POULSBO — Students return to school next week to resume their pursuit of excellence in the classroom and in athletic competition. Most fall teams have a few practices in, and their strengths and challenges are coming into view. Here are some assessments from North Kitsap and Kingston high school coaches.
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS FOOTBALL
2016 record: 10-1, Olympic League champions.
Coaching record: Jeff Weible’s overall record at North Kitsap is 45-19.
Returning players: Several returners from last season will lead the Vikings this season: Ryan Brooks, All-League offensive linebacker; Kyle Green, tight end and outside linebacker; Connor Ryan, left tackle; Dax Solis, All-League running back; Kai Warren, receiver; and Connor Westby, All-League linebacker.
Season outlook: “While the Vikings lost 27 seniors from last year’s Olympic League Championship team, the cupboards are certainly not bare,” Weible said. “Our JV team only lost one game and our freshmen were undefeated. Many of those players got tons of varsity action and are now ready to step up to more time on Friday nights and continue the strong tradition of excellence on and off the field. With the addition of transferred players Aiden Allsop and Tyler Sloman from Kingston, we should again be favored to compete for a league title and playoff berth.”
Key new starters: While no positions are decided, many young players who have competed all spring and summer are looking to be “the guy” for their position. Sophomore Josh Fisher, senior Joel Ingram, senior Kii Neal, senior Scott Ray, senior Josh Stackhouse and junior Clayton Williams are the front runners for defensive back positions. Junior Aiden Allsop, senior Edmundo Chavez, junior Noah North, senior Tyler Sloman, and junior Riley Solis look to be the ones handling linebacker positions. On the defensive line, senior Daniel DeWilde, junior DJ Schmidt and junior Robbie Shipp look to fill positions left open by graduation.
Schedule: 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Bainbridge | 7 p.m. Sept. 8, Central Kitsap | 7 p.m Sept. 15, Port Angeles | 7:15 p.m. Sept. 21 at Olympic | 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Sequim | 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Bremerton | 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Kingston | 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at North Mason.
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS FOOTBALL
2016 record: 2-8.
Coaching record: Alec Grimm was 2-8 in his first year as head coach.
Returning players: Seniors Adam Charles, RB/DE (5’10”, 185 pounds), Hunter Collins, QB/DE (6’2 “,180), Vidal Hernandez, OL/DL (6’1”, 230), Nathan Knoch, RB/LB (5’11”, 175), Nick Waxon, QB/DB (5’11”, 190); Nathan Wright, RB/LB (5’11”, 185), Hunter Zook, WR/LB (6’, 175); juniors William Dixon, RB/DB (5’8 “,165), Julani Mcginty, RB/DB (5’8”, 165), Nickyle Tucker, OL/DL ( 6’, 220); Jacob Wade, OL/LB (5’11”, 185), Leif Whalen, RB/LB (5’10”, 165) ; sophomores Bowen Price, OL/DL (6’2”, 240) and Garrett Sitting-Dog, OL/DL (5’11”, 230).
Season putlook: “We are continuing to build the football program at Kingston High School,” Grimm said. “We look forward to watching the development of last year’s sophomores and juniors as they take on starting roles on varsity.”
Key new starters: Seniors Stephen Gamble, WR/DB (5’11”, 175), Kinikki Hale, WR/DB (6’, 175), Shane Larson, WR/LB (6’2”, 185), Jonah Pearce, WR/LB (6’, 180), and Josh Troit, WR/DB (5’11”, 160); junior Matthew Reddick, Ol/DL (5’11”, 230); sophomores Shane Baze,OL/DL (6’, 250), Logan Jacobs, OL/DL (5’11”, 230), Philip Uptain, RB/LB (5’11”, 180) and Alex Weathers, WR/DB (5’10”, 160).
Game schedule: 7 p.m. Sept. 1, Sammamish | 7 p.m. Sept. 8, Shorecrest | 7 p.m. Sept. 15, North Mason | 7 p.m. Sept. 22, Mercer Island | 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Port Angeles | 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Olympic |7 p.m. Oct. 13, North Kitsap| 7 p.m. Oct. 20, Bremerton | 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Sequim.
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS SOCCER
2016 overall record: 12-1-7.
Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning players: Captains Maia Larsen and Emily Shipley, Charlotte Bond, Isla Lester, Alaina Marcotte, Mia St. Peter, Chloe Whitbeck, Audrey Zinn, among others.
Season outlook: “Our expectation is to finish in the top three and qualify for the state tournament again,” head coach Greg St. Peter said.
Schedule: 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at Everett | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 12, Kingston | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 14, Bremerton | 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at Bainbridge | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 19 at Olympic | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 21, Sequim | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 26 at North Mason | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 28, Klahowya | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 3 at Port Angeles | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 5 at Kingston | 4 p.m. Oct. 7, Seattle Prep. | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 10 at Bremerton | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 12, Olympic | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 17 at Sequim | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 19, North Mason | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23, Port Angeles.
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS SOCCER
2016 record: 2-14.
Coaching record: Craig Smith has coached the team to the playoffs six times in 10 years.
Returning players: Senior team captains Kaitlin Harper and Georgia Richens; juniors Jennifer Bullard and Aimee Dormaier; sophomore Sophia Pixton.
Season outlook: “My girls’ team will be significantly better than the last couple of years,” Smith said. “We’ve got three girls who transferred in. I think they’re all going to strengthen the team quickly. We’re a pretty young team, we have a decent freshman class this year, a decent freshman class last year and a strong set of juniors. I only have a few seniors this year.
“We’ll be defensive with a counter attack. I think Olympic, North, and Sequim are the teams to beat. Our goal is to make the playoffs — four teams do — and I think we have a legitimate shot at it. and it will be fun to watch this year. We’re young but we’re going to immediately play a very different style of game. We hope to surprise a few people.”
Key new starters: Senior forward Fayth Campbell-Martin, transferring from Bainbridge Island, will bolster the offense on possession; junior Laura Fyrqvist, transferring from Friday Harbor, is very fast and can shoot with either foot; sophomore Sage Modarelli, transferring from Bellarmine Prep, is fast, strong, and aggressive.
Game schedule: 6:45 p.m. Sept. 5, Mountlake Terrace | 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Lynnwood | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 12 at North Kitsap | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 14, Port Angeles | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 19 at Klahowya | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 21, Bremerton | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 26, Olympic | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 28 at Sequim | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 3 at North Mason | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 5, North Kitsap | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 10 at Port Angeles | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 12, Port Townsend | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 17 at Bremerton | 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Olympic | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23, North Mason | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 25, Sequim.
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS VOLLEYBALL
2016 record: 19-3. Won the league title and placed seventh at state.
Coaching record: Tim French is 219-91, overall 423-185.
Returning players: Seniors Tori Carver, Eunice Moran, Erin Pearson, Rae Rosenquist, Olivia Selembo; junior Julianna Benson; sophomore Noey Barreith.
Key new starters: Senior Ami Barreith; sophomore Taylor Clodfelder and Kialey Moon; freshmen Autumn Carver and Riley Rabedeaux.
Season outlook: “This year’s team will combine experience and youth as it works toward consistent play,” French said. “I feel we should compete for the league title and a trip to state. That is always the goal.”
Game schedule: 7:15 p.m. Sept. 7 at South Kitsap | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 12, Kingston | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 14, Bremerton | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 19 at Olympic | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 21, Sequim | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 26 at North Mason | 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Bainbridge | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 3 at Port Angeles | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 5 at Kingston | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at Bremerton | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 12, Olympic | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at Sequim | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 19, North Mason | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 23, Port Angeles | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 28, Olympic League Tournament.
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS VOLLEYBALL
2016 record: 8-8.
Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning players: Natalie Barringer-Mullins, Grace Baze, Lauren Gunnell, Jane Hermanson, Ava McCabe, Cece Mercado, Ryley Tellinghuisen.
Season outlook: “Kingston is looking forward to a solid season this year,” head coach Ed Call said. “We expect between seven and 10 seniors on our varsity roster and hope their experience can be beneficial. We have many younger players that have been playing club select volleyball, so their experience should benefit our team as well. We are looking forward to hosting three foreign exchange students this year. None appear to have tremendous experience, but exchange students seem to really bring teams together.”
Key new starters: Junior Melanie Borson (MB); freshman Morgan Halady (MB).
Game schedule: 2:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at Central Kitsap | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 6, South Kitsap | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 7, Sequim | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 11, Bainbridge | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 12 at North Kitsap | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 14, Port Angeles | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 19 at Klahowya | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 21 at Bremerton | 8 a.m. Sept. 23 at TPCVOB Invite | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 26, Olympic | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 28 at Sequim | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 3 at North Mason | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 5, North Kitsap | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at Port Angeles | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 12, Port Townsend | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 17, Bremerton | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 19 at Olympic | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 23, North Mason | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 28 at North Kitsap.
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS SWIMMING
2016 record: 6-1 league, placed second at district and fourth at state.
Coaching record: “Probably better than .500,” head coach Greg Braun said. “I haven’t got a clue.”
Returning players: Eleanor Beers, Emma Hart, Isabel Hendryx, Izy Iral, Anna Jones, Anna Schroeder, Clair Stone (all of whom swam at state last year), and co-captains Ellen Rhoads and Megan Thomsen.
Season outlook: “NK is looking to better our record in the league, district and state meets,” Braun said. “We posted some meet records at each level. I see us working to [bring those times] a little lower this year. Additionally, we have several special days, like our Halloween Costume Swim, built into our season plan. It can’t be all hard work.”
Key new starters: Layna Hart, Brianna Hoffman, Kyla Schroeder. “There may be others, but I need to see them in the pool and that won’t happen until after the deadline for this information,” Braun said. “Along with new athletes, we are looking to put 30-plus athletes in the water.”
Schedule: 3 p.m. Sept. 12, Klahowya | 3 p.m. Sept. 14, Bremerton | 3 p.m. Sept. 21, Port Angeles | 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Kingston | 3 p.m. Oct. 5, Port Townsend | 3 p.m. Oct. 12: at Olympic | 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Sequim | 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Port Angeles
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS SWIMMING
2016 record: Not available by deadline.
Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning players: Captains Jenna McCollum and Claudia Velie; Haley Berger, Jaden Glammeier, Jordan Glammeier, Meadow Hardcastle, Aunika Kramer, Sydney Nichols, Annelise Pardee, Daisy Pound, Emily Sabin, Whitney Symens and Natalie Steeley.
Season outlook: “Though we have several new swimmers joining us this year, we expect to have a showing at both the district and state meet,” head coach Pam Manix said.
Key new starters: Jenna McCollum.
Schedule: 2:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Bremerton | 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at Sequim | 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at Klahowya | 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at North Kitsap | 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at Olympic | 3 p.m. Oct. 12, Port Townsend | 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at Port Angeles | 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Port Angeles
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS TENNIS
2016 record: 15-0
Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning players: Aidan Adams, Ryan Hecker, Justus Jagodzinske, Ian Lyons, Scott Lyons, Ryland Schmidt, Ryan Singleton.
Season outlook: “Our team has a very solid core of players coming back this year,” head coach Jay DeVries said. “I believe we will be a very difficult team to beat this season.”
Key new starters: “We have a number of very good athletes [competing] for spots on the varsity squad,” DeVries said.
Schedule: 4 p.m. Sept. 5, Bremerton | 4 p.m. Sept. 7, Port Angeles | 4 p.m. Sept. 8, Central Kitsap | 4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Klahowya | 4 p.m. Sept. 13, Chimacum | 4 p.m. Sept. 14 at Olympic | 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at Kingston | 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at North Mason | 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at Sequim | 4 p.m. Sept. 26, Olympic | 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at Port Angeles | 3:15 p.m. Oct. 3 at Coupeville | 4 p.m. Oct. 4, Sequim | 4 p.m. Oct. 6, Kingston | 4 p.m. Oct. 10, North Mason | 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at Bremerton | 8 a.m. Oct. 18-19 2A Olympic League Championships at Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Club.
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS TENNIS
2016 record: 12-3
Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning players: Senior Ian Schmidt, a singles player who went to state last year. “He should be a top singles player in the league,” head coach Jordan Prince said. Senior doubles Dawson Clark and Ethan Sax, and seniors Ethan Griffin and Gianni Nguyen are also expected to be top players.
Season outlook: “We’ve got some high-end talent but overall we’re rebuilding after losing nine talented seniors last season,” Prince said.
Key new starters: Not available by deadline.
Game schedule: 4 p.m. Sept. 7, Olympic | 4 p.m. | Sept. 11 at North Mason | 3:15 p.m. Sept. 13 at Coupeville | 4 p.m. Sept. 15, Sequim | 4 p.m. Sept. 18, North Kitsap | 4 p.m. Sept. 20, Port Angeles | 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at Klahowya | 4 p.m. Sept. 25, Bremerton | 4 p.m. Sept. 26, Chimacum | 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at Sequim | 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at Olympic | 4 p.m. Oct 2, North Mason | 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at Bremerton | 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at North Kitsap | 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at Port Angeles | 8 a.m. Oct. 18-19 2A Olympic League Championship at Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Club
NORTH KITSAP VIKINGS CROSS COUNTRY Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning athletes: Not available by deadline.
Season outlook: “We have a really young team,” head coach Richard Christopher said. “Every day we get a couple [more athletes]. We’ve gone from about 19 to almost more than 30 and it just keeps on growing. We expect roughly 30-35 kids.”
Key new starters: “There’s good experience coming up from middle school and from returning players,” Christopher said. “We’re looking forward to getting our teams to state this year.”
Schedule: 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at Klahowya | 9:45 a.m. Sept. 16 at Port Angeles | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20, Kingston and Sequim | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Bremerton | 4:30 p.m. Oct 4, Olympic and Port Angeles | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at North Mason | 4:30 p.m. Oct 19 Olympic League Championship Meet at Port Angeles.
KINGSTON BUCCANEERS CROSS COUNTRY Coaching record: Not available by deadline.
Returning athletes: The girls team has a strong group of underclass runners returning this season, including Aidan Mills, who qualified as an individual for the state meet last year. Other top returners are Alice Jewell, Claire Larson, Emily Lekberg, Bridget McMahon, Kenzie Rutherford, Montana Thoroughman. The boys team has many returning runners who competed in the state meet last year and will be strong contenders to return to state this year. They include David Anderson, Dylan Chandler, Stefans Lusis, Joshua Miles, Alexander Robertson, Tor Sather, Colin Walmsley, Quinn Walmsley.
Season outlook: “We are very excited about both our girls and boys teams this year because of a large number of returning runners,” Wilson said. “We expect both teams to qualify for the cross country state meet on Nov. 4 in Pasco.”
Key new starters: Not available by deadline.
Schedule: 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at Klahowya | 8 a.m. Sept. 9 at Tahoma | 9 a.m. Sept. 16 at Lakes | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at North Kitsap | 9:30 a.m. Sept. 23 at Bellevue | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27, North Mason and Port Angeles | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 30 at Marysville-Getchell | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Klahowya | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 7 at Lakewood | 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Olympic | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Olympic League Championship Meet at Port Angeles.
2016 record: Not available by deadline.
2016 record: “The 2016 season was very successful for Kingston High School,” head coach Lee Wilson said. “The boys team finished second in the Olympic League, third in the district meet and ninth at the state meet. The girls team finished fourth in the Olympic League and sixth in the district meet — just missing qualifying for the state meet. The top five teams qualified.”
