Playoff wake-up call propels Sumner on dominant run to first 4A baseball title

Sophomore Brody Santman pitches six innings of shutout baseball as Spartans blank Gonzaga Prep, 7-0, in state championship game Saturday in Everett

EVERETT, Wash. — As circumstances change, so does life’s direction.

Dylan McLaughlin thoroughly enjoyed what he built with West Seattle baseball, peaking with a run to the WIAA Class 3A championship in 2024.

Days later, McLaughlin stepped down. He was about to become a newlywed with a new address in east Pierce County - and figured he would just continue his work in offseason baseball.

But then one sudden WIAA coaching opening right down the road caught his attention: Sumner High School.