NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD
The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year. From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.
Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!
Mount Baker Athletics
Person of Distinction – Bret Pugmire
Bret Pugmire arrived in Deming 28 years ago by way of James Marshall High School in Sacramento, CA and Western Washington University. He was a letter winner in Football, Basketball and Baseball. Bret also played football and crew at WWU. Coach Pugmire began coaching softball over 29 years ago at both the high school and junior high. Bret is more than a coach, he has spent countless hours working on the softball and baseball fields and also helps film varsity football games. You can find Coach Pugmire doing his work in shorts year-round. Bret brings his vast experience and outstanding sense of humor on a daily basis. Coach Pugmire doesn’t get a ton of recognition for all of his work behind the scenes but that is how he prefers it. Our students are lucky to have someone who is willing to give so much for their success.
Testimonials
“In the 20 years that I have been coaching, the most valuable asset to our program has been Coach Pugmire. He puts his whole heart into our athletes. He volunteers hours of his personal time to maintain our fields and equipment to ensure that our players have the best playing conditions that we can offer. He builds relationships with our kids that have a lifelong impact and teaches them to have confidence in their contribution to a team. He is the first to congratulate successes and always provides quality instruction to help athletes improve. He makes everything about our program better.”
Erin DeRoco
Math Teacher & MBJH Softball Coach
“Coach Brett Pugmire is an institution. He embodies Baker softball and has for years. As a coach he is knowledgeable and explains things to players in a way that makes them understand, no matter what level they play. He is just as effective with 7th grade players as he is with high school seniors. But that is not where his skill set or involvement ends. He is the ultimate grounds crewman and has spent countless hours making sure our facilities are game and practice ready. He doesn’t reap any additional benefits from it, he just does it out of the goodness of his heart. If something softball needs doing, he is our go to guy. We are a better program because of him and his dedication.”
Sara Strachila
Spanish Teacher & MBHS Softball Coach
