Coupeville Sports

Hydros for Heroes cancelled

June 4, 2025 by David Svien

Vroom-vroom. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

The sounds of super-charged boats revving across Oak Harbor waters will not filter their way to my home on Penn Cove this summer.

The annual Hydros for Heroes event, set to go down August 16-17, will instead sit out the summer.

The cancellation of what was to be the 10th edition of the revved-up fundraiser was announced Tuesday.

“This difficult decision was made after careful consideration of some unexpected events beyond our control,” said officials on the Hydros for Heroes Facebook page.

“While we were looking forward to another memorable event, circumstances outside of our control have made it impossible to proceed at the level we feel this sport and community deserve.

“We understand how disappointing this is for our supporters, sponsors, vendors, the heroes and children we aim to honor and support and certainly do not take this decision lightly.”

The event, which promotes water-based sports and funds college scholarships for graduating seniors, while celebrating first responders, was launched by Oak Harbor realtors Craig McKenzie and Jim Woessner.

It put the spotlight on law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, military, healthcare professionals, and teachers — “heroes who make a huge impact in our community every day through their service and sacrifice.”

The two-day shindig has brought in 50 regional race teams and approximately 10,000 fans to Whidbey on a yearly basis.

While the Hydros for Heroes team has scrapped this year’s plans, they hope someone else will revive things down the road.

“It is our hope that we can find an organization, individual or group of individuals to take on this great event and continue to grow what we have worked very hard to build over the past nine years.

“It truly was an honor and privilege to be able to do so.

“Hopefully we are able to pass the torch to another willing and able victim/community supporter!”

Posted in Boats Gone Wild | Tagged cancellations, charity, Craig McKenzie, first responder, Hydros for Heroes, Jim Woessner | Leave a Comment »

“I offer my deepest apologies to the school”

June 3, 2025 by David Svien

It’s never too late to fix the mistakes of the past.

That’s what one longtime Coupeville resident hopes to achieve with an apology for youthful shenanigans.

The CHS grad, who has gone on to have a very positive impact on the community where they grew up and still live, has asked not to be identified, as they don’t want praise for their current actions.

In their words:

Around fifty years ago I made a bad decision.

That decision was to follow some peer pressure to enter the high school late one night.

We didn’t break into the school; we just knew a way in that wouldn’t damage anything.

Once inside we just ran around for a bit and then for some reason we decided to each take something as a reminder of our collective mischief.

My item was a tuning fork.

I am ashamed of my actions so long ago and offer my deepest apologies to the school, the faculty and the community that supported me through my education.

Since very shortly after that day I occasionally have been trying to think of a way to make my bad decision right.

I hope by coming forward with this it may help another vulnerable adolescent from bowing to peer pressure and making a bad decision that you may regret.

I am going to remain anonymous because previously I came forward to admit a mistake that I had made to someone and I ended up getting praise and good thoughts for admitting my errors.

I don’t want or deserve anything good out of this.

I just hope that this admission will help someone else from making a mistake they may regret.

The tuning fork has long ago disappeared so I can’t return it, so I have made a donation to a scholarship for CHS students.

Again, I sincerely apologize for my mistake.

Posted in letters to the editor | Tagged apology, Coupeville High School, memories, tuning fork | Leave a Comment »

One room, a whole lot of excellence

June 3, 2025 by David Svien

Teagan Calkins adds to her trophy case. (Photos courtesy Jackie Saia)

The excellence overflows.

In preparation for graduation, Coupeville High School held its annual awards night Monday, with scholarships and recognitions the focus.

Some joyful tears were shed, smiles were flashed, much financial aid changed hands, and pics were snapped, just as it has ever been so.

Posted in awards | Tagged awards, CHS Class of 2025, CHS Wolves, Mia Farris, Noah Roehl, Scholarships | Leave a Comment »

Farris taking her spikes to college

June 2, 2025 by David Svien

Mia Farris unleashes the wrath of God on her foes. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Next stop, Bellingham.

Wolf senior Mia Farris, now a two-time Coupeville High School Athlete of the Year winner, has committed to play volleyball for Whatcom College.

“Mia the Magnificent,” who played three sports throughout her prep career, also adding basketball and softball, is the third Wolf spiker to sign their paperwork to move up a level.

Lyla Stuurmans has committed to play volleyball for Skagit Valley College, while Madison McMillan is headed to Edmonds College, but as a softball player.

That trio played huge roles as the Wolves put together the best season in program history this past fall.

Coupeville volleyball went 18-2, won league and bi-district titles, was undefeated until the final day of the season, and finished 4th at the 2B state tourney.

Farris pounded out 174 kills, went low for 179 digs, ripped off 38 service aces, and was indispensable, capable of delivering bone-rattling hits or sacrificing her body for the good of the team.

Some of her best play came in the biggest spotlight, as she was named to the Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Tournament Team.

Sparking the Wolves to wins over Tonasket and Mossyrock and helping them wage war against powerhouse Adna and Freeman, she racked up 35 kills, 41 digs, and eight service aces during the tourney.

Farris soared in high school alongside close friends like Jada Heaton (12) and Taylor Brotemarkle. (Jennifer Heaton photo)

Whatcom College plays in the Northwest Athletic Conference, the same league where Stuurmans will suit up for Skagit Valley.

The Orcas are coming off of an 11-19 season.

Mia Farris, who received interest from colleges for both volleyball and softball, chose Whatcom for its closeness to home (and mom) and its many intangibles.

“She got a really good vibe from the coaching staff and players on her initial visit,” said dad Fred.

Posted in Volleyball | Tagged CHS Wolves, Mia Farris, volleyball, Whatcom College | Leave a Comment »

“I am proud of all the growth and success”

June 2, 2025 by David Svien

The Wolves marinate in the moment. (Kelly Powers photos)

Every day she’s making history.

Coupeville Middle School 8th grader Tamsin Ward won a pair of titles Monday at the Cascade League Track and Field Championships in Lakewood, continuing to add to her treasure chest of awards.

Rolling to victory in the shot put and high jump on day one of the two-day event, she sits with 16 wins this season and 39 for her CMS career, with five league titles to her credit.

Ward, who won the high jump as a 6th grader and the shot put and 100 as a 7th grader, will have two more shots at glory Thursday.

That’s when she and the Wolves head out for their final road trip of the season, returning to Lakewood to wrap up the seven-team meet.

Having qualified for the finals in the 100 and 200, Ward can put a stamp on her middle school days.

Her 16 wins this season are the second-most for a CMS athlete, trailing only Lindsey Roberts, who won 19 as an 8th grader in 2015, while her 39 career victories are a school record.

Tamsin Ward uncorks a winning throw.

Ward was joined on the winner’s podium Monday by 6th grade thrower Les Queen, who edged out teammate Diesel Eck to claim the discus title.

Overall, 15 of the 24 events Coupeville competed in on day one were prelims, as the fields in the sprints were trimmed down.

Along with strong work from Ward and Queen, the Wolves also got 2nd place performances in finals from Eck (Discus), Annaliese Powers (800), Brian Thompson (Long Jump), and Laurel Crowder (High Jump).

Mia Goers celebrates a PR.

Regardless of where each athlete finished, CMS coach Jon Gabelein came away impressed with his young stars and the weather.

“With the sun and a light breeze, it was a perfect day for a track meet,” he said.

“While we had lots of great performances, throwing, jumping, and running with the best in the league can make all of them even stronger.

“Being a part of this tougher competition may even be responsible for generating some of their PRs today.

“I am proud of all the growth and success that our athletes have worked so hard for throughout our season.”

Laurel Crowder burns up the track.

Monday’s results:

GIRLS:

8th grade:

100 (Prelims) — Tamsin Ward (3rd) 13.36 *PR*; Isley Garcia Fernandez (25th) 17.28 *PR*

200 (Prelims) — Ward (2nd) 28.48 *PR*

100 Hurdles (Prelims) — Kennedy O’Neill (5th) 20.47; Elizabeth Marshall (7th) 20.93

Shot Put (Finals) — Ward (1st) 36-06; Cassandra Powers (8th) 23-05

High Jump (Finals) — Ward (1st) 4-09 *PR*

6th/7th grade:

100 (Prelims) — Bella Sandlin (10th) 14.85 *PR*; Laurel Crowder (14th) 15.05 *PR*; Abbie Moss (16th) 15.08 *PR*; Ella Holm (20th) 15.51

200 (Prelims) — Sandlin (5th) 31.23 *PR*; Emma Green (13th) 32.84 *PR*; Mia Goers (15th) 33.07 *PR*; Miah Patterson (22nd) 34.38 *PR*; Sophia Magdolen (23rd) 34.64 *PR*; Victoria Quiroga Rivera (28th) 36.14 *PR*

400 (Prelims) — Sandlin (5th) 1:12.50 *PR*; Zariyah Allen (12th) 1:22.79 *PR*; Claire Lachnit (14th) 1:23.93 *PR*

800 (Finals) — Annaliese Powers (2nd) 2:49.72 *PR*; Sophia Burley (6th) 3:06.11 *PR*; Sarai Dangerfield (8th) 3:11.87 *PR*; Autumn Hunt (10th) 3:17.16

100 Hurdles (Prelims) — A. Powers (6th) 20.92 *PR*; Patterson (9th) 21.67 *PR*; Green (11th) 22.18; Finley Helm (13th) 23.05; Burley (17th) 24.27 *PR*

High Jump (Finals) — Crowder (2nd) 4-05 *PR*; Kaleigha Millison (4th) 4-03 *PR*

The race is on between Asher Harris and Tanner Kempton.

BOYS:

8th grade:

100 (Prelims) Collin Mirabile (8th) 12.65 *PR*; Brian Thompson (9th) 12.76 *PR*; Kion Tellery (30th) 14.44 *PR*; Hunter Atteberry (33rd) 15.22; Zaydyn Dees (34th) 15.44 *PR*

200 (Prelims) — Tellery (18th) 31.84; Frank Morrell (19th) 33.96

400 (Prelims) — Thompson (3rd) 1:02.64 *PR*; Henry Bailey (9th) 1:04.77; Dees (14th) 1:12.98 *PR*; Atteberry (17th) 1:26.83

1600 (Finals) — Cyrus Sparacio (4th) 5:08.35; Ossian Merkel (8th) 5:39.76 *PR*; Atteberry (16th) 6:30.85; Nolan Hunt (18th) 6:57.92

110 Hurdles (Prelims) — Morrell (17th) 24.69

Discus (Finals) — Tellery (14th) 73-11.50 *PR*; Aaron DiDonna (17th) 63-07.50; Sparacio (19th) 58-06; Merkel (21st) 55-01; N. Hunt (25th) 48-08 *PR*; Dees (28th) 34-05.50

Long Jump (Finals) — Thompson (2nd) 16-03; Mirabile (7th) 14-06.50; Bailey (12th) 13-10

6th/7th grade:

100 (Prelims) — Les Queen (16th) 13.95; Xander Beaman (17th) 14.19 *PR*; Jesse Kehoe (18th) 14.20 *PR*; Liam Stoner (28th) 14.72; Maverick Walling (31st) 14.95 *PR*; Vincent Alguire (32nd) 15.05 *PR*

200 (Prelims) — River Simpson (4th) 26.46 *PR*; Beaman (10th) 29.07 *PR*; Jacob Lujan (11th) 29.18 *PR*; Queen (15th) 29.66; Brenden Tumulty (24th) 41.03 *PR*

400 (Prelims) — Malachi Chapa (2nd) 1:01.63 *PR*; Ceiba Rusch (18th) 1:29.86

1600 (Finals) — Lincoln Wagner (9th) 5:52.39 *PR*; Archer Schwarz (11th) 6:00.97 *PR*; Tanner Kempton (17th) 7:01.12 *PR*; Rusch (19th) 7:46.38

110 Hurdles (Prelims) — Lujan (4th) 19.69 *PR*; Wagner (12th) 21.25 *PR*; Stoner (14th) 21.60; Kempton (18th) 22.82 *PR*; Asher Harris (19th) 22.92 *PR*; Rusch (24th) 29.99

Discus (Finals) — Queen (1st) 95-02 *PR*; Diesel Eck (2nd) 90-03.50; Tumulty (29th) 39-04