Bellingham School District – All three Bellingham Public Schools comprehensive high schools earned top-10 placements in the statewide Scholastic Cup standings among more than 60 schools in the 2A classification. Sehome High School claimed 1st place for the eleventh time, while Bellingham High ranked 5th and Squalicum High finished 9th.
BPS high schools have charted notable statistics in the Scholastic Cup standings. Sehome is now an 11-time Scholastic Cup champion and Squalicum is a one-time champion. There have been 30 combined top-five finishes among the Mariners (14), Bayhawks (11) and Storm (5) in the award’s history.
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!
Anacortes Athletics
Person of Distinction – Sarah Davies, Seahawks Athletic Booster Association (SABA) President
Sarah Davies, Seahawks Athletic Booster Association (SABA) President
I would like to proudly recognize Sarah Davies for her unwavering commitment, extraordinary leadership, and tireless dedication to the student-athletes of Anacortes High School. Under her guidance, SABA has continued to thrive and expand its’ impact, ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to succeed – on and off the field.
Just a few of the incredible initiatives supported and enhanced during Sarah’s presidency include:
Support for 22 high school sports teams and over 500 student-athletes each school year
Awarding 6 senior scholarships annually
Organizing Sports Physical Night, offering physicals to athletes at minimal to no cost
Reviving and expanding concessions operations, including baseball and softball—providing clubs with income and student volunteers with community service hours
Launching the Athlete In-Need Scholarship program, in collaboration with Kiwanis
Hosting spirited Sports Kick-Off events
Coordinating a Rooter Bus to the State Football Game
Spearheading the bleacher initiative, allowing AHS to host playoff games
Sarah’s leadership is powered by a deep commitment to our students. She has consistently put their needs first-joining the superintendent’s budget committee to advocate for the preservation of athletic programs during times of financial uncertainty, and attending at least one event for every athletic team to personally support and encourage our athletes.
She also champions and organizes an incredible volunteer force:
100+ concession shifts per season, largely staffed by students earning volunteer hours
20+ volunteers for Sports Physical Night
10–15 volunteers for each Sports Kick-Off
With over $50,000 raised across multiple programs, Sarah’s impact is not only felt in spirit but seen in tangible support for athletes, coaches, and the broader school community.
Sarah Davies is, without question, in it for the kids. Her selfless work ensures that Anacortes student-athletes not only participate, but thrive.
Ferndale Athletics is proud to announce that former Golden Eagle standout Larrabee was honored as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year following an impressive debut season with the Bruins. The Ferndale, Wash., native recorded five top-25 finishes during the 2024–25 campaign and played a key role in helping UCLA capture the Big Ten Championship in their inaugural season in the conference. Larrabee opened the championship with a strong first-round 69 (-1) and contributed counting scores in 22 of 27 rounds throughout the year. He finished the season with a 71.0 scoring average and recorded six rounds in the 60s, underscoring his consistency and impact as a freshman.
While attending Ferndale High School in 2023, he won the Washington 3A state individual title after shooting a 142 (71-71) and besting the next closest golfer by three strokes … was the only competitor to finish under par at the state championship … his title came after he finished fourth at the same event, one year prior … finished in the top five of the 3A boys championship in each of three years playing in that event for Ferndale High School.
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!
BELLINGHAM ATHLETICS
Person of Distinction – Darcy Long
We’d like to spotlight Darcy Long volleyball and basketball scorebook genius. (Center, with Daughters Taylor and Erilyn Brooks).
“Darcy is a great asset to our event management providing professionalism and competence. She knows and cares for our student athletes and is willing to go above and beyond to provide support at our home and often, away events. Darcy is an important piece of our team, we would not be the same without her.”
Brad McKay, Head Basketball Coach
“Darcy is the most dedicated, hardworking, knowledgeable person on our game-day crew. Her expertise and attention to detail are unparalleled. People who attend our events have no idea just how focused and engaged a person has to be to succeed at this task. Darcy handles the demands of the role with ease. In fact, she often assists and trains other people sitting next to her while doing her job! Bellingham High is grateful for Darcy Long”
Chad Larsen, Athletics and Activities Coordinator
Darcy is a person who understands the plight of coaches. I have thrown my energy around at a few different places and I know that the work Darcy does in the gym is Legendary! She calms the air, loves her team, and informs clearly the status of things during the game! I can always trust when I hand her my book, that part of game prep is taken care of! Proud and honored to be in Darcy’s circle!! Congrats to her!
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 Sehome High School!
ANACORTES HIGH SCHOOL
Passion – Jenna Baker
Jenna exhibits passion for competition and plays softball with so much positive energy and joy that it is infectious to everyone on our team. Her motivation for performance is defined by her personal improvement and team improvements. She is our team captain, a leader on and off the field and always the first person to celebrate the accomplishments of others or pick up a teammate that needs a boost. She is an amazing softball player but an even better human being and she makes everyone around her better.
Appreciation – Jayden Greenfield
Jayden “Greenie” Greenfield, the senior student manager for our baseball team, exemplifies the word appreciation. Jayden grew up playing baseball in Alaska and moved to Anacortes during high school. He loves the game but could no longer play. He asked us at the start of the season if we needed a manager and we had no idea what a blessing he would be to our program. His positive energy and infectious attitude raise the level for everyone. On top of that, he really understands baseball which has proven to be invaluable to the players and staff this season.
Today, we celebrate a true leader who has made an indelible mark on our school and community. For 36 years Colin Cushman has led with his heart, demonstrating humility and selflessness in every endeavor. His unwavering dedication to our athletes and programs has inspired countless students to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Collin has been a constant source of support and encouragement. His ability to see the potential in every student and foster a spirit of teamwork and perseverance is truly remarkable.
Thank you, Colin for setting the example for our athletic department. Your legacy of compassion, integrity, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.
James Hayes|Bellingham Public Schools, Director of Athletics and Activities
February 11, 2025 – The Valley honored head Girls Basketball coach Shane Wichers. He will be inducted into the Washington State Coaches Association Girls Basketball Hall of Fame this April. Here is the presentation speech by longtime Assistant Coach and former player for Coach Wichers, Erika Van Dyken. When you see coach Wichs, a huge pat on the back, high five or a quality fist bump! Congrats Coach Wichers!
“Tonight, I have the incredible privilege of sharing some exciting news about someone who has had a lasting impact on our school, our community, and so many lives. It is with great pride that we announce that Coach Shane Wichers has been selected for induction into the Washington State Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame!
This honor is a testament to what so many of us already know—Coach Wichers is more than just a coach. He is a mentor, a role model, and a leader who has dedicated himself to shaping not just great basketball players, but great people. His passion for the game is undeniable, but what truly sets him apart is the way he cares for his players, his teams, and this community.
For 29 seasons, Coach Wichers has led with dedication, passion, and an unwavering belief in his players. His record speaks for itself: he has coached 722 games, 457 of them have been wins, three league titles, four district titles, and two state championships. His success has not gone unnoticed, earning him the title of League Coach of the Year twice, 1A State Coach of the Year in 2021-22, and most recently, the Girls Basketball State Coach of the Year across all classifications in 2023-24.
But beyond the numbers and accolades, Coach Wichers has built something even more meaningful—a legacy. He has inspired, challenged, and believed in those around him, leaving a mark that goes far beyond wins and losses. His energy, his dedication, and his love for the game have made an impact that will be felt for generations to come.
The official celebration will come later, but tonight, we want to take a moment to recognize this incredible achievement and express our gratitude for all that Coach Wichers has done. Shane, we are so proud of you, and we can’t wait to celebrate this well-deserved honor in the near future.
Let’s all give a huge round of applause for Coach Shane Wichers—Hall of Famer!”
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!
Sehome Athletics
Person of Distinction – Maggie Hite
Sehome’s Athletic Department 2024-25 Person of Distinction is our Licensed Athletic Trainer, Maggie Hite. Maggie is kind, relentlessly hard working, passionate and always has a positive mind set. She embodies Sehome’s Core Covenants of Integrity, Respect, Inclusion and Perseverance. She is loved by our students, teachers, coaches and administrators. Nobody I know represents the Sehome community better than Maggie Hite. She is a true Mariner.
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 Sehome High School!
SEHOME HIGH SCHOOL
Focus
“Rebekah sees the play before it happens, stays locked in when the pressure rises, and makes the right call when it counts.“
Kendall Smith
Coach
Good Judgement
“Jackson is a hard nosed competitive young man who does everything we ask of him with no questions asked. He competes like crazy every day and uses the great judgment required to be the captain on the field for our team. He is highly coachable and shows the character needed to be a great citizen of our community.”
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!
Sedro-Woolley Athletics
Person of Distinction – Kathi Cobb
Kathi Cobb has been selected as the 2024-2025 Sedro-Woolley Athletics Person of Distinction, an honor that recognizes her unwavering dedication and service to Cubs Athletics. Whether working in the ticket booth, assisting with event logistics, or taking on countless behind-the-scenes tasks, Kathi’s contributions are invaluable. She selflessly gives her time on weekends, holidays, and every moment in between, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and every attendee feels welcomed. Her commitment goes far beyond the job—she embodies the spirit of community and support that makes Sedro-Woolley Athletics special.
Known for her warm and welcoming presence, Kathi has become a staple of the community, touching the lives of countless student-athletes, parents, and fans. She takes immense pride in helping kids and fostering an environment where everyone feels at home. Her dedication and kindness set an example for others, reinforcing the strong sense of family that defines Cubs Athletics. By recognizing Kathi Cobb as the Athletics Person of Distinction, Sedro-Woolley celebrates not just her hard work, but the heart and generosity she brings to every event! #CubStrong
Testimonials
“Kathi Cobb is my go to gal!! She is always here and very reliable! She has incredible energy always and is kind to all! I can’t do athletics without her AND honestly wouldn’t want to! Thank you Kathi for all your help and hard work!”
Rhonda Morgan
SWHS Athletics Secretary
“I, worked with Kathi for the last 6 years ,she has always been exceptional at her work , always has a simile, with a great attitude. A joy to work with!”
Ron Peterson
SWHS Event Manager
“Kathi Cobb is the first friendly face to greet our students, staff, and community members as they arrive at our sporting events. From her post in the ticket booth at the stadium or at the table in the gymnasium, she spends countless hours welcoming fans with kindness. Even when there are glitches in electronic ticketing or long lines creating frustration, Kathi has a way of easing the moment with her patience and smile. Her positivity makes Sedro-Woolley High School athletic events feel like home.” Ruth Richardson
SWSD Public Information Officer
“Kathi is such a friendly face (at nearly every athletic event). She thoroughly enjoys what she is doing and it is easy to get in the spirit while working alongside Kathi.”
Sarah Dahl
SWHS Assistant Principal
“Kathi is a constant for Sedro-Woolley Athletics! She is someone who consistently puts our kids above all else to ensure that we run successful events. She is kind, empathetic and makes all feel welcomed when attending a Cub contest. I am forever grateful to Kathi and hope she understands just how important she is for our community!”
