Coupeville Sports

JV spikers deliver the big payback

October 15, 2024 by David Svien

Lexis Drake brings the heat. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

In the words of one James Brown …

Hey! Gotta, gotta payback!
(The big payback)
Revenge! I’m mad!
(The big payback)
Got to get back!

I need some get-back!
Payback!
Payback! (The big payback)
That’s it! Payback!

Whether they cued up some 1973 funk or not, the Coupeville High School JV volleyball squad got that sweet, sweet payback Tuesday night.

Avenging their only loss of the season, the Wolves rallied to beat host Mount Vernon Christian 15-25, 25-16, 16-14, just the way coach Ashley Menges likes it.

The victory lifts the JV spikers to 6-1 in Northwest 2B/1B League play, 7-1 overall heading into a home showdown Thursday with La Conner.

It also pushes Menges career winning percentage to an even .700, as the fifth-year coach is 42-18 since taking the reins of the second squad.

The Wolves watch the action unfold.

The first time the teams faced off, in mid-September, Coupeville actually won more points (62-61), but MVC escaped, nailing down two of three sets.

This time out, it was the Wolves taking both the moral victory and the victory-victory.

“It was a slow start to the night, and we definitely weren’t all there to begin the day, but it’s good to see they can turn it around,” Menges said.

“Something we always want to emphasize is that we get better with every set, which is what they did tonight and I’m very glad to see.

“They also took what I said pregame and started with that first point.

“As always, there’s more to work on, but for now I’m glad to see them pull out a win.”

Tuesday stats:

Capri Anter — 4 kills, 2 aces
Haylee Armstrong — 7 digs, 1 assist
Lexis Drake — 4 kills, 1 ace
Adeline Maynes — 3 digs, 11 assists, 5 aces
Isa Mc Fetridge — 3 digs, 2 aces
Chelsi Stevens — 1 kill
Dakota Strong — 3 kills
Tenley Stuurmans — 3 kills, 2 digs, 2 assists
Sydney Van Dyke — 1 kill, 5 digs

Posted in Volleyball | Tagged CHS Wolves, JV, Lexis Drake, Mount Vernon Christian, volleyball | Leave a Comment »

Thompson terrific, Wolves win

October 15, 2024 by David Svien

Brian Thompson fuels up after a busy day on the soccer pitch. (Robert Wood photo)

The ancient prophecy states – a young gun will carry them to nirvana.

If you believe that, then Tuesday’s trip to Marysville played out perfectly for the Coupeville High School co-ed soccer team.

With Wolf 8th grader Brian Thompson banging home the first two goals of his prep pitch career, the Wolves nipped host Grace Academy 2-1, and now find themselves battling for the top spot in the Northwest 2B/1B League.

CHS is 4-4-1 overall, 2-0 in conference action, tied with Lopez Island, La Conner, and Orcas Island atop the nine-team league.

At least for the moment, as Orcas also played Tuesday, and a win against Friday Harbor will put them a half-game up on everyone else.

Next up for Coupeville is a home rumble Friday, Oct. 18 with Mount Vernon Christian (0-2, 5-3-1).

Kickoff is 6:00 PM at Mickey Clark Field, and it’s free to attend.

After playing four of their last five on the road, the Wolves now close with four of six on their home pitch.

Tuesday’s road game wasn’t the prettiest ever played, but CHS came up big when it needed to, according to Wolf coach Robert Wood.

“A chaotic game. No real substantial form, but success when needed,” he said.

“Brian’s touch and focus were absolutely perfect when it counted.”

The Wolves return home to play at Mickey Clark Field this Friday. (Parker Hammons photo)

Schedule change:

The end of the regular season has been tweaked due to a need to conclude things earlier than originally planned.

That’s mainly to give NWL teams time to play tiebreakers for playoff spots, if needed.

Coupeville’s regular season finale, a home clash with Orcas Island, set for Nov. 6, has moved up to Saturday, Nov. 2.

The new kickoff time is 12:30 PM, and there will be a modified JV game following the varsity contest.

With that change, Coupeville’s Senior Night festivities have also moved, landing on Oct. 29, when the Wolves host Providence Classical Christian.

Posted in soccer | Tagged CHS Wolves, Grace Academy, Northwest League, road win, Soccer | Leave a Comment »

Hoops! There it (almost) is!

October 15, 2024 by David Svien

A peek back at CMS hoops action from a season ago. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

They’ve got dibs on the court.

The Coupeville Middle School boys’ basketball program is the first to hit the hardwood, with the opening day of practice set for Oct. 28.

High school hoops get started Nov. 18, while the CMS girls launch their season Jan. 27.

As you count down the days until God’s Chosen Sport returns to center stage, a look at the CMS boys’ schedule:

Wed-Nov. 13 — Sultan — 3:15
Tue-Nov. 19 — King’s — 3:15
Wed-Nov. 20 — Northshore Christian — 3:15
Mon-Nov. 25 — @ Granite Falls — 3:15
Tue-Dec. 3 — @ South Whidbey — 3:30
Thur-Dec. 5 — @ Sultan — 3:15
Mon-Dec. 9 — @ Lakewood — 3:15
Mon-Dec. 16 — South Whidbey — 3:15

Posted in Boys Basketball, Middle School | Tagged Boys Basketball, Cascade League, CMS Wolves, schedule, Sultan | Leave a Comment »

“John was always willing to offer a helping hand”

October 15, 2024 by David Svien

John Weber

John Weber was a rock.

During his six decades living on Whidbey Island, he devoted countless hours to causes near and dear his heart, including a 26-year run as a member of the Coupeville School Board.

Mr. Weber, who was also one of my semi-regular Videoville customers with wife Benye back in the day, passed away in September.

We send our condolences to his family and hail the positive impact he had on our town, which included being the Chairman of the school board when Mickey Clark Field was created in 1975.

John E Weber

March 28, 1934-Sept 8, 2024

John E Weber, 91, of Coupeville, Washington passed away with his devoted family by his side.

John was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois.

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in White Sands, New Mexico, where he met his wife, Benye Weber.

John’s profession entailed the Air Force, Goodyear Aerospace, and several civil service contractors.

He traveled the world with his family in tow.

The adventures of traveling landed John, his wife Benye, and sons Ed and Ted on Whidbey Island.

They fell in love with the island and developed many friendships over their 60 years there.

John’s passion was devoted to his wife and family as well as the Coupeville School Board for 26 years.

He was heavily involved with the Arts and Crafts Festival, Coupeville Water Festival, Island County Fair, and the Republicans of Whidbey Island.

John was always willing to offer a helping hand.

He loved the time he spent with his grandchildren, Jordan, Tori, and Jake.

John Weber, being a firm believer in Jesus Christ, the family knows he is at a place of comfort and joy now.

He is preceded in death by loving wife Benye Weber, parents Blanche and Theodore Weber, sister Mary Retz, and granddaughter Jordan Weber.

He is survived by brothers, Joe Weber, George Weber, sons Ed Weber (Judy), Ted Weber (Chris), and granddaughter Tori Weber.

Private graveside services will be held for immediate family.

Posted in In memory | Tagged Benye Weber, Coupeville School Board, in memory, John Weber, Mickey Clark Field | Leave a Comment »

Lessons learned, killer instinct honed

October 14, 2024 by David Svien

Lyla Stuurmans denies you. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

They excel under fire.

Hours after rallying to beat Okanogan in five sets Friday to stay undefeated in regular season play, the Coupeville High School varsity volleyball squad returned to the Eastern Washington courts for a state tourney-like experience.

Playing in a tournament hosted by Liberty of Spangle Saturday, the Wolves went 4-2 against high-grade competition.

CHS beat Davenport (2-1), Omak (2-1) and Warden twice (2-0 both times) while falling to Liberty (2-0) and Oakesdale (2-0).

The losses were “both matches we would like to have back,” said Wolf coach Cory Whitmore.

“But that would be part of the lesson learned: play to potential against every possible matchup.

“I think the girls are pretty excited about the experience overall and as we debriefed today in practice, I’m hoping we have a clear vision moving forward.”

One of many celebrations for the Wolves this season.

Coupeville (8-0 overall, 6-0 in Northwest 2B/1B League play) travels to Mount Vernon Christian (6-4, 2-3) Tuesday, then hosts La Conner (6-4, 5-1) Thursday.

As they chase a league crown and set themselves up for postseason success, a chance to play in a high-caliber mid-season tourney offers great rewards.

“The tournament was a really productive experience for the team,” Whitmore said.

“The timing was great because it was into the season enough where you’ve found a bit of a rhythm and lineup(s), so you aren’t going from scratch, but also with enough of the season left that you can make adjustments and work on those lessons learned.

While the wins and losses Saturday don’t affect anyone’s overall record, the time on the floor was invaluable.

“We definitely learned some lessons,” Whitmore said.

“As a team, we pretty much agree upon most of the things that need work and so we will attack those goals as we push in this half of the season.

“We definitely got better at a few key areas for future growth and having played against a few teams we could potentially see down the road, that experience will pay dividends in the end.”

Tourney stats:

Taylor Brotemarkle — 1 kill, 26 digs, 1 assist
Teagan Calkins — 33 kills, 12 digs, 1 assist, 2.5 block assists, 10 aces
Mia Farris — 35 kills, 55 digs, 1 assist, 0.5 block assists, 4 aces
Jada Heaton — 4 kills, 6 digs, 1.5 block assists
Katie Marti — 3 kills, 28 digs, 126 assists, 1 block assist, 4 aces
Madison McMillan — 23 kills, 39 digs, 1 assist, 4 aces
Lyla Stuurmans — 39 kills, 31 digs, 2 solo blocks, 2 block assists, 8 aces
Tenley Stuurmans — 11 digs, 2 assists