The late, great Mike Criscuola, AKA “Strong Mike,” who scored 979 points between 1956-1960, fifth-most by a Wolf boys basketball player.
A who’s-who of guys who could singe a net. Clockwise, from top left, Jeff Stone, Michael Bagby, Randy Keefe, Jeff Rhubottom, Bill Riley, Pete Petrov, Brad Sherman, Denny Clark, Arik Garthwaite, Bill Jarell.
Did I mention there will be cake?
One week from today — Friday, Jan. 19 — Coupeville High School celebrates the 101st anniversary of boys basketball, and everyone associated with the program is invited to return.
The Wolves host Chimacum in an Olympic League clash that night (JV 3:30, varsity 5:15), and the date is the same one on which the first hoops game in school history was played.
That happened way back on Jan. 19, 1917, when CHS pounded Langley 29-7 (forever giving the South End an inferiority complex).
This time around, every former and current Wolf boys basketball player, coach, manager, stats keeper, ticket taker, cheerleader and fan can (and should) join the festivities.
When you show up, there will be commemorative ID stickers for everyone to write their names on, reunion-style, so everyone can more easily pretend that yes, they really did recognize all their former teammates.
The game program is going far beyond the normal rosters, schedule and school fight song.
It will feature info on that first game in 1917, the immortal 1969-1970 squad which was the first Whidbey Island basketball team to win a district title (and still holds all the school scoring records), and a look at the top 15 career scorers.
While current Wolf senior Hunter Smith is at #17 (695 points) and climbing fast, the 15 in the program will be:
Jeff Stone (1137)
Mike Bagby (1104)
Randy Keefe (1088)
Jeff Rhubottom (1012)
Mike Criscuola (979)
Bill Riley (934)
Pete Petrov (917)
Brad Sherman (874)
Denny Clark (868)
Arik Garthwaite (867)
Bill Jarrell (855)
Corey Cross (811)
Barry Brown (769)
Hunter Hammer (759)
Steve Whitney (730)
Halftime will feature recognition of the ’69-’70 team and the Top 15, and things really get hoppin’ post-game.
Eagle-eyed photographer John Fisken will attempt to capture the ultimate “team” photo, with every former Wolf in attendance gathered down on the hardwood, then current basketball moms will host a reception in the health room.
That’s just a few steps outside the gym doors, on your right as you head to the exit inside the facility.
It’s easy to find, as it’s right across from the ticket table.
If nothing else, you can follow the smell of cake. I know I always do.
And the most important thing to remember is this — it doesn’t matter if you were All-League or a bench warmer, if you filled up the stat sheet or can count the number of minutes you played on one hand.
If you were involved with Wolf boys basketball in any way, you are part of the history of the program, and we want to see you at the CHS gym next Friday.
It’s a night to honor those who came before, to show them they are not forgotten and their accomplishments still mean something. And it’s a night to honor the present and future.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow, you are all brothers of the round-ball. Never forget that.
Coupeville Sports 