Check out what is happening with the Orcas High School softball and baseball teams so far this season.
Second-year coach Dan Drake says a talented group of players has returned for the season opener against Friday Harbor on March 12.
Resurrecting the baseball program at Orcas High School has been the focus of third-year head coach Jim Passer.
Rebounding from a rough inaugural 3-12 season, coach Jason Nichols faced the inherit problem of a small team: not enough players often playing unfamiliar positions.
The Viking boys lost in the first round of the 2B Bi-District playoffs on Feb. 14 against Auburn Adventist 84-63, but the 7-7 season overall was really a win.
The Orcas Vikings and the Orcas Booster Club invite all of Orcas Island to come cheer on the Viking Basketball teams as they head into playoff action.
Both Viking teams wrapped up the week with critical wins to move into their final regular season game this week, a non-league contest against powerhouse Auburn Adventist.
On Jan. 20 the Lady Vikings hosted Cedar Park Christian for a 56-42 win. The Vikings employed a stifling full court press, forcing Cedar Park turnovers but were clearly in a shooting funk, ending the half up only 24-13. Viking points from the free throw line helped maintain the lead.
The Lady Vikings basketball team, 2-3 in conference and 5-5 overall, played through the holidays and new year, mixing it up with league, non-league and international teams.
The Viking basketball teams wasted no time jumping into the winter season, with each team cramming four games in the first week of the season.
Head Coach Gregg Sasan smiles as he starts his third year as the girls basketball coach with help from loyal assistants Sada Aschraft, Amber Paulsen and Donna Hall and manager Melanie Flint.
Great coaches preach the “next man up” mantra to inspire athletes to step up and carry the load when called upon.
The Vikings celebrated their first win of the season last Saturday after a 27-26 battle with the Darrington Loggers.
