Little League, Olympics and a poor 1A football season defined the second half of 2012. Here are the stories that stood out from July to December.

July

Sluggers on the South Whidbey Little League 9/10 All-Stars qualified for the state tournament after a 13-9 score-fest against South Skagit. The South Whidbey team was eliminated after two games at the state tourney.

August

Adrienne Lyle competed in the dressage Grand Prix at the 2012 London Olympics. The Whidbey Island native finished in 35th place.

Kyle Hooker set the 23.8-mile Whidbey Triathlon course record in 1:21:34.

September

Nearly 30 people braved the chilly waters of Saratoga Passage just off Langley for the Whidbey Adventure Swim. In only its second year as an open water race, the record was smashed by 59-year-old Scott Lautman, who finished in 51:40.

October

After consecutive losses for the first time, the Archbishop Murphy football team rebounded and thrashed South Whidbey, 46-15. Starting quarterback Nick French, a junior, sustained a hand injury in the loss.

Celebration ensued as soon as Falcon volleyball senior Hannah Calderwood scored the final kill in a 3-1 victory over Archbishop Murphy. It was the first time in head coach Mandy Jones’ 10-year career her team defeated the Wildcats.

November

Lynden Christian’s height overwhelmed South Whidbey in the District 1 volleyball tournament. The Lyncs won 25-20, 25-17, 25-9, eliminating the Falcons from the postseason.

December

Home, sweet home. In the home opener for the Falcon basketball teams, the girls won 33-22 amid a three-game win streak. The boys, however, lost 54-47.