Tourney Time!

With the 2013 EHS Alumni Tourney only hours away, here are a couple of remaining tidbits worth sharing:

• Again, because of the ongoing construction at Everett High, the venue and time have changed: we'll be hooping at 1pm at EvCC (just west of 8th & Broadway).  Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to start time to get signed in so we can get things rolling as quickly as possible.
• The double elimination tournament format is mostly unchanged, except that the length of games has been modified from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.  This will hopefully move things forward in a more expeditious fashion.
• It's a good idea to reacquaint yourself with the Tournament Code of Conduct (SEE BELOW).  While we love competing, it's important to remember the goals and mission of this event don't include tirades and blowups on 16 year old HS officials. 
• Again, much thanks to Larry Walker and the EvCC Athletic Department for letting us use the facility today.  We will have access to all basic first floor facilities (bathrooms, locker rooms, etc.), but will need to stay clear of the 2nd floor amenities.  So for those bringing their families and little ones, please keep the kids in the gym.
• Pizza and drinks will be available for sale.
• EHS Blue and Gold will also be selling merchandise, so bring some extra cash if you want to get decked out in the latest EHS gear for 2014.

Good times await; looking forward to seeing everyone today at 1pm!

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Everett High School Alumni Basketball Tournament

Code of Conduct

Mission Statement - To celebrate and positively promote the legacy and tradition of Everett Seagull basketball through the spirit of competition.

Welcome to the Everett High School Alumni Basketball Tournament! As former Seagull players, it was commonly relayed by our coaches that putting on the uniform and competing was a privilege, not a right. Through this lesson, we've all had experiences that collectively bring us together each New Year's Eve to commemorate the wonderful heritage of Everett High School basketball. To this end, it needs to be understood that our ability to play in this annual tournament is a privilege, not a right. Our behavior not only represents our respective graduating classes, but is on display to the current group of Seagull players who look up to the collective example we're setting. More importantly, with friends, family and children in attendance, it needs to be understood that we need to model exemplary behavior.

With this in mind, we require that each player adhere to the following code of conduct.

Each player shall:

• Display sportsmanship, and agree to compete in a manner that exhibits integrity and honesty.
• Adhere to rule decisions made by tournament organizers.
• Respect and abide by a fellow player or official's decision, and agree to refrain from verbal or physical demonstrations against a decision.
• Abstain from using profanity or other disrespectful language.
• Refrain from using unnecessary rough tactics during game play against an opposing player.
• Demonstrate respect for players, coaches, and fellow alumni.

If any player is found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned requirements, Tournament Organizers will require that the player leave the facility immediately.

EHS Alumni Spotlight - David Safstrom

The first time I saw David Safstrom play in person was during the 2007 District Playoffs in a home game against Sedro-Woolley.  I had heard for years about the 7'0" kid that had developed into a legitimate force in the paint, so much so that Lehigh University had offered him a scholarship to attend their school and play Division-I basketball.  I had heard that he had really picked the game up just three years prior to that as a freshman, and that he had spent that time working hard towards developing a post presence.  I was also confused as to how a team with a legitimate big man in WesCo and solid guards in Jake Mattson, Brett Lund, and Brian Barhanovich could have possibly gone through a regular season with a losing record.

Ed note: The narrative intended as criticism towards coaching that was not able to successfully integrate a 7-footer with above-average guard play that should have translated to WesCo domination has been purposefully omitted by the author in this section. 

Yet, because the team competed in the 4A/3A division, they were able to snag a second life and a playoff spot, and had taken full advantage of that by beating Meadowdale 47-36 in their first playoff game, giving them the WesCo 3A Championship.

As the game with S-W began, it was apparent why David would be playing college basketball the following year.  He had 10 blocks in the first eight minutes of the game.  Let me repeat that: HE HAD 10 BLOCKS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MINUTES OF THE GAME.  When fed the ball, he finished efficiently in the post.  David's stat line a the end of the game read comparably to what he did on a nightly basis that season: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 11 blocked shots.  Everett won 53-40, and while their season ended 10 days later in a loss to Meadowdale, it was clear that David had a bright future ahead of him.

David went on to Lehigh, where he played for 4 years and was reliable post presence for the Mountain Hawks, providing a defensive quality that consistently neutralized the opposing team's big man in the Patriot League.  This was highlighted by a trip to the NCAA tournament during his junior season, when his 16th-seeded squad lost to #1-seeded Kansas 90-74.  He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and now is an Automotive Engineer for Bosch back in Michigan, where he's likely the only 7'1" test driver on the payroll.  

David will be with his '07 crew at this year's Alumni Tournament, and will be looking to take back the title they won two years ago from the '03 team that won last year.  David shared his thoughts below on his time as a Seagull, and what that time meant to him.

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EHS Alumni Basketball: What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

David Safstrom: '03-'04 through '06-'07 seasons.

EHS AB:  Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

DS: Up until high school, I always favored playing baseball rather than basketball. However, when I entered EHS as a freshman at 6’7, I decided I should probably start to focus my efforts solely on improving my basketball skills. Shortly after that, I absolutely fell in love with the game and the rest is history.

EHS AB: Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

DS: I began playing with what was the 2007 graduating class when I was a freshman at EHS, including Jake Mattson, Brett Lund, and Brian Barhanovich.  It wasn’t until I was at Everett High that I was on the same side of the court as these guys, as they went to Evergreen and I came up through North Middle.  It was a whole new experience for me to have these great guys in my backcourt.

EHS AB: What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

DS: I think that the most unforgettable moments of my time at Everett always came from the games against Cascade. The rivalry was intense, and I remember that it was almost always one-possession games in the closing seconds. The Everett-Cascade rivalry is something I will always remember from my playing days.

EHS AB: What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High? 

DS: The best team that I was a part of was the 06-07 team, my senior season. Our year definitely had its ups and downs, but we finished strong and went into districts as the number 1 seed.

EHS AB: What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with?  How did you guys fare in those battles?

DS: I will always remember the hard-fought games we had against our cross town rival Cascade. The atmosphere of those games was something I had never experienced before. Fortunately during our senior season, we were able to pull out two wins against the Bruins, both in down-to-the-wire fashion. 

EHS AB: Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

DS: The two best players I recall playing against during my time at Everett were Nathan Lozeau of Marysville-Pilchuck and Tim Diederichs of Snohomish.  The battles we had in the low post are what I remember most.  It is incredible to think back and realize that Wesco had three 6’9”+ future D1 post players in the same graduating class.

EHS AB: Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most?  How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

DS: The player I most enjoyed playing with was Rendel Jones. He was not the most skilled player, but no one could deny how hard he played when he was on the court. The energy that he had on the floor was contagious, and would fire up everyone else around him.

EHS AB: Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull?  What makes that game stand out?

DS: The most memorable game that I played in was the Wesco 3A tiebreaker game against Meadowdale. We had split the series with them earlier in the season, and needed a win to secure the number 1 seed heading into districts. To start the game, Meadowdale did not double-team in the low-post. I took advantage of this by scoring 12 points in the first 4 minutes of the game. From there on out, it was a team effort to hold on and secure the win. It was a great way to head into districts after an up and down season. 

EHS AB: Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

DS: I have learned so much throughout my basketball career, but the one that really sticks out in my mind is my work ethic.  It was when I started playing basketball for Everett that I learned and adopted the mindset that other guys were not going to out-work me. Embodied by the quote; “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”.

EHS AB: If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

DS: The advice that I would give to the current players at Everett would be to always give 100% when you’re on the court, regardless if it is during practice, games, summer league, or even open gym. I was able to transform myself from a player who could barely catch a basketball my freshman year, to a D1 college player. This was not by accident just because I am gifted with height, but because I knew what I wanted and worked hard to achieve it. 

EHS Alumni Spotlight - Michael Hudson

For this edition of the Alumni Spotlight, we're going Hollywood.  Because in doing that, we're bound to find the latest happenings in the live and times of former EHS guard Michael Hudson.  A 2004 graduate, "Huddy" was known on the court for his fluid play, sweet jumper, and athleticism that could translate into a momentum shifting dunk in a moment's notice.  Michael was a key contributor to the 2003 squad, and followed that season with a stellar 2004 campaign where he was the unquestioned team leader.

Following his graduation from the University of Washington, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.  During his time in LA, he's built a solid resume on both the stage and screen.  He recently had the lead role in a West Valley Playhouse production of "Lilies of the Field", portraying the role of Homer Smith that was made famous by Sidney Poitier in the 1963 theatrical version.  He will also be starring in "Ghostline", a full-length feature horror film that will be hitting the big screen in 2014.  It's not often I can link to an EHS alum's IMDB page,or post an actor's head shot like I did above, but I can do just that with Huddy!

In this following interview, Michael talks about battles with Jackson High School,  the memory of hitting a JV game winning buzzer beater, his admiration for his fellow teammates, and what he took from his experience as a Seagull.

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EHS Alumni Basketball - What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program? 

Michael Hudson - 2000-2004

EHS AB - Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?
MH - I was consumed with the game of basketball my whole life; At that point in my life, I wanted the NBA. I wanted "To Be Like Mike". I've always heard of the great traditions Everett High carried so I wanted to be a part of it. I saw John Richer play one year when I was in 8th grade and wanted to be like him!

EHS AB - Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.
MH - I mainly played with the guys one class ahead of me (2003): Vesna Sophan, Brad Allison, Paul Swanson, Tom Sowinski, B-Wick, ...we'd go after it every single day! They wanted what I wanted: to be the absolute best, so I made sure I hung out and played ball with them so I could get better and better. They always pushed me. They were like big brothers to me and when they graduated, I made sure to act like them in their roles for the class of 2005.

EHS AB - What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days? 
MH - One moment my senior year when I dunked against Pilchuck and silenced the Pilchuck student-body. That was cool. But the one that stands out the most though was during my JV season in my Sophomore year when I hit a game winning shot at the buzzer against Mt. Lake Terrace. I remember how fast I got tackled mid-court by all of my cheering teammates and my dad celebrating in the stands. That will always be a touching moment for me.
EHS AB - What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?
MH - I'd have to say that JV team during my Sophomore team was the best I've been on. Yes, it was JV, but the chemistry we had was like that of the Miami Heat nowadays. We just all knew each other so well and Coach Anderson really let us play. I mean, we only lost twice the entire season I believe and we would BLOW OUT teams. We just played so well together and there were absolutely no egos whatsoever. Fun, blue-collard basketball. Back then, we had a rule that "Bubble Players" (Ones who play both JV and Varsity) could only play a certain amount of quarters -- so it saddened me when I could only play a certain number of minutes because I had to play Varsity later.
EHS AB - What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?
MH - Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! I HATED THEM! I swear, every game we played them in it was televised. I did enjoy playing them in their house most especially because they had such a great crowd. Some opposing players who come to mind: Craig Chambers, Chris Keller, the late Johnnie Kirton and the MLB-pro Brent Lillibridge. Man, my blood just bubbles thinking about this guys. I think the win-loss record between us was even.
EHS AB - Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?
MH - By far, my teammate Vesna Sophan. I honestly felt like I was always playing against myself. There was a time where I'd be nervous to go to open gym or practice because I knew I had to play this guy, but I embraced it. I mean, this guy use to KILL ME back in the day. (Of course until I grew into my body more and got my shot down, the killing stopped). The tables have definitely turned today All jokes aside, Vez was my "measuring stick". He probably doesn't know this but I always had a need to prove something to him. And we would train together every day. I honestly improved my game drastically because of him. If Vez hadn't hurt his knee, he'd definitely would have played D-1 no doubt. Love ya, V!
EHS AB - Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?
MH - The teammate I loved playing with the most was Brad Allison. He was great, man! Exquisite passer; High I.Q.; Always knew where you were. He was the truth. His passing ability definitely rubbed off on you when you played with him. He was a quiet/private guy but he was always ready to play which I loved about him.
EHS AB - Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?
MH - The most memorable game I played in would have to be my Sophomore year against Jackson. That was the first game I got serious time with the Varsity. I had a blast playing in that game and I remember tearing up before checking in because I worked so hard to get to that point. (Those tears dried up fast though when Keller hit a 3 in my face It was a wonderful game and even though we lost, I was happy to have played well on both ends of the floor and gain the trust of my Head Coach that I could play on that level.
EHS AB - Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?
MH - I definitely learned to become a better leader; this world needs more leaders and being a part of Seagull Basketball taught me to never fear any moment and to always give your absolute best. Another trait that I picked up was appreciation. You only get to live through high school once. So appreciating everything: the game, your teammates, the coaches, the training staff. Appreciate as if that experience will last forever.
EHS AB - If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?
MH - Enjoy...EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. Practice, games, team dinners, video sessions. Don't take anything for granted! Put everything on the line each game and leave that game knowing that you gave everything you've got. Also, always try to find ways to get better. Never take "no" for an answer! Keep growing not only as a player but most especially as a person. And most of all, stay humble. Remember the tradition you carry. No Fear. No Regrets. All Glory.

Heraldnet.com gives the Alumni Tourney some love!

Much thanks to Herald blogger and EHS alum & coach Bruce Overstreet for the piece he wrote about the Alumni Tournament on Heraldnet.com.  He did a terrific job of capturing what the tournament is all about, and why we keep coming back each and every year.  Be sure to check it out!

Quick note: for those bringing their families on Tuesday afternoon, we will be selling pizza and drinks, so make it a lunch date for the family!  Again, please remember the time/venue change: 1pm at the Everett Community College Fitness Center.

The 2013 T-Shirt Logo(!!!) & Participation Fee Information

First off, it’s worth noting that even in dropping a closegame last night against 4A Mt. Vernon, the EHS varsity squad is off to an exceptional start.  At 5-3, the Seagulls have notched non-conference victories over 4A schools Cascade, Mariner, and Monroe, and are off to a 2-0 in WesCo 3A competition.  Senior Jace Chacon – who has committed to Air Force – has paced the Gulls at around 15 ppg, while Junior guard David Popach has complimented him well with fiery play and steady backcourt production.  The Gulls will be in action again this Friday (12/27) at Lynnwood HS; tip-off is at 7:15pm.  Get out and support the Gulls!

I also wanted to take the opportunity to thank Casey and Erin Rettenmier for their continue assistance with the Alumni Tournament.  Last year, Erin volunteered and took a couple hundred photos of the Tourney, all of which were posted to the blog following the tournament.  Maybe some of us were captured in less-than-flattering positions (I for one was documented just getting blown by on defense, which was funny but semi-depressingJ), but it truly captured the spirit of the event.  Now, the two of them have taken the time to design the logo for this year’s tournament t-shirt, which is what you see above.  It’s a tremendous design, and I’m excited to get my shirt next Tuesday.  So special thanks to Casey and Erin for putting that together, and to Dave Rucker for swinging a killer deal on the t-shirts.  Also, a big thank you to Screen Printing NW, who once again will be getting our shirts printed up for us.  The communal support for this event and the program is pretty incredible.

What has also been wonderful these past couple of years has been the support we’ve shown as EHS Alumni in giving back financially to the program.  Last year, we raised over $500 from the tournament.  These funds go directly into the account for Coach Richer’s program, and allow him the means to purchase items and supplies that directly assist him and his staff, and help offset costs for summer camps/tournaments. 

So as we have done the past several years, we will be asking each of you to contribute a minimum donation of $5 to participate in the Alumni Tournament.  You will be able to do so at the registration table upon entry to EvCC next Tuesday (12/31) prior to the tournament.  Of course, anything you are able to give above this amount is welcomed and appreciated, as it will go directly towards helping the program.  If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions.  Again, we look forward to seeing you all next Tuesday at 1pm at EvCC!

2013 EHS Alumni Tourney - VENUE & START TIME CHANGE

Time to lace ‘em up, fellas!  While I’ll be posting more information shortly, I just wanted to put a “Save the Date” notice out there regarding the 2013 EHS Alumni Tourney.  Because the new gymnasium won’t be ready for occupancy until mid-January, we will have a one-year change in the tournament venue and start time.  Details are as follows:

2013 EHS Alumni Tournament

• When: December 31^st, 2013
• Where: Everett Community College Student Fitness Center (2206 Tower Street – just west of 8^th Street & Broadway)
• Time: 1pm

I’ll come with more logistics later, but make sure this is in your calendar.  I look forward to seeing you all on the 31^st.

Bobby Thompson

EHS Class of 1996

EHS Blue & Gold Club - 10/4 Post-Game Celebrate

Allan White from the EHS Blue & Gold Club passed along the following information regarding an event this Friday night after the Everett-Mountlake Terrace football game. If you have any questions, please call (425) 373-0507.

Celebrate Everett High School

The Blue & Gold Club would like to invite you to join us for good food and drink, great enterainment, and a night of celebrating our School of Champions!

When: October 4th, 2013 (following the 5pm football game

Where: Everett Firefighters Hall (2411 Hewitt Avenue, Everett 98201)

What: Great food and drink, entertainment, and a chance to support the Blue & Gold Club.  Donations greatly appreciated!  All funds raised during this event go directly to classroom grants and student financial assistance. Over 21 only.

EHS Basketball Tailgating Party - Friday January 25th

I would like to pass along the following message to EHS Basketball Alumni from EHS Blue & Gold member Allan White regarding an awesome event Blue & Gold is putting together prior to this Friday's Everett-Marysville Getchell game.

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On behalf of the EHS Alumni Tournament Committee, and The Blue and Gold Board, along with the staff and students of EHS, I would like to thank you for taking part in this year's Alumni Tournament. We had a near record turnout of between 80 and 100 players. And, thanks to your generous contributions, $500.00 was raised for the Boys basketball program! 

The check for $500.00 will be presented by Ross Rettenmier and Bobby Thompson to Coach Richer at the January 25th Boys Basketball game against Marysville Getchell. Prior to the game, the EHS student clubs and team sports are planning a pre-game tailgate gathering to show support for the team in the upper gym starting at 5pm. 

Again, I want to thank you for taking part in this year's tournament and hope that you can make it next year. I also hope to see you and your families at the Tailgater on Jan 25th. 

Sincerly, 
Allan L White Jr. 
V.P., Blue and Gold Board

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As you can take from Allan's note, there will be a Basketball Tailgate that goes from 5-7pm in the upper gym.  Your game admission fee gets you into the event, where there will be tons of food, music, and activity booths for all ages.  So make it a family night and come out to cheer the Gulls to victory!  If you have any questions regarding the event, don't hesitate to contact me via email at bobthompson78@gmail.com.

The Event: EHS Basketball Tailgate
Where: EHS Upper Gym
When: January 25th from 5-7pm

2012 Alumni Tourney - Slideshow

2003-2005 - Alumni Tournament Champions

Behind the sharpshooting of Pat Mattson and some ferocious interior play by Vesna Sophan and Tyler Levin, the 2003-2005 squad emerged as undefeated champions of the 2012 EHS Alumni Tournament, knocking off the 2008-2009 crew by two points in the championship game.  While the '03-'05 crew were the chalk favorites to take home the hardware as the 8-team tournament began, they ran into a tough '08-'09 squad led by Flynn Mattson that was determined to win their first championship.  What ensued in the championship game was a big brother-little brother duel for the ages, with each Mattson brother matching the other with one long range bomb after the other.  In the end, the fresh legs on Paul Swanson ('03) - who made it in time for the championship game after getting off work - proved to be the difference, as the more veteran team prevailed.  Below are the results from the day's action:

1st place - '03-'05

2nd place - '08-'09

3rd place - '91-'97

4th place - '06-'07

5th place - Pre-'88

6h place - '98-'00

DNP - '01-'02, 10

DNP - '11-'12

As this was the last tournament to be held in "The Pit" before the facility gets a facelift this spring, there were many encouraging developments this year that show the tournament getting stronger.  This year marked the first time in nearly a decade that strong alumni participation allowed for an 8-team tournament.  More encouraging was the strong presence of players from the 2000's, as each year from the 21st century was strongly represented.  In comparison to three years ago when there was no alumni participation from the '05-'09 classes, it's wonderful to see the young bucks out there supporting their program (even if it means us older guys have to chase around young athletes full of energy...not so fun:).  

In total, this year's tournament was a great success, and many need to be thanked for their efforts to help keep this community event growing and thriving:

- EHS Blue and Gold Club: Thanks for supporting the event by providing the capacity to reserve the gym from the Everett School District, and for providing the necessary insurance coverage for such an event.  We simply couldn't have the tournament without your support; thank you.

- Ross Rettenmier, Allan White, and Dave Rucker: These members of the Alumni Tournament Committee helped brainstorm ideas and coordinate vital planning details to help make the event a success.  As the point person from a B&G Club perspective and probably the most decorated EHS basketball alumni member in our community, Ross was instrumental in setting up all the logistical details for gym rental and insurance, and helped coordinate the creation of a fundraising letter to help support the basketball program.  Allan was amazing handling the majority of tasks the day of the tournament, including the sign-in table, t-shirt distribution, and concessions.  He also coordinated volunteers that assisted throughout the day who helped make the tourney a success.  Dave spearheaded efforts to make the tournament t-shirt happen by getting a donation of shirts from H&L Sports.  This group has been helping organize the event the past three years, and are passionate about keeping the tradition alive.  If you see them around town, please thank them for their efforts.

- H&L Sports and Screen Printing Northwest: These two local businesses again pledged their tournament support by supplying yet another amazing tournament t-shirt.  H&L donated 100 t-shirts, and Screen Printing Northwest provided the logo design and screen printing.  Please show your support for these entities by giving them your thanks and your business throughout the year.

- Erin Rettenmier: Big thanks to Casey's wife for volunteer to be the tournament photographer for this year's event.  She took some amazing images from the day's festivities, including many gems of me getting beat on defense repeatedly by younger, more athletic players.  These pictures will run on a slideshow on the blog throughout the year, so feel free to stop by and check them out. 

- John Richer & the EHS Varsity Basketball Team: I don't think enough credit can be given to John for his commitment to this year's event.  His willingness to commit his players to the tournament for the entirety of the day's events was vital.  The kids did a WONDERFUL job officiating, and took that responsibility very seriously.  While it goes without saying, John understands the connection between the history of the program and his squad, and the tangible effect it has in showing his players they're part of something that's bigger than themselves.  The community is lucky to have him on board as the program's Head Coach, and I thank him for his dedication to the Alumni Tourney and EHS Basketball.

- The Alumni: Your willingness to come out and compete keeps this tradition alive.  Additionally, your financial contributions will prove helpful to the long-term viability of the program, as over $500 was raised to help support the EHS Basketball Program.

Well, it's a wrap on another year of action.  See you all next year in new and improved "Pit 2.0"!

Bobby Thompson

Class of 1996