Winter sports are here

By Declan O’Malley

Journal contributor

As winter arrives, Friday Harbor High School gears up for another exciting season of athletics. From basketball courts to wrestling mats, and with cheerleaders bringing energy to every event, the Wolverines are ready to compete across multiple sports. Coaches are optimistic, athletes are putting in the work, and fans can expect plenty of action and school spirit throughout the season.

Boys basketball

Friday Harbor boys basketball is gearing up for another competitive campaign.

“Our goal this season is to find an identity. The earlier that happens, the better the rest of the season will go,” fourth-year head coach Brandyn Pederson said. “The wins and losses will be determined more by us finding our brand of basketball and getting better at that. With our effort being such a big asset, we want to play great defense. The boys have been working hard on that and have shown they’re capable of playing high-level defense.”

Pederson said the team has consistently shown up and put in the work. “Our team’s effort is a high point. We generally don’t have to ask them for more,” he said. “Our challenge is getting comfortable in game situations. Basketball happens quickly, and sometimes you have to rely on instinct. We are working on our basketball instincts.”

FHHS will play close to 20 games this season, and there are several matchups the team is eager for.

“We always look forward to league games because we are familiar with our opponents, and they’re always high-energy, closely scored games,” Pederson said. “A lot of these kids play multiple sports against each other, so I think it’s fun to see them in different settings — whether it be the pitch, the football or baseball field, or a track and field event.”

Girls basketball

December marks the start of the girls’ basketball season at Friday Harbor. This year’s varsity squad, led by head coach Mandy (Baker) Turnbull, will feature 12 student-athletes. The roster includes two seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and an eighth grader.

The Wolverines will open with a tough slate against Class 1A opponents Meridian and Blaine, with the regular season running through February.

Wrestling

Friday Harbor wrestling is preparing for a competitive winter with a roster of nine boys and seven girls. The Wolverines open competition Saturday, Dec. 6, at Mariner in Everett before heading to South Whidbey on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Bremerton on Saturday, Dec. 13. They return home for a Dec. 18 meet, then close out the month on the road at Darrington on Saturday, Dec. 20.

January brings a busy slate with trips to Sultan on Jan. 3, Marysville-Pilchuck on Jan. 17, Stadium High School in Tacoma on Jan. 24 and Longview on Jan. 31. With solid numbers and a full schedule ahead, Friday Harbor looks forward to hitting the mat.

Cheer

Supporting Wolverine student-athletes this winter is the Friday Harbor cheer team, led by coach Ida Rude, who is thrilled with the group’s turnout and participation.

“This season we’re excited to have a full roster of 12 athletes, which is our maximum capacity,” Rude said. “We have eight returners from the fall football cheer season, three athletes who are brand new to the team, and one returning athlete from last year’s basketball season.”

With three complete stunt groups — each made up of four athletes — the team is already off to a strong start. Rude said each cheerleader brings unique strengths, helping create an environment of growth, support and shared improvement.

“I really love the blend of experience and new energy on this team,” she said. “Our returning athletes bring strong, advancing skills, and that creates a great learning environment for our newcomers.”

The team, which will cheer at home games and events, has several goals this year, including advancing stunting skills, boosting crowd engagement and delivering exciting halftime routines.

With a full and spirited roster, they aim to bring a strong, loud and positive presence to every event. Above all, Rude said the focus is on ensuring athletes finish the season proud of their accomplishments — individually and as a team.

With solid numbers and a full schedule ahead, Friday Harbor looks forward to hitting the mat.