Carol Finney devoted her career to education and athletics in Washington, leaving a lasting impact as a teacher, coach, and official. Born on September 9, 1941, in Halstad, Minnesota, she later moved to Washington and graduated from Edmonds High School in 1959. She earned an associate’s degree from Everett Community College in 1961 and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Pacific Lutheran University in 1963. She completed a master’s degree in Education at Central Washington University in 1969 and pursued additional graduate studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and the University of Washington.

Finney taught at Eisenhower High School in Yakima from 1963 to 1996 and returned for the 2002–03 school year. She served as department chair for 30 years and was a pioneering coach, founding the girls’ basketball and track and field programs in 1971. She led the track and field team to a second-place finish at the State Championships in Goldendale in 1975 and coached the softball team from 1983 to 2004, qualifying twice for the State Tournament.

Beyond coaching, Finney dedicated nearly four decades to officiating. She served the Washington Officials Association (WOA) for 39 years, working volleyball at middle school, high school, and state tournament levels. She also officiated basketball for 12 years and was a founder of the Central Washington Basketball and Volleyball Officiating Boards. She served on the original Fee Review Committee and as the Region 5 Board Representative for 10 years.

Finney managed district volleyball tournaments for more than 25 years and oversaw state tournaments in Renton, Wenatchee, Riverview (Finley), and Spokane for 13 years. She served as tournament manager for the 1B, 2B, and 1A State Volleyball Tournaments at the Yakima Valley SunDome and the 1B and 2B State Softball Tournaments at Yakima Kiwanis Park. She spent over 25 years as Assigning Secretary for Central Washington Volleyball and was a key member of the evaluation team each year.

Her contributions were recognized with the WOA Meritorious Award in 1992, the YVIAA Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and induction into the WOA Hall of Fame in 2012. Through her teaching, coaching, and officiating, Carol Finney dedicated her life to the students of the Yakima Valley, helping develop one of the state’s most respected volleyball boards and leaving a lasting legacy in Washington athletics.

Henry DeYoung was a pioneering educator and administrator whose work shaped high school athletics in Washington. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 15, 1892, he moved to Kent, Washington, at the age of 17. He graduated from the State College of Washington (now Washington State University) in 1920 and earned a Master of Arts in 1926. He also pursued additional graduate work at the University of Washington and Stanford University.

DeYoung began his career in education at Colfax High School, serving as a teacher from 1920 to 1922 before becoming principal from 1922 to 1925. He subsequently served as principal at Enumclaw High School (1925–1929), Lewiston High School in Idaho (1929–1934), and Vancouver High School (1934–1950). Beyond his roles as an educator, DeYoung made significant contributions to high school athletics. He served as secretary of the Whitman County Athletic Association in 1924, was a member of the Washington High School Athletic Association (WHSAA) Board of Control for the Southwest District from 1936 to 1950, and acted as part-time secretary of the WHSAA from 1948 to 1950. In 1950, he became the first Executive Secretary of both the WHSAA and the Washington Officials Association and later served as WIAA Executive Director from 1950 until his retirement in 1963.

During his tenure, DeYoung oversaw numerous advancements in high school athletics. He guided the full membership of junior high schools into the Association, established requirements for state championship participation, and made athletic accident insurance compulsory. He implemented the exclusive use of registered officials in varsity football and basketball, introduced 8-man football games, and helped organize the first State Officials Association. He also oversaw updates to game regulations, including the prohibition of lime to mark football fields, limits on basketball and football games, and regulations for regional tournaments in Class A schools. Under his leadership, music and forensic competitions were formally regulated beginning in 1960, and the Association worked to repeal permissive county and city admissions taxes.

DeYoung’s influence extended beyond athletics. He was active in civic and professional organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, Plymouth Congregational Church, Phi Delta Kappa, the Washington Education Association, the Washington State Secondary School Principals’ Association, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Through his decades of leadership, Henry DeYoung left a lasting impact on high school education and athletics in Washington, helping to professionalize and standardize programs that benefited generations of students and officials.

Ted Christensen was a distinguished music educator and fine arts leader at Inglemoor High School, serving the Northshore School District for nearly three decades. Born in Coupeville, Washington, in 1958, Christensen graduated from Coupeville High School in 1977 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education from Seattle Pacific University in 1981. He continued his certification at the University of Washington from 1985 to 1989 and completed a master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1993.

Throughout his career, Christensen maintained the highest standards of leadership, program quality, and student achievement. He served as the Northshore School District Music Coordinator and as president of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) for 27 years, shaping the future of music education across the state.

Under Christensen’s direction, the bands and orchestras at Inglemoor consistently earned superior ratings and first-place awards at regional, state, and national competitions. He directed a wide range of ensembles, including the 10–12 Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band from 1983 to 2000, and the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble from 2000 onward. His knowledge, instructional skill, and technical expertise placed him among the top music educators in Washington. He emphasized preparation, accountability, and pride in representing their school, instilling these values in generations of student musicians.

In addition to his work at Inglemoor, Christensen served as a member of the Inglemoor International Baccalaureate teaching team and as music director at his church for over 15 years. He also served as an associate director for the Beijing Olympic Orchestra and remained an active member of WMEA throughout his career. His achievements earned him induction into the WMEA Hall of Fame in 2004, recognition by the Northwest Bandmasters Association, and the Inglemoor PTSA Golden Acorn Award in 2010.

Through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication, Ted Christensen left a lasting impact on music education in Washington and on the countless students who benefited from his instruction and guidance.

Dave Browning was a standout athlete from Liberty High School in Washington, excelling in both football and basketball. As a linebacker and tackle, he averaged 15 tackles per game as a junior and increased that to 19 tackles per game as a senior, finishing his career with nine interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. On the basketball court, he led his team to two State B appearances, including an eighth-place finish in 1973.

A native of Spangle, Washington, Browning continued his football career at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) from 1974 to 1975. He helped the team capture the Northwest Championship in 1974 and was named SFCC’s Most Valuable Player in 1975. He also earned a spot on the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) All-Star squad. He then competed at the University of Washington from 1976 to 1978, serving as co-captain for two seasons. In 1977, he guided the Huskies to a Pac-8 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory over Michigan.

Following his collegiate career, Browning was drafted in the second round of the National Football League and played five seasons with the Oakland Raiders from 1978 to 1982, helping the team win Super Bowl XV in 1981. He continued his professional career with the New England Patriots in 1983 and concluded his playing days with the Oakland Invaders of the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985.

Browning’s accomplishments earned him induction into both the Community Colleges of Spokane Hall of Fame and the NWAACC Hall of Fame. He was also nominated for Professional Athlete of the Year by the Greater Spokane Sports Association and Inland Empire Sportswriters and Broadcasters in 1979. Through his skill, leadership, and dedication on the field, Dave Browning left a lasting legacy in Washington athletics.

Lori Henry was one of the most decorated athletes to graduate from the Shoreline School District. At Shorewood High School, she excelled in multiple sports, earning First Team All-WESCO League honors in soccer in 1983 and 1984 and High School All-America recognition in 1983. In addition to soccer, she was a standout in basketball, softball, and track and field, placing third in the 400 meters at the 4A State Track and Field Championships.

After high school, Henry continued her soccer career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she became a two-time first-team All-American defender. She helped lead the undefeated Tar Heels to three NCAA national championships and, in 1985, became the youngest player to make the inaugural United States Soccer Federation Women’s National Team. She served as captain for three years and was the only member of the original 1985 squad still on the team in 1991, when the United States won the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. That same year, she was named to Soccer America’s All-Decade Team. Over the course of her international career, Henry earned 39 caps before retiring in 1991.

Following her playing career, Henry turned to coaching. She began as an assistant coach at UNC-Greensboro before serving as the first head women’s soccer coach at Ohio State University, where she helped launch the program and guided it through its formative years.

Henry later returned to Washington, earning a Master’s degree in Education from Seattle Pacific University and beginning a teaching career in the Shoreline School District. She taught at Einstein Middle School for five years before moving to Kellogg Middle School in 2004, where she taught physical education and coached track and field. She also continued to share her expertise in soccer as an assistant coach for the Shorecrest High School girls’ team.

Throughout her career as an athlete, coach, and educator, Henry was admired for her leadership, humility, and sportsmanship. She inspired respect through her attitude, effort, and modesty, and she dedicated her life to mentoring future generations. To many, she was more than an athlete or coach—she was a role model who left a lasting impact on her community and the sport she loved.

Dave Weatherred devoted more than 30 years to music education in the state of Washington, serving as a band director, music teacher, and administrator at every level of the field. He earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Boise State University in 1977 and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Idaho in 1983. Weatherred began his teaching career in 1977 with the Parma School District in Idaho before moving to Washington to serve as Instrumental Music Teacher at West Valley High School in Spokane in 1979. After six years, he joined Ferris High School in Spokane as Instrumental Music Teacher, later advancing to Music Coordinator for Spokane Public Schools in 1998 and, from 2004 onward, serving as Visual and Performing Arts & Events Coordinator.

Throughout his career, Weatherred played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening music programs. At West Valley High School, band enrollment increased from 40 to 90 students. At Ferris High School, he grew the band program from 50 to over 200 members and the orchestra from 14 to more than 50 students, fostering participation and excellence in instrumental music.

Weatherred’s contributions earned him numerous honors. He was named Music Educator of the Year by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)/WIAA in 2011, inducted into the WMEA Hall of Fame, and served as president of both WMEA and the Northwest Division of the National Association for Music Education. He also received the Northwest (Section 8) Outstanding Music Educator Award from the National Federation of State High School Associations in 2011–12 and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association for Music Education – Northwest Division in 2013.

Widely recognized for his expertise, leadership, and dedication, Dave Weatherred left a lasting impact on music education in Washington. His mentorship, program-building skills, and commitment to student success established him as one of the most respected and effective educators in the state.

Kate Starbird was a standout basketball player at Lakes High School in Tacoma, where she combined remarkable talent with humility. A 6-foot-2 swing player, she was named a first-team Parade All-American and became the state’s all-time career scoring leader in 1993. She also set the 3A Girls State Tournament career scoring record and earned Seattle Times Girls Player of the Year honors for two consecutive years, in 1992 and 1993. Over her high school career, Starbird scored a state-record 2,753 points in 104 games, averaging 26.5 points per game, and set a state tournament record with 248 points in 10 games. She also set the 3A girls rebounding record with 57 and averaged nearly 30 points, eight rebounds, five assists, five steals, and four blocks per game in her senior season, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA and earning recognition as a National Merit finalist.

Starbird continued her basketball career at Stanford University, where she helped lead the Cardinal to three consecutive Pac-10 titles and Final Four appearances from 1995 to 1997. She received numerous honors, including Pac-10 All-Freshman team (1994), Pac-10 Co-Player of the Year (1996), Pac-10 Player of the Year (1997), First Team All-American, and Naismith College Player of the Year (1997). She held Stanford’s career scoring record until 2008 and was inducted into the Stanford Hall of Fame in 2007.

Following her collegiate career, Starbird played professionally in the American Basketball League and WNBA. She was drafted by the Seattle Reign in 1997 and later by the Sacramento Monarchs in the third round of the 1999 WNBA Draft. She also played for the Utah Starzz, Seattle Storm, and Indiana Fever, enjoying a professional career that spanned several teams and seasons.

After retiring from professional basketball, Starbird pursued a PhD at the University of Colorado and, in 2012, became an assistant professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering. Throughout her career, Starbird demonstrated excellence both on and off the court, leaving a lasting legacy as an athlete, scholar, and mentor.

From 1978 to 2011, Tom Kramer built one of the state’s most respected high school tennis programs at South Whidbey High School, formerly Langley High School. A longtime history teacher, Kramer first stepped into the coaching role when the school’s principal—who also served as the tennis coach—left for another position. His first season was modest, with just enough players to fill the roster. From there, however, the program grew steadily in both size and success. Within a few years, he also took on the boys’ tennis team, guiding South Whidbey through shifts in classification from 1A to 3A and back to 2A and 1A before his retirement.

Kramer’s coaching career was marked by remarkable achievements. He led South Whidbey to 23 district championships, 18 top-six finishes at the state tournament, 11 individual state titles, and six team state championships between 1985 and 2011. Among his most memorable accomplishments was coaching his daughter to the school’s first-ever state singles title as a freshman. She went on to follow in his footsteps, taking over leadership of the South Whidbey tennis program.

His impact extended far beyond the court. Kramer was recognized as one of the Everett Herald’s All-Sports Top Ten Coaches of the Decade (2000–2009), inducted into the South Whidbey High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2013, and honored by the United States Tennis Association as a Community Champion later that same year.

Through more than three decades of teaching and coaching, Tom Kramer’s legacy was defined by his commitment to his students, his ability to build a lasting program, and his passion for the game. His influence continued through the athletes he coached, the championships his teams earned, and the tradition his family carried on at South Whidbey High School.

For more than four decades, Steve Colby was a respected official in Washington high school basketball. A member of the Washington Officials Association (WOA) for 41 years, he officiated at the league, district, and state levels, including 19 years at girls’ district tournaments and 15 years at boys’ district tournaments. His assignments included seven girls’ state tournaments, six boys’ state tournaments, five state championship games, and two semifinal contests. In addition, Colby officiated women’s college basketball from 1996 to 2002.

Beyond the court, Colby played an instrumental role in advancing officiating in Washington. As WOA president, he was a key figure in transitioning high school basketball to the three-person crew system, later serving as co-director of the WIAA/WOA camp designed to prepare officials for that change. He also helped establish the WOA Summer Golf Tournament in 2007, a tradition that continued as part of the organization’s annual conference.

His leadership within the WOA was extensive. Elected to the Executive Board in 1999, he represented Region 1 for many years, serving as Vice President from 2000–03 and President from 2003–07. He also created the WOA scholarship program in 2011, providing opportunities for student-athletes across the state. A longtime member of the WOA Fee Review Committee, Colby continued to contribute as an observer for the Northwest Board and as Officials Coordinator at the Tacoma Dome, overseeing officiating crews at the 2A, 3A, and 4A state tournaments.

His career was recognized with numerous honors, including WOA Girls Basketball Official of the Year in 2001, the WOA Meritorious Service Award, and induction into the WOA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Widely respected by peers, administrators, and student-athletes alike, Steve Colby’s service to Washington officiating was unmatched. Through his leadership, mentorship, and steady presence on the court, he left an enduring legacy on high school athletics in the state.

Jim Clem graduated from Enumclaw High School and continued his education at Peninsula College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree while competing in both basketball and baseball. He went on to Central Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later a Master of Science in Athletic Administration. At CWU, he pitched for the Wildcats, helping the team capture two Evergreen Conference championships.

Clem devoted more than 35 years to education and athletics as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He began his career teaching history and coaching baseball at Dayton High School before moving to Burlington-Edison High School, where he taught, coached, and ultimately served as athletic director for more than two decades. As Burlington-Edison’s head baseball coach, he guided his teams to 15 state tournament appearances and compiled 481 wins, placing him among the winningest coaches in Washington high school baseball history. More than 100 of his players went on to compete at the collegiate level, with nine selected in the Major League Baseball draft.

His career was decorated with honors, including induction into the Washington State Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Washington State Baseball Coach of the Year, and recognition by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association as the Washington State Coach of the Year. In addition to his work at the high school level, Clem served as pitching coach and head recruiter for the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League, continuing to share his expertise with the next generation of players.

Known for his unwavering commitment to student-athletes, Clem was celebrated not only for his success on the field but also for the relationships he built. He was long recognized for his generosity—whether providing equipment, encouragement, or guidance—and for serving as a role model whose lessons extended well beyond the game. To his players, Jim Clem was more than a coach; he was a mentor, advocate, and family.

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.

Ugur was a standout student-athlete at Newport High School (Bellevue), where he excelled in swimming and established himself as one of the greatest male swimmers in Washington state history.

At Newport, he was named Most Valuable Swimmer three times (1989–92) and earned High School All-American honors (1990–92). In 1992, The Seattle Times recognized him as the Eastside Athlete of the Year. As a senior, he set school records in the 50-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Freestyle—marks that still stand today. That same year, he broke National High School records in the 50 Freestyle (20.02), 100 Butterfly (48.14), and 100 Freestyle (43.73 split). His State Meet records remain the oldest standing marks in WIAA boys swimming across all classifications.

Following high school, Ugur represented Turkey at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He went on to swim for the University of California, where he became a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion in the 200 Butterfly. On the international stage, he won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. 400 Freestyle Relay team at the 1994 World Championships.

In recognition of his achievements, Ugur was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Swim Coaches Hall of Fame (2008). He remains Newport’s record holder in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, and 100 Butterfly. Known for his work ethic, leadership, and sportsmanship, he inspired countless teammates and competitors alike.

Today, Ugur continues to share his passion for swimming through teaching and coaching. He resides in Half Moon Bay, California, with his wife and six children.