Coupeville Sports

Jake Hoagland wails on the sax. (John Fisken photo)

Hoagland (far left) and friends celebrate the end of the school year.

With a new high school football season ahead of us, let’s take a look at some of the young men who will play for Coupeville High School for the first time this fall.

When it comes to football, Jake Hoagland is putting the remote down and picking up the pigskin.

Already a successful baseball player for Coupeville High School, he’ll trade watching football for playing it as he enters his sophomore year.

“This year is my first year actually,” Hoagland said. “I enjoy watching football, but now I have the chance to play.”

He’s making the transition after being talked into it by those around him.

“I was kinda coaxed into playing by my friend Hunter Downes and coach (Brett) Smedley also said that I should play, so here I am,” Hoagland said. “My parents were not sure if I was going to play until the first practice.”

Having shown up for those opening spring practices, he plans to keep going, with an eye on snagging passes for Coupeville.

“Right now my strength is receiver and I only plan on playing that position, for now at least,” Hoagland said. “Since this is my first year I don’t have any goals really.

“I just plan on doing my best to support my team.”

While he may not have much football experience, Hoagland does have natural athletic ability and an easy-going nature.

A long-time baseball player, he saw varsity action for the Wolves as a freshman.

Making his first career start in an Olympic League game against Port Townsend, he smacked a pair of hits and knocked in three runs.

When he wasn’t on the diamond, he was also a standout with an instrument, playing a vital role for Jamar Jenkin’s CMS/CHS band.

“I usually spend my time sitting around, but when it comes to my classes I enjoy fitness and band the most,” Hoagland said.

If baseball and music are any indication, expect the scrappy Wolf to play a sweet tune on the football field, as well.