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Posts Tagged ‘River Simpson’

Big talent, big dreams

Posted in Boys Basketball, Track, tagged , , , , , on June 21, 2026| Leave a Comment »

River Simpson piled up the wins as a middle school track and field athlete. (Photos courtesy Rainy Simpson)

River Simpson has big dreams.

Having already racked up an impressive run as a middle school athlete, he heads into his freshman year at Coupeville High School in the fall with his eyes already set on the prize.

Or several prizes.

“I would like our CHS basketball team to go to state,” Simpson said. “I want to be top 10 in all-time scoring in basketball; I also want to break a sub-23 (seconds) in the 200-meter dash.”

After playing basketball and competing in track and cross country during his CMS days, Simpson plans to kick off his high school career by trying something different, switching to soccer this fall.

When winter rolls around, he’ll hit the hardwood, intent on continuing the strong play he showcased as an 8th grader.

After being among the team leaders in scoring for the top CMS squad, Simpson got a chance to play two games at the high school level and made an immediate impact for the Wolf JV.

He rattled the rims for 13 points in a win over Concrete in his first JV action, then banged home a game-high 19 in the season finale against Friday Harbor.

And while he enjoys all of his sports, hoops have a special lure.

“Basketball, it’s my favorite because it’s an indoor sport so you can play year-round,” Simpson said. “It’s the sport I’m most passionate about.”

Simpson and Co. singed the net both as school and select team hoops stars.

Not that basketball is the only sport he’s a high achiever in, as he piled up 19 wins across seven events during his CMS track and field days.

Simpson collected victories in every event he tried, from the 100, 200, 400, and 800, to the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relays, as well as the high jump.

He saved one of his best performances for last, teaming up with Malachi Chapa, Lincoln Wagner, and Sawyer Rudat to smash the CMS record in the 4 x 2 at the Cascade League Championships in their final middle school meet.

In school Simpson favors history and PE classes, while the tunes of Steve Lacy and Michael Jackson are his musical go-to, and remaining busy is the name of the game.

“Staying active throughout the year (is big), hanging out with friends on some of the long bus rides,” he said. “And having goals to work towards.”

That includes putting in time shooting hoops and taking part in strength training, as well as spending time with his grandparents, helping neighbors with yard work, and ramping up his reading.

“I like being active and keeping busy,” Simpson said.

As he prepares for his launch into high school, where he will follow in the footsteps of big sis Laken, a Wolf cheerleader and track athlete, River is looking at the complete picture on what’s working, and where he can grow.

“I think my strengths are the ability to work through obstacles,” he said. “And I think I could work on supporting my teammates more.

“My dad, he pushed me since I was little to work hard if I want to compete in any sport,” Simpson added.

“My mom always supported me coming to all my home games and cheering me on. And Coach Alex (Evans), he helped me gain confidence in basketball and believed in me.”

Dropping bombs from behind the arc.

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Queen, Simpson pace CMS in track opener

Posted in Middle School, Track, tagged , , , , , on April 29, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Wolf 8th grader River Simpson picked up three wins Wednesday in the middle school track season opener, giving him 15 for his career. (Photo courtesy Rainy Simpson)

As season debuts go, this one was pretty flawless.

Coupeville 7th grader Les Queen, already an accomplished basketball player, competed in his first middle school track and field meet of the spring Wednesday and promptly won all four events he participated in.

Coming out on top in the 200, 400, discus, and as a member of a 4 x 100 relay squad, the lanky Wolf was one of 25 CHS athletes to nab a victory while clashing with visiting Sultan and Northshore Christian.

Also making a big early impact was 8th grader River Simpson, a triple winner in the 200, long jump, and 4 x 2, while Laurel Crowder, Henry Purdue, Sarai Dangerfield, Malachi Chapa, Kaleigha Millison, Liam Stoner, and Jesse Kehoe each picked up two first-place finishes.

Defending its home turf in style, Coupeville also stormed to big wins in the team standings.

The Wolf boys racked up 123 points, outpacing Northshore (82) and Sultan (35), while the CMS girls edged NSC 95-78, with Sultan bringing up the rear with 60.

While the points and wins are nice, Coupeville coach Jon Gabelein was also thrilled to see all the PRs rain down.

“Our athletes enjoyed starting their season right here at home,” he said. “I am very proud of the hard work they are doing at practice as it will be this daily effort that allows them to enjoy even stronger abilities.

“Several returning veterans were excited to share that they earned a PR today compared to their best results from last year.

“Being a team of 64 middle school students, their positive attitudes and supporting each other’s participation will keep making our adventures fun and rewarding for everyone throughout the upcoming season.”

Coupeville returns to action next Wednesday, May 6, when it travels to the wilds of Sultan for a rematch with the Turks.

 

Wednesday results:

 

GIRLS:

 

8th grade:

100 — Ava Alford (4th) 15.49; Amira Annunciado (7th) 16.25 *PR*; Claire Lachnit (11th) 16.81; Vicky Quiroga Rivera (14th) 17.89 *PR*

200 — Alford (2nd) 33.18 *PR*; Emma Green (5th) 35.04; Sabrina Judnich (6th) 37.17 *PR*; Quiroga Rivera (7th) 40.31 *PR*

400 — Lachnit (2nd) 1:29.25

800 — Anna Powers (2nd) 2:59.26

1600 — Powers (2nd) 6:28.15

100 Hurdles — Powers (3rd) 21.28; Kaleigha Millison (4th) 22.77

4 x 200 Relay — Lachnit, Judnich, Millison, Addison Jacobson (1st) 2:26.85

Shot Put — Jacobson (3rd) 23-06; Alford (6th) 19-01; Annunciado (7th) 18-06 *PR*

Discus — E. Green (4th) 51-11 *PR*; Lachnit (5th) 51-08; Jacobson (6th) 49-11; Millison (10th) 45-09; Judnich (12th) 45-00 *PR*; Powers (13th) 43-11 *PR*

High Jump — Millison (1st) 3-10

Long Jump — Annunciado (6th) 11-08 *PR*; Quiroga Rivera (10th) 8-10 *PR*

 

6th/7th grade:

100 — Laurel Crowder (2nd) 14.89 *PR*; Josilyn McColl (3rd) 14.93 *PR*; Bella Sandlin (4th) 14.93 *PR*; Mia Goers (8th) 15.91 *PR*; Eden Weeks (11th) 15.97 *PR*; Ava Clark (13th) 16.09 *PR*; Sophia Magdolen (15th) 16.52 *PR*; Ruby Folkestad (16th) 16.78 *PR*; Jasmine Allen (16th) 16.78 *PR*; Daisy Leedy-Bonifas (18th) 17.22 *PR*; Evelyn Merino Martinez (24th) 17.74 *PR*; Emma Roberts (25th) 17.79 *PR*; Dresden Rusch (26th) 18.04 *PR*; Reagan Green (27th) 18.07 *PR*; Dani Halsing (29th) 18.46 *PR*; Milly Somes (31st) 19.88 *PR*

200 — Crowder (1st) 30.69 *PR*; Sandlin (2nd) 32.48 *PR*; Weeks (4th) 34.31 *PR*; Magdolen (5th) 4.55 *PR*; Goers (7th) 35.17; Maja Govorcin-O’Connell (8th) 37.18 *PR*

400 — Sandlin (1st) 1:14.10 *PR*; Magdolen (3rd) 1:20.20 *PR*; Allen (4th) 1:22.85 *PR*; Diana Teran Herrera (7th) 1:34.96 *PR*

800 — Sarai Dangerfield (1st) 4:05.25; Teran Herrera (2nd) 4:06.90 *PR*

1600 — Juniper Dotson (2nd) 6:07.48 *PR*; Dangerfield (3rd) 6:43.85

100 Hurdles — Dotson (1st) 21.18 *PR*; Leedy-Bonifas (12th) 29.19 *PR*; Kolby Johnson (14th) 36.95 *PR*

4 x 100 Relay — Leedy-Bonifas, Dotson, McColl, Allen (2nd) 1:02.53; Goers, Abby Hunt, Folkestad, R. Green (4th) 1:05.86

4 x 200 Relay — Merino Martinez, Dangerfield, Rusch, Clark (1st) 2:32.28

Shot Put — Weeks (5th) 19-10 *PR*; Govorcin-O’Connell (6th) 19-07 *PR*; Roberts (9th) 15-06 *PR*; Rusch (12th) 15-05 *PR*; Clark (17th) 12-09 *PR*

Discus — McColl (4th) 46-11 *PR*; Halsing (6th) 45-01 *PR*

High Jump — Crowder (1st) 4-06 *PR*; Hunt (2nd) 3-08 *PR*; Govorcin-O’Connell (3rd) 3-08 *PR*; Halsing (4th) 3-06 *PR*

Long Jump — Dotson (2nd) 12-00 *PR*; Sandlin (3rd) 11-08 *PR*; Goers (5th) 11-01 *PR*; Allen (8th) 10-09 *PR*; Halsing (10th) 10-04 *PR*; Dangerfield (12th) 9-11 *PR*; Magdolen (13th) 9-09 *PR*; Roberts (13th) 9-09 *PR*; Leedy-Bonifas (16th) 9-06 *PR*; Johnson (26th) 7-05 *PR*; Teran Herrera (31st) 5-06 *PR*

 

BOYS:

 

8th grade:

100 — Aiden Wheat (8th) 13.96 *PR*; Xander Beaman (13th) 14.55; Diesel Eck (16th) 14.64 *PR*; Vincent Alguire (17th) 14.71 *PR*; Maverick Walling (18th) 15.12; Maverick Light (23rd) 17.18 *PR*

200 — River Simpson (1st) 26.26 *PR*; Wheat (4th) 28.59 *PR*; Beaman (5th) 29.28; Jacob Lujan (7th) 33.17

400 — Malachi Chapa (1st) 1:01.22 *PR*; Lujan (3rd) 1:09.83 *PR*

800 — Henry Purdue (1st) 2:27.50 *PR*; Lincoln Wagner (2nd) 2:38.08; Archer Schwarz (5th) 2:49.50

1600 — Purdue (1st) 5:16.06 *PR*; Schwarz (2nd) 5:58.15 *PR*

110 Hurdles — Lujan (1st) 20.80

4 x 100 Relay — Wheat, Beaman, Simpson, Chapa (2nd) 52.00

4 x 200 Relay — Walling, Simpson, Wagner, Sawyer Rudat (1st) 1:58.80

Shot Put — Alguire (1st) 35-09 *PR*; Eck (2nd) 33-11; Rudat (12th) 14-09 *PR*

Discus — Eck (1st) 112-00 *PR*; Wagner (6th) 75-04 *PR*; Light (14th) 45-00 *PR*

High Jump — Chapa (1st) 5-03 *PR*; Purdue (2nd) 5-01 *PR*; Beaman (3rd) 5-00 *PR*; Alguire (4th) 4-10 *PR*; Wheat (6th) 4-08 *PR*

Long Jump — Simpson (1st) 15-11 *PR*; Chapa (3rd) 15-06 *PR*; Wagner (5th) 15-00 *PR*; Walling (9th) 13-01 *PR*; Lujan (9th) 13-01; Schwarz (12th) 12-07; Rudat (13th) 12-06 *PR*; Light (17th) 10-08 *PR*

 

6th/7th grade:

100 — Liam Stoner (1st) 13.63 *PR*; Jesse Kehoe (3rd) 13.74; Logan Dees (6th) 14.75 *PR*; Henry Tierney (8th) 15.12 *PR*; Cyrus Badger (15th) 16.84 *PR*; LJ Schultz (17th) 17.10 *PR*

200 — Les Queen (1st) 28.84 *PR*; Stoner (2nd) 29.26 *PR*; Dees (4th) 31.76 *PR*; Miles Abram (7th) 34.26 *PR*; Badger (12th) 35.98 *PR*; Schultz (13th) 37.02 *PR*; Jackson Coxsey (14th) 42.79 *PR*

400 — Queen (1st) 1:05.96 *PR*

800 — Abram (3rd) 3:09.42 *PR*

1600 — Abram (2nd) 6:16.02 *PR*

4 x 100 Relay — Stoner, Queen, Alton Hansen, Dees (1st) 55.55

Shot Put — Coxsey (5th) 14-08 *PR*

Discus — Queen (1st) 116-00 *PR*; Tierney (5th) 63-03 *PR*

High Jump — Kehoe (1st) 5-02 *PR*; Abram (3rd) 4-0 *PR*; Hansen (4th) 4-0 *PR*

Long Jump — Kehoe (1st) 16-02 *PR*; Stoner (4th) 13-11 *PR*; Dees (5th) 13-08 *PR*; Hansen (6th) 13-05 *PR*; Tierney (7th) 12-11 *PR*; Schultz (17th) 9-04 *PR*

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JV boys juggle roster, win again

Posted in Boys Basketball, tagged , , , , on January 30, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Jayden McManus powers to the hoop. (Duke Kutz photo)

The pieces may change, but the result remains the same.

Coupeville High School JV boys’ basketball coaches Craig Anderson and Jon Roberts welcomed three 8th graders to the roster Friday, with the new hoops stars meshing with their veteran teammates to capture another victory.

Pulling away in the second half, the Wolves bounced visiting La Conner 52-38, claiming the program’s sixth win in its last eight games.

Now 7-2 in Northwest 2B/1B League play, 8-7 overall, the JV wraps its season next Friday, Feb. 6 with a road trip to Friday Harbor.

Friday’s rumble with La Conner had a different look, as 8th graders Kamden Ratcliff, Diesel Eck, and River Simpson made their high school debuts, called up to counteract a roster which has taken a hit in numbers recently.

All three had an immediate impact, combining for 19 points in the win.

The first half of Friday’s showdown was an even battle, with La Conner carrying a 16-15 lead into the first break, before Coupeville knotted things up at 25-25 heading to the halftime locker room.

CHS began to pull away in the third, with six different players scoring during a 16-10 run, before putting the game on ice in the fourth.

Simpson led the way in the final frame, tossing in six of his 13 points, while fab frosh Liam Lawson paced the Wolves with a team-high 14, including hitting eight free throws.

Jayden McManus (8), Ayden Warren (4), Eck (4), Nathan Coxsey (4), Brian Thompson (3), and Ratcliff (2) also tallied points, with Khanor Jump and Trent Thule seeing floor time.

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CMS dribblers win two of three

Posted in Boys Basketball, Middle School, tagged , , , , , on December 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Nico Strong enjoys slicing ‘n dicing the defense. (Julie Wheat photos)

The last road trip of the season went off with a bang.

Playing away from home for the fourth time Tuesday, the Coupeville Middle School boys’ basketball teams won two of three at South Whidbey, claiming the early advantage in the Island rivalry series.

Now, the Wolves finish the 2025 hoops campaign with three straight in their own gym, hosting Lakewood (Dec. 4), Sultan (Dec. 8) and South Whidbey (Dec. 15).

 

How Tuesday played out:

 

Level 1:

Getting double-digit scoring from both Diesel Eck and Kamden Ratcliff, CMS ran the Cougars off the floor during a 50-32 romp.

The win, Coupeville’s second straight, lifts its top squad to 2-3 on the season.

Balanced scoring was the plan, as the Wolves poured in 13 points each in the first, third, and fourth quarters, while spreading the offensive love out between six players.

Eck pounded away for a game-high 17, while Ratcliff popped for 15, with both Wolf gunners racking up points in all four frames.

The dynamic duo was backed by Trey Stewart (9), River Simpson (5), Aiden Wheat (2), and Maverick Walling (2), while Jacob Lujan, Xander Beaman, Darius Stewart, Gracen Joiner, and Colton Ashby rounded out the roster.

The Wolves listen to some words of wisdom.

 

Level 2:

Coupeville’s hottest team captured its third consecutive victory, crunching South Whidbey 41-34 to get to 4-1 on the season.

Gracen Joiner poured in a season-high 18 points, with 10 of those coming in just the third quarter, to pace the Wolves, with Brady Sherman and Xander Flowers each banking in eight in support.

Braxten Ratcliff (3), Nico Strong (2), and Henry Purdue (2) also scored for CMS, with Brayden Grinstead, Mario Martinez, Abel O’Neil, Jack Bailey, Hayden Maynes, Liam Stoner, and Mica McCloskey also in uniform.

 

Level 3:

Coupeville’s only loss of the afternoon, as the Wolves fell 35-24.

Now 1-3 on the season, the third team was led by Liam Stoner, who tossed in a team-high eight points.

Alton Hansen (4), Dreyke Mendiola (4), Mica McCloskey (4), Luke Blas (2), and Logan Flowers (2) also tallied points, with Oliver Miller, Jon Driscoll, Logan Dees, Jack Bailey, Dom Durbin, LJ Schultz, Burke Winger, and Gabe Reed also offering hustle on the hardwood.

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Powers, Wagner pace CMS harriers

Posted in Cross Country, Middle School, tagged , , , , on September 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Anna Powers, seen here last season, is back to lead the CMS cross country squad. (Amber Wyman photo)

A new pack of runners has entered the conversation.

While Coupeville’s high school cross country team has already participated in several meets, Saturday marked the season debut for the Wolf middle school harriers.

The CMS runners took to the trail in Langley, taking part in the 46th annual Carl Westling Invitational, and the young guns made their mark in a 3,000-meter race.

Sparked by top-five finishes from Anna Powers and Lincoln Wagner, the Wolves claimed second place in the boys team standings, and fourth in the girls showdown.

Up next for Coupeville is a trip to Sultan Friday, Sept. 26 for the Return of the Salmon Invitational.

 

Saturday results:

GIRLS:

Anna Powers (3rd) 13:38.26
Sarai Dangerfield (8th) 14:19.88
Claire Lachnit (30th) 16:50.51
Abby Hunt (41st) 18:10.04
Liberty Perez (44th) 19:05.12
Seraphina Williams (51st) 21:01.64

 

BOYS:

Lincoln Wagner (4th) 11:38.80
River Simpson (7th) 11:58.40
Henry Purdue (13th) 12:17.06
Archer Schwarz (14th) 12:17.52
Nicholas Strong (28th) 13:21.76
Les Queen (43rd) 14:24.55
Cole Van Dyke (54th) 14:51.52
Mica McCloskey (56th) 15:13.11
Johnathyn Driscoll (73rd) 16:56.19
Elijah Williams (74th) 16:57.13
Miles Abram (85th) 18:44.74
Hayden Maynes (94th) 19:33.03
Oliver Miller (98th) 21:23.04

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