FORKS — Fifteen teams from around the state competed Saturday and Sunday in the Nate Crippen Memorial Tournament.
Olympic Sporting Goods won the tournament, beating Black Diamond Electric in the championship game. Finishing third were Rip City of Seattle and Port Angeles Swimming Hole.
The Port Angeles AAU won the consolation tournament. Jordan Justus of Olympic Sports Goods was named the most outstanding player of the tournament.
Highlighting the all-tournament team were Forks High graduates Colton Raben, Kasey Ulin (currently the Port Angeles High School head coach) and Marky Adams, who went on to play at Peninsula College and St. Martin’s University.
Gary Johnson with the Port Angeles AAU team won the Nate Crippen Award, given to the player who best exhibits hustle, hard work and sportsmanship during the tournament.
The Quillayute Valley School District allowed the use of its gyms and facilities. Forks businesses sponsoring the event include Forks Outfitter, Forks Motel, Dew Drop Inn, 76/Subway and Carl Windle Guide Service. The Pacific Inn housed referees for the tournament, while Pacific Pizza stayed late for players and fans.
Businesses that sponsored teams include Olympic Sporting Goods, Dilley and Solomon, Ron’s Food Mart, Family Affair Day Care, Carlsborg Station and Black Diamond Electric.
Tournament Co-Director Rick Gooding (along with David Hurn) also thanked volunteers Carrie Echeita, Les Stewart, Bill Cantrell, Kenny Justus, Rhonda Cole, Cathy Johnson, Jolene Price and Jason Robinson. Forks High School students Cort Prose and Braton Armas also helped run the tournament as part of their senior project.
All the proceeds from the tournament go towards scholarships that are presented to graduating seniors at Forks High School in honor of Nate Crippen.
