South Whidbey High School boys’ basketball coach Henry Pope watches as Wolf Wiley Hesselgrave shoots in a game this season. (Shelli Trumbull photo)
All of Whidbey Island grieves the loss of one of its basketball leaders, as news filters out that South Whidbey High School boys’ basketball coach Henry Pope passed away early Thursday morning.
Pope, who always carried himself as a class act on the court and off, coached the Falcons girls for years before jumping over to take the reigns of the boy hoopsters. He also coached youth football teams.
Fellow coaches, players and local fans were stunned by the sudden, tragic loss, but paid tribute to Pope as a quiet leader and a much-loved and respected member of the hoops community.
Coupeville’s coaches viewed Pope as more than just a strong rival.
“Henry and I were friends on and off the court,” Anthony Smith said. “He became a mentor to me about basketball and life. I really admired him as a man and a coach.
“My deepest prayers go to his family.”
That was a sentiment echoed by Wolf assistant coach Dustin VanVelkinburgh.
“A true competitor. One of those guys that during the game would do anything to win and afterward hit you with a genuine smile and handshake,” he said. “I enjoyed coaching and competing against him and his squads. Today my heart goes out to Falcon Nation!”
Pope affected area players, as well, and not just the ones on his own team.
As a senior captain for the CHS boys’ hoop squad, Drew Chan came into frequent contact with Pope during games between the Island rivals. The pair were also friends off the court.
“Henry Pope was a great man who will be missed dearly,” Chan said. “He was truly a great man/ person/ friend. I will always consider him a friend. I wish his family the best!”
CHS junior Monica Vidoni often plays at open gyms on the South End, and came into contact with the Falcon coach often.
“This put me in tears,” Vidoni said. “My dad and I knew him so well. I remember always meeting him on the ferry and having long talks about basketball with my dad and I.
“This is so upsetting. My dad and I are in shock.”
His sense of style and rock-solid commitment to his players and the school and town he represented was also acknowledged by Wolf fans, who may have rooted against him winning, but never against the personable Pope himself.
“I just remember him at the games and being very outgoing and active on the sidelines!,” said long-time fan Heidi Monroe.
Pope is survived by his wife Teresa and their three children, Taylor, Samantha and Lewis.
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