Ross Quarré (#2) is the 2009 starting quarterback and middle linebacker for Newport High School. Last June, Athletic Director Gill James nominated Ross for the Qwest/Seahawk Leadership Challenge. In July Ross attended a two day seminar and later submitted a lengthy application. Twelve finalists were announced in October.

On Sunday, November 8, 2009, at Qwest Field before the Seahawks Vs Lions game, Ross was selected the male winner of the 2009 Qwest Leadership Challenge. He earned the $5000.00 college scholarship as a varsity athlete demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to his school and community.

Longtime Newport coach John Fullerton, seen here last spring at the state championship track meet with Christina Meehan, passed away Friday while fishing in Eastern Washington. He was 67.
Courtesy of Colleen Martin and Dave Davis 

Dedicated. Loyal. Funny. Loving.

That's how friends say they will remember John Fullerton, the longtime Newport teacher and coach who died Friday at age 67 after suffering a heart attack while fishing in Brewster, Wash.

Fullerton, they say, was a man full of life, a man who deeply loved his wife Sharon, and a man who cared more about teaching and coaching than the skill level of the athlete.

"He was there for everybody," said Colleen Martin, a former javelin thrower under Fullerton, who later returned at his behest to coach alongside him at Newport. "He put everything he had into coaching and he loved all of the kids."

Fullerton, a Shoreline graduate who played football at Western Washington and earned his master's degree at Central, began his teaching career at Newport when the school opened.

He never left.

Newport freshman Brent Spurgeon has overcome his Asperger's syndrome, his mother's fight against breast cancer and the death of his father to play football for the Knights this fall. He does it, he says, to honor his dad, an ex-football player.
Chad Coleman/Bellevue Reporter
Buy Photo Reprints

By JOEL WILLITS
Bellevue Reporter Sports Writer
Today, 1:18 AM · UPDATED 

When Newport freshman football player Brent Spurgeon looks into the stands, he sees many people pulling for him.

He sees his mom, Catherine Spurgeon. Most games he sees Mira, his sister, seated right next to her.

He sees Debbie Altomare - or Mrs. Deb, as he calls her - his tutor, sitting there as well. Next to her is her husband, Ralph. And next to him is the Altomare's youngest son David, Brent's friend, coach and personal trainer.

When Brent Spurgeon looks into the stands, he sees an entire set of family cheering for him.

The only person he doesn't see, well, that person is the reason he plays.

His dad.