Bagby gets H.S. Heisman

Becomes second member of family to do so

Go ahead. Try and wipe that beaming smile off Ron Bagby’s face, it won’t be easy.

The Coupeville High School football coach felt fortunate when one child was named the Washington Wendy’s High School Heisman winner, he just got his second.

Mike Bagby, a senior three-sport athlete at CHS, was given the national award this week, three years after sister Ashley.

“It’s a great feeling, I couldn’t be prouder of my kids,” Ron said.

The Wendy’s High School Heisman, established 11 years ago, recognizes seniors from around the nation who not only excel in athletics, but go above and beyond with community service and academics.

Mike, who starts at quarterback and defensive back for the Wolfpack, completed over half his passes during the 2005 regular season for 986 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 170 yards and four TDs and was key to getting Coupeville to its district game last night in Kalama — the first post-season appearance for CHS since 1998.

Although Mike, who plays basketball and baseball, shines on the field, he was also recognized for what he does away from sports.

Bagby carries a 4.0 grade-point average, while being a part of the honor society, coaching and refereeing youth sports and helping with the after-school Learning Partners program.

“I just feel really good,” Mike said of getting the Heisman. “A lot of the stuff I do, I do it because I love to help people out…I don’t ask to get recognized for it, but when I do it feels really good.”

In order to win the High School Heisman students must be nominated by a faculty member and turn in an application and an essay. This year 14,200 student-athletes from around the nation were nominated. Each state picks two winners, a boy and a girl. Bagby shared Washington’s honor with Briana Eickhoff of Raymond.

Bagby and Eickhoff received a silver medal along with a congratulatory letter for being one of 102 state winners. They are also eligible to become one of 12 finalists who get an all-expense paid trip to New York City, a gold medal and $1,000 for their high school. On that trip they would get to attend the collegiate Heisman trophy presentation aired nationally Dec. 10 on ESPN.

“That would be really cool to do, but I’m not really worried about that, I’m just glad they saw what I did,” Mike said.