Marlene Grasser was named as the best athlete in CHS history by her peers in a social media poll, and it wasn’t close. (Photo courtesy Grasser family)
There can only be one!
Or maybe three or four, if we’re being realistic.
Earlier this week, I put out a call on Facebook and Twitter, hailing all current and former Coupeville High School athletes with a simple, yet deeply-weighted, question.
Who is the best Wolf athlete you played with, and why?
Having dug myself out from under the deluge of responses, it’s become obvious there are strong feelings out there, and strong pockets of support for a couple of former Cow Town stars in particular.
Now remember, this was a randomly conducted quiz, and, if you weren’t on social media, you probably didn’t see it.
Modern-day athletes, and by that I mean, from the ’80s on, tended to draw the most support.
If we put more time and effort into this endeavor, and made sure the whole fan base of Wolf Nation was involved, I have no doubt we’d see more mentions of athletes from, say, the ’50s or the ’70s.
No one is claiming me asking a question on social media was going to give us a definitive answer. So, take it for what it was meant to be, a jumping-off point for debate and discussion.
In the end, 60 athletes, including a couple who are still active at CHS, were named.
That’s if we exclude football legends Clay Hughes and James Smith, who made a pretty good plea that they should be recognized for their pre-high school days.
“In 2001 when James and I were the water boys for the high school football team, I personally think that was one of the best performances Coupeville athletics has ever seen,” Hughes said.
“Check the team photo for that year … we are clear standouts.”
“Good luck trying to find any member of that team that was even remotely parched,” Smith said, nodding vigorously in agreement. “Not a single team has been that well hydrated since!”
CHS has a long and glorious history of water boys, but even Kyle King, who went on to win five state titles in track after his days of manning the H2O, bows in the direction of Hughes and Smith.
“I was a water boy back in 1998 with Bryan Sherman and Michael Bagby; we were pretty good … but being down there first hand I can’t say we compared to James and Clay.
“Hope this helps to give them the recognition they deserve!”
Once we got past the water boy detour, there was the vote for movie star Teen Wolf, and then along came urban legend Steven Dozier, the only one brave enough to ask if he could vote for himself.
He could, and he did, causing longtime friend (and honest to goodness hoops sensation back in the day) Allen Black to arch an eyebrow and snort.
But, when all was said and done, here’s how it broke down:
One vote:
Mike Bagby
Natasha Bamberger:
(“Her natural talent was stunning. She would lap people in a 3200. And it was effortless to her.” – Molly McPherson)
Novi Barron
Danny Conlisk
Matt Cross
Steven Dozier
Randy Duggan
Ashley Ellsworth-Bagby
David Ford
Tony Ford
Corinne Gaddis
Joy Hack
Kevin Hack
Hailey Hammer:
“Always such an amazing and supportive teammate” – Breeanna Messner
Matt Helm:
“I think he was more athletic than he seemed.” – Noah Roehl
Wiley Hesselgrave:
“Great team leader.” – Luke Merriman
Dianne Jacobsen
Brianne King
Tyler King
Steve Konek
Casey Larson
Jae LeVine:
“Cause she’s the coolest bean there is!” – Payton Wilson
Abraham Leyva:
“You goal-scoring machine!” – Jeremiah Pace
Jean Lund-Olsen
Tina Lyness
Breeanna Messner:
“Who doesn’t love her?” – Hailey Hammer
Amy Mouw
Sarah Mouw
Mitch Pelroy:
“Fast man!” – Ron Bodamer
TJ Rickner
Bill Riley
Lindsey Roberts
Noah Roehl:
“I was never blessed to get to play with him but I would nominate him for being an all-around awesome football player.” – Virgil Roehl
Virgil Roehl
Brad Sherman
Ian Smith
Megan Smith
Jeff Stone
Nick Streubel
Jim Syreen
Valen Trujillo:
“She always gave 100%, had a great attitude, was an amazing leader, and was kind to everyone” – Mikayla Elfrank
Kara Warder
Marlys West
Rich Wilson
Two votes:
Todd Brown:
“An amazing running back.” – Virgil Roehl
Linda Cheshier:
“Was such an impressive natural athlete to me! She rocked it in softball and basketball.” – Joli (Smith) Bartell
Corey Cross
Gavin Keohane
Pete Petrov
Todd Smith
Sean Toomey-Stout:
“Multiple defensive, and offensive plays executed all-around, including multiple TD’s. Hits seriously hard.” – Ben Smith
“All-around a big influence to the entire team to put in max effort. Always puts in his best effort every down.” – Dawson Houston
Jake Tumblin:
“Amazing leader and all-around athlete” – Korbin Korzan
Greg White
Three votes:
Ian Barron:
“Because … stats.” – Michael Meyer
Yashmeen Knox:
“I never played with her, but I watched her growing up play while my parents coached her! I idolized her not only on, but off the court too. I wanted to be just like her growing up. She was a rock star!” – Megan Smith
Hunter Smith:
“The combination of pure athleticism, leadership, and optimism was contagious. The work that guy put in when no one was watching was unprecedented. Phenomenal athlete, and an even better friend.” – Nick Etzell
“He is a great leader and an amazing athlete! Even if we were down 45 points, or a few runs, he always had a comeback mentality!” – Jacob Zettle
“Do I even have to explain? IT’S HUNTER SMITH!” – Alex Jimenez
Joli Smith:
“For all-around grace and style in multiple sports.” – Virgil Roehl
Four votes:
Makana Stone:
“By far one of the most supportive people on the team. She has always been a super-encouraging person and was always excited for you no matter the result. Just all-around amazing.” – Sylvia Hurlburt
“Ever since I stepped foot on the court I always felt welcome due to her and she made the game so much fun. Playing next to her for three years and being a co-captain with her for one of those years definitely showed me how to be a leader. She always brought such an amazing touch to that gym and team; she made us a family and it felt as if we were united. I will forever look up to her as a leader and an athlete.” – Kailey Kellner
Emily Vracin:
“Great leader, positive attitude and stats. All-around awesome player.” – Gina (Dozier) Slowik
Nine votes:
Marlene Grasser:
“Best on the court and off.” – David Ford
“Best in every sport she did. Natural talent.” – Georgie Smith
“She was kind, supportive and an amazing athlete!” – Aleshia (McFadyen) Mitten
“She was pretty much my hero.” – Emily (Vracin) Kosderka
“She was my cousin and best role model ever; I’m blessed to have been able to play by her side. She also gave the BEST high fives ever!” – Shannon (Sherman) Martin
