John Amidon
John Amidon grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Clover Park High School in 1970. While at Clover Park, John lettered three years in football, basketball & track & field.Following high school, John attended Pacific Lutheran University where he participated in football (4 years) & track & field (3 years). He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Education. During his twenty-five year career, John taught Physical Education & Health at the elementary, middle school & high school levels. Twenty-three years were spent coaching at Olympia High School. John transferred to the high school to become the Bears’ head track & field coach. He was also coaching football & basketball. When the cross-country job opened up, he decided to take the position to help recruit for track & field. As they say… The rest is history.
While at the helm for Olympia, John’s cross-country teams claimed twelve League titles (9 boys & 3 girls). They also claimed eight District titles (5 boys & 3 girls). John qualified teams for state 19 of his 23 years (14 boys & 15 girls). Jessie McLaughlin claimed the individual 2001 State Cross-Country title. During his tenure, John’s boys’ compiled 169 wins & 32 losses in League meets (8 undefeated seasons). His girls’ compiled 150 wins & 47 losses (2 undefeated seasons). Other notable achievements include the boys having 8 top 10 finishes at state (3rd place in 1986 being the highest finish), & the girls having 7 top 10 finishes at state (3rd place in 1987 being the highest finish).
Following his retirement from teaching & coaching in 2004, John served as athletic director for five years at Olympia High School. He and his wife have two children – Courtney & Brady. In retirement, John, who is an accomplished magician, continued performing magic shows and traveling with Barbara.
Terry Rice
Terry Rice grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 1967. We were known as “The class that’s really revvin’!” exclaimed Terry. While in high school, Terry participated in football, basketball & baseball. “I always tried to be an athlete; but I was short & under 100 pounds.” His sophomore year, Terry turned out for track & field. He ran the distance events. “I finally found a sport where I could be successful & not get cut,” he said.
Following high school, Terry attended Tacoma Community College (1967-1970) where he competed in cross-country/track & field. He went on to attend Central Washington State College (1970-1972) where he was First-Team All-Conference in cross-country & competed in the N.A.I.A. National Championships in both cross-country & track & field. Terry graduated in 1973 with a B.A. in Education & a double major in Health/Physical Education.In the fall of ’72, Terry was a volunteer cross-country coach at Mount Tahoma High School while doing his student teaching. Spring of ’73, he landed a teaching job (Science & Physical Education) at St. Michaels in Olympia. He was also hired as their track & field coach.From 1973 to 1984, Terry taught at several elementary schools. During this time, he coached cross-country at Mount Tahoma High School, Foss High School & Tacoma Community College.
In the fall of ’84, Terry was hired by Stadium High School to teach Health & Physical Education. He was also hired as cross-country/track & field coach. From 1984 to 2005, Terry coached the Stadium cross-country program. His teams claimed three League titles, three District titles, & seven teams qualified for state.Top runners for Stadium during those years included Melissa Moffitt, Shawn Perkins, David Schroedel, Matt Holcom & Bryan Bissell. He also founded the Long Running “Classic”, a freshman/sophomore invitational meet that has features many of the top runners in state history. Terry remained active in the sport after retirement, officiating at numerous cross country meets, and serving on the Tacoma Athletic Commission Hall of Fame selection committee for track/xc.
Terry is the past president of the Washington State Track & Field Coaches’ Association & founding member of the South Sound Cross-Country Camp, Terry is married to his wife, Patty. They have four children – Bryan, Melanie, Kevin & Marc.
Dave Rockstrom
Dave Rockstrom grew up in Grandview, Washington. He graduated from Grandview High School in 1966. While in high school, Dave participated in football & track & field. Following high school, Dave attended Washington State University. He graduated with a double major in Psychology & Biology/Education in 1972. While in college, Dave participated in intramural sports, such as football, weight training & handball. He taught Biology, Marine Biology & Oceanography (AP) at Kennewick High School from 1973 until retirement in 2003. When Dave started teaching he was asked to coach cross-country because he’d done some distance running in college. “I decided to wait a year & then started coaching cross-country/track & field,” he said.
From 1974 to 2002 (29 years), Dave coached cross-country at Kennewick High School. He started the girls’ cross-country program in 1976. During his coaching career, Dave’s boys’ teams claimed state titles in 1978 & 1979. “It was truly exciting to step up on the podium & receive the first place trophy,” said Dave, “however, the most rewarding part of coaching is following the successes of the kids after high school.” While at Kennewick, Dave’s teams claimed ten League championships. They also made ten state meet appearances. Besides claiming two state titles, Dave’s teams finished 2nd twice, 3rd three times, 7th, 8th & 16th in the State Cross-Country Championships. In addition, he’s had over 100 individuals qualify for the state meet with 28 finishing in the top 20. “It’s much easier to achieve a top ten ranking than to qualify for the state meet out of our tough region,” said Dave. After leaving Kennewick, he moved on to Southridge High School.
Dave and his wife, Cheriehave three children – Matt, Mackensie & Macie. After retiring from teaching, Dave continued to teach science to home school students.
Andy Slatt, Jr.
Andy Slatt, Jr. grew up in the Seattle, Washington. He attended Shorecrest High School & was a member of the first graduating class in 1964. While in high school, Andy participated in cross-country/track & field. He has the honor of being the first cross-country captain for the Shorecrest Highlanders.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army, Andy fought in Vietnam. A career soldier, Andy served 30 years in the military. Recently, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq & Afghanistan (2004-2005). His military achievements include Army Green Beret, Federal Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, 5 Air Medals, 2 Meritorious Service medals, 5 Army Commendation medals & 3 Army Achievement medals.
Andy attended Central Washington University. He graduated in 1972 with degrees in Psychology & History. In 1974, he added his Master’s from Seattle University in Guidance Counseling.
When Andy came to O’Dea High School to teach & counsel, Monte Kohler, the athletic director, encouraged Andy to coach. “He knew my background,” said Andy. Thus began a 22-year teaching/coaching career with the Fighting Irish (1987-2010). In addition to coaching cross-country/track & field, Andy taught Psychology & Civil War History. During his tenure, Andy’s teams claimed three League & four District titles. Andy had 20 consecutive years of teams &/or individuals qualifying for the State Cross-Country Championships. He had five teams finish in the top 10 at the state meet. His top runners included David Bazzi, Matt Pearson, Rick Weiss, Jovan Broderick, Michael Johnson, Sam Burns, Casey Moriarity, Michael Kilburg, John Darmody & Alex Duffy. In addition, over 40 of Andy’s athletes went on to compete collegiately. David Bazzi has since taken over the coaching job at O’Dea High School.
The son of legendary coach Andy Slatt, Sr. (Bellarmine Prep & O’Dea), Andy, Jr is an O’Dea Hall of Fame coach, an honor he shares with his father. He is married to his wife, Barbara. They have five daughters – Stephanie, Taryn, Jessica, Lindsay & Brigette.
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