Coupeville Sports

Nick Streubel, AKA The Big Hurt. (John Fisken photo)

There was a brief moment when Nick Streubel was a little guy.

A very brief moment.

Nowadays, the Central Washington University football lineman, and former Wolf legend, is a weight room-approved beast whose muscular outer layer (barely) disguises the easy-going, super-friendly guy he really is.

One of my most enduring memories of The Big Hurt, who celebrates the big 1-9 today, came after a basketball game.

Streubel, the most physically imposing specimen on the CHS campus, was hanging out on the court with teammates, family and friends and the young son of Wolf assistant boys’ basketball coach Dustin Van Velkinburgh was among the entourage.

Lifting the little boy up into the heavens, Nick balanced him on his shoulders and handed him a ball, then moved over under the basket so the super-excited kid could try and dunk the ball.

As attempt after attempt failed, Streubel, huge smile splashed across his face, held the boy aloft, encouraging him.

Then, success, and The Big Hurt swept the boy to the floor and high-fived him halfway across the gym.

Of course, there was also the time after a game in Port Townsend, one played on a field of mud that smelled like cow manure.

Streubel, covered head to toe in the gunk (and unable to shower as the team made a dash for the last ferry) spotted Coach V and took off after him, intent on giving him a full-body hug.

Bowling over teammates, mud flying everywhere while Van Velkinburgh, laughing hysterically, did his best to evade him, Streubel made the dock itself shake.

The point of this all is that Nick, while a top athlete (football, basketball, track and before high school, as a swim sensation), is a better person.

He’s just a good guy, and that has always shone through.

Parents David and Nanette Streubel (and proud big sis Amanda) raised him the right way, and Nicholas earned the respect, admiration and friendship of many in Cow Town.

Of all the athletes who have signed college scholarships during the 25 years I’ve covered high school sports on Whidbey Island, I’m pretty sure I was happiest to see him write his name on the paper.

Happy birthday, Nick.

It was an honor to cover your athletic exploits and it’s always been a pleasure to know you.