This Friday, December 6th, Port Townsend High School will host a unique wrestling meet that begins with an all-school assembly at 2:20 PM in the Main Gym. The entire student body will fill the stands to cheer on the Rivals team of Port Townsend and Chimacum High Schools as they take on Sequim in a high-energy event showcasing perseverance, grit, and determination both on and off the mat.
Wrestling is often called one of the toughest sports, requiring not only physical strength but also mental fortitude. Assistant Coach Ryan White emphasized how these lessons extend far beyond the mat. "In wrestling, everyone wins and loses," he said. "Learning how to deal with both are great character-building moments. I’ve watched our athletes get back up after setbacks—in the room, in matches, and in life. That resilience is inspiring and will serve them well in everything they do."
Building Skills for Life
At its core, wrestling challenges athletes to develop qualities that are valuable in all areas of life. Coach White explained how the sport teaches students to show up on time, be accountable for their actions, and work hard every day. “To be really, really good at a move or position, you have to practice it every day during the season, sometimes for a few seasons. That’s just like life,” he said.
This season, the Rivals have set an ambitious goal: to send at least 10 athletes to the State Tournament in February, a significant jump from last year’s two qualifiers. The team is already proving that with grit and determination, big goals are achievable. “We have a handful of athletes who could medal at state,” Coach White said. “It’s about staying motivated and putting in the work, day in and day out.”
The Power of Teamwork
While wrestling is often seen as an individual sport, the Rivals team thrives on a strong sense of camaraderie. “Our practices are tough, and our athletes learn to grind as a team,” Coach White said. “It’s incredible to see the support they give each other off the mat as well as on it. At tournaments, when one of our athletes competes, you’ll see their teammates on the sidelines, screaming their heads off in support. That’s what makes this team special.”
Friday’s meet isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of the perseverance, grit, and determination that wrestling instills in its athletes. It’s also an opportunity for students to support their peers and feel inspired by the tenacity and character on display.
An Event to Remember
Coach White hopes the gym will be filled with energy and enthusiasm for this first-ever assembly meet. “Having so many peers in the stands will be incredible for the athletes,” he said. “This idea started as a ‘what if,’ and now we’re about to make it happen. It’s going to be a great experience for everyone who attends.”
Whether you’re a wrestling fan or just looking to be inspired, Friday’s meet is an opportunity to witness more than just competition—it’s a chance to see lifelong lessons in action. Show up, cheer loudly, and let’s celebrate the grit and determination of our Rivals team. See you Friday in the PTHS Main Gym!
Basketball season is here, and excitement is in the air at Port Townsend High School as the Boys and Girls Rivals teams prepare to hit the court. At PTHS, we believe strongly that extracurricular activities like athletics help students excel in other areas of their education, from improving grades and attendance to learning lifelong lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
This year, both teams are led by new head coaches, bringing fresh energy and experience to the program. Boys Head Coach Adam Washburn and Girls Head Coach Ethan Bates are passionate about building strong teams on and off the court, fostering not only athletic success but also personal growth.
Meet Coach Adam Washburn
Adam Washburn steps into his role as Boys Head Coach with years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for sports. Asked why he wanted to lead the Rivals, Adam shared,
"I've always been interested in coaching—literally since I was a kid. Since moving here and getting involved, I’ve really enjoyed helping all the athletes in our community. The athletes—and their families—were really influential in my choice to coach here."
Adam loves watching young athletes grow, not only into strong players but also into successful adults. For him, the values learned on the court translate into life skills:
"We consistently talk about having a competitive focus and paying attention to detail. These skills will be super valuable in their professional lives and help them be better husbands and fathers."
Adam also credited the incredible support of his coaching staff, which includes Alex Little, Colton Worley, Casey Telling, Cameron Botkin, and PTHS legend John Stroeder.
"I can’t imagine there’s a group of coaches that’s better than the staff we have," Adam noted.
Meet Coach Ethan Bates
On the Girls side, Coach Ethan Bates is thrilled to be part of the Rivals program. What excites him most?
"Being part of a team. I’m so inspired by how talented the athletes are. This is a group with so much potential," Ethan said.
For Ethan, coaching is about more than improving skills on the court; it’s about supporting athletes in becoming their best selves. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared,
"This summer, I spoke with my old high school coach at a wedding. It reminded me of how shared experiences in sports stay with you for life. I’m excited to now be in that mentorship role."
Ethan is especially grateful for the collaboration with Assistant Coaches Chris Harris and Jenn Peach-Guzman. Together, the trio brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and a commitment to helping every athlete reach the next level.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are preparing for a season full of challenges and triumphs, with plans to compete at the highest level. Through practices, games, and community events, the Rivals athletes will gain skills that extend far beyond the basketball court.
We invite the PTHS community to come out and support these incredible athletes as they take on the season. Stay tuned for upcoming games featured in each of our newsletters as the Rivals make us proud—on and off the court!
Senior Spotlight: Morgan Hanson's Jazz Band Project
Morgan Hanson, a senior at Port Townsend High School, is bringing the spirit of jazz alive with his unique senior project: forming a majority-student jazz band. Inspired by his love for music and a deep admiration for jazz legends like Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Wayne Shorter, Morgan has set out to create a platform for students to explore this rich and dynamic art form.
Morgan’s project is being mentored by Liz Anderson, a talented local musician with a longstanding connection to the PTHS community. Liz recently served as the piano conductor for the school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, where she and Morgan first met. With her guidance, Morgan has already secured six dedicated members for the band, which is preparing to debut this spring with performances in the school auditorium and at off-campus venues (dates and locations to be announced).
As a drummer, Morgan draws inspiration from not only jazz percussion icons but also the vibrant sounds of Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and the swinging Big Band era. His passion for jazz is contagious, and through this project, he hopes to learn the nuances of leading a band while also fostering connections in the Port Townsend music community.
“I’ve always admired the way jazz brings people together and tells a story through improvisation and collaboration,” Morgan shared. “This project is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and share my love for jazz with others.”
Stay tuned for updates on Morgan’s performances and join us this spring to celebrate the hard work and talent of this remarkable student-led jazz band. Let’s give Morgan and his ensemble the applause they deserve for keeping jazz alive and thriving at PTHS!
- Wednesday, 12.4 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Staff Facilitated Collaboration in the Library
- Wednesday, 12.4 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm: Parent Financial Aid Night in the PTHS Library
- Wednesday, 12.4 at 5:30 & 7:00 pm: Boys JV & Varsity Basketball @ PTHS
- Thursday, 12.5 at 6:00 pm: Girls Varsity Basketball @ PTHS
- Friday, 12.6 at 2:20 pm: "Mat Madness" Assembly & Wrestling Meet @ PTHS
- Monday, 12.9 from 3:30 - 4:15 pm: Faculty Meeting in Mrs. Hageman's Room
- Wednesday, 12/11 from 1:30 - 3:15 pm: Staff Facilitated Collaboration in the Library
- Wednesday, 12.11 at 5:00 pm: Wrestling Meet @ PTHS
- Saturday, 12.14 at 2:30 & 4:00 pm: Boys JV & Varsity Basketball @ PTHS
About Port Townsend High School
Website: https://highschool.ptschools.org/
Location: 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360.379.4520
Non-discrimination statement
Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, 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. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Title IX Officer:
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Shelby Macmeekin
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 379-4501
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
