PORT ANGELES — The same amount of pomp, even in an unusual circumstance.
The recent signing ceremony for University of Puget Sound-bound Port Angeles senior Tyler Bowen was the first such event on the North Olympic Peninsula to be held virtually.
More than 30 family members, teammates and coaches and teachers were “out” in force to support Bowen, who will play slot receiver for the Loggers football team.
Bowen and his mom, Kimberly Springfield, along with Port Angeles Athletic Director Dwayne Johnson, were on hand for the signing portion — while following health directives.
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Tyler Bowen signs with Puget SoundApr 22, 2020
“We put our heads together and made this happen with our social distancing rules in place,” Johnson said.
“Kudos and thank you to our Port Angeles School District Educational Technology department head Jarred Blauser and staff plus Principal [Jeff] Clark and staff for their unconditional support of our PAHS student athletes.”
The names and emails of signing day participants were collected and relayed to school technology staff and a large crowd was there to witness Bowen’s big day.
“Coaches current and past from youth to high school were able to commemorate this adventure today,” Johnson said.
“Tyler was able to hear the praise of his efforts from these coaches and the character that he displayed in the classroom and on the field of play.”
Port Angeles High School teacher and coach Dave Uranich congratulated Bowen.
“You get to play on Saturdays,” Uranich said.
Bowen’s Port Angeles baseball teammate Ethan Flodstrom, part of the Roughriders’ No-Fly Zone outfield, was happy to cheer on his centerfield buddy once again.
“I will come watch you play,” Flodstrom, who will play baseball across town at Tacoma Community College, said.
Family members and friends were able to offer their own congratulations and those in attendance could see these faces and experience their emotions together live on the screen.
“It was definitely unique, but very cool to see all his baseball coaches (new and old) football coaches, family and friends all get to experience it together,” Springfield said. “Definitely a first and an unforgettable moment.”
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.