New minor league football team comes to Whatcom County Cascadia Daily News

The Whatcom County Vikings are poised to make their mark as a new minor league football team in Bellingham, Washington. This initiative comes in response to the closure of Western Washington University's football program in 2009, which significantly reduced local opportunities for aspiring athletes. Team owner Jorge Rentas has voiced his commitment to providing a platform for these players, stating, "We tend to get overlooked in Whatcom County. " The Vikings are one of seven teams in the West Coast Pacific Minor League, a league that offers a pathway to the Pacific National Championship. With their first game scheduled for April 5, the team has been practicing since early January at Phillips 66 Soccer Park.

Offensive coordinator Craig Jackson, who has extensive coaching experience, is optimistic about the team's potential, citing the players' foundational skills from high school football. Rentas is actively seeking to recruit more players, coaches, and sponsors to ensure the team's success. This development signifies a revitalization of minor league football in the region, continuing a rich 95-year history of local teams.