Coupeville Sports

Tyler Hargrave

As spring football practice kicks into high gear, we’ll be taking a look at a variety of players from Coupeville High School, with an emphasis on younger players and rising stars.

Tyler Hargrave is a book waiting to be written.

When the Coupeville High School freshman-to-be stepped on the football practice field this spring, it was not only his first attempt at being a gridiron giant, it was his first school sport, period.

A huge firearms buff who wants to get into competition shooting, Hargrave is making his pigskin debut and hoping enthusiasm and natural skill will help him get past the learning curve quickly.

“Since this is my first time playing a sport ever, it’s kind of hard,” Hargrave said. “I know nothing about football. I know the basics, but all the plays and stuff, no.

“My main goal is to learn the most I can about this sport and continue playing it in high school,” he added.

He’s lining up at left guard on offense and as a defensive tackle, and looks forward to the chance football offers to blast someone across the line from you.

“I enjoy a lot about football,” Hargrave said. “Mainly that you can hit people and not get in trouble for it. Helps me relieve stress.

“I have a few strengths. Mainly my size and speed,” he added. “I would like to work on getting back in the weight room and getting bigger.”

Away from the field, he singles out history as his favorite class (“I love history, and the teacher is awesome. He’s the best.”), and credits his parents for their support.

“My mother and father help me a lot,” Hargrave said. “They’ve always been there for me.

“In the darkest and brightest times, they’re always there,” he added. “They’ve taught me to be strong and not to let anyone put me down.”