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Character & Leadership Spotlight: Sedro-Woolley High School

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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION APPRECIATION PREPARATION SELFLESSNESS GRIT ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP HUMILITY COMPETITIVENESS HONESTY CARING CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE TOLERANCE COURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDE SERVICE ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP DETERMINATION CHARACTER EFFORT COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
DESIRE WORK ETHIC COACHABLE TRUST FOCUS GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE     INTEGRITY    

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Sedro-Woolley High School!

SEDRO-WOOLLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Good Judgement

BriEllen Kononen (Sedro-Woolley)
Briellen is an incredible leader who consistently demonstrates good judgment in everything she does. She is encouraging, kind, and strives for excellence, setting a positive example for those around her. Her teammates admire not only her work ethic and heart, but also the thoughtful decisions she makes on and off the field. Briellen carries herself with integrity, represents her team with class, and embodies what it means to be a Cub Strong ambassador for our school. She is truly an amazing human being and an outstanding leader within our community.
Kelly Hawkins
SWHS ASB Advisor/Leadership

BriEllen is a three-sport athlete who balances a demanding competitive schedule while maintaining high academic standards. She consistently does the right things, making smart choices and leading with integrity in the classroom, in competition, and within the school community. Her commitment, accountability, and positive example make her a model student-athlete and a true representative of our Cub Family!
Kevin Owen
SWHS Athletic Director

BriEllen stands out for the way she consistently shows good judgment in moments that matter most. She understands how her actions impact her teammates and the larger school community, and she chooses to lead with responsibility and respect. Whether she is competing, studying, or representing Sedro-Woolley, BriEllen makes thoughtful decisions that reflect maturity beyond her years.
Sarah Dahl
SWHS Assistant Principal

BriEllen is someone others trust because she consistently makes the right choices and leads by example. Her good judgment shows up in how she prepares, how she treats others, and how she responds in challenging situations. She brings calm, focus, and accountability to every environment she’s in. Because of that, people naturally look to BriEllen as a steady and reliable leader.
Rhonda Morgan
SWHS Athletic Secretary

Focus

Jordan Janicki (Sedro-Woolley)
Jordan is everything we ask for in a Cub Wrestler. He is focused, listens with intent, communicates clearly, and approaches every task with full effort. His ability to stay locked in—whether in the classroom or on the mat—sets him apart as an exceptional student-athlete who exceeds expectations at the highest level. Jordan’s focus and consistency elevate every program he is part of, and his positive attitude makes him an absolute pleasure to coach.
Drew Aungst 
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Jordan Janicki is a young man mature beyond his years. He approaches both academics and athletics with seriousness, respect, and a quiet reverence that reflects a curious mind and a determined heart. He consistently treats his peers, teachers, coaches, and other adults with genuine respect. Though he speaks sparingly, he earns the admiration of those around him; when Jordan does speak, others listen, knowing his words will be thoughtful, meaningful, and impactful. He leads by example in all that he does and is, quite simply, an exceptional human being.
Windy Hindman
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Jordan is an extremely hard worker and shows up everyday ready to improve. He is dedicated, hardworking, and consistently applies our coaching, which allows him to improve every time he steps on the mat. One of the main goals of our program is to produce great young men that will be successful well beyond wrestling. Jordan exemplifies that in everything he does. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to coach Jordan, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be successful in whatever comes next. 
Jeff Bajema
SWHS Coach/CMS Teacher

Jordan leads by example with integrity, kindness and good character always. He never boasts about his accomplishments, reflecting honesty, humility and authenticity in the classroom and in athletics. Jordan is a fantastic representative for SWHS!
Aimee Gustafson
SWHS Teacher

As a coach, you couldn’t ask for a better kid to come in during the season and work hard. We knew what we were getting everyday.

As a person, he is an amazing one. Working hard in the classroom and a young adult who is striving to be better every day. I am glad to know him and have him as a role model.
Brady Mast
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Character & Leadership Spotlight: Sedro-Woolley High School

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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSIONAPPRECIATIONPREPARATIONSELFLESSNESSGRITACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIPHUMILITYCOMPETITIVENESSHONESTYCARINGCONFIDENCE
COMPOSURETOLERANCECOURAGEPOSITIVE ATTITUDESERVICEENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIPDETERMINATIONCHARACTEREFFORTCOMMITMENTTEAMWORK
DESIREWORK ETHICCOACHABLETRUSTFOCUSGOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE  INTEGRITY  

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Sedro-Woolley High School!

SEDRO-WOOLLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Good Judgement

BriEllen Kononen (Sedro-Woolley)
Briellen is an incredible leader who consistently demonstrates good judgment in everything she does. She is encouraging, kind, and strives for excellence, setting a positive example for those around her. Her teammates admire not only her work ethic and heart, but also the thoughtful decisions she makes on and off the field. Briellen carries herself with integrity, represents her team with class, and embodies what it means to be a Cub Strong ambassador for our school. She is truly an amazing human being and an outstanding leader within our community.
Kelly Hawkins
SWHS ASB Advisor/Leadership

BriEllen is a three-sport athlete who balances a demanding competitive schedule while maintaining high academic standards. She consistently does the right things, making smart choices and leading with integrity in the classroom, in competition, and within the school community. Her commitment, accountability, and positive example make her a model student-athlete and a true representative of our Cub Family!
Kevin Owen
SWHS Athletic Director

BriEllen stands out for the way she consistently shows good judgment in moments that matter most. She understands how her actions impact her teammates and the larger school community, and she chooses to lead with responsibility and respect. Whether she is competing, studying, or representing Sedro-Woolley, BriEllen makes thoughtful decisions that reflect maturity beyond her years.
Sarah Dahl
SWHS Assistant Principal

BriEllen is someone others trust because she consistently makes the right choices and leads by example. Her good judgment shows up in how she prepares, how she treats others, and how she responds in challenging situations. She brings calm, focus, and accountability to every environment she’s in. Because of that, people naturally look to BriEllen as a steady and reliable leader.
Rhonda Morgan
SWHS Athletic Secretary

Focus

Jordan Janicki (Sedro-Woolley)
Jordan is everything we ask for in a Cub Wrestler. He is focused, listens with intent, communicates clearly, and approaches every task with full effort. His ability to stay locked in—whether in the classroom or on the mat—sets him apart as an exceptional student-athlete who exceeds expectations at the highest level. Jordan’s focus and consistency elevate every program he is part of, and his positive attitude makes him an absolute pleasure to coach.
Drew Aungst 
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Jordan Janicki is a young man mature beyond his years. He approaches both academics and athletics with seriousness, respect, and a quiet reverence that reflects a curious mind and a determined heart. He consistently treats his peers, teachers, coaches, and other adults with genuine respect. Though he speaks sparingly, he earns the admiration of those around him; when Jordan does speak, others listen, knowing his words will be thoughtful, meaningful, and impactful. He leads by example in all that he does and is, quite simply, an exceptional human being.
Windy Hindman
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Jordan is an extremely hard worker and shows up everyday ready to improve. He is dedicated, hardworking, and consistently applies our coaching, which allows him to improve every time he steps on the mat. One of the main goals of our program is to produce great young men that will be successful well beyond wrestling. Jordan exemplifies that in everything he does. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to coach Jordan, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be successful in whatever comes next. 
Jeff Bajema
SWHS Coach/CMS Teacher

Jordan leads by example with integrity, kindness and good character always. He never boasts about his accomplishments, reflecting honesty, humility and authenticity in the classroom and in athletics. Jordan is a fantastic representative for SWHS!
Aimee Gustafson
SWHS Teacher

As a coach, you couldn’t ask for a better kid to come in during the season and work hard. We knew what we were getting everyday.

As a person, he is an amazing one. Working hard in the classroom and a young adult who is striving to be better every day. I am glad to know him and have him as a role model.
Brady Mast
SWHS Teacher/Coach

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Oak Harbor

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tyey

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION APPRECIATION PREPARATION SELFLESSNESS GRIT ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP HUMILITY COMPETITIVENESS HONESTY CARING CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE TOLERANCE COURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDE SERVICE ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP DETERMINATION CHARACTER EFFORT COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
DESIRE WORK ETHIC COACHABLE TRUST FOCUS GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE     INTEGRITY    

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Oak Harbor High School!

OAK HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL

Trustworthy

Emma Whalen (Oak Harbor)

Junior Emma Whalen exemplifies what it means to be a coachable and trustworthy leader. She brings a consistently positive attitude to every practice and match, encouraging her teammates and helping build a strong team culture. Emma listens to instruction, applies feedback immediately, and leads by example through her work ethic and perseverance. Known for her strong character and great sense of humor, she lifts others up and keeps the team energized, even in challenging moments. Active in school leadership and always dependable with responsibilities, Emma has earned the trust of school staff, coaches, and teammates while representing our community, school, and wrestling program with integrity and class. 

Coachable

Cohen Esvelt (Oak Harbor)

Senior Cohen Esvelt embodies what it means to be truly coachable. Throughout the season he consistently showed a willingness to listen, learn, and apply feedback — often making adjustments in real time during practices and games. His attitude, growth mindset, and ability to take constructive coaching and turn it into action set him apart. Cohen’s steady improvement is a direct reflection of his work ethic and his commitment to getting better every day.

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Pioneer Athletics Persons of Distinction

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kook

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Nooksack Valley Athletics

Persons of Distinction – Tami Stacey

Mrs. Stacey is our High School Office ASB Secretary.  Her expertise keeps all our clubs, programs, staff, and students on the right track, whether it’s questions or requisitions. Tami also takes care of all event ticketing, cash bags, as well as working the ticket tables at many events. She is one of those behind the scenes people who many in our community may not know. Those of us here at NVHS know that ASB life would very hectic, and unorganized without her.  Thanks for everything you do Tami!

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Nooksack Valley High School

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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION APPRECIATION PREPARATION SELFLESSNESS GRIT ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP HUMILITY COMPETITIVENESS HONESTY CARING CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE TOLERANCE COURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDE SERVICE ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP DETERMINATION CHARACTER EFFORT COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
DESIRE WORK ETHIC COACHABLE TRUST FOCUS GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE     INTEGRITY    

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Nooksack Valley High School!

NOOKSACK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

DESIRE

Mina Azzam (Nooksack Valley)

Mina is a senior athlete here in the Valley. Her passion for wrestling is on display year round. She is constantly working to be the best she can be and hone her craft.

As a podium finisher last year in the Heavyweight class at The WIAA Mat Classic taking 4th place, Mina has dedicated her off season for even higher ambitions. She is a very respected athlete by her teammates and county opponents.  Students and staff alike at NVHS appreciate Mina’s cheerful personality, sense of humor and friendly smile.

WORK ETHIC

Gabe Synder (Nooksack Valley)

Gabe is a two sport athlete here at Nooksack. He is strong part of both our Football and Wrestling programs. Gabe puts in countless hours conditioning whether on the mat or in our fitness center.

His strength and size played a key role in the success of our football team this season. He is a fan favorite at our home wrestling meets drawing rousing cheers in his matches.

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Burlington-Edison’s Heigert Reaches 1,000 Point

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Logan Heigert scored the 1000th point of his career on Dec. 29. He is the 7th player to achieve this at BEHS. He now has over 1100 points putting him top 5 in career points at Burlington-Edison

Eric Tripp – District 1 AD of the Year!

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Every year, Athletic Directors around the state honor their colleagues for their service, work-ethic and professionalism. League athletic directors are recognized and chosen as AD of the year.  Those nominations are brought before WIAA district boards around the state to determine who among the finest will be honored at the district level, and ultimately represent their district (6 Districts in Total) at the WSSAAA State Conference.  It is at the state conference where athletic directors annually celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding district athletic directors.  
The Northwest Conference could not be more happy to inform you that Eric Tripp was voted in by the Northwest Conference as our representative and then voted in again by the District 1 to represent us all. Eric will now be one of six Athletic Directors in the state being celebrated. He is now in contention for becoming Athletic Director of the Year in the state of Washington. This will take place at the WSSAAA conference this spring (April 25-28 – @ Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA). 
 
AD Testimonial
 
Today I am officially nominating Eric Tripp for the Athletic Director of the Year for the Northwest Conference. I personally have known Eric for about 8 years. As a coach I was able to watch him operate and as a colleague I have been able to work with him for the last 4 ½ years. It is incredible to see how Eric balances the role of assistant principal and Athletic Director. He is always trying to help advance athletics in the Ferndale Community, and has been an integral part in unveiling the new stadium at the high school. I always enjoy being around people that grind, work hard and make people around them feel supported. It is clear to me that Mr. Tripp does that better than almost anyone I have encountered.
 
Eric goes above and beyond by building strong relationships with coaches, families, and community partners while always putting students first. It is evident that he anticipates challenges before they arise and finds solutions that strengthen programs long term. Beyond game management, I constantly witness Eric advocate for equity, safety, and opportunity across all activities. His leadership sets the tone for a positive, character-driven culture throughout the Ferndale School District.
 
Tripp’s assistant Katie Kruckeberg had some very nice things to say about Eric, “Gosh just that he’s been here since 2016, I’ve been with him since fall of 2017. He loves the students’ athletes and always strives to get them to do their best. He is devoted to Ferndale athletics and a great boss that always lets me give my two cents. I wouldn’t work for anyone else!”
 
Tripp brings more than 24 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, he spent eight years at Humboldt University as the offensive coordinator and assistant head football coach. Prior to that, he served 14 years at Western Washington University as the assistant head football coach and head strength coach. Tripp has also worked as a physical education teacher and athletic director. Notably, he began his career at Ferndale High School as an assistant football coach while completing his student teaching under Vic Randall.
 
 
 

Northwest Conference Coaches Recognized by Seahawks

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Several Northwest Conference (NWC) football coaches were recently honored as Seattle Seahawks High School Coaches of the Week, a recognition that highlights excellence in leadership, character, and commitment to student-athletes. The honored coaches include Ron Lepper (Mount Baker), Jamie Plenkovich (Ferndale), Dalton Schwetz (Burlington-Edison), and Nick Lucey (Squalicum)—each representing the strong football tradition and values of the NWC.

These coaches are known not only for success on Friday nights, but for their daily work mentoring student-athletes in the classroom, weight room, and community. Through accountability, discipline, and teamwork, they emphasize personal growth alongside athletic development, helping players build habits that extend well beyond the game.

Their recognition reflects the core foundations of athletic competition in the Northwest Conference: sportsmanship, integrity, respect, and competitive excellence. By prioritizing the holistic development of student-athletes, Lepper, Plenkovich, Schwetz, and Lucey exemplify what high school football—and the NWC—stands for.

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Lynden High School

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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION APPRECIATION PREPARATION SELFLESSNESS GRIT ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP HUMILITY COMPETITIVENESS HONESTY CARING CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE TOLERANCE COURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDE SERVICE ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP DETERMINATION CHARACTER EFFORT COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
DESIRE WORK ETHIC COACHABLE TRUST FOCUS GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE     INTEGRITY    

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Lynden High School!

LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL

Courage

Madelyn Honcoop (Lynden)

This year, Madelyn Honcoop has shown tremendous courage in joining the swim team for the first time as a junior. Stepping into a brand-new sport takes bravery, especially on a team that’s still growing in recognition, but Madelyn didn’t let that hold her back. From the start, she brought determination, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn that quickly set her apart. In just one season, she has become one of our top freestyle sprinters and a valued member of the team. We’re so excited to see where her high school swimming journey takes her next!

 

Positive Attitude

Luke Van Berkum (Lynden)

Luke Van Berkum is the gold standard for positive attitude on Lynden’s Cross Country team. Despite distance running being one of the most painful and mentally taxing sports to compete in, Luke consistently shows up with a smile and a quick-witted joke to lighten the mood. When Luke is around, the mile cut downs become a little easier and what seemed daunting and impossible before suddenly seems a little more possible. His hard work and positive attitude inspire his teammates and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a Lynden Lion. 

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Meridian High School

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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION APPRECIATION PREPARATION SELFLESSNESS GRIT ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP HUMILITY COMPETITIVENESS HONESTY CARING CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE TOLERANCE COURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDE SERVICE ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP DETERMINATION CHARACTER EFFORT COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
DESIRE WORK ETHIC COACHABLE TRUST FOCUS GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE     INTEGRITY    

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Meridian High School!

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL

LEADERSHIP

Logan Ignacio (Meridian)

“Logan exemplifies leadership through her unwavering dedication, kindness, and consistency. As team captain for the past two seasons in both cross country and track & field, she has set the tone with her actions by cheering on her teammates, welcoming new members with open arms, or offering a congratulatory word at the finish line. She is always seeking ways to grow, not only pushing herself but also setting an example for her teammates as they pursue excellence together. Logan leads with purpose, motivates those around her, and plays a key role in building a cohesive team culture rooted in camaraderie, support, and a shared commitment to improvement.”

Mike Holz
MHS Track and Field/Cross Country Coach
 
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DETERMINATION

Carson Sidal (Meridian)

“Carson Siadal has demonstrated exceptional heart and determination throughout his high school wrestling career. Despite facing opponents with significantly more experience, Carson has consistently shown resilience and tenacity on the mat from the very beginning. His unwavering commitment to the sport and his ability to overcome challenges are truly amazing. A wrestler has a chance to win if there’s time on the clock.  Never giving up, working through injury, sickness and exhaustion, Carson just figures out how to win.  One particle match he was down by 14 points and won by 2.  Carson’s dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to his teammates and coaches alike. It has been a privilege to witness his growth and achievements, and I am confident that his hard work and passion will continue to drive him towards success in the future.”
James Summer
MHS Boys Wrestling Coach
 
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