PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend’s Alex Heilig has stepped down after two seasons as head football coach of the Redhawks.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation from Port Townsend High School as the head football coach,” Heilig said in a post on the team’s Facebook page. I have chosen to step down from the Redhawks to return to my home town.”
Heilig’s family runs a large cattle ranch near Nogales, Ariz., along the U.S. and Mexico border.
“I would like to thank the people and families of Port Townsend for supporting the program over the last two years,” he added. “Your support and encouragement has had a major impact on the team, the players, and me. Your continued support will be vital to the involvement of players and to helping create people of character.”
Heiling thanked his players for their work and dedication.
“Each of you have put in an immense amount of work to create a successful program I will always cherish our victories, struggles, and more importantly our time laughing together. It has been a blessing to be around athletes that have so much fun with the game.
“Some of the proudest moments of my life were with the Redhawks. I will be forever grateful for the time that I have spent on and off the field leading the Redhawks.”
The school’s Facebook page announced Patrick Gaffney, a recently hired Redhawks assistant coach, will be taking over as head coach. Gaffney is currently the principal at Port Townsend’s Blue Heron Middle School.
“It is with great excitement that we can announce Patrick Gaffney as our new Redhawk football head coach and PTHS Dean of Students,” the post said.
A team meeting will be held in athletic director Lysa Falge’s room (M-301) on the high school campus at 3 p.m. Monday.
All-league squads
FORKS — The Evergreen League has released its All-League softball and baseball teams and Forks is well represented.
Spartans sophomore softball catcher Rian Peters was a first-team All-Evergreen pick behind the plate and was joined on the first-team squad by sophomore infielder Jayden Olson.
Forks junior outfielder Britney Dean was a second-team selection.
Montesano senior Samantha Stanfield was picked as Offensive MVP while Hoquiam sophomore Maddie German was the Defensive MVP.
Montesano’s coaches were the selection as Coaching Staff of the Year. The Bulldogs finished third in state in Class 1A.
On the baseball side, Forks’ senior shortstop Chance Wilson was a first-team All-Evergreen selection.
Wilson hit .522 for the Spartans this spring. He had a pair of hits in the Southwest District 4 All-State Feeder Game at Wheeler Field in Centralia on Wednesday and earned a nomination to play in the All-State Series at Yakima Valley Community College’s Parker Field Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10.
Wilson is going on to play for Shoreline Community College.
The Spartans trio of juniors Joseph Reaume, Brett Moody and senior Reece Blattner were honorable mentiona all-league picks. Blattner is going to play baseball for Centralia College at the next level.
Steinman is MVP
BREMERTON — Five Port Angeles seniors played in the 16th annual Fastpitch Showcase at Kitsap County Fairgrounds last Wednesday.
Olympic League MVP Natalie Steinman earned MVP honors in the contest, hitting a double and a home run with three RBIs as the Nationals topped the Americans 12-11.
All five Port Angeles players tallied hits for the Nationals. Erin Edwards had an RBI single, Callie Hall doubled and Brennan Gray and Sierra Robinson each singled.
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