George Harter
Class of 1910
Football and track Athlete

Wenatchee High’s first “All-State” football player. George was a giant for his time at
6’7” and 200 lbs. He starred for three years at offensive center and defensive lineman.
Legendary coach Enoch Bagshaw of Everett and later the University of Washington said, “If I had Harter on my team, I would play any high school in the country and beat them.” The Wenatchee Republic called him “the best player who ever played on the local gridiron.” George was the only eastern Washington player named to the Spokane Chronicle’s 1909 “All-State” team. He was also an outstanding track athlete in the hammer throw with a school record 137’ toss to his credit. George went on to star on the gridiron for Washington State and was named to the “All- Northwest” college team twice.

Myron Foster
Class of 1912
Football, Baseball and Track Athlete

When Wenatchee High played Oak Park High of Illinois in a battle of state champions at
Seattle’s Denny Field on December 26, 1910, Myron was WHS’s captain and fullback. He
returned for the undefeated 1911 season and again served as captain. At 6’ and 178 lbs., he
was the top ball carrier in eastern Washington, including Spokane, for two years and was
also considered the region’s dominant defensive player and kicker. During his prep grid
career, Wenatchee’s record was 17-4-2 and 14-1-1 while he was captain. Myron was named
to “All-State” teams in 1910 and 1911 by the Spokesman-Review and was also an “All-star
Inland Empire” selection. He was an excellent pitcher and hitter for the baseball squad and
a “weightman” in track. After graduation, Myron played college football at Washington State.

Wes Foster
Class of 1925
Track Athlete

One of the first great sprinters to gain national attention for the Pacific Northwest in track.
In a memorable day, May 16, 1925, Wes set or equaled two national high school standards and
set four state marks - 5.3 seconds in the 50 yard dash established a U.S. and Washington
state record, 9.8 seconds in the 100 yard dash tied the national mark and set a state record
that stood until 1962, 21.7 seconds in the 220 yard dash established a state standard, and
1:32.8 as a member of the 880 relay team was also a new record for Washington state.
Wes went on to win the National Interscholastic Track Meet 100 yard dash title in Chicago,
equaling the national record of 9.8 seconds, and became an “All-American.”
During his track career at Washington State, Wes won six Pacific Coast Conference indi-
vidual titles and set a world, American and collegiate record for 175 yards at 16.6 seconds
in 1928.

Rufus Kiser

Class of 1926
Track Athlete

A dominant distance runner, Rufus was a two time “All-American” and five time state
champion. He set state records in the mile (4:30.8) and 880 (1:56.8) yard runs, breaking
marks he had previously established. At the 1925 National interscholastic Track Meet in
Chicago, Rufus won the mile and finished third in the 880. He returned the following year
to win both events and claim U.S. championships. He went on to an outstanding collegiate track career at the University of Washington. Rufus’ accomplishments included the 1928 and 1930 NCAA mile national titles, a second place finish in that event in 1929, and the 1929 and ‘30 national AAU championships. He was a member of the winning four mile relay team at the 1930 United States vs. British Empire Games.

Jack Mooberry

Class of 1927
Track, Baseball and Football Athlete

A three sport star with national caliber sprinter’s speed, Jack won the state 220 yard
title in both 1926 and 1927 and finished second in the 100 yard dash in ‘27. He was a back
and punter for the Panther gridders and an outfielder on the baseball squad. Although Jack’s promising college career was hindered by injuries beginning in his sopho- more year at Washington State, he had already recorded outstanding times in the 220 (21.2 seconds) and 100 yard (9.6) dashes. As head track coach at Washington State, Jack earned national acclaim during 28 years
guiding the program to establish the Cougars as a west coast and national power. He was
named National Track Coach-of-the-Year in 1969. The track complex on the WSU campus
is named in his honor.

Chet McNeil

Class of 1927
Track AND Basketball Athlete

Chet used an incredible amount of spring in his legs to dominate as both a high jumper in
track and a center in basketball. He broke his own state high jump record by clearing 6’ 5/8” and won back-to-back state championships. The lanky athlete was the first state of Washington prep high jumper to soar over six feet. In addition to the high jump, Chet competed in the pole vault and broad
jump, and was an important point producer for three consecutive state championship track
squads. On the basketball court, he was also noted for incredible jumping ability in the tipoff circle
and under the hoop. According to the Wenatchee Daily World, coaches described Chet as, “The
most feared offensive man in the league...by far the most outstanding player in the county.”
He was named captain of the 1927 “All-County” team. As a senior, the Panther jumping-jack
scored nearly 40% of the team’s points and, during three years in the starting lineup, WHS
won 75% of their varsity basketball games while making two state tournament appearances.
Chet held all Panther scoring and rebounding records when he graduated.

Noble Moodhe

Coach 1923-34 Track
Vice-principal and Athletic Director 1935-40

Coach Moodhe, a graduate of Willamette University, elevated Wenatchee High’s track
program to state and national prominence. His teams won four straight Washington state
titles from 1925-28, and twelve consecutive district championships. With two runners, Wes
Foster and Rufus Kiser competing in the National Interscholastic Track Meet in Chicago, the
Panthers finished second in the nation as a team in 1925. The following year, WHS placed
fifth. Noted for his disciplined approach to training, Noble developed and coached athletes who
earned four national titles and 13 individual state championships while setting numerous
U.S. and Washington state records. After retiring from coaching, he became WHS’s first athletic director and later vice-principle.

Paul K.Benjamin
Coach 1926-36 Basketball, Football and Baseball
Athletic Director 1936-40

P.K. Benjamin played an important role in adding stability to the Wenatchee High School athletic program. Football coaches had been using WHS as a springboard to jobs at bigger schools for many years. Since coaches guided several different sports, this gypsy trend, creating turnover every year or two, kept the athletic program in constant turmoil. P.K. was the remedy. The University of Illinois graduate came onboard in 1926 after serving as an assistant football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy. Although primarily hired to guide WHS grid teams, P.K. was perhaps the first qualified Panther basketball coach. He was highly respected both as a person and as a coach while his teams compiled a 44-26-11 record on the gridiron, and a 114-55 ledger in basketball. Benjamin’s hoop squads won five county championships and made three state tournament appearances. Several of his other WHS teams had records worthy
of berths, including 17-1 in 1933, but weren’t invited. The 1934 squad was a state semifinalist before falling to sixth, and in 1928, the Panthers placed seventh.

Bud Thrapp

Class of 1942
Football, Baseball,
Basketball and Track Athlete

Bud was cut from the mold of prototype gridiron scatbacks. According to the Wenatchee Daily
World, the 5’8” running back had the “hipper-dipper sidesteps and shiftiness that differentiates
a speedy runner from a ball carrier.” During his senior season in 1941, Bud packed the pigskin
for 1,185 yards, despite missing a game due to injury, averaging 148 yards per contest. He also
had a 94 yard run from scrimmage against Yakima High. On the basketball court, Bud used outstanding quickness as a guard on two state tournament squads. He also roamed centerfield and contributed a strong bat to baseball teams that lost only twice during his sophomore and junior years.
When baseball was discontinued in 1942 due to the war, Bud switched to track and won the
district 220 yard dash title to qualify for the state meet. During college years, he starred as a running back at Eastern Washington and earned honor- able mention “Little All-American” honors.

Doc Conway

Coach 1941-47
Football, Basketball and Track

Although the Whitman College graduate was most noted for gridiron success, Coach Conway’s
squads also excelled in basketball and track. Doc guided three undefeated football teams - 9-0 in 1941, 7-0 in 1943 and 7-0 in 1944. His gridders put together a 19 game winning streak that spanned three seasons, 1943-45. Conway’s teams won 86% of their games, compiling an outstanding 37-6-3 record. His contingents were very competitive on the basketball court and in track, too. During Doc’s six years as hoop coach, the Panthers made state tournament appearances in 1942 and ‘45,
and won district titles three times. His track teams earned four district titles. Each year, “Doc Conway Panther Best” awards are presented to WHS’s outstanding boy and girl athletes in his honor.

Pete Young

Class of 1947
Track, Football and Basketball Athlete

Lanky Pete Young dominated cinder tracks as one of the state’s premier hurdlers. As a senior,
Pete broke his own district 120-yard high hurdles record at :15.1. In all, he won three district track
titles including one as a high jumper. After pacing a preliminary high hurdles heat in the 1947
state track meet, Pete stumbled and almost fell at the start of the finals and narrowly placed
second behind the winning time of :15.2. On the gridiron, he was a sure handed pass receiver and dependable blocker as well as a dominating defensive end for the Panthers during a pair of seasons as a starter. Pete was a mainstay for two campaigns on the basketball squad and was noted for superior rebounding as well as strong inside scoring. The 1947 team compiled an outstanding 15-5 season, but lost to Clarkston in the finals of the first Class ‘A’ District Playoffs, 27-26, to miss a state tournament berth. Legendary WHS coach Doc Conway described him as “one of the finest athletes I ever coached - not so much because of natural ability, but because Pete worked hard to master every sport.” He earned eight letters, was a team captain in three sports and also served as student body
president. After attending Wenatchee Junior College and starring in football, basketball and track,
Pete transferred to Stanford University and competed as a hurdler.

Glen Parks

Class of 1949
Football, Basketball and Baseball athlete

Panther football teams of the 1940s were noted for huge chunks of yardage gained by one play
- The Apple Valley Reverse. No one was more proficient at it than Glen. It was said that the first
time WHS ran the end-around in a game, it was a surprise. From then on, it was talent. Teams would
devise defenses to corral it, but Glen still ran wild. Against Omak, he packed the ball four times on
the reverse, all for touchdowns, and gained a school record 235 yards. During his senior season,
Glen averaged more than 18 yards per carry while rambling for over 600 yards.
So impressive were his ball carrying statistics, Glen was named to the “All-State” grid team as a
running back despite the fact he played end. He was also outstanding as a defender, kick returner
and punter. Glen was the leading scorer for the basketball team, averaging just over nine points per game, and was selected as “All-District” at the tournament held at Eastern Washington State College. He was also a high jumper on the track squad and was named “Panther Best” his senior year. At Wenatchee Junior College, Glen was an “All-Conference” back in football and led the basketball team in scoring. He went on to start as a running back at Eastern Washington.

Milt Bohart

Class of 1950
Football, Track and Basketball Athlete

Milt was an outstanding blocking back and linebacker on the 1948 Panther state champi-
onship football team. The following season, he was named to the “All-State” grid squad and
earned the “Panther Best” award as the outstanding WHS athlete. Milt was also district
shot put champion, participated in three state track meets, started on the basketball team
and completed his prep career with nine letters.
He captured the national spotlight as a University of Washington football player. Milt
was the first Husky ever selected as the national “Lineman-of-the-Week” in 1953. He capped
that season by earning a spot on the “All-America” team at guard, and was also “All-Coast”
and “All-Pacific Coast Conference.” Husky teammates honored him with the “Most Inspira-
tional” award, and he was selected to play in the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine all-star
football games.

Larry Richardson

Class of 1951
Basketball, Track and Baseball Athlete

A naturally gifted athlete with superior speed, Larry established Panther career basketball
records for average points per game and by scoring 1,072 during three years as a starter.
He was selected to “All-District” teams and to the “All-State” team for players not in the state
tournament in 1951. Larry’s spring sports exploits are legendary. He competed at the state
track meet in five individual events: 100, 220, discus, high jump and broad (long) jump and
won championships in the 100 and 220 as a senior after finishing second the year before.
Larry was also an excellent left-handed pitcher and first baseman. As a sophomore and
junior, he competed in both track and baseball during the same season and, at times, would
take part in meets, between innings, clad in his baseball uniform. Larry signed a bonus contract with the Chicago White Sox and played several years of minor league baseball as a pitcher and outfielder.

Dewey Keith

Class of 1951
Football, Track, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

A gifted natural athlete recognized for unselfish team play, he lettered in football, basketball,
track and baseball as a junior and senior. In all, Dewey amassed ten letters during his three
years in high school (3 in both football and track, 2 in both basketball and baseball).
On the gridiron, he was a team leader while excelling as a passer and pigskin packer. His role
as floor general and assist leader helped spur the basketball team to as high as third in state
polls. In track, Dewey set a district record in the 440 and anchored the district record-setting
880 relay to qualify for the state meet in both events. He also started for the baseball squad
contributing excellent defensive skills as well as at the plate. To top off his busy schedule at WHS, Dewey was student body vice president and sports editor of The Apple Leaf newspaper. He earned the “Panther Best” award as a senior. Dewey starred as a running back at Wenatchee Junior College before transferring to Washington State and playing for the Cougars.

Joe Schomer

Class of 1955
Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track Athlete

Joe was an incredibly versatile athlete for the Panthers on the gridiron, court, diamond and track.
A southpaw, Joe was the ace of WHS’s North Central A League championship baseball team for two seasons. At the same time, he exhibited blazing speed to place second at the state track meet in the 440 yard dash after winning district and regional titles in the event. As the star of the Panthers’ 1954-55 state tournament basketball team, Joe established a school season scoring record with 438 points while averaging 17.4 per game. He was named to the “Second All-state Tournament Team” as well as to the “All-League” squad. A three season varsity player, Joe was a starter during two of the campaigns at forward, and completed his WHS basketball career as the school’s third leading all-time scorer with 612 points. A hard charging halfback, he paced the Panthers in ground-gaining as a two year starter and was named to the “All-League” team as a senior. In all, he earned nine letters and received the “Panther Best” award as a senior. Joe went on to pitch for Washington State College’s baseball team.

Tom Black

Class of 1956
Football, Track, and Wrestling Athlete

It wasn’t much fun for opponents to have Tom, a 6-1, 208-lb. tackle, glaring at them from across
the line of scrimmage. Considered to be exceptionally strong, he was usually the spearhead of the
Panthers’ running attack during three varsity football seasons. Just as adept defensively, Tom was
known for stuffing ball carriers in their tracks. He not only captained the WHS team, but also was
co-captain of the “All-State Football Game” and one of the game’s stars as a senior. Tom was outstanding on WHS’s inaugural wrestling squad and became the first Panther to compete at the state tournament. He helped to set a foundation of success for Wenatchee High’s wrestling program.
Also a track athlete who excelled in throwing events for the Panthers, Tom earned a total of six
letters. After starting for the University of Washington frosh team, he transferred to Whitworth College and was a stalwart for three seasons at tackle. Tom was an “NAIA Little All-American” grid selection his senior season after being named to the “All-Evergreen Conference” team twice. He also competed for Whitworth’s track squad. Tom returned to WHS as head wrestling coach from 1962-75 as well as an assistant in football and track.

Gar Jeffers

Class of 1957
Football, Basketball and Tennis Athlete

Gar was outstanding in three sports despite, as grid coach Tom Byrne fondly noted, being much
faster in his own mind than he was in reality. In football, he started at end in the “All-State Game” after three years as a Panther standout. Gar received an “All-North Central A League” berth as a junior, and would have repeated as a senior and team co-captain, but the league opted not to make individual selections that year. Many considered his stongest sport to be basketball. On the court, Gar earned “All-NC A League” recognition at center as a junior after leading the Panthers in scoring and rebounding, but was limited by an injury sustained during the football season as a senior - although he was still a top scorer for the team. As a tennis player, he was an integral part of two conference championship squads and was a member of a pair of district doubles title tandems. In all, Gar earned nine letters. He went on to play football for two seasons at the University of Washington and basketball at the University of Americas.

Carlton Olson
Class of 1957
Baseball, Football and Basketball Athlete

Carlton was a three-sport standout especially noted as a slick-fielding shortstop for the Panther
baseball team. A three season starter on the diamond, he paced North Central A League championship teams in 1955, ‘56 and ‘57. As a senior, Carlton hit at a .475 clip and challenged opponents with speed on the base paths. He earned an “All-State” shortstop berth and started in the “14th Annual P-I State versus Seattle All-Star Classic” at Sick’s Stadium in Seattle. Carlton was also named to the “North Central League All-Conference” team. As a gridder, he started for three seasons at halfback, defensive back and punted. On the basketball court, Carlton was a two year starter as a guard and set a WHS school record by hitting 12 for 12 free throws in a game against Gonzaga Prep. Panther hoop coach Jerry Carlton said, “Whatever sport he played, and regardless of whatever level it was, Carlton Olson emerged as the leader - the all-star - the winner.” In all, he earned eight letters and served as captain of the football team. Carlton went on to start as an infielder for University of Washington baseball teams from 1958-61, including the 1959 Pacific Coast Conference Northern Division champions that qualified for the College World Series Tournment.
The ‘59 squad was honored by induction into The Husky Hall of Fame.

Gary Dasso

Class of 1958
Football. Basketball, Baseball and Track Athlete

Anytime Gary got his hands on a pigskin, the 6-ft., 178-lb. halfback was a threat to find paydirt. Running with a combination of both speed and power, he paced the Panthers in rushing as a junior and senior. Gary established a WHS career rushing record of 1,558 yards and was named by both The Sporting News and Teen magazine as an honorable mention prep “All-American.”
He was a “first team All-State” selection and earned the “MVP award” in the 12th annual Washington State High School East-West Football Game after rushing for 87 yards, catching passes for 52, and scoring two touchdowns. Gary started for two seasons at guard for the Panther basketball team including the 1956 state tourna- ment squad. His versatility as an athlete was apparent as a varsity baseball player his junior year, and then in track as district ‘broad jump’ champion as a senior. In all, Gary earned eight letters. He was captain of both the football and basketball teams, received the “Panther Best” award, and also served as student body president his senior year.
A major college football recruit, Gary was the leading rusher for the University of Washington frosh
team. He played in the 1960 Rose Bowl for the Huskies before transferring to Puget Sound and earning two “All-Evergreen Conference” berths as well as being named as a “Methodist College All-American.”

Gene Baker

Class of 1959
Football, Baseball and Basketball Athlete
Assistant Football Coach 1968 -79

The 1958-59 Panthers were undefeated state football champions, lost only one game in two years,
qualified for the state basketball tournament and were a perfect 17-0 in baseball. Gene starred for
each of those teams. ‘Bake’ earned “All-State” honors at guard and played in the East-West State
All-Star Football Game. He was a leading hitter and outfielder for one of the premier baseball teams
in the state. Gene also played an important role for the state final sixteen WHS hoopsters. ‘Bake’ played football and baseball at Whitworth earning “Little All-American” honorable mention
on the gridiron. As a coach, Gene developed the fabled ‘Baker’s Dozen’ grid defensive unit that dominated for a decade. Under his guidance, WHS went through the 10 game regular season without being scored on in 1973.

Jim Arnsberg
Class of 1959
Baseball, Basketball and Football Athlete

When the hard-throwing, 6’2”, right hander took the mound for the Panthers, opposing batters
might as well have been swinging toothpicks. As a senior, Jim only gave up a single earned run
and struck out 105 in 56 innings pitched while posting an 8-0 record. During three years as a
hurler, he was 15-4 with 237 strikeouts in 151 innings. Also one of the team’s top hitters, he had
the distinction to be the first sophomore to belt a homerun over the fence at Rec Park. Arnsberg
was selected to play in the “All-State Game” in Seattle as a senior. A three year starter for the Wenatchee High basketball squad, he scored 777 career points. His senior season, Jim was the leading point producer on a squad that played in the state tournament and earned a second team “All-State” berth. In the opening game of the tourney, he tallied 30 points in a 55-44 loss to Ballard.
Arnsberg was also a starting end as a gridder for the 8-1 Panthers as a junior, but elected not to
play football his final year. Jim was named “Panther Best” as a senior and earned seven letters.
Rather than signing a minor league contract, he accepted a scholarship to play baseball at Se-
attle University and was a stalwart for the Chieftains on the mound for two seasons until injury
curtailed his career.

Dean Kalahar
Class of 1960
Football and Wrestling Athlete

A lot is said about “playing with heart.” Dean did it. Wenatchee World sports editor Dick Pieper noted in a 1959 column that “Demon Dean Kalahar is the finest high school player we’ve ever seen.” He was a starting center and linebacker, leading the team in tackles, for two years. Including the 1958 state championship season, the Panthers compiled a 24-2-1 record during Dean’s three campaigns on the gridiron. Following the 1959 football season, he was selected to the “All-State” first team and earned “High School All-American” recognition. Also an accomplished grappler, Dean wrestled at state as a junior, but was denied the chance to challenge for the title as a senior due to knee surgery. In addition to athletic accomplishments, he served as A.S.B. president. Although considered “undersized,” he went on to star for Washington State at linebacker and center as a three year starter. Dean was named Cougar captain and earned the team’s “Outstanding Defensive Player” award.

Blaine Brownlow

Class of 1960
Baseball, Basketball and Football Athlete

According to football coach Tom Byrne, “It’s been like a morgue around here,” after Blaine broke his collarbone in practice the day before a showdown battle between two undefeated powerhouses - #1 ranked Everett and the #2 Panthers. Little wonder since the diminutive 5’8”, 145-lb. Brownlow not only quarterbacked WHS to a 9-0 state championship season the year before, he also handled the team’s punting, place kicking, and was a cog in the defensive secondary. Blaine, ever a team leader, made the trip to Everett and was an inspiration to teammates on the sidelines as WHS posted an upset victory. As a three year starter for the basketball squad, Brownlow gave the opposition fits with superb passing, dribbling and ball-hawking. A sequence against Eastmont demonstrated his value. With the Panthers up by a point late in the game, he pilfered three passes and, as described in The Wenatchee WORLD, “ hit three straight shots from the field - two long howitzers and a driving lay-in.” A slick-fielding shortstop, Blaine led the baseball team in batting average both as a junior and senior. He was selected to play shortstop in the “All-State Game” as a senior. Blaine was also a “2nd Team All-State” selection in football and “3rd Team All-State” in basketball. In all, he earned nine letters and was named “Panther Best” as a senior. Brownlow played baseball at the Air Force Academy before transferring to the Universtiy of Washington.

Manuel Diaz

Coach 1956-60 Wrestling
Prep wrestling official 1961-77

As the founding father of Panther wrestling, Manuel more or less created WHS’s mat
program from scratch. In 1956, the Central Washington State College graduate guided the
very first team of grapplers. Coach Diaz’s efforts were truly from the ground up because
his wrestlers had absolutely no competitive experience on the mat. He had to teach them
virtually everything about the sport while stressing fundamentals and conditioning as the
foundation of the program. Wrestling steadily gained popularity at WHS under his guidance and Panther grapplers became increasingly competitive on a statewide basis. After the 1960 season, Manuel turned over the reins of the flourishing program and became a preeminent wrestling official for seventeen years. He is a member of “The Washington State Wrestling Hall of Fame.”

Jim Norton

Class of 1961
Football, Track and Basketball Athlete

At 6’3” and 225 lbs., Jim had a big presence on the gridiron and was named to the “All-West-
ern Conference” team in 1960 and ‘61 as a lineman and place kicker. He set a school record with
a 153’7” discus throw and was also a mainstay on the basketball court. In all, Jim earned nine
letters. He really blossomed as a University of Washington gridder. In 1964, Jim became “Pac-8 Line- man-of-the-Year,” was an Associated Press second team “All-American,” and “All-Coast.” He also set the UW record for consecutive extra points and kicked the longest field goal in Husky history to that time - 46 yards. Jim experienced the thrill of playing in the Rose Bowl, and was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, Coaches’ All-American Game, and the College All-Stars vs. NFL Champion Cleveland Browns Game. After being San Francisco’s third round NFL draft choice, he started as a defensive lineman for the 49ers and Washington Redskins.

Jim Sampson

Class of 1961
Football, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

According to Panther football coach Tom Byrne, “Jim wasn’t necessarily the most naturally
gifted athlete - he just worked harder than the next guy to make himself the best.” He started his
WHS grid career as a skinny 120-lb. sophomore and became a two year starter excelling as a
quarterback and defensive back while earning an “All-Western Conference” berth at quarterback
as a senior. Jim was a mainstay at forward for the basketball squad and played first base for the baseball team. In all, he earned five varsity letters. At Wenatchee Valley College, Jim gained “All-Conference” recognition at safety and set a school record with six interceptions in a season. He also pitched and played first base for the Knights baseball team. After transferring to the University of Washington, Jim began as a football walk- on, but was quickly awarded a scholarship. He worked his way into the starting lineup at safety on a Husky team that led the nation in rush defense and played in the ‘64 Rose Bowl. Jim became a highly regarded football coach at Cleveland, Ballard, Inglemoor and Redmond high schools. His Inglemoor teams won two Kingco titles and he was named “Coach of the Year” four times - twice in the Metro League and twice in the Kingco League.

Al Libke

Class of 1962
Football, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

At 6’5”, Al towered over defensive linemen after switching from a starting end position to
quarterback for his senior grid season. Unfortunately, he fractured a bone in his ankle in a lop-
sided opening victory, but came back to lead a struggling Panther squad to three decisive wins
to close out the schedule. A two year starter, Al was selected to “All-Western Conference” teams
and was also a WHS captain. On the basketball court, he was the leading scorer for two Panther hoop squads that missed state tournament berths by one game both his junior and senior years. Al was a second team “All-state” selection and earned a spot on the “All-Western Conference” squad.
He was also a standout on the baseball diamond as a two year starter at first base and was
co-winner of the “Panther Best” award his senior year. At the University of Washington, Al started for three seasons at end, and also played safety, for the Huskies. He was an important cog on the 1964 Rose Bowl team and earned a spot on the conference “All-Scholastic Team” before going on to medical school.

Mike Ryan

Class of 1962
Football and Wrestling Athlete

Big accomplishments were expected of Mike his junior year only to have a fractured wrist
early in the football season eliminate him from competition. He came back the next year more
determined than ever and used strength and quickness to dominate opponents as a guard
for the Panther gridders and earn “All-Western Conference” honors. Mike also excelled on the mat as one of Wenatchee High’s first wrestlers to gain statewide recognition. He placed second at the state tournament among ‘heavyweights’ although he weighed only 195 lbs. at the time. Mike was co-recipient of the “Panther Best” award as a senior. While at the University of Washington, he started for three seasons at offensive guard on the gridiron. In 1966, Mike was a Husky co-captain and was named one of eight National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes in the country. He was both a Marshall and Rhodes scholarship finalist.

Al Worley

Class of 1964
Football, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

A three sport standout, Elvin “Al” was named to the “All-Western Conference” grid team
in 1963 as an end. He completed his basketball career at WHS as the Panthers’ fourth
all-time leading scorer and was an outstanding shortstop in baseball. Al was selected
as the “Panther Best” award recipient his senior year. As a defensive back for the University of Washington, Al capped his collegiate career with one of the most memorable seasons in NCAA and Husky history. That year, he intercepted 14 passes to establish new NCAA and UW records. Al also set NCAA and school standards with four interceptions in one game, an average of 1.4 interceptions
per game, and 18 career interceptions. He was “All-Pac 8” and first team “Consensus All-American” in 1968.

Sandy O’Donnell
Class of 1964

Track, Football and Basketball Athlete

Sandy’s strong left arm propelled him to the pinnacle of prep javelin throwing. He
launched the spear 219’10” to set a state record and win the state title in 1964. That
toss ranked as the second longest by a high school athlete in the nation. Sandy also
started at end in football and as a basketball forward for the Panthers. The talented lefty continuedjavelin throwing at Washington State where he was a four-time “All-American.” His crowning accomplishment was a 258’11” toss to win the NCAA championship in 1968. That throw set a WSU record and ranked as the third longest in college history. Considered as a top contender to make the Olympic team, Sandy unfortunately suffered an injury during the Olympic Trials to force him out of the competition.

Tom Byrne
Coach 1953-65
Football and Baseball

Wenatchee High’s statewide gridiron reputation was rekindled during coach Byrne’s
13 years on the sidelines. The University of Montana graduate guided teams to a 69-
34-3 record including a 9-0 state championship in 1958. His 1957 squad was the first
WHS grid team to break into state football weekly rankings. The Panthers finished 3
consecutive seasons ranked in the “State Top 10” during Tom’s tenure - #7 in 1957, #1
in ‘58, and #6 in ‘59. From 1953 until leaving the league after the ‘56 campaign, Byrne’s
teams won four consecutive “NCW A” titles. During a single season as baseball coach, Tom’s nine won 14 straight games and a “NCW A League” championship. Coach Byrne was selected as head coach of the 1959 State All-Star Football Game and was inducted into the Washington State Football Coaches Hall-of-Fame.

Ron Zielinski
Class of 1966
Tennis Athlete

With cat-like quickness, Ron rallied to the pinnacle of state prep tennis play. As a senior,
he won the Washington high school singles championship and led the Panthers to the team
title as well. A number one seed in the tournament, Ron dropped only four points in four
matches prior to the finals. He also won the title match decisively, 6-2, 6-0, against Larry
Frueh of Davis. As a junior, Ron lost in the finals to place second at state.
He also won a pair of back-to-back Inland Empire prep singles championships as a junior
and senior. Ron was the dominant player at districts with a pair of singles and a doubles
championship. In all likelihood, he would have won a third district singles title as a senior,
but stepped aside and only played doubles to pave the way for a Panther teammate to gain
the championship. Ron received a scholarship to the University of Oregon and became the team’s number one singles player. He also played as a member of the Ducks’ top doubles duo.

Jim Hampton
Class of 1967
Wrestling and Football Athlete

Jim was the first Panther to earn a state wrestling championship and posted a perfect
22-0 record with 16 pins in winning the 194-lb. crown. In one memorable match, his perfect
record was jeopardized by voluntarily stepping up to wrestle an undefeated heavyweight
who went on to win the state championship in that weight class. Jim triumphed despite giv-
ing away almost 40 lbs. He won the district title as a senior, was runnerup as a junior and
earned three letters as a grappler. Also a two year starting lineman in football and a second
team “All-Big 8” selection, he received the “Panther Best” award as a senior. Jim starred as a football player and wrestler at Everett Community College gaining first team “All Conference” honors at center on the gridiron and finishing third at the state junior college wrestling tournament. Injury ended his football career prematurely at Washington State.

John Rosendahl
Class of 1969
Football, Basketball and Track Athlete

John was best known as an imposing force at tackle on the gridiron, standing 6’6”
and weighing 235 lbs. However, he was also a starting center in basketball and a track
athlete. As a football player, John was an “All-Big 8” selection at offensive tackle in 1967,
and at both offensive and defensive tackle in 1968. He closed out a brilliant senior year
by being selected to the “All-State” team and as a first team “Prep All-American” offensive
tackle by Scholastic and also Coach and Athlete magazines. Highly recruited by major college football programs, John ultimately decided to accept an academic and athletic scholarship to Harvard. He played for two years for the Crimson.

Rand Marquess
Class of 1969
Football and Baseball Athlete

Rand spearheaded the Panthers’ rise to state football supremacy as both a hard-running
tailback and hard-hitting linebacker. As a two year starter, he led the team in both rushing
and tackling, earning “All-Big 8” recognition as well as “Honorable Mention Prep All-American”
by Coach and Athlete magazine. Rand served as a team captain and earned several team
awards because of his outstanding ability and attitude. As a two year starter, the WHS baseball team benefitted from his talents behind the plate and as a leading slugger. Rand was also a member of the varsity basketball team his junior year. He capped an outstanding prep athletic career by earning the “Panther Best” award. At Idaho, Rand was a three year starting linebacker, set school tackling records, and earned first team “All-Big Sky” berths his junior and senior seasons, as well as “Honorable Mention” as a sophomore. He played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League until injuries prematurely curtailed his pro career.

Harry Zier
Coach 1948-60 Track and Basketball
Athletic Director 1957-69

A product of Walla Walla and Eastern Washington State College, Harry helped to elevate
WHS athletics out of the North Central A League, into the Western Conference and finally into the
Columbia Basin League. During thirteen years as athletic director, he ushered Panther coaches
and athletes into the modern era of high school competition. Harry developed a track program that featured outstanding teams and individual marks. He also guided the basketball squad to the 1956 state tournament in Seattle. In the fall of 1957, Harry became athletic director, turned over the reins of the Panther hoop program, but remained head track coach until 1960. His style was to ‘roll-up the sleeves and get the job done’. As Wenatchee World sports editor Dick Pieper noted, “In the fall, he might be seen lining the field, and in the spring he would do much of the physical labor to get the track in shape and he was a one-man gang in running track meets.” A coach with a quiet, unflappable demeanor who managed to teach and motivate athletes to excel, Harry used those same traits to become a highly respected athletic director. His efforts put a stamp of excellence on the entire athletic program.

Rocky Skalisky

Class of 1971
Football, Baseball and Basketball Athlete

Rocky used strength and speed to excel on the gridiron and baseball diamond. He quar-
terbacked powerhouse football teams, setting WHS total offense records, in 1969 and ‘70
to earn “All-Big 8” recognition. In 1970, not only did he quarterback the state championship
team, he was also named Washington’s “Offensive Player-of-the-Year” and earned a berth as
the “All-State” signal caller. His prep grid career was capped by being selected as a first team
“High School All-American” by Sunkist and Coach and Athlete magazine. Rocky was also a
rocket armed, power-hitting baseball player who earned “All-Big 8” honors in 1970 and ‘71,
and “All-State” in his senior year. He was the NCW Sports Awards first “Athlete-of-the-Year”
in 1971. After turning down a football scholarship to Notre Dame, Rocky signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was selected as a Sporting News Minor League All-Star on three occasions.

Rick Mitchell
Class of 1972
Football, Baseball and Basketball Athlete

Rick was selected to the “All-State” football first team both his junior and senior years
becoming the first Panther gridder to accomplish that feat. Voted “Best Running Back in
Washington” by state football coaches after the 1971 season, he was first team “All-Big 9”
in football for two years and was a captain of the Panthers’ 1971 state championship grid
contingent. Equally as dominant on the diamond, Rick earned a first team berth on two consecutive
“All-Big 9” baseball squads as a power-hitting outfielder. Rick also started for two seasons
on WHS’s basketball team. In all, he earned eight varsity letters. After graduation, “Mitch” was an “All-Conference” football player at Wenatchee Valley College, and “All-Pac 8 Northern Division” baseball player for Washington State. Rick finished his collegiate career earning “All-Evergreen Conference” and “All-District” first team honors in 1976 and ‘77 for Central Washington.

Mike Allen
Class of 1974
Track and Football Athlete

With a classic long, fluid stride, Mike propelled himself to the state track meet twice in
four events. In 1974, he finished second at state in the 440 yard dash and set a school
record at :48.2. He also placed third in the long jump, competed in the 220 yard dash and
anchored the mile relay. In all, Mike won eight district track titles. As a big play receiver on the gridiron, he earned first team “All-Big 9” berths in 1972 and ‘73. While at Washington State, Mike placed second in the Pac-10 decathlon championships, set a school record in that event and finished ninth at the NCAA meet. He was named “NCW Sports Awards College Athlete-of-the-Year” in 1979. For three injury plagued seasons, Mike was a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks in
the NFL and also played for the Michigan Panthers in the USFL.

Mark Madland
Class of 1974
Football, Baseball and Wrestling Athlete

As a 6’, 190-lb. bone-crushing linebacker, Mark was the spearhead of the vaunted “Baker’s
Dozen” defense. While he played for WHS, the Panthers compiled a 30-2 record on the gridiron.
Mark set school season and career tackling records while being named to first team “All-Big 9”
defensive squads as a junior and senior. At the end of the ‘73 season, coach Lee Bofto said, “He had the greatest year of any linebacker we’ve ever had - Madland is the best linebacker in the state.” Mark was selected to the “All-State” defensive team after the Panthers had amassed ten shutouts his senior year. He was also a powerful fullback offensively. In addition to gridiron exploits, Mark was a two-year starter in baseball as well as a front-line wrestler for one campaign. In all, he earned six letters. After an “All-Conference” grid season at Spokane Falls Community College and a redshirt year at BYU, Mark transferred to the University of Puget Sound to dominate as a linebacker for three years. He was an NAIA “All-Northwest” selection and earned “Little All-American” honors.

Jack Barnes
Coach 1946-74
Golf, Baseball, Football and Basketball

Following an outstanding grid career at Cheney Normal (now Eastern Washington) and naval ser-
vice during World War II, Jack provided athletic expertise to WHS and North Central Washington for twenty-eight years. He established the golf program in 1959 and, during fifteen years as coach, built a tradition of regional and statewide success. Jack’s 1948 football team won the state title after tying West Seattle, 6-6, in the annual Thanksgiving game that pitted Seattle’s best contingent against the best from outside the city. It was WHS’s second state football championship. As grid coach for six campaigns through 1952, Barnes’ teams compiled a 26-20-4 record. He guided Panther basketball to a 30-15 record for two seasons. Both his 1947 and 1948 squads lost by one point in the district finals to miss berths in the state tournament. Jack resurrected baseball at WHS in 1947 after five seasons of dormancy. He successfully coached the team for six seasons. During a period of several years while not coaching, Barnes founded the Chelan County Officials Association and participated as president and executive secretary as well as actively officiating. He was also on the ground floor of establishing Little League baseball in Wenatchee. As Wenatchee World sports editor Dick Pieper noted, “He has done a service to the area, a service that cannot be repaid in so many dollars, or even in accolades.”

Kevin Skalisky
Class of 1974
Football, Baseball and Basketball Athlete

“Big play ability” was just one of the qualities Kevin contributed to WHS athletics. As a
ball-hawking, three-year starting defensive back and running back, the Panthers compiled
a 30-2 record, won two state grid championships, and also finished second. He played an
integral role in the vaunted “Baker’s Dozen” defense that blanked ten opponents in 1973.
Kevin set a school record with 17 career interceptions and tied the season mark with 10 pilfers
while being named to “All-Big 9” first teams as a defensive back three consecutive years.
Equally adept on the diamond, he started for two seasons as a hard-hitting infielder and
earned berths on “All-Big 9” baseball teams twice. Kevin paced the Panthers in batting aver-
age and RBIs as a junior and senior to lead the team to a 42-18 record.
He also played basketball for WHS and collected a total of eight letters.
Kevin began his collegiate career playing baseball at Washington State, then transferred
to the University of Puget Sound and switched to football as a starting defensive back.

Rick Washut
Class of 1975
Football, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

The Panthers went 21-2 while Rick started at quarterback. One of those losses came
after he was injured, late in the state championship game against Kentridge, as the team
was moving goalward for the winning score. The other loss came the following year in the
state semifinals against eventual champion Blanchet. Rick broke every WHS passing record
despite seldom playing full games because of Panther dominance over opponents. A team
captain, he earned “All-State” and “All-Big 9” quarterback berths in recognition of his senior
season. Standing 6’2”, Rick also served as captain for the Panther basketball team and also
played baseball. He was named “NCW Sports Awards High School Athlete-of-the-Year” in
1974-75. In college, he was a starting quarterback at Oregon before leaving the team, with a year
of eligibility remaining, to attend dental school.

Tom Thompson
Class of 1975
Football and Baseball Athlete

Tom exhibited one of the most diversified gridiron repertoires in WHS history. Not only did
he complete his prep career with 1,523 rushing yards, he played superbly at defensive back,
punted and place kicked. “Tommie’s” combination of trips to paydirt and boots through the
uprights produced a school record 137 points during the ‘74 season. After an “All-Big 9” berth
defensively as a junior, he earned first team all-league recognition at three positions as a senior
- running back, defensive back and place kicker.
In addition to starring in football, the 6-1, 181-lb. athlete was an outstanding hitter and two-
year starter for the Panther baseball squad.
At Washington State University, Tom was converted to defensive end despite being undersized
for the position. He was a mainstay for the Cougar defense as a starter for two seasons.

Jim Mengelos
Class of 1975
Football, Baseball and Wrestling Athlete

The legendary Baker’s Dozen defense of 1973 didn’t allow any points during the entire football
regular season. Jim played an important role as a junior linebacker on that incredible team. Un-
dersized at 5-9, 188-lbs., he was also one of the most dynamic players as a linebacker and guard
the following season for a Panther team that only lost to eventual champion Blanchet in the state
playoff semifinals. The importance of this ‘fireplug’ was summed-up by coach Lee Bofto, “He alone
held us together at times.” After earning “All-Big 9 Conference” berths both offensively and defensively, Jim was selected as an “All-State” guard. He started both ways for two seasons on the gridiron and was team captain as a senior. Jim was a top flight catcher on the diamond for WHS while hitting both for power and a .356 average as a senior. After serving as team captain, he was selected as “All-Big 9” catcher in 1975. As a wrestler, Jim also placed second in the conference and fifth regionally. In all, he earned seven letters and was named “Panther Best” as a senior.
While catching for a season at Big Bend Community College, Jim received “All-Conference” honors before going on to catch for the University of Washington baseball team.

Donna Regan
Class of 1977
Basketball, Track and Volleyball Athlete

Donna set school records in every sport she competed in for WHS. She established scoring
and rebounding standards, including 34 points and 20 boards in a game, for the basketball
team as well as career rebounding marks. Donna’s 130’1” discus toss set a school record
and was the farthest in the state her senior year. She finished second at the state meet in
that event and fifth in the high jump. On the volleyball court, Donna was a powerful front
row player noted for blocking shots. She was the recipient of the “NCW Sports Awards High
School Female Athlete-of-the-Year” award and “MVP” of teams in all three sports.
Her collegiate career began at Wenatchee Valley College and continued at Idaho where she
was outstanding in both basketball and track. Donna finished as the Vandals all-time leading
rebounder. She was named “NCW College Female Athlete-of-the-Year” twice.

Mary Bradford
Class of 1979
Track, Basketball, and Volleyball Athlete

With braided pigtails flying, Mary moved quickly on track and court alike. She competed at the
state meet in 1978 and ‘79 after finishing second at district in the 220 and 440 yard dashes.
Mary was named “Most Valuable” on the track team after her junior and senior campaigns.
She earned another “Most Valuable” award as a member of the 1978 volleyball team that
finished fourth in the state. Mary was also sparkplug of the basketball squad and earned the
“Panther Best” award two times. During college years, she starred in basketball and track at Wenatchee Valley College, then at the University of Idaho. Mary twice won the state community college 400 meter hurdles title and started at guard for a pair of Lady Knights championship basketball teams. She was a Big Sky track champion in three events and earned berths on the “All-Conference” first team twice. Not only did Mary captain the Lady Vandals basketball team for two years, she was also named a “Big Sky Scholar-Athlete.” Mary was honored as “NCW Sports Awards College Female Athlete-of-the-Year” twice.

Cass Gebbers
Class of 1983
Football, Basketball and Baseball Athlete

Cass was exceptional on gridiron, court and diamond alike and was described in the Wenatchee World as, “Among the all-time great athletes in the school’s history,” by WHS basketball coach Jerry Riggan. A three-sport letterman for three years, he started for all those years in football, basketball and baseball for the Panthers. Cass earned a berth on the “All-State” football team at defensive back and was a two-year “All-Big 9” selection. Not only was he a defensive star with 15 career interceptions including 9 as a senior - both ranking third best in WHS history - he was also an outstanding quarterback. On the basketball court, the unselfish sharpshooter completed his career as the school’s all-time assists leader (220) as well as the Panthers’ second most prolific scorer with 1,047 points. He paced the team in scoring for two seasons and was named to the “All-Big 9” squad twice. Outstanding both at the plate and as a shortstop for WHS’s baseball team, Cass was “All-Big 9” on the diamond as well. He served as team captain in all three sports and was named “Panther Best” as a senior. Cass was an all-conference basketball player and MVP at Spokane Community College and also played baseball for the Spartans. He completed his collegiate career as a basketball player at Gonzaga University.

Cathy Kuntz
Class of 1984
Volleyball, Basketball and Softball Athlete

Cathy was an exceptional three sport athlete who was selected to “All-Big 9” contingents three
times in both basketball and softball, and twice in volleyball. She was team “MVP” in all three sports, including for the 1984 state championship volleyball squad. Cathy completed her prep basketball career as WHS’s all-time scoring leader for both girls and boys and became Wenatchee High’s first female “All-American” for her volleyball accomplishments. Cathy also earned “Panther Best” and the “NCW Sports Awards High School Female Athlete-of-the-Year” twice.
She continued to excel at Portland State as a four year starter in both volleyball and basketball.
Cathy was named to the “All-West Region” volleyball team in 1987 and ‘88 after playing on two
NCAA-II national championship squads. She was chosen as Portland State’s “Female Athlete-of-the- Year” in 1988-89.

Lee Bofto

Coach 1965-87 Football and Softball

When the University of Montana grad came to WHS in 1965, he applied an impressive organiza-
tional ability to the Panther football program. Coach Bofto’s teams were noted for being extremely
well prepared and won 75% of their games in amassing a 143-49-3 record from 1965-84. Under
his guidance, the Panthers claimed state championships in 1970 and ‘71, and won nine Big 9 titles to
be considered as the preeminent prep grid power in the state during the 1970s. Bofto’s squads won
54 straight Big 9 contests, and put together a 26 game winning streak in 1969-72. He was named
Big 9 “Coach-of-the-Year” nine times, Washington state football “Coach-of-the-Year” four times, and head coach of the 1980 State All-Star Game. Lee is a member of the Washington State Football
Coaches Hall-of-Fame. Coach Bofto also developed the girls softball program from 1979-87. His diamond squads won four league titles and made an equal number of state tournament appearances as the Panthers compiled a 167-49 record. Lee was Big 9 softball “Coach-of-the-Year” four times.

B.J. Kuntz

Class of 1987
Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and Track Athlete

One of Wenatchee High’s most versatile athletes, B.J. earned “All-Big 9” honors in four sports. In
volleyball, she was all-conference three times. She was also named to the all-conference team three
times in basketball while setting 13 school records and averaging 22.6 points. After being selected to
the all-conference softball squad as a sophomore and junior, B.J. switched to track to win the district
title in the javelin, set a school shot put record, and earn the “Outstanding Female Athlete” award for
field events in the Big 9. She was named “All-State” in both volleyball and basketball, “Most Inspirational” by the State Volleyball Coaches Association, two-time “Panther Best,” and the “NCW Sports Awards High School Female Athlete-of-the-Year” in 1987. B.J. played volleyball for Gonzaga University and was selected to “All-West Coast Conference” teams twice. She was also a four time “NCAA Scholar-Athlete.”

Bob Eller
Athletic Director 1971-87
Coach 1967-71 Basketball

With the advent of Title IX which legislated gender equality in athletic opportunities, Bob’s re-
sponsibilities as athletic director were increased twofold. The Eastern Washington University grad
spearheaded the development of a highly successful girls athletic program without sacrificing what
had been established for boys. Eller advocated ‘participation’ over ‘specialization’ by prep athletes. He encouraged student-athletes while impacting Wenatchee High athletics and activities in a very positive way. Bob’s philosophy of what prep competition should be, and his years of dedicated effort, set the
standard for athletic directors throughout Washington. In 1986, he was named “Washington State
Athletic Director of the Year” and was elected to “The Washington Athletic Administrators Hall of
Fame” three years later.
As head basketball coach for five seasons, Eller’s teams were noted for hustle and sportsmanship.
He was at the helm of the Panthers as WHS entered a new era as a member of the “Big 8 Conference”
and his 1967 squad won the district championship.

Kirsten Brown
Class of 1988
Soccer, Softball and Basketball Athlete

Intensity on the soccer pitch. That was Kirsten’s style of play. All out, one hundred percent. She
approached each match like it was the last one she would ever play. Kirsten’s spirited effort earned
two first team “All-Big 9” berths as a midfielder as well as the team’s “Most Valuable Player” award
in 1987. She also displayed intense play on the softball diamond and basketball court for the Panthers where she received team “MVP” awards in both sports. As a senior, Kirsten was named to the softball “Southern Division All-State Team”, and received the “Panther Best” award.
During four years at Pacific Lutheran University, she contributed to three NAIA national champion-
ship soccer teams and one national runnerup squad. Kirsten earned a “NCIC All-Conference” berth in 1991, was co-captain and was selected as the team’s “Most Inspirational Player” twice. As a senior, she was honored by receiving PLU’s “Lute Inspirational Award.” Kirsten was named “NCW Sports Awards College Female Athlete-of-the-Year” in 1992.

David Jagla
Class of 1988
Wrestling, Football, Track and Baseball Athlete

As a freshman wrestler in the 190-lb. weight class, Dave’s immediate impact was impressive while
becoming the youngest WHS grappler to compete at state in an upper weight division. The next year, he won district and regional titles, but lost a controversial 8-6 decision for the championship to finish second at state. Established as a top flight wrestler, Dave was counted among title contenders.
Unfortunately, injuries incurred during state competition forced match forfeitures that dropped him to
fourth as a junior and eliminated him in the heavyweight quarterfinals as a senior. Over the course of
his prep grappling career, Dave won three district titles along with a championship and pair of runnerup finishes at regionals. He posted more victories than any previous Panther wrestler.
Dave also excelled for three seasons on the defensive line and as a fullback for the football team,
competed in track for two years and as a member of the baseball squad as a sophomore. He earned
ten letters and was named “Panther Best” as a senior. An “All-Conference” grid fullback at Wenatchee Valley College, Dave transferred to Central Washington and became an “Honorable Mention NAIA All-American” offensive lineman for the Wildcats.

Stephanie Burns

Class of 1992
Softball Athlete

With a disarming pixy smile belying the dynamite in her left arm, Stephanie mowed down opposing hitters at a rate of 1.42 strikeouts per inning her senior season. Although Wenatchee didn’t have a fastpitch program at the time, the diminutive southpaw had developed as a pitcher on regional all-star teams during summer months. Then as a senior in 1992, she shined for the Panthers as the state’s preeminent prep fastpitch twirler. Stephanie propelled the fledgling WHS fastpitch softball team to statewide prominence with a district title and third place state tournament finish. At state, Stephanie won five games while striking out 50 batters. Her season earned run average was an incredible 0.38 while compiling 18 wins. As if pitching prowess wasn’t enough, Stephanie hit .471 and played outstanding defense as an outfielder when not on the mound. She was selected as the “Big 9 Offensive Player of the Year,” and also earned “All- Big 9 Conference” berths as both a pitcher and outfielder. At the University of Washington, Stephanie was named to three “Pac-10 Conference Second Teams” while pitching for powerful Husky squads that finished as high as second in the nation. She earned “NCW Sports Awards College Female Athlete-of-the-Year” honors three times.

Chris Scott
Class of 1993
Football and Wrestling Athlete

Although Chris never played on a Panther grid team with a winning record, his onfield efforts were
impossible to miss both offensively and defensively. An exceptionally strong, 6-2, 235-lb. offensive and defensive tackle, he was a force on both sides of the ball. Chris was selected “All-Big 9” as an offensive tackle following his senior season after three campaigns as a starter. He was also outstanding as a wrestler for the Panthers with a fifth place finish at state as a heavy- weight in 1992, a district title in ‘93 and a second place at regionals. Chris received the “Panther Best”
award as a senior. He went on to an excellent grid career as a defensive lineman at Eastern Washington University. A three- year starter who set season and career sack records for the Eagles, Chris capped his senior campaign by being named the “Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year” and first team NCAA-IAA “All-American” defensive tackle. He was selected “NCW Sports Awards College Male Athlete-of-the-Year” in 1998.

Carl Schreck
Class of 1994
Basketball and Soccer Athlete

Until Carl stepped into the starting lineup for the Panther basketball team as a freshman, no one
of that tender age had started in a team sport at Wenatchee High since before World War I. As a
four year starter, he set school career records with 1,273 points, 445 field goals, 343 free throws
made, 503 assists and 220 steals. Carl led WHS to a first ever Big 9 basketball title and first state
tournament appearance in 35 years. His pure shooting touch and pinpoint passing earned three
“All-Big 9” first team berths as well as conference “Player-of-the-Year” honors as a senior. Carl was
selected to play in the “All-State” basketball game. He was also an integral part of the Panther soccer
squad for two seasons. At Lewis & Clark College, Carl was ‘sixth man’ as a freshman, then started as a sophomore. After taking his junior year off from basketball to study in Germany, he returned to the starting lineup as a senior. Each year Carl played for the Pioneers, they qualified to compete in the NAIA National Tournament.

Robin Davidson
Class of 1995
Swimming Athlete

Robin’s unconquerable spirit and impressive talent propelled her to prep “All-American” recognition
in the 100 breaststroke in both 1994 and 1995. Among accomplishments in the pool were a state title
in the breaststroke as a senior, a second place finish as a sophomore, third as a frosh and fourth her
junior year. She also placed fourth in the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle at state and won six individual event league titles. When Robin’s swimming career at WHS was completed, she personally held six school records - 100 breaststroke (1:04.44), 100 butterfly (57.88), 200 individual medley (2:11.62), 50 freestyle (24.59), 200 freestyle (2:01.86) and 500 freestyle (5:25.36). In addition, Robin also swam legs on three school record relay teams. She was named “NCW Sports Awards High School Female Athlete-of-the-Year” for 1994-95. Robin went on to swim for Rice University. She set a school record in the 100 breaststroke for the Owls and competed in the NCAA championships during her collegiate career.

Josh Cooprider
Class of 1998
Basketball and Football Athlete

Josh was the consummate backcourt player as a four year starter for the Panther hoops squad. His
ballhandling, passing and outside shooting were exceptional as he set WHS career records for assists
(510), 3-point shots made (190) and free throw percetage (79%) while finishing as the Panthers all-time
leading scorer with 1,286 points. Cooprider was recognized twice as an “All-Big 9” first team selection
and once as a second team member. After his senior season, Josh was named “State 4A Player of the
Year,” “All-State,” and “Big 9 Player of the Year.”
Beginning as a sophomore starting quarterback for the football team, he set school career records
for passes completed (204) and passing yards (2,503). Josh also booted a 46-yard field goal as place
kicker and handled punting duties.
A team captain for both the basketball and football teams, “Coop” earned seven letters. He received
the “Panther Best” award as a senior.
At Northwest Nazarene University, Josh was an “All-NAIA West Regional” basketball selection after
finishing third in school career assists and seventh in all-time scoring. He went on to play pro basketball
in England.

Siobhan Everson-Stewart
Class of 1998
Track and Cross-Country Athlete

Siobhan had a penchant for running and set school records along the way. In track, she established
WHS records at 400 meters (57.23) and 800 meters (2:19.1), and received “All-Big 9” recognition in several events. She participated in the “State 400 meter run Championships” for four years finishing 5th as both a junior and frosh, and 6th as a sophomore. Siobhan was also a member of the state championship 4x400 meter relay team as a ninth grader and the state runnerup relay team as a sophomore. In all, she placed in the top six at the state meet six times and was named WHS’s “Outstanding Spring Athlete” as both a junior and senior. In addition to track, Siobhan ran for four years on the cross-country team and received “Honorable Mention All-Big 9” recognition three times. She earned a total of eight letters. Siobhan went on to Montana State where she ran the Bobcats’ all-time eighth fastest indoor 400 meters (56.72) before transferring and competing for Colorado State.

Matt Martinez
Class of 1999
Football and Wrestling Athlete

When Matt graduated, he held the distinction of being the only Panther athlete to ever be named
to the “All-State” first team in football and also win a state wrestling championship.
Perhaps the school’s all-time king of “pancake blocks,” he was considered one of the best linemen
in WHS grid history. At 6-3, 270-lbs, Matt dominated both offensively and defensively to earn “All-
State” grid first team berths as a junior and senior on both sides of the scrimmage line. He also was
an “All-Big 9” selection for two seasons, was named “NCW Football Player of the Year” in 1998, team “Offensive MVP,” “Outstanding Lineman” and started for three seasons.
Wrestling in the 275-lb. classification, Matt won the state championship as a senior. During
three years as a top grappler at WHS, he claimed a district title as a junior and a regional crown as
a senior. Matt earned the team’s “Outstanding Wrestler Award” in 1999.
He was a team captain in both football and wrestling and was recognized as WHS’s outstanding
male athlete and “Panther Best” award recipient in 1999. In all, Matt earned six varsity letters.
He went on to start for three seasons as a center for the University of Idaho football team. Matt
was selected to the second “All-Sun Belt Conference” team in 2003 and earned “Vandal Player of
the Game” honors three times.

LeAnne McGahuey

Class of 2002
Volleyball, Tennis and Basketball Athlete

At 5’9”, LeAnne wasn’t considered to be exceptionally tall as a front line volleyball player. But she
played much taller, skying high above the net to pound kill shots at opponents. LeAnne was so effective, she was named the “Big 9 Volleyball Player of the Year” after an outstanding senior season. A four-year starter for the Panthers, she earned two first team “All-League” berths, as well as a selection to the second team, and was one of the most prolific scorers in WHS history.
Electing not to play basketball as a senior, LeAnne was a stalwart on the court for three seasons. She
was a “Honorable Mention All-Big 9” basketball selection as a sophomore. LeAnne was also a top tennis player for the Panthers for four years. In all, she earned 11 letters. At Central Washington University, LeAnne started for four years for the Wildcats’ volleyball team and was a “NCAA-II All-American” as a senior and a “Third Team NCAA-II All-American” as a junior. She was
the “Great Northwest Athletic Conference Female Athlete-of-the-Year” in 2004-05 and a two time first team “All-League” selection while setting school season and career records for kills. LeAnne was named “NCW Sports Awards College Female Athlete-of-the-Year” in 2006.

SELECTION PROCESS

Each year, new members are added as selected by a twelve person Hall of Fame Committee from qualified nominations. Any graduate of WHS is eligible providing criteria for cosideration is met.

The Selection Committee is made up of faculty, WHS Booster Club and at-large representatives. Positions on the committee are in 6 year terms.

COACH / ADMINISTRATOR NOMINATION

Application Instructions:

1. Any Wenatchee High School coach or administrator who has been retired from their position for at least 5 years is eligible to be nominated for the Athletic Department Hall of Fame.

2. The coach or administrator must meet the required criteria as listed on the application form.

3.  Please submit documentation to verify the nominee's accomplishments as listed in the applicaiton form.

4. Completed application must be submitted to the WHS Athletic Department.

SELECTION TIMELINE

Nomination Paperwork is collected anytime of the year.

Committee Meets : Late November-Early December

Selection Made : Before January 1

Inductees announced : Mid January

Induction Ceremony : Halftime of Basketball game,  Mid February

ATHLETE NOMINATION

Application Instructions:

1. Any Wenatchee High School athlete is eligible to be nominated for the Athletic Department Hall of Fame five years after they have graduated.

2. The athlete must meet the required criteria as listed on the application form.

3.  Please submit documentation to verify the nominee's accomplishments as listed in the applicaiton form.

4. Completed application must be submitted to the WHS Athletic Department.

NOMINATION

Nominees for the Wenatchee High School Athletic Hall of Fame must meet specified qualification criteria to be eligible for consideration. Anyone can submit a nomination and provide documentation of accomplishments if available.