Birthday buddies Jacob Martin (left) and Gabe Wynn. (John Fisken and Shelli Trumbull photos)
They are truly birthday buddies.
Coupeville High School juniors Jacob Martin and Gabe Wynn, both multi-sport stars for the Wolves, were born on the exact same day.
At the time, no one probably had the slightest clue they would one day unite at CHS to rep the red and black, but it’s worked out quite nicely for both of them, and for us, their fans.
The duo are superb athletes, with Gabe having suited up for tennis, football, basketball and baseball, while Jacob has been a rock on the football field and a fleet-footed runner on the track oval.
If you have to pick one sport for each, Martin’s biggest impact has been on the gridiron, where he hits with a cold fury (while smiling) and is a dangerous runner.
During a down season for Wolf football last year, he was one of the true shining stars, a guy who went flat-out every snap they let him on the field.
I fully expect him to be a leader as a senior next year, both in piling up stats and in keeping Coupeville moving back up in the standings.
With Gabe, it’s hoops.
The first time I ever covered him in person was during his 8th grade season on the hardwood, when he was a one-man wrecking crew.
In one game against Sultan, the Wolves were being smacked around pretty good, until Wynn, devilish grin creeping across his face, went absolutely bonkers and blew the Turks sky-high.
He’s continued that style of play through his high school days, where he has been, without a doubt, the player most likely to collect bruises from diving for balls, fighting through screens and, occasionally, flipping completely over the defender’s head while wrestling for rebounds.
Take both Jacob and Gabe off the gridiron or hardwood, though, and they really shine.
While they have made their name as athletes, both guys come across as quality young men in everything they do.
Well-spoken, smart, considerate of others, loyal to their friends and family, outgoing. The list of positive attributes could go on and on.
But, they have cake days to celebrate, so let’s just wrap things up simply by saying this — they’re as good as it gets, and Coupeville is blessed to have both of them.
Happy birthday, gentlemen.
