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Pierce County names Sumner High football team athletic ambassadors after 2024 4A state title
Summary
On Jan. 28, 2025, the Pierce County Council proclaimed the Sumner High School 2024 Spartans football team as Pierce County athletic ambassadors, marking the school's first state championship since 1977. Coach Keith Ross and team captains accepted the proclamation and several council members praised the program's community impact.
The Pierce County Council on Jan. 28, 2025, proclaimed the 2024 Sumner High School Spartans football team as athletic ambassadors for Pierce County, recognizing the team’s state 4A championship and community service. Vice Chair Herrera read the proclamation into the record.
The proclamation noted that the Spartans “have demonstrated extraordinary skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the 2024 season,” and called the championship the school’s first football state title since 1977.
Coach Keith Ross accepted the honor with team captains Luke Richardson, Taylor Rebar, Jaden Chimessa and Mason Thayer at the podium. Ross said the team’s slogan, “why not us,” captured the season’s approach: “Why not us? What are we gonna do to make sure that this happens and these kids and this town bought into that?” Ross told the council he has coached at Sumner for 27 years and described the 2024 season as a defining moment for players and the community.
Captain Jaden Chimessa said the culture and buy-in among players and the community set this team apart, while Luke Richardson and Mason Thayer described plans after high school — Richardson said he plans to pursue firefighting and Mason Thayer said he plans to join the U.S. Navy.
Councilmember Morrell praised Ross and the program’s life lessons, saying the players will carry the experience forward. Other council members, including Vice Chair Herrera, Councilmember Kuver and Councilmember Yambe, also offered congratulations and noted the broader community and booster support behind the season.
The council paused to take photos and present the proclamation materials to the team and district representatives.
The designation does not carry legislative action; it is a ceremonial recognition recorded in the council minutes.
