Coupeville Sports

Brenden Gilbert

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.

Brenden Gilbert is big on family.

Whether it’s the one at home, or the one he finds on the football field, the Coupeville High School sophomore-to-be likes being part of something bigger than himself.

“I enjoy being part of a huge family and being with people just like me,” Gilbert said. “I started to play football in 8th grade because it was a great way to connect with other people.”

He mans the line for the Wolves, pulling duty at right guard on offense and middle linebacker on defense, both of which give him a chance to see the team’s BMOC, six-foot-four, 312-pound Nick “The Big Hurt” Streubel, up close and personal.

So it’s no wonder that he singles out the man mountain as one of his inspirations on the gridiron.

“He has had a big impact on me and my coaches,” Gilbert said.

Away from the field, Gilbert is a long boarder who enjoys country music, the movie “Identity Theft,” history class and the support of his mom and step dad.

He plans to follow Streubel into track and field in the spring, but, for now, the focus is fully on football.

“I am a good player,” Gilbert said. “I put as much work as possible into the game; I want to get stronger physically and mentally.

“I think my goals are the same goals as the team,” he added. “We want to go to state.”