| School: Jefferson | Graduation Year: 1969 |
Year Inducted: 2014
Sports Played: Football, Basketball, Baseball
High School Honors: 3-year letter winner in baseball; HM All-PIL as soph; All-PIL as junior & senior (pitcher, 2-year letter winner in basketball; starting guard on ’68 PIL championship team; HM All-City as senior. 1-year letter winner in football, starting quarterback as junior (injured senior year). Played in Oregon All-State baseball game. Won Hopkin Jenkins Award as Outstanding Athlete.
Post High School Career: Played two seasons of baseball at Lower Columbia JC. Played two seasons of baseball at University of Washington (pitcher). Baseball Coach (assistant) at U of W and Everett CC. Played minor league baseball with the Seattle Rainiers. Referee for college and professional basketball. Owner of several businesses in the Portland, Vancouver metropolitan area. Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Strong’s Counseling Services delivering a host of Mental Health Services from consultation to trainings. Own and operate a 5 bed residential facility for persons with a disability.
Commentary:
In reflection I can honestly say that being involved in athletics has benefited me greatly throughout my life time. Some of those early lessons were to work hard and to not be afraid of challenges even when you are an underdog. My parents were my first coaches and taught me the importance of family support which allowed me to form relationships with my team mates who were from varied cultures and walks of life, persons whom I still embrace today as friends and family. I am now passionate about passing these qualities to my grandchildren and to the greater world for I see the importance to life success.