EVERETT — The King’s Court has become a popular place to watch a Seattle Mariners game at Safeco Field.
Fans in the special section receive yellow t-shirts and “K” cards to cheer on major-league all-star Felix Hernandez whenever he pitches at home.
Now, the Everett High School softball team has brought the Court to Lincoln Field.
A couple softball parents helped set up the “Gulls Nest,” a special section in left field where students are encouraged to show their support the Seagulls, who are bidding for a return to the Class 3A state tournament.
Although roughly 100 yellow shirts were passed out over the first couple games, “K” cards in the Gulls Nest were vetoed because of concerns over sportsmanship.
“We want to support the Seagulls, who last year took second in state and have a shot to do some real damage this year,” said Jared Fowler, an Everett alum who has a daughter in the Seagulls softball program. “I think the students play a very important role in the supporting and can really have an influence on the season for the Seagulls softball team. It’s a really fun to be a part of.”
The t-shirts were donated by local sponsors, including Engineered Sports, Scuttlebutt and Ray’s Drive In. Fowler helped hand out more than 50 shirts in Everett’s season-opening win over Cascade.
“It definitely unifies the school,” sophomore Nick Finley said at Everett’s game against Auburn Mountainview on March 18. “We all come together. It’s really good for the morale of the school. Especially, when we get that ‘W.’”
Fowler and other parents first pitched the idea to Everett High School athletic director Doug Plucker and EHS principal Sally Lancaster.
“I thought it was a great idea,” Plucker said. “I was excited to have the positive parent support and a place for our students to come out and be together and be positive representatives of our school. It’s a testament to the parents’ support and the softball group that put it together.”
Fowler talked it over with Everett head coach Mike Millar, who also liked the idea. The team and Millar settled on the name “Gulls Nest” for the bleachers in left field and a tradition was born.
“We had some morning announcements and the first game we gave out 50 shirts and both sets of bleachers were packed,” Fowler said. “I wanted to design shirts that seemed cool to the teenagers and have them want them and it seems like we’ve created that. It’s fun to see the sea of gold out there.”
With the support of the Gulls Nest, Everett has started the season 5-2, including 4-0 at home.
“I think it’d be hard to imagine another high school softball game on a Friday night at 7 o’clock that’s going to have 50-plus students in the student section,” Plucker said.
“It’s a fun high school experience,” said Everett sophomore Jordan Hatem, another Gulls Nest member. “It made me want to keep coming back. It gets everybody together. And you get a t-shirt.”
While the Gulls Nest is full of students who are fans of the softball team, the softball players are fans of the Gulls Nest.
“We have a lot of fans and we thrive off them,” Seagulls pitcher Sydney Taggart said. “They’re just a huge part of our home-field advantage. (The Gulls Nest) may rattle the other team a little bit, but they give us a lot of energy when we’re playing.”
Fowler said it isn’t just EHS students who are allowed in the Gulls Nest. All are welcome … as long as they’re Seagull fans.
“What we’re trying to do is build a unique special section,” Fowler said. “You get crowds together and they get exciting. You see like with the Seahawks, the fans can have a significant influence on the outcome of games and we’re just trying to create that and have an excitement here and hopefully be on the way to a very successful season.”
Millar said the Gulls Nest makes for a fun experience for the students, the fans and the players.
“The one thing I always thought about this venue is it’s just different than anything you see in high school softball,” Millar said. “It’s what I try to tell people: ‘You won’t believe it unless you just come watch one of these games.’ I’m really proud of that and the support that these students have and the connection they have with this team. It was obvious last year when they brought the rooter buses down to state. It’s awesome. It’s a great home-field advantage.
“There’s no better place to be on a Friday night than Lincoln Field.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
