Imagine the thrill of a high-stakes game where every point could change the destiny of a team—now picture that excitement rippling through our local sports scene as the Roughriders gear up for an epic season! This isn't just about wins and losses; it's about the heart-pounding journey of athletes pushing their limits. But here's where it gets controversial: hiring a coach from a powerhouse program like this could spark debates on whether big-time experience always translates to small-town success. Stick around, because we're diving into the details that might just surprise you.
Photo: Incoming Roughrider basketball coach Kevin Ruble arrives with an impressive six years of Division I coaching under his belt, including guiding teams to two NCAA Tournament spots, ready to elevate Port Angeles' game.
By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — It's like a celestial lineup shift for the Roughrider basketball squad, as they've secured a head coach whose background is nothing short of legendary.
The Port Angeles athletic department has welcomed Kevin Ruble aboard, fresh from his role with the University of Portland Pilots women's basketball program—a squad renowned for its repeated trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Ruble served as an assistant coach for the Pilots, part of the competitive West Coast Conference, since 2019. Over his six years there, Portland racked up a stellar 95–38 record and clinched two NCAA Tournament invitations. Prior to that, he spent four years as an assistant at George Fox University.
Hailing from a quaint Iowa town, Ruble earned a biology degree from Drake University and dedicated 14 years to the United States Air Force before transitioning to coaching. And this is the part most people miss: his military background might bring a unique discipline and strategy to the team, potentially reshaping how we think about coaching beyond traditional sports pathways.
TENNIS — The Roughrider tennis squad capped off a commendable Olympic League campaign, securing the runner-up spot after a narrow 5–2 defeat to Bainbridge champions.
Breaking down the singles matches:
- Sky Gelder faced a tough 1–6, 0–6 loss.
- Owen Leitz claimed victory with a convincing 6–0, 6–3 win.
- Teig Carlson endured a 1–6, 1–6 setback.
In doubles action:
- Alik Ross and Abe Brenkman went down 0–6, 3–6.
- Brett Manson and Gagan Seera lost 4–6, 2–6.
- Jacob Oberly and Khyler Fowler pulled off an exciting 7–6, 7–5, 10–8 triumph.
- Liam Miller and Jensen Wolfe succumbed 1–6, 0–6.
The Olympic League Tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. Friday at North Kitsap High School, featuring competition from both Port Angeles and Sequim. For newcomers to tennis, think of this as the playoffs where individual skills shine in a high-pressure environment—like a chess match on the court where strategy and endurance decide the outcome.
SOCCER — The chatter has faded, and the spotlight is firmly on tonight's KONP Newsradio broadcast of the Port Angeles girls soccer clash against Sequim.
The Roughriders, boasting an 8–3 league mark, trail North Kitsap by just one game for second place. Meanwhile, Sequim (5–6) is locked in a fierce battle with Kingston for the last playoff berth.
Sequim's defenders will aim to stifle the Roughriders' dynamic "Green M&M" attacking pair—freshman Emma Desjardins, who has netted 17 goals, and sophomore Mariah Traband with 7 goals. As a point of reference, the school record stands at 33 goals in a season, set by former Roughrider Millie Long, illustrating just how elite these scores are in local high school history.
The Roughriders are counting on standout performances from #11 Morgan Politika, #9 Allison Fricker, and #16 Cayleigh Alward to turn the tide.
Sequim fights back with their "Dungeness Goal Rush," spearheaded by senior Kiley Winter (7 goals) and sophomore Ruby Horgan-Moxley (6 goals). Senior Raimey Brewer contributes 4 goals and 7 assists, while junior goalkeeper Lillian Anderson boasts 57 saves and 2 shutouts—a testament to her reliability in goal. This kind of scoring disparity sparks controversy: is it fair to rely heavily on star players, or should teams focus more on balanced squad development?
The kickoff has been advanced to 6:00 p.m. by the Sequim School District. Tune in for the KONP pregame show at 5:30 p.m., spotlighting the Wolves Locker Room Show with interim head coach Vianey Cadenas, alongside seniors Violet Ollerman, Kiley Winter, Hailey Wagoner, and junior Lillian Anderson. (Note: Players featured include Violet Ollerman, Hailey Wagner, Kiley Winter, and Lillian Anderson.)
Following that, the Roughriders Locker Room Show features head coach Dan Horton, senior Allison Fricker, sophomore Mariah Traband, and freshman Emma Desjardins.
Handling the play-by-play commentary will be Oly Archibald and Scott Moseley, an assistant boys coach for the Roughriders.
In parallel, the Roughrider volleyball team will square off against Sequim, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tonight promises to be a night of intense rivalry—imagine the energy of a packed stadium, even if it's just on the radio!
What do you think? Does importing elite coaching experience guarantee triumphs for local teams, or could it overshadow homegrown talent? And in soccer, should we celebrate individual stars or push for more team-oriented strategies? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree, disagree, or have a controversial take of your own?
