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

Alumni Eve

Sam Nunez ('98) has just arrived after making the three hour trek from Portland.  Paul Swanson and Vesna Sophan ('03) are likely blowing up the cell phones of Adam Moore and Pat Mattson trying to lock down their attendance, ensuring that their class is the legitimate favorite to take home the crown.  Byron Lewellen ('96) has his son rebounding as he pumps up 10,000 jumpers tonight.  The Class of '75 may be  having a slumber party at Screen Printing Northwest as they map out the game plan to beat down the young bucks.    Shean Nasin ('92) is getting in his pre-game stretch right about now, gearing up to show the young kids what a true PG is.  Yes, it's Everett High School Alumni Tourney Eve.

The action starts tomorrow (12/31) at noon.  Because of construction, be sure to enter the gym from the Rockefeller Ave entrance.  While we'll review it before play commences tomorrow, below is the Code of Conduct for the tournament.  It is expected that each participant will follow these guidelines, and will be an example of sportsmanship and brotherhood for alumni and current EHS players alike.  If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct or the tournament, please don't hesitate to contact me at 425.314.7983.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow...Go Gulls!

Bobby Thompson

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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.

How Can We Support the EHS Basketball Program?

With the Alumni Tournament only 5 days away, it’s worthy to check in with a couple of bits of information pertaining to both the event and the current program.  First off, the Everett Seagulls will be in action this Thursday night at “The Pit” against Lynnwood in a non-conference tilt.  The varsity game begins at 7:15pm.  If you haven’t had a chance to see the team battle, it would be a worthy way to spend your Thursday evening, so get out and support the Gulls! 

In regards to the Alumni Tournament, I would like to take a moment to remind all participants that we will be requiring a minimum donation of $5 to play.  This amount will get you a tournament t-shirt, and also will offset costs incurred by Blue and Gold for facility usage from the Everett School District.  More importantly, any proceeds that are remaining after meeting the facility cost expense will go directly towards the ASB account for the Boy’s Basketball Program.  Currently the account level is very low and in need of our support.  This fund is utilized by Coach Richer to purchase necessary supplies for his staff/players, to enter the team in spring and summer leagues/tournaments, and will hopefully be a source to help provide current and future players the opportunity to attend summer team camp. 

As was stated at last year’s tournament, this is our opportunity as program alumni to give back financially to a program that has collectively given so much to us in terms of experiences and life lessons.  So while we appreciate whatever each individual is able to provide, it’s my hope that each of us is willing to go beyond the minimum donation level and contribute an amount that can help make a tangible difference as the program moves forward.

To this end, I’m attaching a letter that was created by the Alumni Committee prior to the current season to help solicit support for Coach Richer's program.  The letter was then signed by many former players, including a great number of father/son combinations that have helped contribute to the legacy of Everett High School Basketball.  It is this tradition that has helped create the historic foundation of our program, and can help provide the support to help that tradition grow and flourish over time for current and future Seagull players. 

Hope to see you all at the game this Thursday night, and that you’re all able to participate in the Alunmi Tourney this coming Monday (12/31 @ noon).

Alumni Letter

It's That Time Again!

Let’s get this blog fired up again!  December is upon us, meaning that it’s time to get back in the gym to work that rust off our jumpers and build up some cardio.  The 2012 EHS Alumni Basketball Tournament is only 3 weeks away! 

This is the annual opportunity for Seagull Basketball alums to come back to “The Pit” and lace up the sneakers for few hours of competition and camaraderie with fellow players from the past several decades of Everett Basketball.  But while many of the logistics surrounding the tourney are the same (tourney will take place December 31^st starting at 2pm at “The Pit”), this year’s gathering will certainly have a special feel to the festivities.

First off, this will be the last edition of the Alumni Tourney to take place at “The Pit” in its current formation.  Following the completion of the current basketball season, renovation activities will commence on the facility.  The project – detailed here by The Herald – will see the gym’s configuration shifted from a north-south orientation to an east-west configuration.  The new design will make for a first class facility that will include seating on all four sites of the court. 

While these exciting upgrades are welcomed by students, teachers, and alums alike, it means this will likely be the last time many of us play on the court that carried so much meaning to us over the years, and was home to some of the greatest moments in Seagull Basketball history.  So getting everyone together for this event will be a special time for all that have enjoyed this facility and been a part of its legacy.

Additionally, there’s surely a positive current of change within the Everett Basketball Program.  With new coach John Richer at the help, this season’s squad is currently 2-3, and is playing an extremely competitive and entertaining brand of basketball.  There is a level of commitment and passion from the current group of players that is evident as they compete.  If you are unable to catch a game this season, but sure to get to the gym early on the 31^st, as Coach Richer will be leading his team through a scrimmage in the moments leading up to the Alumni Tourney (more details on this in the coming days).  What will be palpable from the moment you walk in the door is that John and his staff are building a foundation of hard work and commitment throughout the program that translates to a product we can collectively support with pride.

In the coming days, I will provide more details about the tournament, share some information about the current Seagulls’ squad, will reminisce about EHS players of yesteryear, and will also provide ways and suggestions that we can provide support for the program.

Most of all, I look forward to seeing you all on the 31^st.  So free up your schedules and plan to come through! 

I’ll leave you with an image of a player that was not only one of the better all-around players that has come through EHS in the last 20 years, but a guy that undoubtedly had the best in-game hair in school history: Joshua Daniels, Class of ’01.  If you had better in-game style than this cat, send the pic to bobthompson78@gmail.com and we'll give you the love you deserve!