2010
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Jerry grew up in Seattle and graduated from Seattle Prep in 1955. He attended Gonzaga University and the University of Washington. He taught Physical Education and coached both the boys and girls cross country teams at Bellarmine Prep from 1971 – 1978. While at Bellarmine Prep, Jerry developed a solid boys program. With associate coach, Sam Ring, his boys’ team finished 5th in the ’78 State Cross-Country Championships. However, this pales in comparison to the excellence he developed in this girls’ program. Considered a “pioneer” of girls’ cross-country in the state of Washington, Jerry’s girls’, counting the Granger Invitational, made five trips to the state meet (1974-1978). They claimed state titles in ’77 & ’78. “Sully” was ahead of his time in regard to training methods. He developed a winter training program, introduced yoga, and held a preseason retreat for his runners. Jerry befriended many other coaches across the state and encouraged adults to exercise and run for a healthier lifestyle
During his tenure at Bellarmine Prep, Jerry Sullivan built a community of runners. A firm believer in the development of one’s mind, body & spirit, athletes flocked to his program. “Jerry changed the lives of families & encouraged our parents to start running &/or incorporate physical fitness & the outdoors into their lives,” said Molly Hagan, who nominated Jerry Sullivan for the 2010 Bellarmine Booster Athletic Hall Of Fame.
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Greg Hayashi was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii, in 1949. He graduated from Iolani High School in 1967. During this time, Hayashi lettered in football, basketball & track & field. Hayahsi then traveled to Spokane’s Whitworth College where he majored in physical education. Greg participated in football & track & field while at Whitworth. He taught and coached Cross Country and Track & Field at NW Christian School (Nine Mile Falls) from 1977-92. While at the helm of Northwest Christian, Greg’s cross-country teams claimed six league & two district championships. Eight teams qualified for the state championships, finishing 4th – 11th. On each occasion being the first B-Class school to place in the larger A-Classification only race. Greg also coached two state champions – Mike McGlade & Kelly Charbonneau.
He moved back to Hawaii and taught and coached (Basketball and Bowling) at Hawaii Baptist Academy. Greg’s bowling teams have won 5-State Titles and he continues to officiate at high school and college basketball games.
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Art Frey was born in Vancouver, Washington, in 1907. At an early age, Art’s family moved to Yakima. During high school, Art was a varsity hurdler on the track & field team. Following high school, he attended Washington State University where he majored in secondary history & physical education. Art wanted to be a high school track & field coach.
After eleven years at Yakima’s Washington Junior High School, Squinty Hunter at Lewis & Clark High School hired Art in 1942. For the next twenty-six years (1942-1968), Art taught & coached cross-country/track & field for the Tigers. During this time, his cross-country teams claimed twelve city & five state championships.
Looked upon as a “pioneer” in the sport of cross-country in Spokane, Art helped lead a new era of athletic performance & notoriety in Eastern Washington. Art Frey, known affectionately as the “Gentleman Coach”, passed away in 1980. Art and fellow rival Tracy Walters (Rogers H.S.) issued in a new era of distance running dominance and notoriety for the Spokane area. His boys also won the 1962 State Track & Field Title in 1962.
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Art Hutton was born in Abingdon, Virginia, in 1923. Art was an athlete growing up. He participated in football & track & field. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Art operated a tail gun on a bomber during many missions flown over North Africa. After his discharge from the military, Art enrolled at the University of Washington on the G.I. bill. This led to Art’s first job at Clover Park High School in 1949. Thus began his lifelong passion as a teacher & coach. Later in his career, he coached at West Valley-Yakima, Eisenhower, Central Washington University, Yakima Valley Community College, Bellarmine Prep and the University of Washington. His girls’ cross-country team at Bellarmine Prep claimed a state championship and he won the 1952 boys’ State Track and Field Championships as well. He served as President of the NAIA Cross Country Coaches Association, and coached the Moroccan Olympic Track & Field Team. Art founded the Clear Lake Cross-Country Camp (1974-1986) with the assistance of George Olsen & Phil English. His final coaching assignment was at his alma mater – the University of Washington (1982-1985). Art Hutton passed away in 1986. He is survived by his sons, James & Jonathan, both from Yakima.
2011/2012
At the end of the 2011 season, the decision was made to move the annual coaches meeting and awards ceremony from its slot the night before the state meet to the Friday evening as part of the Track Coaches Convention in the following January. As a result, the inductees for 2011 & 2012 were combined.
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Bill Kemp grew up in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from North Central High School in 1964. Though his family had no background in athletics, Bill participated in baseball & track & field. He eventually lettered as a manager.
Following high school, Bill attended college at the University of Idaho where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering & Forestry (’73). In 1980, Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University. He went to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Gonzaga University in 1990.
During Bill’s thirty-one years as a teacher/coach at Chattaroy’s Riverside High School, he taught chemistry, physics & mathematics. He was also head cross-country coach for thirty years.
Highlights of Bill’s coaching career include having twenty-one boys’ teams & twenty-five girls’ teams compete in the state meet. His boys’ had sixteen (8 trophies) & his girls’ had twenty-three (16 trophies) top-ten finishes. Both teams claimed two state titles. Outstanding individuals included Bob Hunt & Katie Prichard.
Bill’s coaching career included being selected both W.S.C.C.C.A. Boys’ & Girls’ “Coach of the Year”. He was also a nominee for Regional “Coach of the Year”. During his tenure, teams accrued twenty-two State Academic Awards. He also served on the Advisory Board for the W.S.C.C.C.A.. Bill was a staff member at the Clear Lake/White Pass Cross-Country Camp for thirty-one years.
Bill Kemp has been married to his wife, Janet, for the past thirty-seven years. Janet is a school administrator & the former gymnastics coach at Ferris High School. Their five children, Annie, Jeff, Beth, Julie & Erik, all ran cross-country.
Bill says the highlight of his coaching career includes “coaching a second generation of athletes & hearing the stories their parents remembered from their cross-country experience. This helped me realize the importance of the athletic experience for our youth,” recalled Kemp. A recreational runner, Bill has completed four marathons – San Diego, Spokane, Pittsburg & Anchorage.
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Patty Ley spent her early years in Tacoma, Washington, where she attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School & Bellarmine Prep. In 1980, the family moved to Gig Harbor. While at Gig Harbor, Patty claimed five individual state titles in cross-country/track & field. She was also part of two state championship relays & four state championship teams.
Following high school, Patty continued her running at the University of Oregon, Washington State University, & Pacific Lutheran University. While at PLU, Patty was an NAIA All-American & ’92 Olympic Trials qualifier (1500 meters). She graduated in ’93 with a degree in Secondary Education.
After college, Patty returned to her alma mater. She began assisting her high school coach, Joel Wingard, & taught ninth-grade English. Between 1997 & 2009, teams under Patty’s tutelage had ten boys’ & twelve girls’ state meet appearances. The girls’ claimed state titles in 2005, 2006 & 2007. Patty was selected W.S.C.C.C.A. Girls’ “Coach of the Year” in 2006.
Presently, Patty is the assistant coach to Pat Tyson at Gonzaga University. She primarily works with the women. A past United States World Cross-Country Coach (Junior Women), & NFHS Western Region Cross-Country “Coach of the Year”, Patty feels her most rewarding achievements include being able to share a state championship podium with her daughter, Meaghan, & watch that team place seventh at Nike Cross Nationals.
Patty also found it rewarding to “help kids believe, trust & grow as people; then, go on to pursue careers such as the military, medicine, computer science & the law”.
Patty Ley comes from a long line of runners. Her father competed in track & field at Burien’s Highline High School. Brother Mike competed at Wilson High School. Brothers Chris, Matt & Dan ran for Gig Harbor. Her son, Brendon, also ran cross-country at Patty’s alma mater – Gig Harbor.
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Joseph Stewart grew up in Kelso, Washington. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1972. During high school, he was a cross-country/track & field athlete. His parents were very supportive; but, weren’t very athletic themselves. One of six siblings, Joseph credits his brothers with encouraging him to take an interest in sports.
Following high school, Joseph attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he continued his cross-country/track & field. Senior year Joseph was elected team captain & inspirational athlete in both cross-country/track & field. He also set the 3-mile school record (13:50.7). Joseph graduated in ’77 with a degree in history.
Returning to Kelso High School, Joseph taught U.S. History & worked as a guidance counselor for thirty years. During that time, he coached cross-country/track & field. His teams claimed thirty-nine League Championships (19 boys & 20 girls), thirty-four District Championships (16 boys & 18 girls), & made forty-two state meet appearances (20 boys & 22 girls). They had twenty-four top-ten finishes. His cross-country teams had a dual meet record of 339 wins & 15 losses.
Joseph knew he wanted to be a coach in the sixth grade. “I grew up admiring coaches & felt it was something I could do,” he said. His most rewarding achievements include guiding fifty-seven student/athletes into the college running ranks. Kelso’s Carolyn Gilbert claimed the state cross-country title in 1984.
Joseph Stewart has been married to his wife, Pam, for the past thirty years. They have two children – Jennifer & Jacob. Jacob ran cross-country/track & field at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, where he was recently hired as an assistant cross-country/track & field coach. In 2011, Joseph was honored by the Kelso School District when the local track was named after him.
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Ross Thomas grew up in Palo Alto, California, where he attended St. Francis High School. During those years, Ross was a basketball & baseball player. He graduated from high school in 1966. Following high school, Ross attended Santa Clara University where he majored in English (’71).
When Ross began his teaching career at St. George’s-Spokane, they didn’t have cross-country. Ross saw that as rather unfortunate; so, he started a program in 1982. Besides teaching, he also did a variety of administration jobs & coached girls’ basketball & baseball until 2000.
Between 1990 & 2000, St. George’s had 19 boys’ & girls’ teams qualify for state. They claimed four state titles. As a result, Ross was voted the W.S.C.C.C.A. Girls’ “Coach of the Year” in 1999.
Ross considers his most notable accomplishments as a coach including the development of a cross-country program at St. George’s which eventually grew into a perennially tough squad, & experienced one of the most successful decades (‘90’s) any team has ever had.
Besides his cross-country success, Ross’s girls’ basketball teams claimed three state titles. They also set an all-time Washington record with 114 consecutive league wins, & appeared in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” for their win streak.
Ross also coached four baseball teams to the final eight in the state. Three of the last four years he coached his teams finished 18-2, 19-1, & 20-0 during the regular season. After leaving St. George’s Ross Thomas moved to Beaverton, Oregon, where he is principal at Valley Catholic School. Ross & his wife, Claudia, have three children – Matt, Mike & Pat.
2013
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In 1974, Gwen graduated from Lutheran H.S. North, Saint Louis, MO. She participated in age-group track from the age of twelve. Gwen attended college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and earned a degree in Physical Education. While in college, Gwen continued her running career representing her school in both cross country and track & field. After college, Gwen took a keen interest in race-walking and enjoyed exceptional success making the U.S. National Team from 1983-1986.
Coaching for Gwen started at Issaquah H.S. in 1983 as a volunteer in cross country and track and field. Gwen has served the role of either assistant or head coach for the last 29-years at Issaquah. Her boys’ teams claimed five league titles and her girls’ teams nine. Her girls’ teams won three state titles in the mid 1980’s.
Gwen continues to devote her time to Issaquah Cross Country and USA Race-Walking.
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James (Jim) grew up in the Spokane Valley and graduated from East Valley H.S. in 1966. The wheat fields of the Palouse beckoned, and Jim took his track and field talents to WSU where he competed in the hurdles and high jump. He earned a B.A. in Speech and English in 1970 and a M.S. in Education from the University of Idaho in 1984.
Between 1970 and 2000 Jim’s name was synonymous with the Track & Field and Cross Country teams at West Valley H.S. (Spokane). During his time at the helm, his teams won a combined (boys & girls) 25-league titles. Fourteen of these teams finished in the top-4, and his girls’ teams claimed state titles in 1977 & 1986. In addition, he coached 4-individual girls’ state champions.
In 1986 Jim was selected Washington State Cross Country ‘Coach of the Year’.
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Sam graduated from Mt. Tahoma H.S. in 1966 and took his running talents to Central Washington University. While at C.W.U., Sam was a two-time All-American in track & field and competed in the National Cross Country Championships on three occasions.
Sam began his teaching and coaching career at Mason J.H. in 1970. He started the cross-country program at the school that attracted large numbers of kids to running for the first time. In 1974, Sam began his first of two stints at the University of Puget Sound. After starting the women’s program, he returned again in 1987 to lead U.P.S to four National titles.
In 1977, Sam coached at Bellarmine Prep H.S. where he was instrumental in coaching three State Championship girls’ teams. Wilson H.S. was the recipient of Sam’s talent from 1981-1986 and again from 2001-present. He coached multiple league champions while at Wilson and in 1978, Sam was selected Washington State Cross Country ‘Coach of the Year’.
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After graduating from Monroe H.S. in 1965, Ron earned a degree in Mathematics from Eastern Washington University in 1972.
Ron coached cross country and track & field and taught Math at Granger H.S. for 30 years and had eight state qualifying teams and one individual state champion. He directed a track club for several years involving kids of all ages and directed all-comers track meets for the local community.
In 1973-1974, Ron hosted the first unofficial ‘State’ cross country competition for girls in Granger. Ron’s initiative ushered in girls cross country at the high school level for the first time. In 1975, the W.I.A.A hosted the first official State Meet that included competition for girls.
After retiring from teaching, Ron continues to serve the students of Granger by serving on the School Board.
2014
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John Amidon grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Clover Park High School in 1970. While at Clover Park, John lettered three years in football, basketball & track & field. Following high school, John attended Pacific Lutheran University where he participated in football (4 years) & track & field (3 years). He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Education. During his twenty-five-year career, John taught Physical Education & Health at the elementary, middle school & high school levels. Twenty-three years were spent coaching at Olympia High School. John transferred to the high school to become the Bears’ head track & field coach. He was also coaching football & basketball. When the cross-country job opened up, he decided to take the position to help recruit for track & field. As they say… The rest is history.
While at the helm for Olympia, John’s cross-country teams claimed twelve League titles (9 boys & 3 girls). They also claimed eight District titles (5 boys & 3 girls). John qualified teams for state 19 of his 23 years (14 boys & 15 girls). Jessie McLaughlin claimed the individual 2001 State Cross-Country title. During his tenure, John’s boys compiled 169 wins & 32 losses in League meets (8 undefeated seasons). His girls compiled 150 wins & 47 losses (2 undefeated seasons). Other notable achievements include the boys having 8 top 10 finishes at state (3rd place in 1986 being the highest finish), & the girls having 7 top 10 finishes at state (3rd place in 1987 being the highest finish).
Following his retirement from teaching & coaching in 2004, John served as athletic director for five years at Olympia High School. He and his wife have two children – Courtney & Brady. In retirement, John, who is an accomplished magician, continued performing magic shows and traveling with Barbara.
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Terry Rice grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 1967. We were known as “The class that’s really revvin’!” exclaimed Terry. While in high school, Terry participated in football, basketball & baseball. “I always tried to be an athlete; but I was short & under 100 pounds.” His sophomore year, Terry turned out for track & field. He ran the distance events. “I finally found a sport where I could be successful & not get cut,” he said.
Following high school, Terry attended Tacoma Community College (1967-1970) where he competed in cross-country/track & field. He went on to attend Central Washington State College (1970-1972) where he was First-Team All-Conference in cross-country & competed in the N.A.I.A. National Championships in both cross-country & track & field. Terry graduated in 1973 with a B.A. in Education & a double major in Health/Physical Education. In the fall of ’72, Terry was a volunteer cross-country coach at Mount Tahoma High School while doing his student teaching. Spring of ’73, he landed a teaching job (Science & Physical Education) at St. Michaels in Olympia. He was also hired as their track & field coach. From 1973 to 1984, Terry taught at several elementary schools. During this time, he coached cross-country at Mount Tahoma High School, Foss High School & Tacoma Community College.
In the fall of ’84, Terry was hired by Stadium High School to teach Health & Physical Education. He was also hired as cross-country/track & field coach. From 1984 to 2005, Terry coached the Stadium cross-country program. His teams claimed three League titles, three District titles, & seven teams qualified for state. Top runners for Stadium during those years included Melissa Moffitt, Shawn Perkins, David Schroedel, Matt Holcom & Bryan Bissell. He also founded the Long Running “Classic”, a freshman/sophomore invitational meet that has featured many of the top runners in state history. Terry remained active in the sport after retirement, officiating at numerous cross country meets, and serving on the Tacoma Athletic Commission Hall of Fame selection committee for track/xc.
Terry is the past president of the Washington State Track & Field Coaches’ Association & founding member of the South Sound Cross-Country Camp, Terry is married to his wife, Patty. They have four children – Bryan, Melanie, Kevin & Marc.
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Dave Rockstrom grew up in Grandview, Washington. He graduated from Grandview High School in 1966. While in high school, Dave participated in football & track & field. Following high school, Dave attended Washington State University. He graduated with a double major in Psychology & Biology/Education in 1972. While in college, Dave participated in intramural sports, such as football, weight training & handball. He taught Biology, Marine Biology & Oceanography (AP) at Kennewick High School from 1973 until retirement in 2003. When Dave started teaching he was asked to coach cross-country because he’d done some distance running in college. “I decided to wait a year & then started coaching cross-country/track & field,” he said.
From 1974 to 2002 (29 years), Dave coached cross-country at Kennewick High School. He started the girls’ cross-country program in 1976. During his coaching career, Dave’s boys’ teams claimed state titles in 1978 & 1979. “It was truly exciting to step up on the podium & receive the first place trophy,” said Dave, “however, the most rewarding part of coaching is following the successes of the kids after high school.” While at Kennewick, Dave’s teams claimed ten League championships. They also made ten state meet appearances. Besides claiming two state titles, Dave’s teams finished 2nd twice, 3rd three times, 7th, 8th & 16th in the State Cross-Country Championships. In addition, he’s had over 100 individuals qualify for the state meet with 28 finishing in the top 20. “It’s much easier to achieve a top ten ranking than to qualify for the state meet out of our tough region,” said Dave. After leaving Kennewick, he moved on to Southridge High School.
Dave and his wife, Cheriehave three children – Matt, Mackensie & Macie. After retiring from teaching, Dave continued to teach science to home school students.
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Andy Slatt, Jr. grew up in Seattle, Washington. He attended Shorecrest High School & was a member of the first graduating class in 1964. While in high school, Andy participated in cross-country/track & field. He has the honor of being the first cross-country captain for the Shorecrest Highlanders.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army, Andy fought in Vietnam. A career soldier, Andy served 30 years in the military. Recently, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq & Afghanistan (2004-2005). His military achievements include Army Green Beret, Federal Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, 5 Air Medals, 2 Meritorious Service medals, 5 Army Commendation medals & 3 Army Achievement medals.
Andy attended Central Washington University. He graduated in 1972 with degrees in Psychology & History. In 1974, he added his Master’s from Seattle University in Guidance Counseling.
When Andy came to O’Dea High School to teach & counsel, Monte Kohler, the athletic director, encouraged Andy to coach. “He knew my background,” said Andy. Thus began a 22-year teaching/coaching career with the Fighting Irish (1987-2010). In addition to coaching cross-country/track & field, Andy taught Psychology & Civil War History. During his tenure, Andy’s teams claimed three League & four District titles. Andy had 20 consecutive years of teams &/or individuals qualifying for the State Cross-Country Championships. He had five teams finish in the top 10 at the state meet. His top runners included David Bazzi, Matt Pearson, Rick Weiss, Jovan Broderick, Michael Johnson, Sam Burns, Casey Moriarity, Michael Kilburg, John Darmody & Alex Duffy. In addition, over 40 of Andy’s athletes went on to compete collegiately. David Bazzi has since taken over the coaching job at O’Dea High School.
The son of legendary coach Andy Slatt, Sr. (Bellarmine Prep & O’Dea), Andy, Jr is an O’Dea Hall of Fame coach, an honor he shares with his father. He is married to his wife, Barbara. They have five daughters – Stephanie, Taryn, Jessica, Lindsay & Brigette.
2015
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Jerry was born in 1948 and grew up in Ashland, Ohio. In high school, he ran CC, indoor, and outdoor track where he set several school records and was a captain of his track and cross country teams. He did play football in junior high and says “the best part of that experience was the half mile run around the field every day. He attended Ashland College where he ran CC, indoor & outdoor track. While there he was the 800 meter record holder and ran on the 4×4 record team. He graduated in 1971 with his Education degree. He then went on to do postgraduate work at the University of Oregon.
Jerry began his teaching career in Burlington at Allison and Edison elementary schools. While teaching there, he created a track team from scratch. They burned a 400-meter track into the grass playing field using diesel gas to draw the lanes. They dug their own long jump pits by hand. His team was from students at both schools and they called themselves the Bow Track Club. He moved up to the junior high and began coaching track. He was also involved with starting the Skagit Runners Club in the Mt. Vernon area.
In 1979 he moved to Olympia where he continued to coach junior high track for another 13 years. In 1990 he moved to Capital High School where he was an assistant. After one year he became the head coach. His boys team won the State CC Championship in 1997 and placed 2nd in 1996. In 23 years of coaching high school, Capital had 24 teams (boys and girls) qualify for the state meet. He has been a race director in numerous Olympia area distance running events such as the Lakefair Run and the Capital Invite. Jerry’s track programs have turned out 10 State Individual Champions and 2 National Champions.
Jerry retired from teaching in 2003 but still continues to coach. He also helped with the first women’s Olympic Trials Marathon and the Goodwill Games. He has been an Advisory Board member of the WSCCCA, race director of the Lakefair Run and Capital Invite. He has been married to his wife Helen for 35 years and they have three children, Ginger, Katie, and Donald.
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Julie came into the world in 1961 and graduated from Shorecrest High School. While there she played varsity soccer and basketball for three years as well as one year of field hockey. Interestingly enough, in Junior High she ran for Pat Tyson while he was coaching in the district.
Julie attended the University of Washington where she earned a degree in education with both Art and English majors. But she wasn’t done, and went on to Seattle Pacific where she added a PE degree.
She taught at Kellogg Middle School, Marysville HS, and Meadowdale HS. Her Marysville girls won the State Championship in 1998. In addition to the state title in 1998, Julie’s girls finished 2nd in 1999, 3rd in 2000, and 10th in 2001. She has spent over 20 years coaching at summer distance running camps including White Pass, Falcon Running Camp, and Flathead Lake in Montana.
Julie has been married to husband Jeff for 30 years. She is now competing in 6 man canoe races and is a Seahawk Superfan. She is also a self-proclaimed house cleaner extraordinaire.
Two of her top runners were Camille Connelly and Amber Simkins. Her father Bob was the founding president of the Shoreline soccer club and her mom Sandy was on the Title 9 committee so she came by athletics and coaching naturally.
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Clyde Joel Carpenter was born on Oct 10, 1935, and grew up with a farm family in Granger. He attended Granger HS and graduated in 1957. While there he played FB and BB and was 5th in the State Mile in 1955 He became the State Champion in 1956 & 1957.
Coach Carpenter attended Eastern Washington and graduated in 1961 with a BA in PE and Biology. He then picked up a Masters in Athletics in 1965. At Eastern he placed 5th in the mile at the NAIA National track meet in 1958, 1959, and 1960.
Clyde taught for 30-plus years in the subjects of physiology, anatomy, and biology. He spent 2 years at Granger and 28 years at Moses Lake. He then put in 7 years part-time at Big Bend College teaching medical science and physiology. He also serviced 26 school districts in North Central Washington in science and technology for 12 years at the North Central Educational Service District. When he applied for a teaching position, he also applied for coaching CC & track for both men and women. He says “I wanted to repay the rewards I had received from track thru coaching and motivating other young runners.” Clyde coached 2 years of BB and FB at Granger. At Moses Lake he coached both CC and Track. He was CC coach from 1964-77 and 1982-88.He coached 3 girls League Titles and had 2 boys and 3 girls State qualifying teams. Clyde had 7 or more top finishers over the years and several District Championships. In 1988 his girls team had beaten over 14 of the top 16 state teams but they didn’t make it to State because the number of district teams was limited”.
Other notable coaching involvements included serving on an international coaching team that took 250 athletes to China and a 2nd exchange to London and Wales. He also coached one of his own athletes at the Olympic Trials in New Orleans.
He considers his most rewarding and outstanding accomplishments were “having the opportunity to work with and develop life-long relationships with athletes who were willing to develop their individual talents and contribute their talents to the team. These opportunities took place locally within the Big 9 League, at the state level, and with a taste of international competition for some”.
Coach Carpenter continues to remain in contact with large numbers of his former athletes. His daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bannon Carpenter coached the team for several years and now his daughter, Cathy(Carpenter) Lane is coaching the team. Clyde continues to serve as the starter for home meets.
Clyde has been married to his wife, Carolyn, for 56 short years. They have 6 children; Cheryl, Collene, Joe, Cathy, Cara, and Curtis.
2016
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Bill was born 1961 and grew up in Portland, Oregon. He attended Lakeridge HS and graduated in 1979. At Lakeridge, he participated in golf, basketball, and baseball. In 1984 he graduated from Gonzaga University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He ran cross country there for 4 years. After college he started competing in various road races and marathons and he says that provided him with a great foundation for training that he could apply to his future coaching. Bill also became an avid trail runner and understood the benefits of running on soft surfaces.
Contrary to most high school coaches, Bill worked outside of the high school setting while coaching at Northwest Christian HS in Lacey. He and his wife enrolled their son at NW for the 1998 year and approached the school principal about starting a CC program without a budget, uniforms, athletes, athletic facilities, etc. The first team was made up of his son’s friends and a few athletes that wanted to get in shape for basketball. Bill sent 2 kids as individuals to state that first year and the program continued to grow and experience more success from there on.
One of Bill’s most outstanding and rewarding achievements has obviously been starting the CC program from scratch and building it into a State Championship program that continues to this day under the current coach, Larry Weber. Bill felt the sport of CC teaches kids much more valuable life lessons about the importance of character, integrity, discipline, patience, overcoming adversity, perseverance, hard work, teamwork, sacrifice, selflessness, pursuit of excellence and many other life skills that they need to be successful in their lives. If principal Lynch had not taken a risk and allowed me to start a CC program in 1999, he would have missed that great opportunity and blessing.
Bill has had boys state qualifying teams from 2000 thru 2009, 10 consecutive years. His girls have had 7 state-qualifying teams during this same period. His boys and girls have won numerous League and District titles. His girls won State Titles in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and finished 3rd in 2001. His boys won State Titles in 2008 and 2009, and placed 2nd in 2004, 3rd in 2006, and 2nd in 2007. Bill’s individual state champions were Gabe Molinaro in 2004, Lucas Graham in 2009 (with teammate Justin Holden 2nd place), and Joscelyn Minton in 2007.
Coach Kehoe was also the head boys and girls track coach for 10 years and his girls won the State Track Championship in 2007.
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Dr. John Robertson was born in 1948 and raised in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Sunset HS and set the Texas State 880 record of 153.2. He also was 5th at the Golden West Track Meet. His time of 152.7 at that time was the fastest 880 ever run by a Texas high school athlete. He then attended the University of Texas and graduated in 1970 with a BA in zoology. In college track, John placed 5th in the 880 in the SW Conference Championships. He went on to pick up his MD degree from the University of Texas in 1974.
Dr. Robertson began his sports medicine practice in Seattle specializing in runners in 1984. He was not on the faculty at Seattle Prep but was the team physician and wrote a NW Runners sports medicine column for many years. In 1992 Coach Mike Niggemeyer asked John if he would like to coach at Seattle Prep. He then went on to coach at Seattle Prep for 21 years, the last 9 years as head coach.
Dr. Robertson’s teams won numerous Metro, Sea-King, and State trophies during his tenure. His most outstanding achievement was his teams finishing on the podium (top 4) at State 15 out of 16 years from 1997 through 2012. Prep capped it off by winning the State Title in 2000.
Dr. Robertson has coached 10 individual state champions in track and CC. These were Megan Johnson, Ray Rogers, Max O’Donoghue-McDonald, and Joe Hardy. Max and Joe were both All-Americans in cross country.
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Ron grew up in Walla Walla and then attended Parkrose HS in Portland, Oregon where he played football and track and graduated in 1955. He attended college at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, graduating in l960 with a major in biology. As a teacher, Ron taught biology, zoology, earth science, physics, and algebra.
In the spring of his first year of teaching at Walla Walla, he was asked to become the CC coach in the fall. Besides coaching at Walla Walla he also coached at Milton-Freewater, Oregon Jubilee Christian Academy, and is currently coaching at Waitsburg.
Ron considers one of his most rewarding achievements to be the 1983 CC season and the 1984 Track Season. Ron’s teams won 8 League and District titles and he had ten CC teams that qualified to State in Washington and one state-qualifying team in Oregon. In 1983 his girls team won the State CC Championships. The 1983 girl’s team championship didn’t almost happen because his number one girl, Christen Hauger, suffered a foot injury in late September and was unable to run until 3 days before the District Meet. She, however, was able to follow her team-mates Tauruscio and Tyson, to a 1-2-3 finish at Districts and a State CC title the following week.
Some of his top runners included Willy Hernandez 7th at State, Randy Taruscio 2nd at State and she won the State Title the following year, and Libby Tyson 4th at State.
Ron has continuously coached track for the last 48 years. Some of those highlights were: Phil Girsburger winning the 800 at State in 1983. In 1989 Chris Katon was 3rd at the Golden West Invite in the 3000 and 3rd at the Keebler Invite in Chicago. A few years later, Chris ran a 3:58.8 mile at the Pre Classic in Eugene. On the girls side Randy Taruscio and Libby Tyson finished 1-2 in the 3200 at the 1985 state track meet. and Libby Tyson won the 1600 and 3200 at the state track meet in l986.
Ron also started a track program for Jubilee Christian Academy, a residential program for troubled youth. In 2004 Ron was asked to be the head track coach at Waitsburg HS. His teams won 5 boys District 9 Titles and one 3rd team place at State.
2017
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Steve grew up in Everett and attended Cascade HS. He participated in CC, wrestling, track and field, and baseball. He then went on to run a year of CC at Everett CC and then Eastern Washington. He graduated from the U W with a degree in English Literature and Writing. At Western Washington U he received his degree in education in l980. Later, he earned degrees in horticulture and Photo Journalism.
As a family going back to Steve’s grandfather and continuing on thru Steve, his family earned over 30 varsity letters while competing for the Everett School District.
Steve says he thought running was a perfect metaphor for life, you run your race from start to finish to the best of your abilities. He wanted kids to learn to handle success and setbacks. I wanted them to learn to have a strong work ethic. I also wanted them to realize that physical fitness, like learning, is a life-long pursuit, and that we should all strive to be a little better every day.
Bert’s Cascade CC teams claimed 8 conference titles, 3 district titles, and made 15 trips to the State Meet during his coaching career. At State his teams had 9 top 10 finishes with their highest finish in 3rd place. His 1994 girls team was tanked top 20 in the nation.
Some of Steve’s best individual runners include David Dye, Tim Borsheim, Kelly Warren, Dylan Hopper, Steve Glass, Aaron Campbell, Andy Fader, Luca Strand, Anne Pearson, and Breanna Huschka.
Steve started coaching as an assistant CC and track coach at Rogers HS of Spokane, and he was also their athletic director. He coached there for 2 years and then moved on to Cascade HS. Additionally, he is an author and Photo -Journalist with 8 published books and more on the way. He has been a Clinician, CC camp director and served as the East/West All-Star CC coordinator for 16 years. Steve and his wife, Donna Marie have two children, Jessie and David.
Steve is a vice president, East West All Star coordinator, and president of the WSCCCA. At the time of his induction, Steve was working on a chronological history of the sport in our state.
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Mike was born and raised in North Dakota and graduated from Ray High School 1961. While in high school he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. In 1960 he was the state long jump champion.
After graduating from Ray 1961, he accepted a track scholarship to Minot State College. While at Minot State he lettered four years in basketball and track and field. He held school records in the long jump, triple jump and as a member of the 440 yard relay team that ran the fastest time on record in North Dakota. In June of 1965 he was a participant in the long jump, triple jump and the 440 yard relay team at the NIAA National Track and Field Meet in Sioux Falls, SD.
After graduating from Minot State in 1965 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Business Education he was hired by the Richland School District in Richland, to teach business education classes and be an assistant track and cross country coach to Hall of Fame coach Max Jensen. In l973-74 he became the head track and field and cross country coach at Richland. In 1973-74 & 1974-75 his track and cross country teams were undefeated and won the Conference & District titles and then the State Cross Country Championships.
At Richland, their goal was to run as a group. They wanted to form a long green line. with ten runners competing for the top seven spots. They also wanted their top five runners within 30 seconds of each other and all seven runner within 60 seconds. The number six and seven man on their team was very important and was the key to a lot of their success. The highest place finisher on their state teams was Guy Tunnell who finished in the top 14. On December 19, 1998 he was inducted into the Richland High School Hall of Fame as a coach both in Track and Field and Cross Country. Mike and his wife Nita have two daughters (Michele and Tamara) and five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
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Bob was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to US Air Force parents and attended Rogers of Spokane graduating 1968. At Rogers he participated in Football, basketball, cross country, and track. He finally turned out for track because a girl he had a crush on talked him out of baseball.
Bob attended Whitworth College and graduated in 1972 with a major in History/Political Science. At Whitworth he was an outstanding cross country and track distance runner. In 1971 Bob had the number one 3mile time in the nation for NAIA.
Coach Isitt taught 33 years at Shaw Jr. High and Shadle Park High School. His subjects were AP US History, and senior current world affairs. During his tenure he coached volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and cross country.
Bob had 5 state-qualifying teams. He coached one cross country state title team, two 2nd place teams, and one 4th place team. Bob has 22 runners who placed in the top 50 regardless of classifications. He had 9 top-16 individual finishers and 19 ranked teams. In addition to his 23 All-League runners, his 2009 CC team was ranked third in the nation in Mile Split’s online rankings. His individual state champions were Andrea Nelson (twice)and Erin Krogel. Bob was named GSL Coach of the Year 3 different times and won State Coach of the Year in addition. Some of Bob’s fastest runners in the track were Michael Kiter, Nathan Weitz, Nick Hauger, Casey Perry, and Peter Miller.
Coach Bob considers these to be some of his outstanding achievements: (1) marrying above my station and raising great kids (2) having the number 1 3mile time in the nation while running for Whitworth (3)getting 90 7th to 9th graders out for junior high CC.
Bob also admits to where he thinks he missed the boat . He roomed with Don Kardong when Don came up with the idea for Bloomsday and his best man at his wedding, Rick Betts, came up with the idea for Hoopfest. Bob figured that both of these events were too complex to succeed.
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Nick was born in 1951 and grew up in Spokane. He attended East Valley HS and graduated in 1969. At East Valley he participated in track. He matriculated to Spokane Falls CC and then moved onto Eastern Washington University. At Spokane Falls and at Eastern he competed on the track team running the 400, 800, and 4×4 relay.
In the classroom, Mike taught woodshop, science, and alternative education.
When Nick began teaching at East Valley Junior High, and started a cross country program for the boys and girls, starting his coaching career.
Nick coached 8 years as boys and girls coach of cross country and track and field at the junior high. He then coached 2 years as assistant girls cross country coach at Lewis & Clark HS with one year as assistant boys T&F coach and one year as girls head T&F coach .
Coach Lazanis then moved on to East Valley HS where he was head cross country coach for 29 years. For 12 years he was also co-head coach for boys track and field and 18 years as an assistant girls track and field coach.
Nick figures he had around 10 League titles…with his girls qualifying for State 7 times. Nick’s girls teams won State Titles in 1996,97,98,99…with a 2nd place in 2000. His 1996 team was ranked 6th nationally. In 1991 his boys T&F team placed 3rd in the state meet.
Nick’s individual champions were Melanie Frastad in cross country in 1997 & 1998. Coach Lazanis was voted Washington State girls Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1997. In 2002 he received the National Federation Cross Country Girls Coach of the Year award.
Nick was married to his wife, Andrea, for 40 years and he has a son Tory.
2018
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Grew up in Cashmere and attended Cashmere High School graduating in 1975. I was both a track and cross country athlete at the school. My family was not athletic.
Attended Eastern Washington University graduating in 1981 with a BS in Biology and obtained masters at Gonzaga University. I was a varsity athlete in both cross country and track at Eastern Washington. I am currently attending the University of Idaho.
I am a teacher in both chemistry and biology at Chelan High School completing my 37 th year. I have coach cross country for 32 years and track and field for 34 years. I have always been fascinated by the science inherent in both the sports compelling me to coach.
My most rewarding achievement has been coaching my two sons Torri and Chase Anderson in both cross country and track.
League titles: approx. 16
Team state titles: 88,89,90,97 girls, 97 boys
Individual champions: Hector Rodriquez 94 and Micheal Dols 03
Named Washington State Cross Country Coach of the Year in 89/97/ 98 and Washington State Track and Field Coach of the Year 95. Also coach three Washington State Championship teams in track and field 95/96/98
Married to Rena Rex and I have two children Torri and Chase Anderson. I continue to teach and coach at Chelan High School
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Background:
I grew up outside a small village in Cullen, County Tipperary in Ireland.
I graduated from Tipperary Vocational School in 1973.
I started running when I was about 13 years when a club was started in my local parish. I had some success right away and went on to represent Ireland in international competition at the schools, junior and senior levels in both track and cross country over the next few years. In 1974, I was the Irish national senior champion in the 3,000m Steeplechase.
My uncle and brother did some running when they were young and my father was involved in competitive Tug-O-War. My parents were Michael and Lizzie English. I grew up with one older brother and three sisters. I am the second youngest in the family.
I attended Washington State University on an Athletic Scholarship from 1973-1977. I competed in both Cross Country and Track and Field for the Cougars. The team placed in the top-4 at the NCAA’s all four years. Three fellow Kenyan teammates would go on and set world records on the track in the 1970’s.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1977 and also earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Education from WSU in 1979.
Coaching and Teaching:
Currently, I teach and coach (Cross Country and Track & Field) at Eisenhower HS in Yakima. I teach Honors Biology and a college-level course in Anatomy and Physiology. I started coaching and teaching at Eisenhower in 1986.
Prior to teaching and coaching at Eisenhower, I taught and coached (Track and Field/Cross Country) at Carroll HS in Yakima from 1979-1986. Carroll HS closed permanently in 1986.
It was never my intention to actually get into coaching. My interests were in teaching and research. However, when I started teaching at Carroll in 1979, the head coaching positions were open in both track and cross country. So teaching and coaching were both part of the same package at the small Catholic school in Yakima. At the time I was training for the 1980 Irish Olympic Trials in the marathon.
Most Outstanding/Rewarding Achievements:
As part of the coaching staffs at Carroll and Eisenhower, I am most proud of helping many individuals achieve a college education by attaining college scholarships in cross country/track & field.
In addition, increasing the status of cross country in the state through the Clear Lake/White Pass Cross Country Camps and Clinics and formation the weekly seasonal Coaches Polls (started in the early 1990’s) have been rewarding.
Coaching Stats:
League Titles Girls (21) Boys (21)
District Titles Girls (21) Boys (22)
State Appearances Girls (31) Boys (21)
State Trophies Girls (13) Boys (12)
State Titles Girls (8….82, 83, 84, 89, 94, 99, 00, 2010) Boys (3…..1985, 1987 & 2010)
State Track Team Title Girls…1999)
State Runner-Up Girls (5) Boys (5)
State Trophies Girls (13) Boys (12)
Individual Champions Kathy Rouleau (82), Kris Vickers (83), Robert Price (83, 84, 85), Robin Bryson (1988) and Aleah Thome (1994)
Nike Team Nationals 9th Place Boys team (2004)
1994 Washington State Girls ‘Coach of the Year’
1999-00 Monday Morning Quarterbacks, Female Team-‘Coach of the Year’
2001 Washington State Girls ‘Coach of the Year’
2001 NFHS National Girls ‘Coach of the Year’
2010-11 Yakima Sports Awards ‘Coach of the Year’
2011 NFHS Northwest Sectional Boys ‘Coach of the Year’
Family:
Married to wife Darcy for 39-years
Children….Daughter Liza and son Michael
Grandchildren…..Brennen, Connor, Harper & Hudson
What am I doing now?
I am currently coaching Cross Country/Track & Field and teaching Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at Eisenhower HS.
Camp Director (since 1986) for the Clear Lake/ White Pass Cross Country Camp.
Vice President of the Washington Cross Country Coaches Association.
President of the Yakima Coaches and Activities Association.
Meet Director of the Sunfair Cross Country Invitational
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Erica was born in 1973 in Indiana and raised in Seattle. She graduated from Seattle Prep in 1991.
At Prep, she particpated in CC, track, soccer, and basketball. Her family was very athletic as her father played quarterback at Dartmouth College and was drafted by the New York Jets.
Erica attended Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington, where she graduated in 1996. At SPU she participated in CC and track for two years. Her major in college was psychology.
Erica was a teacher in high school and taught English. She started coaching at Seattle University as an assistant and then switched to high school coaching. She coached at Mercer Island HS from 1996-2016.
Coach Hill says that the thing that she is most proud of would be the number of athletes that came out for CC. When she started coaching, there were 35-40 athletes on the team. As the years progressed, she had consistently 110-130 athletes on the squad. Erica is also very proud of how many alumni came back to coach with her. She had 8 athletes help her out as assistant coaches post college. The team bonding were also a highlight of every coaching season.
Erica’s girls won 3 Kingco Championships and her boys won 2 Kingco Championships. She had 14 State qualifying teams between the boys and girls.
Coach Hill capped it off in 2008 with a Girls State Championship Team!
Two of her individual standouts were Brian Govier, the state champion in 2004, and Lindsey Benster, 3rd place in 2008.
Other notable achievements for Erica was being nominated a Brooks Top 10 finalist for inspirational coaches and having 4 of her teams named Academic State Champions.
Her two daughters are Zia and Kalea. Coach Hill is presently an administrator in the Northshore School District.
2019
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Gary was born and raised in Colfax, Washington, and graduated from Colfax HS in 1971. At Colfax he played football, basketball, and baseball. He attended WSU and graduated in 1976, going on to earn a Masters at
EWU in 1989…majoring in Math.
As a teacher he taught math at Lake Roosevelt HS.
At the end of his first year of teaching, the CC coach came to visit and told him he was leaving and would like him to apply for the CC job saying that he would have very motivated and self-disciplined athletes….so he applied the next day.
Gary coached CC at Lake Roosevelt for 40 years. Gary says that many people think CC is purely an individual sport. But making the team aspect important was something he need to develop so sending 21 teams to State was an achievement he feels very proud of.
Gary coached 11 League titles and had 21 state qualifying teams. His best state individual and team place was 2nd.
Coach Darnold also coached middle school boys basketball for 36 years, middle schools girls basketball for 24 years, and high school tennis for 10 years……this guy could do it ALL!!!!!
Gary has been married to his wife, Sheila, for 42 great years. His three children are Brian, Steve, and Lori. His five grandchildren are Adysen, Bayleigh, Drew, Rylee, and Parker.
He retired this past June so he says he and his wife are following our grand kids in their activities.
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Tim grew up in Bellingham and graduated from Bellingham HS in 1963. He was an all-Wesco guard in basketball and a decent sprinter on Bob Dorr’s track team.
He earned a BA in English in 1967 and an MA in English in 1969 from WSU. He taught English at Bellingham from 1971-1998.
Tim became the head cross country and track coach at Bellingham from 1978-1998….when the school closed for remodeling and we all moved to the new Squalicum HS. At Squalicum he took over CC in 2001 and coached until 2007, when he retired from coaching.
One of Tim’s most rewarding achievements in CC would be getting his athletes into running, and then seeing so many of them still running on the many trails around Bellingham.
Tim’s CC team won the new school’s first state title in any sport in 2003…and then went on and won 2 others state titles in 2004 and 2006.
Tim has been involved with Washington Cultural Exchange since 1985 and took 4 teams to China and 3 to Japan. He served as President of the Washington State Track Coaches Association for 4 years.
He and his wife Mary have been married for 50 years and have 2 children, Kelli and Andy.
Tim retired from teaching in 2000 and from coaching in 2008. He is still on the Board of Directors for the Washington Cultural Exchange and on the WIAA State Track Meet Committee. In addition, Tim is co-chairman of the Bellingham High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Tim says he is a full-time Grandpa….doing lots of kid sittings and watching them compete in youth sports.
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Mike grew up in north central Washington on a cattle ranch where he attended Okanogan HS and graduated in 1968. He played basketball and baseball for his high school, then he attended EWU, graduating in 1978 with a major in Mathematics an a BA in school administration.
Mike Taught math and science and was the high school JV baseball coach at Richland, starting his 3rd year of teaching when during the late summer of 1975 the assistant principal called him asking if he would take the head CC coaching job, since the previous coach stepped down. The school board was going to eliminate the minor sport, due to no coach. Mike told him he had no experience, he wasn’t a runner, and there were other coaches he should ask. The assistant principal had already asked all of them and Mike was his last hope, or the sport would die completely. Luckily, he took the job and had a winning season his first year. The next year he won the district meet and placed 9th at state. Mike says he enjoyed the challenges, the runners, and the sport itself so much he continued on with it for 29 years. He also coached 18 years of track, and 4 years of basketball, and then 2 more years of basketball at Chewelah.
Mike had 19 state qualifying teams and his 1993 girls won the school’s first state championship for any girls sport. His girl Brandi McCoy placed first at State that year. He says it was rewarding to him to see over the years how many runners, however talented, were impacted by CC enough to continue running after graduation.
Another thing that Mike has never forgotten was what his number 1 girl runner one year told a newspaper reporter about him. She said, “Coach Mills treats all of us runners the same. He is there to cheer on the first runner across the finish line, as well as cheering on the last runner through the finish line when very few are left to cheer for them. That’s why we all respect him so much”
Coach Mills has been married to Elizabeth for 13 ½ years. His children are Cameron, Danielle, and Dawson.
Mike says he gave up working with teenagers to work with adults after he retired. He works for a national crop insurance company out of his home. He is a regional claims specialist covering 5 states. And he enjoys watching all sports events, too.