FWPS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Scheduled for Jan. 25
Federal Way Public Schools will celebrate the induction of its fourth Athletic Hall of Fame class during the all-city gymnastics meet on January 25th at Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Avenue S., Federal Way. The Hall of Fame honors district employees who have made a significant impact on the district's athletic programs. The honorees represent the finest in athletic administration, coaching, and program development.
The class of 2012 features five trailblazers who leave a legacy for the school district and community.
Jim Dillon started teaching English at Thomas Jefferson in 1978. He was an assistant track coach for five years and assistant soccer coach for fourteen years during Jefferson's amazing run of six consecutive state championships. Jim is best known, however, as the pioneer of sports medicine instruction in the district. In 1983 he developed the district's first sports medicine class and established a model athletic training program designed to care for and rehabilitate injured athletes.
After a year at Mt. Rainier High School, Debbie Hunter started coaching gymnastics at Thomas Jefferson in 1976 and embarks on her 35th season this winter. She is the longest serving single sport head coach in district history. Debbie's last two teams finished 3rd and 4th at the state tournaments. She is also going into her 26th year as the Raider dance team coach.
Steve McCully taught Math and PE at Illahee for 37 years developing the premier junior high/middle school athletic and physical education programs in the state. His teams have won 36 district championships in football, track, and basketball. A Federal Way native, Steve is dubbed "Mr. Illahee" for his unique impact on the school, students, and faculty.
Bev McIrvin coached gymnastics at Federal Way High School for 30 years where she not only developed the program, but also built a complete gymnastics facility. She won six South Puget Sound League championships and finished 3rd in state four times as well as coaching two state champions. Bev was selected the state's gymnastics coach of the year in 1998 and inducted into the Washington State Gymnastic Coaches Hall of Fame.
Doug Patrick coached football and track at Federal Way for 25 years. He ended his career serving as Athletic Director. Doug's football teams during the 1970s excited the community with standing room only crowds rooting for the Eagles. The 1975 team finished second in State and Doug was selected state coach of the year and Federal Way citizen of the year.
Posted: January 5, 2012