2002

Arvin Blankers

Arvin graduated from Lynden H.S. in 1956.  He attended Western Washington University and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Math.  Arvin taught Algebra & Calculus at Lynden Christian H.S. and coached Cross Country at the school for 24 years. He sent both teams and individuals to State for 17 years of his career.  His teams won 6 League titles and qualified for State on 9 occasions. His girls teams captured a 2nd and a 3rd place at state.

Bert Wells

Burt Wells coached 18 years at Curtis.  He won 15 League titles and had 14 state qualifying teams.  His boys team won state titles in 1965, 1971, 1973, & 1974.  Burt was a pioneer cross country coach in the South Sound and state of Washington. He was one of the first to realize that tough athletic kids don’t have to play football in the fall to show their toughness but can run cross country. Burt himself was an avid runner before the road racing days and was an advocate for cross country courses that challenged the athlete physically…the more hills the better. He greeted all students who wanted to run with open arms and found a way to encourage each of his athletes to give their best effort, regardless of their ability.  Burt enjoyed bonding with fellow coaches and was always willing to share training information. Opposing coaches knew facing a Curtis team was the toughest challenge on their cross country schedule. His legacy of wearing the “Curtis Blue ” and its toughness  lives on today.