Coupeville Sports

Wolf coach Dustin Van Velkinburgh (left) shares a moment with CHS senior Joey Edwards. (Sharon Edwards photo)

Workin’ on the guns with son Chayse. (Jessica Van Velkinburgh photo)

At the end of last season, hangin’ with seniors Gunnar Langvold (left) and Nick Streubel. (John Fisken photo)

If it was fall, it was easy to find Dustin Van Velkinburgh.

For 13 of the past 15 seasons — nearly half his life — he’s been a presence on the Coupeville High School football sidelines, first as a player, then as a popular assistant coach.

But this coming fall, as the Wolves move from the 1A/2A Cascade Conference to the 1A Olympic League, Van Velkinburgh will be watching from the stands, having stepped down as a full-time coach Monday.

With three young children and a growing business, he felt the time was right to reduce his coaching work load. He will continue on as Wolf JV boys’ basketball coach.

“I have many great memories and have met countless amazing people. Thanks to all who have made those years what they are,” Van Velkinburgh posted on Facebook. “I’m truly blessed to have been able to do what I love for so long. A big thanks to my wife for all she has done as well to allow me to be there.

“Go get ’em WOLVES! Lead them to glory, Coach (Tony) Maggio!”