Get ready, because this week's Playbook is ALL about the grind! We are celebrating 180 middle school wrestlers across our four schools who are learning what it means to be tough, disciplined, and resilient on the mat. We are hyping up the BATTLE IN THE HARBOR middle school district tournament happening next week at Gig Harbor High School (you don't want to miss this!). And we are shining a light on the unsung heroes who make athletics possible—the officials who show up to call fair games and the student managers who keep everything running behind the scenes. These people don't get the applause, but without them, none of this happens. Let's dive in! |
Middle school wrestling in Peninsula School District is thriving. Right now, 180 student-athletes are hitting the mat across our four middle schools—a 10% increase from the last two years. That's incredible growth, and it reflects the dedication of our coaches, the commitment of our athletes, and the support of our wrestling community.
Wrestling is one of the toughest sports out there. It demands physical strength, mental toughness, discipline, and resilience. These young athletes are learning lessons that will serve them long after they step off the mat: how to push through adversity, how to compete with integrity, how to win with humility, and how to lose with grace.
Let's celebrate what's happening at each of our middle schools.
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Head Coaches: David Lawson & Doc Meyers
Volunteer Coaches: Tyler Bennett & Kevin Watkins
Coaches David Lawson and Doc Meyers are in their first year with the Key Peninsula wrestling program, and they have truly done an incredible job. They are bringing spirit to the program, and these kids are FIRED UP. The energy at KPMS is contagious, and it's showing in how the team competes.
The Cougars currently have 37 wrestlers on the roster. The kids are getting better every single day and are really competitive. What is especially impressive is the mix—experienced wrestlers who know the ropes and brand-new wrestlers who are learning the sport from scratch. This balance creates a team culture where athletes push each other and learn from each other. Here is the best part: Key Peninsula is now able to field all 17 weight classes at the varsity level. This is a huge turnaround for the school and for the program. It means every weight class is represented, which gives the team depth and competitive strength across the board!
The coaching staff—Coach Lawson, Coach Watkins, Coach Bennett, and Doc Myers—are incredibly proud of the kids and the work they are putting in. These coaches have so much wrestling knowledge and these kids are eating it up. These athletes truly show Cougar Pride and represent KPMS with solid performances and positive energy. The growth of all the athletes is tremendous, and it shows. The Cougars are putting in the work after school through practices where they are learning new techniques and perfecting the things they know. Let's go Cougars!
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Head Coaches: Joe Haworth & Jess Somers
Volunteer Coaches: Shawn Fernandez & Geoffrey Harben
Kopachuck Middle School has 41 wrestlers this season, and they are building something special. This team is committed to hard work, technique development, and representing their school with pride. What makes Kopachuck especially impressive is the talent on the roster. The team has nationally ranked wrestlers who compete for outside clubs during the off-season. These athletes bring elite-level technique and competitive experience to the mat, and they are raising the bar for everyone around them. But it's not just about the top wrestlers. The entire team is working hard, learning, and improving every day. The coaching staff has built a program that values hard work, technique, and sportsmanship. Kopachuck wrestlers show up ready to compete, and they represent their school with character and integrity.
After finishing their own home dual, Kopachuck wrestlers headed straight to Gig Harbor High School to support the Tides at their first home dual of the season against Silas. These middle schoolers didn't go home—they went to cheer on their high school program. That's the kind of culture Coaches Haworth, Somers, Fernandez, and Harben are building. Wrestling is not just about individual matches—it is about community, support, and being part of something bigger!
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Head Coaches: Justin West & Jeff Mladenich
Goodman Middle School has 50 wrestlers this season! That number alone tells you something: wrestlers want to be part of this program. Coaches West and Mladenich have created an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and part of something bigger than themselves. This season has been about building from the ground up. Many of these 50 wrestlers are brand new to the sport, learning technique, building conditioning, and figuring out what it takes to compete at this level. That is not easy work.
Coaches West and Mladenich focus on what matters most at the middle school level: effort, attitude, and growth. They are teaching wrestlers how to win and lose—which sounds simple but isn't. They are teaching them how to bounce back after getting pinned, how to show up the next day ready to work, and how to support teammates who are struggling. Those lessons stick with kids long after wrestling season ends. With 50 athletes committed to the program, Goodman wrestling is building something sustainable. These wrestlers are learning what it means to be part of a team, to work hard when nobody's watching, and to compete with integrity. That is the foundation that championship programs are built on.
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Head Coaches: Jim Andrews, Brittany Rushing & Steve Andrews
Volunteer Coach: Michael Davis
Harbor Ridge has the largest wrestling program this season, and there is a reason why: the culture Coach Jim Andrews and his staff have built is something special. This is not just about winning matches: it is about developing young people who understand what it means to compete with heart, treat others with respect, and hold themselves accountable.
The coaching staff—Coach Andrews, Coach Rushing, Coach Andrews, and Coach Davis—are invested in the whole athlete. They care about grades, attitude, effort, and character just as much as technique and wins. They are teaching these wrestlers how to handle adversity, how to lead by example, and how to be the kind of teammates others want to compete alongside. That is why Harbor Ridge wrestlers carry themselves differently. They compete hard, but they compete with class.
This team wrestles strong and shows great sportsmanship, but more importantly, they demonstrate leadership on and off the mat. They are the wrestlers helping younger kids learn moves at practice. They are the ones supporting teammates after tough losses.
The Falcons are positioned for a strong finish to the season, and the foundation being built here goes beyond this year's results. This program is developing athletes who will compete at high levels and young people who will lead in their schools and communities. That is what great coaching looks like!
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Thursday, December 12 at 5:00 PM | Gig Harbor High School
All four middle schools will come together for the district championship tournament at Gig Harbor High School. This is the event these athletes have been working toward all season, the chance to compete for a district title and represent their school on the big stage.
The tournament is called BATTLE IN THE HARBOR, and it is going to be incredible. GGX Sports will be on-site producing custom clothing to commemorate the event, so make sure to stop by and grab some gear! Here's the best part: 20% of all proceeds from merchandise sales go directly back to our middle school ASB accounts! When you support the tournament, you are supporting all four middle school programs.
These young athletes have given everything they have this season, and now they get to compete in front of their families, friends, and communities.
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Every game, every match, every competition requires more than just athletes and coaches. There are people working behind the scenes and on the floor who make it all possible—people who don't get the cheers, don't get their names announced, and rarely get thanked. But without them? None of this happens.
This week, we want to celebrate two groups who are absolutely essential to Peninsula School District athletics: officials and referees, and student team managers. These are the unsung heroes who show up, do the work, and make competition possible.
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Let's be real: officiating is a tough job. Officials show up knowing they are going to make calls that half the gym won't agree with. They know that no matter how well they do their job, someone will be upset. And yet, they show up anyway—because they love the game and they believe in fair competition.
Here's what officials do:
- They enforce the rules that keep athletes safe
- They make split-second decisions under intense pressure
- They manage coaches, athletes, and sometimes unruly fans
- They ensure that competition is fair and that both teams have an equal opportunity to win
- They show up early, stay late, and travel across the region to work games
Officials work basketball games, wrestling matches, volleyball matches, football games, soccer games, and every other sport we compete in. They are trained, certified, and evaluated on their performance. They take their role seriously, and they work hard to get calls right.
But here's the thing: officiating is harder than it looks.
When you are watching from the stands, you see one angle. Officials see the whole floor. They are watching for footing, hand positioning, contact, timing, and a dozen other things happening simultaneously. They don't have the benefit of instant replay or multiple camera angles. They make the call in real time, and then they move on to the next play. And yet, officials face criticism constantly. From fans, from coaches, sometimes even from athletes. The job requires thick skin, confidence, and a genuine love for the sport. Not everyone can do it.
Why We Need to Respect Officials
Here is the reality: without officials, there are no games. Period. We don't have enough officials as it is, and when fans treat them poorly, it makes the shortage worse. Officials quit because they are tired of being yelled at, disrespected, and questioned on every call.
So here's what we can do as a community:
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Thank officials before and after games. A simple "thank you for being here" goes a long way.
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Model respect for our student-athletes. When adults treat officials with respect, kids learn to do the same.
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Remember they're human. Officials make mistakes, just like athletes and coaches do. Grace goes both ways.
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Support the profession. If you love the game and want to give back, consider becoming an official. We need you.
To every official who has worked a Peninsula School District game this year: thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for your professionalism. Thank you for making competition possible. You don't get the recognition you deserve, but we see you, and we appreciate you!
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If you have ever been to a game, you have probably seen them—students on the sidelines with clipboards, water bottles, towels, and stats sheets. They are not playing, but they are just as much a part of the team as anyone on the court or mat. They are student team managers, and they keep everything running.
Here's what student managers do:
- Track stats during games (points, rebounds, assists, takedowns, pins—whatever the sport requires)
- Manage equipment (balls, uniforms, water bottles, first aid kits)
- Set up and break down for practices and games
- Keep benches organized and athletes hydrated
- Communicate with coaches about lineups, substitutions, and game management
- Support teammates and keep morale high
It might not sound glamorous, but here is the truth: coaches can't do their jobs without good managers. Managers handle all the details that allow coaches to focus on coaching and athletes to focus on competing. They're problem-solvers, organizers, and behind-the-scenes leaders.
Why Students Choose to Be Managers
Some student managers are former athletes who had to step away from competition due to injury. Others love the sport but prefer contributing in a different way. Some are building skills in leadership, organization, and teamwork that will serve them in college and careers. And some just love being part of a team and supporting their friends. Whatever the reason, student managers bring value that can't be measured in points or wins. They show up to every practice, every game, every team event. They travel with the team. They celebrate victories and support teammates through losses. They're part of the family.
The Skills Managers Build
Being a team manager is not just about carrying water bottles. It is about:
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Time management – Balancing school, team responsibilities, and personal commitments
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Attention to detail – Keeping accurate stats, managing equipment, staying organized
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Communication – Working with coaches, athletes, and officials
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Leadership – Taking initiative, solving problems, supporting teammates
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Resilience – Showing up consistently, even when it's not easy
These are life skills. The student who keeps stats for the basketball team is learning organizational skills that will help them in college. The manager who handles equipment logistics is developing problem-solving abilities that will serve them in any career. The work matters, and it builds character.
Recognizing Our Managers
Student managers don't get their names announced at games. They don't get awards at banquets (though they should). They don't get the cheers or the recognition. But they are essential, and they deserve to be celebrated.
To every student manager in Peninsula School District athletics: thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring. Thank you for doing the work that nobody sees but everybody depends on. You are valued, you are appreciated, and you are part of what makes Peninsula athletics special.
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Athletics is a team effort that extends far beyond the athletes on the field or court. Officials ensure fairness and safety. Managers keep teams organized and supported. Both roles require dedication, professionalism, and a love for the game.
These are the people who make competition possible. They don't do it for the glory. They do it because they care about the game, they care about the athletes, and they believe in what athletics represents.
So the next time you are at a game, take a moment to notice the official making the tough calls. Thank the student manager keeping stats on the sideline. These are the unsung heroes of Peninsula School District athletics, and they deserve our gratitude and respect.
Thank you to every official and every student manager who contributes to our programs. You make this all possible!
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Let’s Go, Peninsula School District! |
Monday, December 8
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Gig Harbor vs Lincoln @ Bowlero Lanes
- 7:00 PM – Girls Basketball V: Gig Harbor @ Capital
Tuesday, December 9
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Gig Harbor vs Capital @ Tower Lanes
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Peninsula vs Lincoln @ Bowlero Lanes
- 3:30 PM – Boys Swim: Gig Harbor vs Central Kitsap @ Gig Harbor Pool
- 3:30 PM – Boys Swim: Peninsula vs North Thurston @ Peninsula Pool
- 7:00 PM – Boys Basketball V: Gig Harbor vs Capital @ Gig Harbor Gym
- 7:15 PM – Girls Basketball V: Peninsula vs Silas @ Peninsula Gym
- 7:30 PM – Boys Basketball V: Peninsula @ Silas
Wednesday, December 10
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Peninsula vs River Ridge @ Hi-Joy Bowl
- 7:00 PM – Boys Wrestling: Gig Harbor @ Lincoln
- 7:00 PM – Boys Wrestling: Peninsula vs North Thurston @ Peninsula
- 7:00 PM – Girls Wrestling: Peninsula vs North Thurston @ Peninsula
Thursday, December 11
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Gig Harbor vs Timberline @ Aztec Lanes
- 3:00 PM – Girls Bowling: Peninsula vs Central Kitsap @ Hi-Joy Bowl
- 5:30 PM – Boys Swim: Gig Harbor vs Capital @ Evergreen State College
- 6:00 PM – Boys Wrestling: Gig Harbor Multi-School Meet @ Bainbridge HS Gym
- 6:30 PM – Girls Flag Football: Gig Harbor @ North Thurston
- 7:00 PM – Girls Basketball V: Gig Harbor vs Lakes @ Gig Harbor Gym
- 7:15 PM – Boys Basketball V: Peninsula vs Mount Tahoma @ Peninsula Gym
- 7:30 PM – Boys Basketball V: Gig Harbor @ Lakes
- 7:30 PM – Girls Basketball V: Peninsula @ Mount Tahoma
Friday, December 12
- 5:00 PM – BATTLE IN THE HARBOR: Middle School District Wrestling Tournament @ Gig Harbor High School
Saturday, December 13
- 10:00 AM – Girls Wrestling: Gig Harbor & Peninsula @ Bremerton Invitational (Bremerton HS)
- 7:00 PM – Girls Basketball: Peninsula @ West Seattle
- 8:30 PM – Boys Basketball: Peninsula @ West Seattle
Sunday, December 14
⚠️ Reminder: Schedules are subject to change. Stay connected with your coaches and team communications for the latest updates!
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Have a story idea or student-athlete you'd like to see featured? Reach out—we'd love to hear from you!
athletics@psd401.net
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The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination, please call the Peninsula School District Educational Service Center at (253) 530-1000 or visit our office located at 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, and ask for one of the following coordinators: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, compliance@psd401.net; Title IX Compliance Coordinator, titleix@psd401.net; 504 Compliance Coordinator, 504@psd401.net; ADA Compliance Coordinator, ada@psd401.net. |
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