Coupeville Sports

Bernie Lange keeps an eye on things. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

Friday Night Lights shone down on Bernie Lange one more time.

The lifelong Oak Harbor High School sports fan, who is believed to have seen more ‘Cat football games than any other alumni ever, returned to his perch high atop Wildcat Stadium this weekend.

Having just celebrated his 98th birthday, the Class of ’45 grad and World War II vet was on hand to see Oak Harbor pull out a last-second 19-13 win over visiting Stanwood.

The victory lifts the OHHS gridiron squad to 3-0 for the first time since 2018, with a road trip to Sedro-Woolley (also 3-0) next up on the schedule.

Lange, who founded Trico Heating, attended Wildcat football games, home and away, for 70+ years, rarely missing a game, except for the occasional wedding or hospital stay.

He and wife Mary have also been in the stands for decades of basketball, softball, and baseball games, as well as tennis and wrestling matches.

Bernie Lange, who heads up a family sending its fourth generation through the OHHS hallways this year with freshman Henry Lange, currently resides at the Regency on Whidbey assisted living facility.

But Friday night, he was home once more, with fellow fans singing him “Happy Birthday” and the latest incarnation of the Wildcats pulling off some late-game magic.

Exactly the way he planned it.

Current Cats celebrate a 3-0 start with their biggest fan.