Alumni Spotlight - John Richer

It would be an understatement to say that the Everett High teams of the late 1990's were rich in guard talent. Players like Tim Bjella, Sam Nunez, and Zlatko Savovic were the foundation of successful teams that made solid runs to the state tournament, and each individual possessed leadership skills that molded their teams to play with a dogged determination that produced highly successful squads. The results cannot be disputed: EHS teams made three straight appearances in the State Tournament from '98-'00.

The unquestioned leader and dominant player of the 2000 team was a guard that was every bit on par with each of the aforementioned floor generals. John Richer was an All-WesCo selection in both his junior and senior seasons, playing the PG/SG positions with a quiet confidence that was infectious to his teams. John was one of the purest shooters that ever came through the program: if he had any daylight between him and a defender, you can bet Coach Haug felt comfortable that the ball was going through the net. That skill set, coupled with a knowledge and ability to play smart, efficient basketball, was the foundation of one of the most recent successful eras in Seagull Basketball history.

Currently, John is a math teacher and coach at Edmonds-Woodway High School, creating a meaningful impact in young lives. Hopefully some day we can get him back on campus at EHS doing the same thing:) Much thanks to John for sharing the following thoughts on his time as a Seagull basketball player:

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

John Richer - I played from 97-00


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

JR – I grew up watching EHS b-ball. I remember the late 1980 teams, the 1990 team that made a run at state. The 95 and 96 teams were fun to watch. I always looked up to those guys. The game was played the right way under Coach Haug. I think that was why my dad (ed. note - legendary coach Joe Richer) was so willing to take me to games. It was good basketball.


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

JR – My class included a great group of guys. Luke French, Lewis Hendry, Casey Price, Mike Swanson, Adam Sowinski, and Steve Limar.


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

JR – The great moments were beyond the games. We always looked forward to practices, team dinners, and hanging out off the court.


EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High? What made you guys great?

JR – The 98, 99, and 00 teams were all great teams. Each year was filled with memorable games which luckily we won quite a few of them. It would be impossible to say which one was better.



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

JR – We had battles with Stanwood my last two years. It all ended with a double OT game loser out/on to state that we pulled out.


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

JR – We ran into some great players at state. Jamal Crawford, Doug Wrenn, Mark Bigelow, Ryan Appleby.


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

JR – My favorite teammate was the rest of the class of 2000. They were an inspiring group of guys and still are.


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

JR – The double OT game against Stanwood sticks out. The Jackson on to state game in 99 was a good one. The Mount Vernon game at state was fun even though we lost. A lot of people went to that game. It was a fun environment to play in.


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

JR - The Seagull program has affected who I am in a great way. It taught me appreciate being a part of something bigger than myself. It provided me with lasting friendships. It placed perspective on winning and losing that has molded how I coach basketball today.


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

JR – I hope today's players simply appreciate being a part off the history of this school and what the basketball program was and still is. I hope they take a slow walk through all of the team pictures, awards, and history of EHS basketball. Gain some knowledge and perspective on those who came before them and the great people the program has produced.

Alumni Spotlight - Byron Lewellen

At about 11:50am every December 31st, I find myself trying to wipe endless amounts of rust off of my jumper and crossover. The start of the Alumni Tourney is only minutes away, and I'm one of many trying to find some consistency in a game that gets far less repetition than it used to. While I never seem to get dialed in for tourney action, I find it to be my favorite part of the day's festivities. It's a time to catch up with friends I played with, watched play, or coached. It's that cameraderie that makes the day special for me.

Inevitably, while there are many faces I know, I always see that face that I'm unfamiliar with, or that looks familiar and can't place. To this end, I thought it might be fun to profile some of these faces: individuals that (to me) embody Seagull Basketball. In the days leading up to the Tourney, I hope to get as many stories out as possible. Again, I'm limited to my contact list, so if you have contact info or ideas for someone to feature, please don't hesitate to contact me via email at bobthompson78@gmail.com.

The first installment goes to Byron Lewellen, a member of the Seagull program from 1992-96. At 6'1", Byron was by no means what someone would deem the prototype power forward. But what he lacked in height, he more than made up for in the intangible department. His relentless work ethic, combined with an unmatched love for team and program, made him the emotional catalyst for each team he played on. He repeatedly took on the task of battling bigs that were consistently a 1/2 foot taller than him, winning those battles more often than not. And if you're matched up with him at the Alumni Tourney, be sure you're gonna catch an elbow or two as Byron tracks down a rebound or beats you to a loose ball. The following are Byron's thoughts via email on his time as a Seagull:

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

Byron - 1992-1996.

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

BL - I didn't pick up a basketball until I played for a gnarly, rag-tag, bottom feeding team at the BG Club in North Everett. It wasn't long until I was saving my $5 per-week allowance and bought my first hoop. Watching my dad hang that hoop up outside of our garage was probably one the proudest moments of my young life. That was my own money hanging up there!

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

BL - I grew up playing ball with Bobby Thompson, Kurt Koshelnik, Craig Anderson, Aaron Taylor (now that I'm thinking about it, there are so many!) and bunch of guys that ended up going to CHS and MPHS.

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

BL - Some of my most unforgettable moments playing include Bobby Thompson doing a back flip underneath the hoop at EdCC because he held on to the rim trying to dunk when we were in the 8th frick'n grade! He nearly killed himself, but besides that, it was pretty cool! There are just too many memories..umm, back-to-back dunks in the Sehome game my senior year was pretty awesome. Sehome went 30-0 that year, but we played them pretty tough. (Jessen) Schilaty's 3pt shot to send us into overtime in our win over Rogers to take 5th in state.

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

BL - The best team that I was a part of was the 1995, 5th in State team. If you were around during this time, you know how special this team was. We were picked 5th in our league and only went seven guys deep. What really made it special wasn't that we took 5th, it was why: to put it simply, we were best friends... family. I've never seen or experienced anything like it since. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950124&slug=2101058

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

BL - Battles... CHS in '95 was pretty tough. We played them 3 times that season, 1-1 reg season, and beat them to go to state out at Snohomish in a district game. They starting line up included 6'7" and 6'10"...we topped out at 6'4". http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950201&slug=2102455

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

BL - Best player...at my position F/C...Mark Spink who played for Sehome and went on to play at Gonzaga. Iyan Walker, CHS, 95.

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

BL - Teammate I enjoyed playing with the most: The Cobra (Chuck Schelle, '95). Who was so humble, worked hard, shot three's, and was one of the most intelligent kids I'd knew in HS. Because of these qualities, he brought out the best in all of us during the 95 season.

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

BL - Most memorable game was our win against Rogers to take 5th. Schilaty came straight down the court and hit an NBA three to put us into overtime. From there, we kicked their ass.

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

BL - When I was a part of the EHS basketball, it meant being a part of a long-standing tradition that included playing with pride, toughness, and class. These are all attributes that I've tried to carry with me into adulthood and pass along to my son(s) and the kids I've coached.

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

BL - Refer to (the last answer).

Alumni Tourney Code of Conduct

During the past couple of years, I've spent considerable time putting together the "play room" I dreamed of having as a kid. Through "in-kind donations" from friends, some low-end purchases, and rummaging through old boxes in my Mom's garage, my dream has become somewhat of a reality. What's resulted in my garage is a space that to some would resemble a run-down community rec center:) I have a 30 year-old ping-pong table, an air hockey machine with a broken scoreboard, a pop-a-shot machine, and a gaming center with the old school 8-bit Nintendo (I'm taking on all comers in Tecmo Bowl and RBI Baseball). The walls are littered with posters from my childhood, including some classic MJ and Barkley wall art. The one piece of photography that has evaded me to this point is this classic image from the '84-'85 NBA season that defines what that era of basketball was all about:

What I admire most about this pic of Dr. J and Larry Legend choking each other out is that it symbolized an era of basketball where teams genuinely despised each other, and would literally duel it out like this if it meant flexing their superiority over the rest of the league. You knew that when the Celtics got together with either the Sixers or the Lakers, it was going to be an absolute battle. Best part of this fight: it occurred in a game that took place in November. Can you ever seen LeBron and Carmelo getting fierce like this ever, yet alone during the first week of the NBA season? I miss the old school NBA:)

With that, I want to reemphasize my annual reminder about the EHS Alumni Tourney Code of Conduct. Our tournament needs to be more NBA 2011, and less 1984. More about D-Wade and Amare working out a pre-game hug, less about Magic and Laimbeer exchanging cold stares. More about John Wall helping Derrick Rose up after a foul, less about a Bad Boy Pistons' close line to stop a layup. More about the model behavior of Ray Allen, less about the profanity-laced tirades of Charles Oakley.

Prior to last year's tournament, the tournament committee made a commitment that our group would model appropriate behavior for both the current crop of players, and for the families and friends that are in attendance. This is defined by the Code of Conduct (see below). Because really when the tournament is done, what matters is that we were able to get together, reminicse about old times, play hard, and call it a day without any setbacks or injuries. Because no one really cares or remembers who wins it all or what happens, just that we had fun. Kinda like the 2011 NBA.

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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 Baketball 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.

Tourney Time!!!

The Holidays are once again upon us! While this time of the year encompasses all the usual activities – shopping, parties, children’s Christmas concerts, etc. – the month ends with the event that trumps all others – The Everett High School Alumni Basketball Tournament. This year’s tourney will take place 12pm on Saturday December 31st at “The Pit”. While the ’06-’09 team will surely be back to defend their crown, it will again be a time to celebrate the friendships, camaraderie, successes, and tradition that embody the Everett High School basketball program.

Once again, the Everett High Blue and Gold Club (special thanks to Ross Rettenmier, Ross Johnson, and Allan While for their help) has taken the lead in securing the facility for our group’s event. Additionally, much thanks to Head Coach Aaron Nations for his commitment to having his players dedicated to participating in the many facets of the day’s activities (officiating, scorekeeping, set-up and clean-up, etc.).

Because of the giving nature of the aforementioned entities, it is my hope that our Alumni group can reciprocate in giving back to the program and school. We are requesting that each participant make a minimum $5 donation to participate in the tournament. In this climate of state budget deficits, the budget for public education has been decimated and will continue to be cut. As a result, budgets for athletic programs have taken a huge hit. It is my hope that by giving back to the program in this capacity, we are able to help the basketball program in their efforts to provide a quality experience for the kids that want to put on a Seagull uniform. If our donations are able to help a player cover the cost to participate in the program, or help send them to team camp, we know it goes a long way towards ensuring these kids can have the same life-changing experiences we had.

In an effort to further enhance the event, we are also taking steps to make the tournament more of a family-friendly experience. To this end, this year’s tournament will consist of the usual on-the-court action, but will also include concessions (Pizza, drinks, snacks) and basketball activity stations for kids to keep them busy while the adults are battling it out on the court. So plan to bring out your family and friends to witness some great basketball action. Maybe not the run-and-gun style we were all accustom to playing as youngsters, but solid basketball nonethelessJ

We will have more posts coming in the days leading up to the event, so stay tuned for updates. I look forward to seeing you all on the 31st!

Thanks,
Bobby Thompson
Class of 1996

The '06-'09 Gulls - 2010 EHS Alumni Tourney Champs!!!

The 2010 Everett High Alumni Tournament is in the books, and a new champion has been crowned! The young legs of the '06-'09 crew, led by the guard play of Tyler Levin and Jake Mattson and the inside presence of Andy Blacker, knocked off the historically strong '03-'05 group to secure their first Alumni Championship. Going 4-0 on the day, the young kids made it look easy, taking care of three decades of Seagull basketball ('03-'05 twice, '81-'93, '94-'97) en route to the crown. While they came up a bit short, the '03-'05 fellas battled their way through the consolation bracket to get to the championship, highlighted by Vesna Sophan's buzzer beating 3-pointer to knock out the '98-'02 squad. The results are as follows:

1st Place: '06-'09

2nd Place: '03-'05

3rd Place: '94-'97

4th Place: '81-'93

Honorable Mention: Pre-'80, '98-'02, '01-'02 & '04

In all, it was an exciting day at "The Pit", as nearly 70 former players turned out in support of the program. On top of a wonderful day of hoops, the Alumni Community raised over $1,800 over the past week for the Michael Shaler Scholarship Fund, which is beyond excited. Much thanks goes to the following individuals for making the event possible:

• The Alumni Tournament Committee (Ross Rettenmier, Chris Brust, Allan White, Paul Taggart, Dave Rucker, Vesna Sophan, Paul Swanson, Byron Lewellen, Casey Rettenmier): Through meetings and emails, the brainstorming sessions this group had helped make the tourney a success.

• EHS Blue and Gold Club: Thank you for sponsoring the Tournament, and making it an "official" event for the first time:)

• The Everett School District: Thanks for facilitating the meeting sessions that helped troubleshoot some issues from prior tournaments, and making this year's version a viable event we're all proud off.

• Dave Rucker, H&L Sports, and Screen Printing NW: Thanks for donating your time and resources in putting together an amazing Alumni t-shirt; it will be exciting to see guys wearing that shirt around town for years to come!

• Aaron Nations and the EHS Basketball Team: Thanks for your participation in helping with set-up and clean-up, as well as with officiating and running the clock. You guys will be playing in the not-so-distant future, so I hope your involvement strengthened your passion for the program moving forward. Also, much thanks to Coach Nations for getting all the players involved, and for playing such an integral part in making this tournament strong again.

• Ross and Jane Johnson: Thanks for being there (like you always are:) to ensure all the little details of an event are covered; you're awesome!

• Alumni Volunteer Officials: Not a job with lots of glory, but thanks to all of you that were willing to don the whistle and officiate games.

Well, that's a wrap on the 2010 edition! I hope 2011 treats everyone well, and I look forward to seeing you all again around 12 months from now. GO GULLS!!!

Tourney Day!

Time to lace 'em up, fellas! After many months of meetings and planning, the EHS Alumni Tourney will kick off at noon today. For those interested, doors will open at 11am for those that want to come and wipe the rust off of their games (I include myself in that group). Even if you're not there at 11, come early and get signed up, as we'd like to start promptly at noon. We will also have t-shirts to distribute, so if you have a size preference, be sure to arrive early to ensure you lock down the shirt of choice. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone at 425.314.7983.

I haven't mentioned it much on the blog, but today we will make a concerted effort to help promote the Michael Shaler Scholarship Fund. For those that don't know, Michael was an EHS freshman team member that tragically passed away during a Freshman basketball game in Decemeber 1998; he was 15 years old. As a coach of that team and someone that worked with Mike during his middle school playing days, I feel comfortable saying he embodied everything you'd want in not only a Seagull basketball player, but in a young man who was a true leader amongst his peers. He was hard nosed, tenacious, and an absolute physical presence on the court, complemented by an loving and caring nature for friends and family that was endearing to anyone that knew him. While Mike was unfairly taken from us at such an early age, I am tremendously blessed and thankful for the time I shared with him, and will carry his spirit and fight throughout my days.

In the time following his passing, a scholarship endowment was formed in his name. Since 1999, over 20 participants in the Everett basketball program have been awarded the Michael Shaler Scholarship, helping them pursue their post-high school educational goals. It can be said that these players embodied the core characteristics that Michael stood for, and in turn were rewarded for these virtuous traits (you can read more about the scholarship fund here).

I talk about this because as a part of the EHS basketball community, I feel it's our collective responsibilty to help keep this scholarship fund viable, so that Michael's memory is celebrated for years to come. Today we will all have an opportunity to give to this fund, and it's my hope that each of us could, as a minimum, contribute a $5-$10 donation. While this is obviously not a requirement, please keep this in mind as you make your way to "The Pit" this morning; we'll speak more on this before we begin play today.

I also want to thank Michelle Wiley of Everett High School for hosting the Alumni Appreciation Event last night during the Everett-Ferndale game. While it was in direct competition with the Washington-Nebraska game, there were still many alums that made it out, and it was fun to collectively sit back and watch the current crop of Seagulls get down (The Gulls fell 70-58). There was an awesome spread of food, and much fun was had by those that attended. Thanks Michelle!

Alright, 4 hours from tip-off, I look forward to seeing you all today...GO GULLS!

Alumni Tournament Code of Conduct

Finally...it's Alumni Tourney week! Again, just a quick reminder that Alumni Appreciation night is Thursday prior to the Everett-Ferndale game. It's a great chance to catch up with former Seagull players, and catch the current squad in action. Going off of last year's event, there will be a halftime ceremony, as well as gifts for alumni that are in attendance. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to EHS teacher Michelle Wiley at ehsalumnihoops@gmail.com.

In preparation for this year's tournament, one of the issues discussed was a concern that player conduct at the Tournament had worsened over the past few years. Bickering, complaining, and fighting had muddled what had been a steller event in prior years, and as a result, attendance had steadily declined.

In response, a code of conduct has been created to ensure that anyone participating in the tournament also agrees to adhere to a defined code of ethics while participating. It's no secret that we all like to compete, and that competition sometimes brings out of side that we may not be particularily proud of (Lord knows I've surely had my moments:). The simple fact is that negative behavior can no longer be tolerated at the Tourney, and if this is be a viable entity moving forward, participants need to be on board with what has been created in regards to conduct. Below is a copy of what has been created; it will be posted in the gym during the tournament. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,
Bobby

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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 Baketball 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.