Brad and Abbey Sherman
High school glory days.
Calling signals for the Wolves.
You know the name. You know the legend. But do you know the man?
Brad Sherman was a three-sport star at Coupeville High School, heir to one of the families that have made the town what it is, and his athletic success lingers ten years after his graduation.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (Class of 1953) and father (Class of ’79) and leading his younger brothers Bryan and Tony, he played quarterback for the Wolves, helped lead the CHS boys’ basketball team to an undefeated league record as a junior and wrapped up his baseball season days before heading out to work on the family farm.
But did you know he did it fueled by corn dogs and blueberry muffins? No, you did not. Live and learn, folks.
“In between (football) two-a-days I can remember heading to my house with guys from the team to get some rest in between practices,” Sherman said. “My parents still remind me that it was really difficult to keep the fridge and cabinets stocked with enough food during football season.”
It was a time he remembers fondly as the Class of 2003 approaches its 10-year reunion.
“I just don’t think you can beat putting on your pads on Friday nights, playing football under the lights with a bunch of your friends, especially in a small town,” Sherman said. “Between summer camps, two-a-days, countless practices in the pouring rain to get ready for each Friday night, it takes a lot of dedication to play high school football, but it’s one of those things you just never forget and never stop missing.
“Football is unique in that for most people, your last high school football game is the last time you ever put pads on,” he added. “I just feel fortunate to have played with so many great guys.”
A year-round athlete, Sherman may have hit his high point during his junior season on the basketball court. Led by the feisty guard, the Wolves rampaged untouched through their league.
“Heartbreaking ending to the season at districts, but still a lot of great memories and a league championship banner in the gym to show for it,” Sherman said. “Beating Orcas in Key Arena was a lot of fun. Can’t remember how or why we were playing there, it was just a regular season game, but an amazing experience.”
After graduation, he would go on to attend Western Washington University, graduating in 2007. He since has returned to the school to work in the Government Relations office and move towards getting a Master’s.
Marriage to Abbey Campbell came in 2011 — the couple live on a farm in Coupeville with a giant yellow lab — and he volunteers with Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue while also finding some time to deliver hay for his dad.
Before things got hectic, he stayed in the game by coaching, first as a volunteer for the CHS football team, then a season as a 7th grade basketball coach. The experience gave him a new perspective, while reinforcing the lessons he had learned from his high school coaches, the legendary trio of Ron Bagby, Willie Smith and Randy King.
“When you’re playing, I just don’t think you realize how much time and effort a coach puts into a season,” Sherman said. “Football, basketball and baseball played a huge role in shaping who I am.
“I think the lessons you take away are something you can only get on the field or out on the court, and coaches play a big part in really hammering those lessons home,” he added. “We were fortunate to have coaches and teachers that invested a lot of time in us as athletes and students – and I can’t thank them enough for that. I hope I am in a position someday to do the same.”
The impact playing sports had on his life continues long after the high school glory days have faded a bit, and Sherman wouldn’t trade his time as a Wolf for anything.
“You learn how to handle success and how to handle a loss, and that no matter how hard you work for something it doesn’t always turn out how you want it to,” Sherman said. “I think you learn to be patient, to put your trust in others, and most importantly you really learn how to be part of a team – how to work together toward one common goal.
“You learn that things aren’t given to you, you have to go out and get what you want. If you want to be good at football, if you want to be good at basketball, anything, you have to work for it and put in the time,” he added. “Life is full of competition. That has applied to everything I’ve done following my life as a high school athlete.”
Most of all, the lesson he would pass on to the current generation of Wolves trying to equal the level of success he once reached? Enjoy every moment, win or loss.
“My ten year reunion is this year, and it goes by insanely fast,” Sherman said. “My advice would be to just enjoy it. Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Enjoy your teammates. Most of my very best friends are the people I grew up with and played sports with in Coupeville.”
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