cassidi Ashbeck says, “Practice was good but different. The time change was definitely affecting the vibe of practice.” This wasn't enough to throw the girls off. The Lady Bombers came up from behind late in the fifth set to win 16-14, sending the Riverhawks home with their first loss of the season.

The student section storms the court and joins the RHS Volleyball team in celebration of a win over Chiawana. Photo courtesy of Megan DeGraff (RHS Yearbook).

    The biggest question being asked is surrounding Friday night: How is football taking on the inner-city rivalry game against Hanford with the smoke in the air? Mike Edwards says they are game on at the moment and he will keep tabs on the air quality. “It's on for now and the smoke is constantly being monitored and will be the rest of the week, until it's game time." The practices have been very cramped and short the last few days. Star linebacker Isaya Galvez reflects on the changes saying “Energy has been high, we’re on top of our game and the gym hasn't hindered that at all. We are used to adversity.” The Football team is coming off a huge 48-7 victory over the Hermiston Bulldogs and are looking to continue that trend this Friday. 

    The smoke has shown its face to the bombers but the players and staff have done a great job responding to the adversity. The energy and momentum of the teams haven't faltered. This smoke is no match for our Richland Bombers!

Smokey conditions are beginning to let up but still hanging around Mid-Columbia.