Rypien leads third class into WIAA's Hall of Fame

Mark Rypien has a deep regard for his Spokane roots.

Some of his fondest athletic memories involve his years as a three-sport star at Shadle Park High School. And the former Super Bowl MVP is excited by his inclusion in the third class inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame next Wednesday at the Yakima Convention Center.

"It's an honor," said Rypien, a former NFL quarterback who still resides in Spokane after a career that included two Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl XXVI victory with the Washington Redskins. "You look at the number of Washington high-school athletes who have gone on to succeed, and how many great athletes have come from around here [Spokane] in particular. I've always told kids if you have a dream it can be accomplished anywhere."

This year's class features three other three-sport athletes — Kelly Blair-LaBounty of Prosser, Ron Howard of Pasco and Tondi (Redden) von Oelhoffen from Kamiakin of Kennewick.

The WIAA Hall of Fame, co-sponsored by The Seattle Times, also honors coaches, teams, programs, officials and administrators. The luncheon begins at noon. Tickets are $20 per person, $160 for a reserved table of eight guests. Those planning to attend are urged to purchase tickets in advance by calling the WIAA at 425-687-8585 or visiting www.wiaa.com.

This year's inductees:

Athletes

Ron Howard, Pasco, 1970: All-American basketball player, all-league football player, state triple-jump champion. Played basketball at Seattle University, and played six seasons of pro football, including a stint with the Seahawks. Now head coach in girls track and field, and a football and boys basketball assistant at Rainier Beach.

Mark Rypien, Shadle Park (Spokane), 1981: All-State in football, basketball and baseball. MVP of 1981 state boys basketball tournament, when the Highlanders beat Mercer Island on a controversial basket for the title. Pitched in state baseball final in 1980, losing to Meadowdale of Lynnwood. Enjoyed outstanding career as quarterback at Washington State and in NFL. MVP of Super Bowl in 1992.

Tondi (Redden) von Oelhoffen, Kamiakin (Kennewick), 1985: First Kamiakin athlete to earn 12 varsity letters, excelling in volleyball, basketball, track and field. All-American in basketball, leading Braves to 1985 state title and winning MVP award. Four-year starter in basketball at University of Hawaii.

Kelly Blair-LaBounty, Prosser, 1989: All-league in volleyball and two-time all-state basketball player, leading Mustangs to state title in 1989. Won 10 state titles in track. Competed in basketball and track at Oregon. NCAA heptathlon champion and won the event in 1996 Olympic Trials.

Fine arts

Kelly McDonald, Auburn: One of best high-school debaters in nation and graduated in 1989 with honors. Director of Forensics at Arizona State.

Coaches

Nola Ayres: Catalyst behind Sehome's domination in girls gymnastics in the 1970s through 1990s. Led the Bellingham school to 22 state titles, including 13 in a row. Holds national coaching win/loss record at 284-1.

William "Bill" Hays: Coached football, basketball and/or track and field for more than 30 years, predominately at St. John and Newport, in Eastern Washington. Record of 110-15-1 in football at St. John and won four state basketball titles.

Administrators

Kim Wilson: Former teacher and coach at several schools, including Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. Edmonds School District athletic director for nine years, retiring in 1995. Now executive secretary and treasurer for Northwest Interscholastic Activities Association.

Officials

William "Bill" Fleming Cheatley: State basketball clinician for 17 years continues to work football and basketball games.

Teams/programs

Moses Lake wrestling: State's most decorated wrestling program, which was founded in 1952. Owns 17 state titles.