Nate Crippen Tournament

By Rick Gooding

What a great weekend of hoops!! Teams traveled into Forks from all over the west side of the state. Fifteen teams total participated over the March 23-24 weekend. Senior parents had great concessions and gift baskets that added to the spirit. So many people, businesses and groups put into that great event that it is hard to thank everyone.

First, I would like to thank the Quillayute Valley School District for supporting and letting us use the gyms and building to host the event all weekend. All of the businesses that sponsored prizes for winning teams – Forks Outfitter, Forks Motel, Dew Drop Inn, 76/Subway and Carl Windle Guide Service.

A big thank you to Pacific Inn for housing the referees of the tournament. Pacific Pizza for staying open late on Saturday night and being the go-to spot for all the teams to come and eat and hang out. Another big thank you to the local businesses that sponsored teams for the Tournament- Olympic Sporting Goods, Dilley and Solomon, Ron’s Food Mart, Family Affair Day Care, Carlsborg Station, and Black Diamond Electric.

The biggest thank you should go to the volunteers that ensure this tournament can run every year. Carrie Echeita, Les Stewart, Bill Cantrell, Kenny Justus, Rhonda Cole, Cathy Johnson, Jolene Price, and Jason. When you see them around town make sure to thank them for their time!

This has turned out to be a great event every year and we hope to continue for years to come. Thank you to Cort Prose and Braton Armas for the work they put on their senior project to make sure this tournament ran so smooth. All the proceeds from the tournament go towards scholarships that are presented to graduating seniors at Forks High School in honor of Nate Crippen. Tournament Directors David Hurn, Annie Crippen, and Rick Gooding would like to give a huge thank you to refs, players, sponsors, volunteers, and fans that make this happen every year!!

Olympic Sporting Goods ended up winning the Nate Crippen Tournament defeating Black Diamond Electric. Third place finishing teams were Rip City of Seattle and PA Swimming Hole. Winner of Consolation Tournament was Port Angeles AAU Team. Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament was Jordan Justus of Olympic Sporting Goods. Highlighting the All-Tournament team were Colton Raben, Kasey Ulin and Marky Adams all Forks High Graduates! Gary Johnson of Port Angeles AAU won the Nate Crippen Award to represent the player that exhibits hustle, hard work, and true sportsmanship all weekend.