OLYMPIA — The Neah Bay Red Devils were honored in the state capitol rotunda on Wednesday for their unparalleled excellence on the athletic field and in the classroom by Gov. Jay Inslee and area lawmakers Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, and Rep. Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles.
Van De Wege’s Senate Resolution 8636 recognizes Neah Bay High School on two fronts: The Red Devils won the state football championship last season and the boys basketball state title in 2016, and the school reports a 100 percent graduation and athletic eligibility rate.“What makes these championships even more impressive is to know that these student athletes’ excellence on the field is matched by excellence in the classroom,” Van De Wege said. “They stand as an example to student athletes in communities across our state and across our nation.”
More than 60 Neah Bay residents came to Olympia to be on hand as the lawmakers and governor presented Red Devils’ team members with the resolution in the Capitol Reception Room. Many postponed work on their halibut boats to attend the affair and sing ceremonial songs in honor of the occasion. Also in attendance was state Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon, whose nephew plays on the team.
“More than anything, I’m impressed by how this team achieved both academic and athletic success,” Tharinger said.
“That takes a commitment not only from the students, but their families, teachers and the community. They’ve earned the title of champion in more than a football sense — the entire community is a champion.”
Numerous players have won multiple state championships, including Cameron Buzzell, who has played on five state title teams including a track and field relay race title.
Overall, the team has won four state titles in football over the past six years.
“Nothing gives us greater honor than when you come to celebrate the great success of the Neah Bay community in education,” Inslee said. “I know this has not happened by accident. This happened by commitment and great leadership.”
Neah Bay student-athletes were honored for athletic and academic achievements by elected officials including Gov. Jay Inslee, and area lawmakers Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Dungeness, and Rep. Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, in a ceremony at the State Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday.
