There was a prominent player missing from the article announcing Jay Turner as the new Oak Harbor High School football coach last Saturday. That player was Chris Valencia.

While Jay may be taking over a team losing key players at many positions, the loss of Chris to graduation will, in my opinion, be one of the hardest to overcome. Having attended many games in the last three years and watched the 4A championship in Tacoma in 2006, I was truly impressed at the focus and desire Chris had on the field. And that was on both sides of the ball, offense and defense.

Add to that the poise he demonstrated when being interviewed and you have an outstanding young man. Chris has been the heart and soul of the Wildcats for many years. It was fun to watch him play the game.

Walt Bankowski

Oak Harbor