Coupeville Sports

CHS girls’ soccer needs you!

August 22, 2024 by David Svien

Wolf soccer coach Kimberly Kisch is fighting to keep her program alive. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

This is a key moment in time for girls’ soccer at Coupeville High School.

With the first day of practice arriving this coming Monday, Aug. 26, the Wolves have eight players signed up but need at least five more to be able to field a full team.

Last year, Coupeville broke a 19-year run when it was unable to pull together a complete roster for a girls’ team.

Several female booters played with the CHS boys’ team, which would be an option again, if necessary, but it’s not the first choice for Wolf coaches.

One potential huge help for soccer is that 8th graders are eligible to play varsity high school sports where there is a need.

Other fall sports in Coupeville such as cross country and volleyball have middle school programs, and neither CHS program is short on girls.

But soccer is not played at the middle school, making the sport a perfect gateway for any CMS 8th grade girl looking to get an extra year of playing time.

As she preps for the start of practice, Wolf girls’ soccer coach Kimberly Kisch is ready for any option.

“We have a fantastic group of girls rostered,” she said. “Many of them live and breathe soccer.

“No matter how the season ends up, (boys’ coach) Rob (Wood) and I will be vigilant in making sure it is an enjoyable experience for anyone playing Coupeville soccer.”

Posted in Girls Soccer | Tagged CHS Wolves, first day of practice, Girls Soccer, Kimberly Kisch | Leave a Comment »

Get a pic to really tie the room together

August 21, 2024 by David Svien

Get some new artwork for your frig while supporting the shelter animals of Whidbey.

The Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) is holding a “Poorly Drawn Pets” fundraiser through the end of August, and you can be part of it.

Submit a pic of your pooch or kitty (or sassy iguana, I suppose), donate $25 to help the cause, and you’ll get a rendering to treasure.

The online fundraiser runs through Aug. 30.

Portraits will be delivered by email, with hard copies available to be picked up in person at WAIF’s Coupeville shelter.

To submit photos (and/or volunteer as an artist), pop over to:

Poorly Drawn Pets

Posted in Not sports? Tough! | Tagged dogs and cats, fundraiser, poorly drawn, shelter animals, WAIF | Leave a Comment »

Booster Club kicks off new year

August 21, 2024 by David Svien

Bow Down to Cow Town. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

New year, new hopes and dreams.

With the start of school rolling closer as we enter the dog days of August, the Coupeville Booster Club is getting a jumpstart on fanning the flames of support for the Wolves.

The first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year is set for this Monday, Aug. 26.

It’ll be held in the health room at the Coupeville High School gym, which is the first thing on your left as you enter the front door. Start time is 6:00 PM.

There are many ways to support the invaluable work of the booster club, all of which you can find out by popping in for a meeting.

The boosters are the backbone of Wolf sports, making life easier for coaches, athletes, and admins.

The group annually awards eight $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors, while also providing a yearly stipend to high school and middle school sports programs.

The boosters also provide roses for Senior Night festivities, varsity letters for Wolf athletes, meal money and goodie bags for road trips, and numerous team improvement items.

These have ranged from literature and DVDs to tarps, weight room equipment, batting cages, upgrades to school athletic fields and facilities, and t-shirts for cancer awareness nights.

Plus, the Wall of Fame in the CHS gym, which documents accomplishments from 100+ years of Coupeville athletics?

It wouldn’t exist without the support of the boosters, who provided the biggest financial contribution to its development, and continue to handle updates.

Posted in Booster Club | Tagged CHS Wolves, Coupeville Booster Club, information meeting, new year | Leave a Comment »

Season opener offers unique challenge

August 20, 2024 by David Svien

Davin Houston and Co. open a new season in 17 days. (Andrew Williams photo)

There’s a new foe on the gridiron.

When the Coupeville High School football team opens its season at home Friday, Sept. 6, the team it welcomes to Mickey Clark Field will be one it’s never played before.

And also one which is fairly new to the whole Friday Night Lights experience.

Annie Wright, a private 1A school from Tacoma, is a member of the Nisqually League and well-known for being successful on the basketball court.

But the Gators are new to football, having debuted just last year with a mostly JV schedule.

Coached by the school’s Director of Athletics, Harvard grad Mike Finch, Annie Wright played one varsity contest, closing the season with a 26-13 loss at La Conner.

Now, the Gators are set to take a much-bigger step, as a team with just four seniors is slated to clash with Cascade Christian, East Jefferson, and Klahowya among others.

First up, however, is a trip to Whidbey to face Coupeville, which beat La Conner 48-6 and 43-12 last season.

But everything rolls on in sports.

The Wolves will have new faces in new places as Bennett Richter opens his third year at the helm of the CHS gridiron program.

La Conner has moved, at least temporarily, from 11-man football down to the 8-man game.

And Annie Wright, which offers programs for preschool-12th grade, is ready for its prime-time football closeup in Cow Town.

Seventeen days away and counting.

Posted in Football | Tagged Annie Wright, CHS Wolves, football, Mike Finch, season opener | Leave a Comment »

Rattle the rims, punch the pedal

August 20, 2024 by David Svien

Jerry Helm, and some of his progeny, meets the public. (Sylvia Arnold photo)

Sometimes he puts out the fires, and sometimes he starts them.

Metaphorically speaking…

Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue Chief Jerry Helm spent this past weekend laying down rubber and scorching the racetrack while driving the #27 car.

Battling against a packed field, he claimed fourth place in a NASCAR street stock main event, part of a strong rookie season for the father of three.

Ready to rumble. (Photos courtesy Jerry Helm)

“Solid day at the track yesterday,” Helm said. “Fell back to fourth behind some very talented drivers with fast cars but settled in thanks to the spotter/coach in my ear, Gene Watson.

“His calm voice in my ear helped settle this rookie down and focus on driving the wheels off the car.”

Helm, who will be in action at Evergreen Speedway Aug. 31, also sent props to his crew — Matthew Garstin, Wyatt Waldron, Gary Garstin, and Jerry Helm, Sr.

And the sponsors who keep the speed-happy driver punching the pedal through the metal?

They would be Tiger Construction, Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee, and North48 Real Estate.