Henry Rybus devoted his career to education and athletics in Washington. He taught and coached in Cathlamet for five years and then became an assistant principal at R.A. Long High School and then a principal at Mark Morris High School before moving into statewide athletics administration. After two years as Assistant Executive Secretary of the WIAA, Rybus became the Association’s second Executive Director in 1963, a position he held until his retirement in 1982.

During his tenure, Rybus championed opportunities for girls in athletics, implementing regulations for girls’ sports in 1967 and establishing the position of assistant executive secretary for girls’ athletics in 1972. He also guided the WIAA through incorporation as a nonprofit association in 1980, strengthening its organizational foundation.

Beyond the WIAA, Rybus contributed to professional organizations including the Washington Education Association, the National Education Association, and the State Wrestling Committee, leaving a lasting impact on education and interscholastic athletics across the state.