| School: Cleveland (Commerce) | Graduation Year: 1962-1979 |
Year Inducted: 2015
Sports Played: Coach, Football
High School Honors: Winning record last 13 years; coached 35 1st team All-PIL,four 1st team All-State, & 11 Shrine Team players. Past president PIL and State Football Coaches Assn. Cleveland AD 1978-1993; PIL AD of the year 1985 & 1986; 4A State AD of the year 1985. Recognized for 15 years of outstanding service in Athletic Administration 1993 by National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Assoc. Coached football, basketball and baseball at WyEast; JV basketball (4 years) & baseball (8 years) Cleveland.
Post High School Career: 4-year football letterman, Lewis & Clark College (’53-’57), All-Northwest Conference running back 3 years; All-Coast 3 years, and honorable mention Little All-American. Inducted Lewis & Clark Hall of Fame 1980 and Cleveland High HOF, 1994. Died in March, 2004.
Commentary:
In all of the many memories and blessings that Gene received he always recounted that the most special and meaningful was when his former students would come to visit and tell him what he meant to them. Much like he did to his own former coach Joe Houston at Lewis & Clark. His students were the driving force behind his immense work ethic and dedication. Leaving a lasting legacy is a much added bonus, although he lived moment to moment loving, nurturing and coaching his students with his full attention