By Seattle Times staff
Joyce Walker, Ron Santo, John Stockton, Jack Thompson and Mel Hein.
If that list reads like an honor roll of high-school athletes, it should. The five are among the inaugural inductees today into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame.
Induction ceremonies will be part of the first WIAA Hall of Fame luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m. today at the Seahawks Stadium Restaurant.
The five athletes reflect the rich history of high-school athletes in Washington. Walker and Stockton, both 1980 graduates, are considered two of the state’s greatest basketball products. Walker, now the coach of her alma mater, Garfield, went on to become a two-time All-American at Louisiana State and play on several national teams. Stockton played for the NBA’s Utah Jazz and was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
They’ll be joined by an NFL Hall of Famer (Hein, Burlington, 1927), a major-league baseball star (Santo, Franklin, 1958) and a record-breaking quarterback at Washington State (Thompson, Evergreen, 1973).
Also being inducted are three legendary coaches, a longtime administrator and game official and Sehome’s gymnastics team.
Athletes
- Joyce Walker, Garfield, 1980: Guard led undefeated Bulldogs to 1980 state title and still holds eight state-tournament records. Two-time All-American at Louisiana State, played on numerous U.S. national teams and one of two females to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.
- Mel Hein, Burlington, 1927: All-American led Cougars to 1930 Rose Bowl. Named first-team All-NFL center eight straight seasons and only offensive lineman named league MVP after 15-year career with New York Giants.
- John Stockton, Gonzaga Prep, 1980: Gonzaga U. product played 18 years for Utah, where he set NBA career records for assists and steals before retiring in 2003. Guard was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
- Ron Santo, Franklin, 1958: Three-sport star was All-City three times for Quakers, who won three city baseball titles. Spent 15 seasons with Chicago Cubs. Nine-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner and hit 342 career homers.
- Jack Thompson, Evergreen of White Center, 1973: Holds every passing record at Evergreen, where he threw for 2,905 yards in three seasons. All-American passed for 7,818 yards and 53 TDs at WSU. Third overall pick in 1979 NFL draft by Cincinnati.
Team
- Sehome gymnastics: Set national records with 23 state titles, including 13 straight (1973-85). Under coach Nola Ayres, was 384-1 in duals.
Coaches
- Dick Hannula, Wilson of Tacoma: Won 323 straight meets and 24 consecutive state swim titles. National High School Coach of Year in 1980 and member of two swimming halls of fame.
- Tom Campbell, Edmonds-Woodway: Won 11 state cross-country titles and had eight other top-four finishes. Only coach to win state championships at all four state-meet sites.
- Robert Levinson: At Bellarmine Prep and Stadium, won eight league football titles, including 9-0 mark in 1965. Won 1954 state track title.
Official
- Thomas Cross: Began officiating 62 years ago. Helped established Washington Officials Association.
Administrator
- Cliff Gillies: WIAA executive director for 11 years (1982-93). Author of two books began coaching/teaching career at Monroe in 1953. Won numerous national honors.