HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES SAY THANKS TO MOM

No matter the sport, the class or the city, many of the state's top athletes agree on one thing: They wouldn't be where they are today without the constant love and support they've received from their mothers.

If you're a current or former high school athlete in Oregon (any sport, any level) who would like to send a special thank you to your mom this Mother's Day, email a photo and a brief message to jhumburg@oregonian.com.

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"Words cannot properly articulate how much I love my mother. Her kindness, compassion and selflessness are qualities I admire and strive to emulate every day. I love you, Mom!"

-- Tim Tawa, West Linn

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"Thank you, Mommy, for never giving up on me and always believing I can do anything. I’m so blessed to have been adopted into such a loving family. No one can and will ever take your place. I love you forever."

-- Dani Harley, South Salem

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"My mom is a single mother of four. She’s always everywhere doing everything she can to keep all of us happy, fed and loved. She does it all for us and that’s why I appreciate and love her tons."

-- DeQuahn Dennis-Lee, Oregon City

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"Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who makes my world go round. You have been there through the highs and the lows with unwavering support. The sacrifices you have made for me are inconceivable … I truly don’t know where I would be without you. I love you more than words can describe. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!"

-- Taylor Rarick, Newberg

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"My mom is the most caring and selfless person that I’ve ever met. She consistently goes out of her way to make other people’s day better. I hope that I can be half the person that she is. I am so grateful for her and I know that I’ll never be able to thank her enough for everything that she does for my brother and me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Love you!"

-- Cody Shear, Sheldon

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"My mom is the strongest woman I know and always stands up for what she believes in. She supports my siblings and me no matter what and is always there for me. She has always been my role model and I hope to be as loving and hard-working as she is when I grow up."

-- Megan Talbert, West Linn

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"Mom, without you I’d be nothing. You will always be the #1 woman in my life. I love you so much."

-- Cole Turner, Clackamas

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Thank you for always pushing me to be my best and helping me achieve my goals. I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. I am forever grateful to have you in my life and I hope you know how much I love and respect you. I know I don't say it enough but I really do appreciate all that you do for me. Thank you will never be enough. I hope you have the best day. Love you lots!"

-- Sierra Gundersen, Forest Grove

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"I'm thankful for my mom simply because of how caring and thoughtful she is toward everyone. She always knows what to say, and when to say it. She can always give the best advice and always put a smile on my face. I am so lucky to have the most passionate, amazing, supportive mother. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!"

-- Logan McRae, Beaverton

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"I love you, Mom. Thanks for your constant support and pushing me to be a better athlete and person! I love you!! xoxo"

-- Abby Portwood, Tigard

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"It’s been almost five and a half years since this picture was taken. And it is still my all-time favorite. There aren’t too many better combinations than sports and family. Thank you, Mom, for all you have done, do, and will do for our family!"

-- Alex Matthews, Lake Oswego alum

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"Thank you for driving me to countless basketball games and practices. Thank you for being the best grandmother out there. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day!"

-- N’Dea Flye, Oregon City

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"My mom is always there for me and supports me in whatever I do. She has made me into the person I am today and has sacrificed so much for me. I love you, Mom!"

-- Robbie Patterson, South Medford

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"Thank you for everything that you do and for blessing me with these amazing 17 years of life that you have given me. You mean the world to me and I'm proud to call you my mom. You are my rock and my roll and I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you! Happy Mother's Day!!"

-- Sydney Rusin, Sunset

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"Thank you so much for being my #1 fan and always supporting me! You showed me what hard work and sacrifice is."

-- Anna Klein, Banks

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"Thank you, Mom, for always being there to support and challenge me. Words cannot express the appreciation I have for you. Thank you for molding me into the person I am today. Happy Mother’s Day!"

-- Brad McVay, Milwaukie

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"Thank you for being at every game and supporting me in everything I do!"

-- Nina Radford, Grant

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"S/o to my beautiful mom and grandma on Mother’s Day. Wouldn’t be here without them, they’re my heroes!"

-- Marco Brewer, Corvallis

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"My mom is one of the most genuine, devoted, and compassionate people I have ever been acquainted with. Somehow I got so lucky that she happens to be my mom. She makes me push myself to be a better person, a better athlete, and a better student. I owe everything to her and she deserves nothing but the best. Hopefully one day I'll be able to pay her back for the memories, sacrifices, and love she has given me over the years. I love you, Mom."

-- Teagan McNamee, Wilsonville

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"My mother has done so much for me and my football career, never missing a game or school event, always being there for me. I love her so much and will definitely miss her next year."

-- Jaxson Kirkland, Jesuit

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"I love my mom!! She is the greatest role model I have in my life. She has been loving and supportive through everything, and has taught me and my siblings that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, and we can achieve anything in the world!"

-- Kaitlin Lampson, West Linn

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"Mom, you are my favorite person in life. The knowledge and love you have given me is irreplaceable, and I hope to make you proud every single day. I love you and Happy Mother's Day!"

-- Braden Lenzy, Tigard

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"Thank you, Mom, for all of the endless love and support you have given me in sports, faith, and life. You've shown me how to treat people with kindness and love, no matter if they're family or stranger. I love you!"

-- Makenna Gambee, Hillsboro

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"Thank you for all your constant support over the years and always pushing me to be my best. Love you, Mom!"

-- Jordyn Feinauer, Glencoe

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"I owe much of my success to my beautiful mom. Thank you for taking me to practice after practice, and to game after game. Thank you for telling me to always follow my dreams and to not let anyone tear me down. I wouldn’t be playing softball in college this upcoming year if it weren’t for you always pushing me to do my best. I love you to the moon and back and I can never thank you enough. Happy Mother’s Day!"

-- Alex Molloy, Silverton

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"Thanks, Mom, for all you do for me. Love you."

-- Zach Hald, Southridge

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"Thank you to my biggest supporter, my #1 fan, and my mom. I can’t thank you enough for what you do for me. You mean the world to me and I’m so thankful for you. I love you dearly. Happy Mother’s Day. Love, Ash."

-- Ash Bailey, Glencoe

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"Thank you, Mom, for everything you have done for me and I thank God that you brought me in this life and made me the man that I am today."

-- Elijah Gonzales, Clackamas

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Thanks for unconditional love and teaching me how to rebound!!"

-- Abby Anderson, Glencoe

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"I can't imagine myself playing softball without my mom. She has helped me so many ways and so many times, that I have lost count. She has always been the voice of reason that has balanced me throughout my athletic career. At my lowest points, she has inspired me to never give up and work hard to get better. When I am at the top of my game, she has taught me to be humble and respectful. Everything she has taught me I can apply to the rest of my life and I am forever grateful for that. She has always told me that softball is a game of failure, but she is the reason I succeed."

-- Emma Gordon, Jesuit

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"Thank you for being there for me like no one else can and supporting me in everything I do. I love you."

-- Tanner Smith, Oregon City

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"My mom is my biggest supporter in all my sports and I love her so incredibly much. She’s my number one fan and I love her. Happy Mother’s Day!"

-- Sydney Larrison, Glencoe

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"My mom Yolanda Allen is one of the most influential people I have ever had in my life. I don't know where I would be without her. She means the entire world to me. She's helped me through the tough times and laughed with me in the good ones. I couldn't ask for a better role model than I have now."

-- Immanuel Allen, Lakeridge

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"Happy Mother's Day to my rock!! You're there through everything I do, and I can't explain how much you mean to me. Love you, Mommy!!"

-- Cameron Brink, Southridge

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"Thank you for always being one of my biggest supporters no matter the situation. Love you lots, Mom!"

-- Isabel Womack, Glencoe

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"Dear Mom, thank you for always being my biggest support system and having my back no matter what. I really appreciate everything you do for me and the rest of our family and can't thank you enough. Happy Mother's Day!! I love you!!"

-- Abby Wingo, Sunset

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"I can’t say thank you enough for everything you have done for me. I don’t know what life would be without my best friend. I love you, Ma!"

-- Evina Westbrook, South Salem

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! Ofa lahi atu kiate koe."

-- Marlon Tuipulotu, Central

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"Happy Mother's Day to the best woman I know. Thank you for being my best friend, number one fan, and biggest critic. I wouldn't be the person I am today without you and I pray one day to be as amazing of a mom as you are. I love you more than you know!"

-- Kalani Hayes, Clackamas

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"I wanna thank my mom for everything she's done for me. Being there when I needed her and helping me make tough decisions when I needed help making them. I appreciate you and everything you've done for me. Love you."

-- Khalid Thomas, West Linn

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"Thank you so much, Mom, for supporting me in everything I do. I love knowing you're up in the stands cheering me on every softball game and wrestling match. I love you, Mom, more than words can say!"

-- Megan Craig, Glencoe

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Thank you for making me the person I am today! I wouldn't be anywhere without you! I Love You!"

-- Braelen Bettles, Clackamas

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"Happy Mothers Day to my mom, my number one fan, and my greatest friend. Your constant love, support, and guidance is something I will always be thankful for. Thank you for all that you do. I love you, Mom! Love always, Jess."

-- Jessica Vice, Glencoe

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"Happy Mother's Day to the most loving and supportive person I have in my life! Thank you for being there for me throughout my entire journey and shaping me into the man I am today. Love you so much!"

-- Jarred Daul, Jesuit

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"Thank you for being my rock and everything you do for me. I will never be able to thank you enough! I love you so much, Mom!"

-- Sydney DeBord, Glencoe

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Thanks for always believing in me!! Love you!"

-- Cameron Budge, Gresham

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"Thank you so much for always being there for me when I need you, and being the best mom I could ever ask for. Happy Mothers Day! Love you so much!"

-- Nici Eckhardt, Glencoe

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"Mama, thank you for always giving me unconditional love and support. I wouldn't be the athlete or person I am today without you! Love ya!"

-- Alli Wilkins, Clackamas

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"Mom - words can't explain how thankful I am for you, supporting me through everything, win or lose, you're always there. I love you so much, and happy Mother's Day!"

-- Callan McRae, Beaverton

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"Happy Mother's Day, Momma! Thank you for always being there to support me in all of my endeavors and sacrificing so much of your time so that I may succeed. Love ya!"

-- Nolan Grogan, La Salle Prep

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"Thanks for being my number one supporter through good days and bad. Thank you for all you do for me; I don't know what I'd do without you. You rock, Mom."

-- Annalisa Williamson, Jesuit

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"All my success couldn't have been accomplished without this beautiful person. I love her and wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. Thank you, Mom. I appreciate you so much!"

-- Josh Vitus, Sheldon

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"I am so thankful to have such a kindhearted, genuine, loving mother! She is my biggest supporter and always has my back. Love you, Mom."

-- Hunter Sweet, Beaverton

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"Happy Mother's Day and belated birthday, Mom! So thankful for the work you put in and everything you do for me on a daily basis! I can't say thank you or express myself enough. Love you so much!"

-- Joshua Calo, Southridge

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"Happy Mother's Day to my biggest supporter. Thank you for all of your love and everything you do for our family. I love you so much."

-- Rachel Adgers, Glencoe

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"Mom, thank you for always being my biggest fan and supporter. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for me, and putting me into the position I am in today. I couldn't have asked for a better mother. Love you!"

-- Joel Daul, Jesuit

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"Happy Mother's Day to my mom, she is everything to me. She has helped me through anything and everything. She deserves everything in the world and I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I hope her day is as great as she is. I love you, Mom!"

-- Burke Albaugh, Tigard

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"Happy Mother's Day to the greatest and most supportive Mom in the whole entire world! Love you to the moon and back!"

-- Jake Hoskins, Glencoe

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"Happy Mother's Day to the most supportive mom a guy could ask for. Thank you for always being there for me and never failing to believe in me. I love you so much and I hope you have the best day."

-- Brian O'Reilly, Jesuit

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"Happy Mother's Day to the best mom I could ever ask for. Thank you for everything, Mom. I know that you always love me even in my lowest points. I hope you have an amazing Mother's Day. I love you!"

-- Josh Daul, Jesuit

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"Happy Mother's Day, Ma! Thank you for always being there for me at all my baseball games! Thank you for being my biggest fan! Thank you for always loving me! I love you more, Ma!"

-- Cole Hoskins, Glencoe

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"Happy Mother's Day to the woman who is and has always been there for me every step of the way. The sacrifices you have made for me are inconceivable ... I truly don't know where I would be without you. I love you more than words can describe. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"

-- Paityn Willoughby, Newberg

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"Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! Thank you so much for all you do for me and the family. You are one of the most hard-working, determined people I know and I love that about you. Love you! Happy Mothers Day!!"

-- Joe Quillin, Jesuit

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"I would like to thank my parents for traveling great distances to see me play and always doing whatever they can to make it to as many games as they could. For helping me with lessons and improving myself, as well as raising me in a way that has made me want to help everyone I can through life's difficulties."

-- Keegan Huey-Woods, Westview

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"Thank you for everything you do for me and the family. I would not be where I am today without you. I love you so much, Mom."

-- Travis Mackay, Central Catholic

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"This is to my beautiful MOM who shows me and my sister every day what it means to be confident, compassionate, understanding, funny, and how to be a great listener!! Mom, thank you so much for all that you have done for me and Kenzie! Thank you for always coming to my games while cheering your heart out! You are my biggest supporter! You are my ROCK MOM! Love you to the end of the universe and beyond infinity!"

-- Sammie Petitt, Jesuit

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"I am so lucky to not only call you my mom, but also my best friend. I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy Mother's Day, Momma."

-- Jordan Lockrem, Tigard

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If you're a current or former high school athlete in Oregon (any sport, any level) who would like to send a special thank you to your mom this Mother's Day, email a photo and a brief message to jhumburg@oregonian.com.