Dan was a three-sport athlete at Mark Morris High School, earning three letters in football and baseball and one in basketball. After graduation, he played football and baseball at Olympic Community College before transferring to Washington State University, where he lettered twice in football for the Cougars.

He dedicated 33 years to teaching and coaching at Eastmont High School (1971–2003), serving as head baseball coach and assistant varsity football coach for 25 of those years. Following his coaching career, Dan became Eastmont’s athletic director (2003–2011). He later transitioned into a leadership role with the City of East Wenatchee as Event Coordinator.

As a baseball coach, Dan built one of the state’s most successful programs. His teams earned 600 career wins—second most in Washington high school baseball history—31 winning seasons, numerous league, district, and regional titles, and nine trips to the State final four, highlighted by a State Championship.

Dan was twice named State Baseball Coach of the Year and served two terms as president of the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association (WSBCA). He was inducted into the WSBCA Hall of Fame, directed the WSBCA All-State Baseball Series for 25 years, and represented spring sports for the WIAA. His influence extended well beyond Eastmont, as he coached two players who went on to be drafted and more than 40 who played college baseball. Many of his former athletes went on to coach themselves. On the national stage, he led the USA High School All-Stars against Japan in 1984 and was recognized as the Western Region USA High School Baseball Coach of the Year. Later, as an administrator, he was honored as Big Nine Athletic Director of the Year (2010).

Beyond his record of success, Dan was known for his humility and commitment to student growth. He consistently prioritized teaching life lessons through athletics and earned the respect of colleagues, athletes, and families alike.

He has served on the WIAA District 6 Eligibility Committee, contributed to numerous volunteer fundraisers and baseball clinics, and been an active member of the Lions Club.

Dan and his wife, Jan, have been married for more than 40 years. They have two children, Leslie and Mickey, and are proud grandparents.