In the spirit of the Seattle Seahawks “12th Man”, the Friday Harbor boys and girls basketball teams will have their own “Sixth Wolverine”, beginning with their home opener, Saturday, against Bear Creek High School.

Who will that Sixth Wolverine be, you may ask? Well, it’s none other than Clayton Banry, whose commitment and achievements as a volunteer have long been an inspiration to many.

“Clayton is such a special person who’s poured his heart of gold into our community,” said Friday Harbor public address announcer Mike Martin. “Not only does he bleed Wolverine Purple and Gold, but he embodies everything that makes this island so special.”

In addition to a five-year tenure as manager of Friday Harbor’s football and wrestling teams, Banry has volunteered at the Island Convalescent Center, San Juan Community Theater, the Friday Harbor Animal Shelter, and currently volunteers at the San Juan Island EMS.

Banry will be recognized with the school’s “Sixth Wolverines Award” during the break between the varsity girls and boys basketball games, Saturday, in Turnbull Gym. Tip off for the girls is noon, as they face Division 2B Bear Creek in their home opener.

As recipient of the Sixth Wolverine award, Banry will ring a brass bell, donated by West Marine, following the conclusion of the girls game to call the boys team onto the court (similar in spirit to the ceremonial raising of the 12th-Man Flag at CenturyLink Field).

“This is such a great honor,” said Banry’s mother, Deanna.  “He’s in love with this community and volunteering is just his way of showing it.”

The Sixth Wolverine award is co-sponsored by San Juan Pasta Company, which began honoring volunteers that donate time to Friday Harbor’s athletic programs.

At Saturday’s game, the first 200 people through the door of Turnbull Gym will receive a poster featuring a member of the boys and the girls basketball teams, and a “Student Athlete of the Week” will be honored between the first and second quarters of the girls and the boys games.