O
Olympic Crosscutters launch puts Peninsula’s Legion-age talent under one banner
The Crosscutters opened as a North Olympic Peninsula program in 2015, representing communities across Clallam and Jefferson counties in an American Legion–affiliated setup for players from incoming freshmen through rising seniors. John Qualls, then a Sequim High assistant, was named manager, with Buck Gieseke and Darrin Dotson on staff. Team colors were black and yellow with a bear-and-saw logo, and most home dates were slated for Civic Field, with additional games at Sequim High and Bob Bates Field. [1][2]Tryouts were held at Civic Field, with a target roster of about 25 players and an 18-man travel squad. Funding was anchored by Gabe Rygaard’s Ryfield Properties and supported by local sponsors including All Weather Heating and Cooling and American Legion Post 62 in Sequim. [1]A busy first-summer slate called for roughly 47–50 games: an opener at the Kennewick Dusters Memorial Day Weekend Tournament (May 23–25), a mid-July run at the GSL College Showcase (July 8–12), and hosting duties for the eight-team American Legion District 2 Tournament (July 17–19). The club directed families to olympiccrosscutters.com for schedules and updates. [1]