It all started way back in the summer of ’03, and I had just moved into town. I had moved from San Antonio, Texas, and was new to the place. I went to Trinity Lutheran over on Butler Market Rd. and soon had a reputation. I loved sports, as you can tell.  My favorites are tennis, soccer, and of course, basketball. I started doing the COBO clinics where Coach Reid would head the clinic for younger kids in middle school, and elementary.  I started developing a sportsmanship reputation, and the coach soon called me Escalade. As time grew on, I became older, and still got involved with my school’s sports, and in the summer I would do the basketball camps. In the winter I would watch the Cougars play, and dominate the other team. That was the Abe Lodwick era. I actually knew him as a kid growing up, and we became close friends.

“Ryan has been an integral part of the Cougar basketball program for the past three years.  He is a daily inspiration to his teammates and the staff, as he leads his life in a positive way on a daily basis, despite the physical challenges that have been presented to him.  As his senior year winds down, “Q” has provided many lasting memories, that I will cherish for a long time”. Said Coach Reid

When I was a freshman in ‘06, I tried out, and didn’t make the cut sadly. I had a chance to be the frosh manager, but wanted to play. So I did parks and recreation basketball.  In the summer, I tried out for the summer league team, but wound up quitting because I had asthma and I was pushing too much.  I told the coach, and asked if there was a way I can be apart of the program. He answered by saying that if I did a rain check on the tryouts, I would be the varsity manager. I was like “Wow, what a responsibility to have. “

When the basketball season came around, I was nervous, and hoping to do well on my rookie season as a manager. I got my feet wet, and was learning how to manage. We ended up going to McArthur Court in Eugene for the state tournament.

I was pumped for my junior season because the coaches, and the players were expecting me to pull through. I was hoping that I would do a lot better than the previous season/year.  I knew how to work the system, and I knew how to manage. That was a complete success and we almost made it to the state tournament.

Now senior year was around the corner, and I couldn’t how much times have changed.  It was my last year, and I was hoping to go out with a bang. We were one of the favorites to win the state championship, and I was hoping to be a big part to the program. Sure I had a few “misshaps”, but that doesn’t compare to the bonding I had with the players. We were like brothers. We looked out for one another. We ended up 2^nd in state, and I got some minutes to play on the last home game of the season. Looking back, I’m leaving the program without any regret. I have left my mark on Cougar history, and it will be a lifelong memory for me as I move on in life.

Fall sports include football, volleyball, girl’s and boy’s soccer, and cross country. Here’s a quick preview for fall sports.

Football: Head coach – Steve Turner. The football teams are off to a good start to this fall. The first home game for the Varsity was last Friday against Pendleton. The team won 48-0.

Volleyball: Head coach – Mallory Larrangg. Girl’s volleyball teams played their first rival game of the year against Bend High on the 24^th and won 3 games to 0.

Girl’s Soccer: Head coach – Lindsey Peterson. “I’m excited for the new season, and I’m ready for the Cougars to kick some butt!!!” Said Junior Varsity player Allie Commins. Girl’s Varsity and JV teams play Crescent Valley on Friday.

Boy’s Soccer: Head coach – Lynden Evans. Varsity soccer plays in Corvallis on the 26^th, Go Cougs!

Cross Country: Head coach – Don Stears. Cross Country’s first meet is at Seaside on the 26^th.

With all these sports happening this fall, make sure you take time to go and support your MVHS Cougars sports programs!! All latest schedules can be found at Highscoolsports.net and on the posters around school.