Seahawks roll out red carpet for Marysville Pilchuck football team

RENTON — In the wake of a tragedy, the Seattle Seahawks made Tuesday afternoon a very special occasion for Marysville Pilchuck High School’s football team.

The Tomahawks spent Tuesday afternoon practicing at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center — the Seattle Seahawks’ practice facility. Tuesday is generally the Seahawks day off, so head coach Pete Carroll invited Marysville Pilchuck — and Oak Harbor — to practice at his team’s facility.

Oak Harbor couldn’t make it. The Wildcats, who graciously gave the Tomahawks the Wesco 3A North title after the teams’ game was postponed last Friday because of a deadly shooting at Marysville Pilchuck High, hope to practice at the Seahawks’ facility at a future date.

The Tomahawks, however, were able to bus down for what Marysville Pilchuck coach Brandon Carson called an exciting “field trip.”

“The Seahawks really rolled out the red carpet for us and did a great job of taking care of us today,” Carson said. “We’re really appreciative of them. It was really great. It was really helpful.”

Carson said he reached out to the Seahawks, who quickly responded with the practice invitation. Then it was up to the MP players to accept.

“I talked to my captains and asked if that was something they wanted to do,” Carson said. “They looked at me like, ‘Is that even a question?’”

So, the Tomahawks held a two-hour practice at the Renton facility as they prepare for Friday night’s Wesco 3A championship against Meadowdale.

“It was crazy! And upped our practice tempo!” Marysville Pilchuck senior Austin Joyner said in a text.

Carson said it was surprisingly easy for the team to remain focused in the home of the defending Super Bowl champions despite the Lombardi Trophy being housed in the same building.

“Once we started practice, for the kids and the coaching staff, just being able to practice in the facility where the world champions did, I think we had a great practice,” Carson said. “We got stuff done. We’re heading toward getting fully prepared for Meadowdale.”

A few Seahawks players, including cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and tackle Russell Okung, were on hand to greet the Tomahawks along with the Seahawks general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll.

“Our hearts just opened immediately to try to help in any way that we can,” Carroll said in his press conference on Monday. “… We hope that we can do whatever we can in our support, our fans’ support.

“You feel so helpless, but we wish that we could do something to ease the pain of all of the people that have been troubled.”

After Tuesday’s practice, the players took to social media to thank the Seahawks for the experience.

“One of the best practices I’ve ever had,” senior running back JJ Valencia tweeted, along with a picture with former Seahawk wide receiver Sidney Rice. “So grateful for being able to practice in the VMAC with the team. #MPStrong.”

“The 2nd best day of my life only behind winning the Super Bowl!!” Daryl Cerdino, a junior running back and linebacker, posted on Instagram. “Thank you @seahawks [for] letting us practice in the V-Mac. It means a lot to this team and community #MPstrong #GoHawks.”

The trip came a day after Marysville Pilchuck’s first practice since the shooting. Carson said it helped lift his team’s spirit as it gets back to focusing on football and making a deep run in the postseason.

“We were together today for close to six hours and that’s part of the healing process,” Carson said. “Just being together and riding the bus. Sharing in this experience together.”

The Marysville Pilchuck players and coaches thanked the Seahawks for welcoming them to their practice facility, with Carson even getting a chance to talk with another head coach in Carroll.

“I just thanked him profusely for what this means to us and our community,” Carson said. “He said, ‘No problem. Anything you need you know how to get a hold of us.’ He told the guys they’re thinking about them and they care about them.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.