Coupeville Sports

Bennett Richter (right) is Coupeville High School’s new head football coach. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

The Wolves are staying in-house.

Bennett Richter is making the jump from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach for the Coupeville High School football program, replacing the departed Marcus Carr.

The hire has been confirmed by CHS Athletic Director Willie Smith and will be official after the school board approves the move at its next meeting.

Richter, a 2009 Oak Harbor grad who played for that school’s ’06 state champion gridiron squad, has been on the Wolf coaching staff since 2018.

It’s a busy time in his life, as he is scheduled to marry Megan Smith, Coupeville High School’s varsity girls basketball coach, this summer.

After having the same man at the helm of the Wolf football program for 26 years, CHS has cycled through head coaches since Ron Bagby retired after the 2009 season.

Jay Silver (two seasons), Tony Maggio (3), Brett Smedley (1), Jon Atkins (2), and Carr (4) precede Richter, who rose from being a volunteer assistant to directing the Wolf defense.

The view from the stands on this hire is extremely positive, as Richter is a passionate, deeply committed coach, well-liked and respected by his peers, players, and fans.

His first game as head coach will be a road game Sept. 2 at Klahowya, with his home debut Sept. 9, when Coupeville plays South Whidbey, with ownership of The Bucket at stake.