Season Two will explore great programs across the PNW and beyond. First up is a conversation with Jack Breeden, head coach of the Mt Si Wildcats in North Bend, the reigning Washington 4A state champions.

We explore how great programs build a culture of lasting success and use sports to help kids become capable, confident adults. Including how Mt Si overcame the adversity of losing the 2025 state title game by a single goal and came back to win the 2026 championship against the same opponent.

A discussion about coaching, character, and playing the Long Game, on and off the field.

In light of the tragic passing of Eliot Abramson, we are changing plans for the end of season one of The Long Game.

Instead of a final episode reflecting on what we’ve covered, we have a short tribute remembering Eliot. He was a remarkable teammate, friend, youth coach, son, brother, and beloved member of the Mercer Island lacrosse family since he joined our club in elementary school.

We’ll be back with Season Two sometime this fall and will continue exploring healthy youth sports cultures, including more voices from outside our club.

But for now, we pause to support Eliot’s family and friends, to grieve with them, and to reflect on his remarkable life.

May Eliot’s memory be a blessing.

Today The Long Game explores two new perspectives: a rival coach on the opposite sideline, and a referee on the field.

Nick Welton was Bellevue’s head coach from 2017 until he left the program in 2022. In that time, Bellevue and Mercer Island repeatedly met on the biggest stage in Washington high school lacrosse. Bellevue won three state championships under Nick — all against Mercer Island.

But this conversation isn’t about bragging rights. Nick discusses a rival’s view of Mercer Island, why healthy rivalries raise standards and make both sides better, and how he and Ian O’Hearn built real friendship and respect while competing fiercely against each other.

He also explains why great cultures require clear standards, real accountability, and consequences when the standard isn’t met.

Finally, Nick brings a perspective every sports parent should hear: the referee’s. Nick explains why sideline behavior matters, how parents affect young officials, and why respecting refs is part of respecting the game.

A conversation about rivalry with deep respect, standards without shortcuts, and competition that helps kids become champions, on and off the field.

Opinions expressed are only those of the host and guest and not necessarily those of Mercer Island Lacrosse.