Coupeville Sports

“I love the feeling of accomplishment”

June 24, 2026 by David Svien

Zariyah Allen keeps the play alive. (Julie Wheat photo)

Bang.

Zariyah Allen made an immediate impact on the softball diamond this spring, despite having limited previous experience in the sport.

As an 8th grader, she stepped on to the field with a Coupeville High School squad coming off to a trip to state, hefted a bat and promptly earned her way into the starting lineup, lacing hits and scampering around the basepaths en route to helping the Wolves return to the big dance.

Even more impressively, Allen did so while balancing two schools and two sports, as she also wrapped up her middle school track and field career, adding four wins and a league title and school record in the discus.

All in a day’s work for one of the most-talented next gen Wolves, a quietly confident young woman who is winning over coaches and teammates with her commitment and work ethic.

And it’s just the start.

“One of my favorite parts of being an athlete that I strive for is the good feeling and satisfaction that I get when I get a good contact on a ball or a perfect swish or a nice catch,” Allen said.

“I also love the feeling of accomplishment after a game or a race.”

Older brothers Ezekiel and Isaiah and lil’ sis Jasmine are all strong athletes and students as well, and like them, Zariyah has stayed busy.

A fan of “being outdoors, listening to music, and sketching,” she has played school and club volleyball, basketball, track and field, and softball, and plans to continue with most of them as she makes the official jump from CMS to CHS starting this fall.

An assassin with the bat in hand. (Jackie Saia photo)

The hardest choice will come next spring, when she will likely have to choose between track, where she won 10 times across three middle school seasons, and softball, where she hit at a .500 clip in her debut, rapping out nine hits, scoring 10 runs, and playing rock-solid defense in the outfield as the Wolves went 19-4.

Allen smashed the CMS girls record in the discus, flinging it 95 feet, 10 inches, and was a league champ in the event as both a 6th and 8th grader.

But on the diamond, she often astonished her coaches with how fast she picked up the intricacies of the game.

Maybe softball mastermind Aaron Lucero and track and field gurus Elizabeth Bitting and Bob Martin work out a co-op agreement and share her? Come on people, let’s do this!

For Allen, the easiest choice comes in the fall, when she plays volleyball, which she picks as her favorite of her athletic pursuits, and one she might like to pursue after high school.

“Volleyball is my favorite sport,” she said. “I have learned so much from every season whether it was school or club volleyball.

“I learned how to be coachable and how to be confident in myself, which has helped me in every sport on and off the court or field.

“It’s also just the sport that I am most passionate about.”

Exploring nature’s wonders. (Kelly Powers photo)

Allen, who is also involved in scouting along with her many sports, has proven to be very adaptable, someone who listens to her coaches and takes their input to heart.

“I think my main strength as an athlete is being coachable and willing to adjust, which has really helped me grow,” she said.

“I definitely need to work on coming out of my shell and being loud and confident with new teams and coaches that I’m not entirely familiar with.”

Taking advantage of all her opportunities, Allen has a bright future ahead of her and is committed to reaching her full potential.

“I want to work hard to make as many teams as I can and improve as much as possible,” she said.

“My family, coaches, and teammates throughout my sports career have had such a large impact on me, encouraging me when times were tough.

“Every one of them has helped me to become the person I am today.”

Posted in Softball, Volleyball | Tagged CHS Wolves, freshman, scouting, Softball, track and field, volleyball, Zariyah Allen | Leave a Comment »

“He will be fondly remembered”

June 23, 2026 by David Svien

Bob Clay

Bob Clay was truly one of the good guys of Cow Town.

He might have been born in a different state, but he embraced his adopted town and had a considerable positive impact on Coupeville in the nearly three decades he lived here.

When our paths crossed, whether in the aisles at Videoville or in the stands at Wolf games, I always found him to be friendly, kind, and a man of great wisdom.

From his family:

Robert (“Bob”) Clay passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 85.

Bob was born on December 27, 1940, in Portland, Oregon, to Charles and Lois Clay.

He spent his childhood in Portland and graduated from Cleveland High School and earned a BS degree from Portland State University.

Following his education, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

In 1962, Bob married Patria Cameron, and together they raised two children, Diedra and Cameron. He married Marilyn Sherman in 1992.

After retiring from a successful career in the heavy equipment industry, Bob and Marilyn moved to Coupeville in 1998.

Bob quickly embraced his adopted hometown and devoted himself to making it an even better place to live.

He took great pride and pleasure in serving the community he instantly came to love.

An athlete throughout much of his life, Bob brought the same energy and dedication to his civic involvement.

He served on the Coupeville Town Council and was an active member of the Lions Club and supporter of the Boys & Girls Club.

His generosity, steady leadership, and willingness to help others touched many lives.

Above all, Bob was a kind and loving father, stepfather, grandfather, husband, and friend.

He was known for his warmth, integrity, sense of humor, and genuine interest in the people around him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn Clay; daughter Diedra Clay and her husband, Mike McLeod; granddaughters Sofie and Sadie Clay; his dear sister Judy Smith and her husband, John; stepchildren Corrie Chamberlin; Alix and Brandon Roos; Scott Chamberlin and Stephanie Barish; brothers-in-law Vin Sherman and Dale Sherman and Dale’s wife, Liz; and step-grandchildren Alex Cross, Maximillian McLeod, Margaret McLeod, Milo Chamberlin, Thea Chamberlin, and Zayne Roos.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cameron Robert Clay, in 2025.

A commemoration of Bob’s very full life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, 8223 Broadway, Suite 100, Everett, WA 98203.

Please note “Coupeville” on the memo line to support local programs.

Bob’s life was marked by service, kindness, and a deep love for family and community. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Posted in In memory | Tagged Air Force, Bob Clay, Coupeville, in memory, Marilyn Sherman | Leave a Comment »

Girls’ hoops guru steps down

June 22, 2026 by David Svien

Megan Richter has stepped down as CHS varsity girls’ basketball coach. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Family is calling.

After taking a season off for maternity leave, Coupeville High School varsity girls’ basketball coach Megan Richter has decided to step away from the hardwood for good.

For now, at least.

Richter, who has led the CHS program since 2021, left open the option of returning to full-time coaching in the future.

But for now, working full-time as a teacher, joining with husband Bennett to raise two rambunctious young kids, and trying to finish her master’s is a lot, and something had to give at the moment.

“It’s been a pretty hard decision to make and I’m pretty sad leaving,” Richter said. “But I know it’s what’s best for me and my family.”

Richter sent a letter to players and parents Monday, detailing her thought process.

This decision has been incredibly difficult because I have truly loved being a part of this program.

From building the program to working alongside so many dedicated athletes, families, and coaches, these years have been some of the most rewarding of my life.

Watching our players grow as athletes, teammates, leaders, and young women has been a privilege that I will never take for granted.

I want to sincerely thank all of the families, players, assistant coaches, our athletic director, and the community for the support you have given me and this program.

Everything we accomplished was the result of countless people investing their time, energy, and belief into Wolf basketball.

At this point in my life, I feel called to spend more time with my family and be more present with them.

While I am stepping away from the high school program, I will continue to stay involved through CYBA and remain committed to supporting the growth of basketball in our community.

I don’t see this as the end of my coaching journey — just a pause for now. Basketball has given me far too much for me to walk away from it completely.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives and your daughters’ journeys.

The relationships and memories made through this program will stay with me forever.

I am incredibly proud of what we built together and excited to watch the program continue to grow and thrive.

Richter, a three-time CHS Female Athlete of the Year winner, is the #4 scorer in Wolf girls’ basketball history, pouring in 1,042 points while playing between 2006-2010.

After working as a middle school and high school JV coach, she replaced Scott Fox as varsity coach when he stepped down in 2021.

That allowed Richter to follow in the footsteps of her parents, Willie and Cherie Smith, who led the CHS girls’ hoops program from 1994-2000.

Posted in Girls Basketball | Tagged CHS Wolves, girls basketball, Megan Richter, resignation, Scout Smith | Leave a Comment »

Big talent, big dreams

June 21, 2026 by David Svien

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.

Posted in Boys Basketball, Track | Tagged Basketball, boys soccer, CHS Wolves, Michael Jackson, River Simpson, track and field | Leave a Comment »

Great outdoors calls to local Scouts

June 20, 2026 by David Svien

Wolves on the prowl in the great outdoors. (Photos courtesy Kelly Powers)

Never stop moving but leave no trace behind.

A pack of Coupeville athletes were at the front as a local Scout troop ventured deep into the forest recently, covering 10 miles and over 2000 feet in elevation gain.

Allie Powers, who capped the school year by playing a key defensive role for a CHS softball team which went to state, was the senior patrol leader.

Joining her were incoming freshmen Zariyah Allen, Claire Lachnit, and Anna Powers, with the latter two tackling meal planning for the group.

Rounding out Troop 4058 were middle schooler Daniel Powers, who is considering following in his sister’s footsteps as a cross country runner, and Ghengis and Tiberius Carrol, on loan from Florida Troop 313 during their summer vacation.

Scoutmasters Kelly Powers and Matt Lachnit were also on hand.

While out on its trek, the troop explored the crash site of a B-17 bomber, ventured into the cave of a deserted mine, slept while it was in the 40’s and hiked under a blazing sun.

“Allie noted she packed and needed both shorts and fleece-lined jeans!” said Kelly Powers.

While this adventure is in the books, more beckon, as the troop is already planning a future three-day trip in the same region with a further reach.