Coupeville Sports

CHS tabs new principal

April 27, 2025 by David Svien

Dan Berard

Less than two weeks after the resignation of Coupeville High School/Middle School Principal Geoff Kappes, Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood has announced the tentative hiring of Dan Berard as his replacement.

The hire is not official until approved by the school board.

Because of a recent restructuring of job duties, the new hire is not a straight replacement for Kappes.

Instead, Berard, who has spent the last 27 years in the Mount Vernon School District, is being hired as the high school principal and Career and Technical Education Director.

A second new hire, yet to be announced, will come on as middle school principal and CHS/CMS Athletic Director.

Pending board approval, Berard is set to start July 1.

“Mr. Berard was selected through a comprehensive process that included a panel interview with 11 staff members, a student-led tour with questions developed by our students, and opportunities for staff observation and feedback,” Leatherwood said in a community newsletter sent out Sunday afternoon.

“This thorough approach helped us identify a candidate who closely aligns with the qualities our community indicated were most important in our principal search survey.”

Berard is currently the Executive Director of Operations for the Mount Vernon School District, a role he has held for the past 10 months.

He has previously worked as a teacher, middle school principal, assistant principal, dean of students, and athletic director, starting in Mount Vernon schools in 1998.

Posted in Administration | Tagged Coupeville High School, Dan Berard, Geoff Kappes, Mount Vernon, new hire | Leave a Comment »

“Everyone played exceptionally well”

April 27, 2025 by David Svien

Mila Light slaps a winner. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

“Everyone played exceptionally well and showed real determination on the court.”

Playing under sunny skies on the prairie Friday, the Coupeville High School girls’ tennis team held its own with its ritzy private school rival, battling to a 3-3 tie with The Bush School in varsity action.

The Wolves swept all three singles matches, with Tenley Stuurmans and Dahlia Miller remaining unbeaten on the season.

“Our singles players continue to dominate on the court,” said CHS coach Starla Seal.

“They delivered impressive performances this week, showing grit, smart play, and strong court presence.

“Their focus and consistency were key to our team’s success, and we’re proud of the strength they show on court.”

Chloe Ferguson awaits an incoming serve.

While The Bush School was able to pull out victories in the doubles matches, Coupeville’s coaches were pleased with the effort they saw from their players.

“A special shoutout to the Light sisters (Ember and Mila), who brought great energy and teamwork in their doubles match,” Seal said.

“Their fight and chemistry were clear, and we’re excited to see what they bring to the next match!”

The match marked the return of Sofia Phay from an injury, and she reunited with Kauri Hamilton as if the duo had never been apart.

“Their teamwork and trust in one another create a solid foundation, allowing them to stay composed under pressure and adapt well mid-match,” Seal said.

“It’s clear they enjoy playing together, and their chemistry has become a real asset to the team.”

Friday’s results:

Varsity:

1st Singles — Tenley Stuurmans won 8-1

2nd Singles — Dahlia Miller won 8-1

3rd Singles — Brynn Parker won 8-3

1st Doubles — Ember Light/Mila Light lost 8-5

2nd Doubles — Brynn Parker/Delanie Lewis lost 8-4

3rd Doubles — Sofia Phay/Kauri Hamilton lost 8-3

JV:

4th Doubles — Samantha Wallace/Miles Gerber lost 8-6

5th Doubles — Chloe Ferguson/Rowan Stoner lost 8-2

6th Doubles — Savannah Coxsey/Ashley Wells lost 6-1

Savannah Coxsey sends a ball screaming back across the net.

Posted in Girls Tennis | Tagged CHS Wolves, Dahlia Miller, girls tennis, Tenley Stuurmans, The Bush School | Leave a Comment »

Young authors write a successful future

April 27, 2025 by David Svien

Two young authors discuss plot twists. (Photos courtesy Deb Sherman)

The writers of tomorrow are already excelling today.

A group of young authors were honored at Thursday’s Coupeville School Board meeting, after they and teacher Deb Sherman presented the fruits of their work.

The longtime educator extolled the benefits of the program, and all it has accomplished under the guidance of first Susan Marchese, and then herself.

All three of Sherman’s sons, including board member Bryan, participated, and at least one of her grandchildren is currently involved in the program.

“This is my 20th year and I’m still loving it so much,” Deb Sherman said.

The 17 students in the current group, who hail from 4th and 5th grade, “want so badly to write,” said their teacher.

It showed, as the young authors talked about their stories, their inspirations, and their work.

Eldritch Black inspires the next generation.

They met acclaimed author Eldritch Black, who pens the “Weirdbey Island” book series — “It was a very cool and fun experience” said a student — and seem primed to take over the writing world themselves.

After listening to the blossoming scribes detail the plots of their own books, School Board president Morgan White summed it up nicely.

“Your storylines are so creative, and I wish I could read through all of them,” she said. “We’re so proud of you guys.”

They’re coming for the best sellers list.

Posted in Not sports? Tough! | Tagged Coupeville Elementary School, Deb Sherman, Eldritch Black, school board, young authors | Leave a Comment »

She’s still a terror on the mat

April 27, 2025 by David Svien

“Oh, I’m about to go pound some fools all the way back to the Stone Age. That’s what I’m going to do, Skippy!” (Photo courtesy Sean LeVine)

She’s back on her world tour.

Former Coupeville supernova Izzy LeVine, who calls Arizona home these days, has wrapped up her high school wrestling season, but not left the mat.

Instead, she’s pursuing pins and technical falls against the best of the country at national events such as this weekend’s US High School Women’s Open in Las Vegas.

LeVine, a junior at Casteel High School, split four matches against top-level competition, including getting revenge on a foe who eliminated her from a previous tourney.

The youngest of Sean and Joline’s three daughters, who used to give me rocks at her older sister’s games in Cow Town, hails from a family which has three inductees in the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame.

Siblings Micky and Jae, as well as pops, are all enshrined in our digital shrine.

Posted in Wrestling | Tagged Arizona, Casteel High School, Izzy LeVine, Las Vegas, wrestling | Leave a Comment »

Two months, one focus

April 27, 2025 by David Svien

Wolf spring sports athletes are enjoying great success. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

April turns into May next week, and the push for the finish line ramps up.

High school sports end May 31 in the state of Washington, with the final state championships action going down that day in several sports.

As we creep into the first week of a new, and final month, Coupeville High School sports teams will be busy.

Girls’ tennis travels to Friday Harbor for a conference rumble Wednesday, while track and field spends the week prepping for the postseason, which begins the following week.

Meanwhile, Wolf baseball and softball each have three games on the slate.

Both teams host Orcas Island Tuesday, before bouncing island-to-island for a rematch with the Vikings Thursday.

Wrapping up things are non-conference games at South Whidbey, with softball heading to Langley Friday and baseball making the trek Saturday.

As everyone ramps up, a look at where win/loss records sit through April 27:

Northwest League baseball: