Hall of Fame - Men's Basketball

Tom Fitchie, Men's Basketball 1971-72

Tom Fitchie, Montgomery High School (Santa Rosa, CA), holds a solid spot in the memory of early SCC basketball fans. It was more than once that this captain of the 1971-72 team put on unbelievable shooting demonstrations to keep his team on the road to the Eastern Region championship and the NWAACC tournament. As the point guard and floor general for the Bigfoot, Fitchie not only was a tremendous shooter but was an outstanding defender of the best guards the opposition could throw at him. Tom’s last second 22-foot shot against Yakima Valley gave SCC its first league victory on the team’s road to the regional championship title. Tom went on to become a two time All-Conference selection at Sonoma State College.

Ross Pace, Men's Basketball 1971-72

As MVP of the 1971-72 Eastern Region Championship team, Pace proved to be one of the most talented players ever to wear a uniform for the Sasquatch. From Coalville, Utah, Ross possessed the ball handling skills of a guard, and the jumping ability and power of a forward. He was completely without fear, could score both inside and out, and was one of the most rugged 6’3 rebounders in the state. Pace still ranks near the top of the record books in single game scoring (35 points), single season rebounds (222), and single season scoring (430). Ross holds a special place in SCC basketball history when his 35 points led SCC to a 92 to 82 victory over Spokane Falls in the very first game played by the inaugural Sasquatch team in 1971.

Ray Zander, Men's Basketball 1971-72

Ray Zander, Oxnard High School (California), gained his fierce basketball reputation when he played center for the 1971-72 championship team. Zander was known for his reckless abandon style of play, and with a vertical leap of 33” had the distinction of never being out jumped at the center tip-off. Ray still ranks as one of SCC’s all-time best rebounders and will long be remembered as a colorful and unrelenting competitor. Zander’s career stats of scoring (538 points) and rebounding (398) put him high on the list of all-time SCC greats. Ray joined SCC Hall of Famer, Sam Brasch at Whitworth College, to extend his remarkable career.

Sam Brasch, Men's Basketball 1971-72, 1972-73

Sam Brasch holds a unique and singular position in SCC basketball history. He is the only person to be inducted into the CSS Hall of Fame in all three categories. Brasch is an SCC Hall of Famer as a player (1971-73), a coach (1981-2002), and as a championship team member (1971-72). After leading his Central Valley High School team to a 19-0 record, Sam had two outstanding years as a “Bigfoot-Sasquatch.” As a key leader of the 1971-72 team that won the Eastern Region and MVP of the 1972-73 squad, Sam is well remembered for his tenacious rebounding (322 career rebounds) and physical, competitive style of play. Brasch continued his winning ways as a leading scorer and rebounder at Whitworth College, where he was honored his senior year by being selected to both the NAIA All-Conference and All-District teams. Sam returned to SCC as head coach in 1981 and led his 1999-2000 team to the NWAACC championship title.

Mark Lindahl, Men's Basketball 1973-74

Mark Lindahl, Duluth Central High School (Minnesota), was the first real “Big Man” to play for SCC. At 6’11”, Lindahl was a formidable center for the 1973-74 squad. Possessing an uncheckable left-handed hook shot, Mark proved to be one of the premier big men in the state. He still ranks in the SCC top ten single season scoring (480 points) and the top five single game scoring (38 points vs Bellevue). Lindahl continued his outstanding playing career at the University of North Dakota, where he led his team to the national tournament. Mark became one of the first SCC players to compete professionally as he played overseas in the European leagues for several seasons after graduating from UND.

Larry Anderson, Men's Basketball 1974-75

Larry Anderson, Grant High School (Portland, OR), was nothing but power, strength, and competitive ferocity as a 6’5” power forward for SCC. Playing from 1974-76, Larry provided a pivotal role in helping lead the Sasquatch to back-to-back NWAACC runner-up titles. Having one of the quickest first steps ever seen by an SCC forward, Larry was an awesome driver and a feared rebounder. Anderson more than once carried the team on his shoulders to big wins including five straight scores in the final minutes of the semi-final victory of the 1975 NWAACC Championships. Larry still holds a bundle of SCC top ten records. These include career rebounds (540), career blocked shots (23), single game rebounds (19), season rebounds (298), career and season field goal percentage (52%), and single season scoring (541-17.5 average). Anderson was selected to the NWAACC All-Tournament First Team in 1975 and the NWAACC All East Region First Team in 1976.

Steve Alexander, Men's Basketball 1974-75, 1975-76

Steve Alexander, Grant High School (Portland, OR), enters the Hall of Fame as one of the most dynamic and exciting guards ever to play in the NWAACC. His flashy ball handling and court leadership made him a feared competitor in every game he played. Steve is well remembered for the elevation on his long range, deep jump shots before there even was a 3-point line. However, his most memorable crowd pleasing move was a spectacular drive to the basket culminating in an “over the rim” finger roll lay-up. At 5’7”, Alexander’s ability to play above the rim was unparalleled in the history of six foot and under NWAACC guards. Steve also left a lengthy mark on the SCC record books. These include SCC team captain 1974-76, top ten career scoring (910 points), career scoring average (15.2), top 10 career field goals (378), and single game scoring (30 points vs Walla Walla). As captain of the 1974-76 teams, Steve’s honors include his selection to the 1975 NWAACC All-Tournament First Team. Alexander continued on with his memorable playing career at Humboldt State University.

Travis Bailey, Men's Basketball, 1974-75-76

Travis Bailey, North Division High School (Milwaukee, WI), earned his place in the Hall of Fame as one of the most explosive driving and fundamentally sound 6'3” power forwards to play for the Sasquatch. Bailey, another in a long line of standouts from Milwaukee, possessed a deadly 20’ jumper to go along with his intimidating and uncanny ability to block opponents’ shots. Travis’s tremendous vertical leap and quickness to the ball places him as one of the top career rebounders in SCC history (424 rebounds). Travis also left his name among the leaders in single game rebounding (18), single season scoring (361-14.4 average), and single season rebounding (261). Bailey was honored as the 1977 SCC MVP before continuing an outstanding basketball career at Humboldt State University.

Erv Terry, Men's Basketball 1974-75, 1975-76

Erv Terry, North Division High School (Milwaukee, WI) had a career at SCC marked by style, steals and amazement. Erv and teammate, Steve Alexander, are remembered by basketball historians as perhaps two of the finest guards ever to play in the same backcourt on any NWAACC team. Terry’s ball handling magic and his ability to see the open man ranks him as one of the top assist and steal leaders in SCC history. Erv’s oft repeated trademark “marquee” move, one never before seen in the NWAACC, was a breakaway steal ending with a mid-air 360 degree turn-around front rim finger roll with his signature tassled socks flying on his shoes. Terry still ranks as one of the all-time leaders in season assists (247), single game assists (19), season scoring (500 points), and career scoring (868 points). As the SCC MVP from 1974-76, Erv was also selected to the 1976 All NWAACC Tournament, and All Eastern Region first teams. Erv culminated his playing career at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Greg Arlt, Men's Basketball 1975-76-77

Greg Arlt’s road to the Hall of Fame is an example of success through hours of individual effort and hard work to make himself into a truly outstanding player. A 6’5” power forward from Ritzville High School, Arlt was a big part of the 1975-76 NWAACC runner-up team and turned in one of his finest games in the opening round victory by snatching 11 rebounds and scoring 21 points. Greg proved to be a formidable rebounder and scorer in his two years as a Sasquatch. Arlt left his name among the leaders in the record books in several categories. His stats include single game scoring (41 points), single season scoring (505- 19.4), career scoring (864), single game rebounding (18), and career rebounding (503). Greg continued his playing career at Central Washington University.

Chris Tolbert, Men's Basketball 1976-77, 1977-78

Chris Tolbert, West Division High School (Milwaukee, WI), left his mark as an elite SCC guard for his play during the 1976-78 seasons. This 5’8” speedster from Milwaukee was a leader and a gentleman both on the court and on the campus. As a player, Chris controlled the tempo of the game and became a coach on the floor. Known for his penetrating ability, Tolbert was one of the slickest assist and floor generals in the NWAACC. As SCC MVP in 1978, Chris ranks in the top echelon in both all-time career scoring (448 points) and career assists (402). Tolbert continued his college playing career by joining Hall of Famers Steve Alexander and Travis Bailey at Humboldt State University.

Ronnie Maben, Men's Basketball 1978-79

Ron Maben, West Division High School (Milwaukee, WI), was the last of four SCC Hall of Famers who played their high school basketball on the courts of Milwaukee, WI. At 6’6” Maben played center and completely dominated his opponents while leading the 1978-79 team to the NWAACC runner-up title. As one of the top rebounders in the Eastern Region at the end of his freshman season, Ron was challenged by coach Craig Johnson to become the best rebounder in the NWAACC. Maben returned the following year and exceeded all of Johnson’s expectations. Maben crushed all his competition including a brilliant performance as he led the Sasquatch to a second straight win over top ranked national power College of Southern Idaho. This was a CSI team that featured two future NBA players who proved to be no match for Maben. Ron’s amazing year was not done yet as his outstanding play carried the SCC team into the NWAACC Tournament and championship game. His gutty tournament play was rewarded as Maben was selected the 1978-79 NWAACC Tournament MVP. Maben finished his SCC career as one of the all-time leaders in single game rebounding (19), single game scoring (30), and single season rebounding (238). Ron transferred to the University of Idaho and helped lead the Vandals to the NCAA Tournament.

Rick Bates, Men's Basketball, 1980-81-82

Rick was from Cheney High School, where he was an All-State player who was recruited to CCS by Butch Halterman. He played his first year under Coach Halterman and his second year for Coach Sam Brasch. An all-around scorer, Rick was selected to the All-Region team in both of his years at CCS. He was selected as both the Team MVP and Captain at the end of the 1981-82 season. Bates went on to EWU where he earned his CPA training and started his business career.

Ken Lunde, Men's Basketball,  1980-81-83 

Ken was from Shadle Park High School where he earned Second Team All-GSL basketball and First Team All-GSL football honors. He played at CCS in 1980-81 for Coach Butch Halterman and in 1982-83 for Coach Sam Brasch. Lunde is the third leading career rebounder for CCS with 541 boards. Ken was the team captain both years he played and averaged 11 ppg and shot 85 % from the free throw line his sophomore year. Coach Brasch called Lunde an “exceptionally smart and tough player.” Ken is a successful Spokane businessman.

Dale Haaland, Men's Basketball, 1982-83-84 

Dale was from Leavenworth High School when he was recruited to CCS by Coach Sam Brasch in 1982. He was named to the First Team Eastern Region team in 1983-84 and was named the team captain. He led CCS to an undefeated (15-0) Eastern Region season and an overall record of 25 and 4. Haaland became an outstanding player on Gonzaga University’s 1985-87 teams and was named to the All-West Coast Conference team. Dale was invited to free agent camps for both the Seattle Supersonics (NBA) and Dallas Cowboys (NFL) teams. He continued his basketball career by playing professionally in Europe for several years. Dale was a physical marvel in his playing days.

Darryl Roberts, Men's Basketball, 1982-83-84 

Darryl came to CCS from Hayward (CA) where he was an All-Nor Cal selection in 1982. Roberts was named to the All-Eastern Region team and was selected as the CCS and Eastern Region MVP in 1984. He led CCS to an undefeated (15-0) Eastern Region Championship season and third place in the NWAACC tournament. Darryl went on to Montana State Billings where he became a two-time all-league player. Coach Brasch called him a “fierce and talented competitor.”

Cass Gebbers, Men's Basketball, 1983-84-85 

Cass came to CCS from Wenatchee High School where he earned All-Big 9 basketball honors in 1983. He became a double figure scorer both seasons at CCS for Coach Sam Brasch. Gebbers helped lead Spokane to a region championship in 1985, was named team captain, and was selected First Team All-Region in 1986. Cass was a two-sport athlete at CCS and he was named to the All-Eastern Region baseball team while playing for Coach Keith Snyder. He continued his basketball career at Gonzaga from 1986-88 before returning to Brewster to run the family orchard and cattle business.

Lennie Parham, Men's Basketball, 1983-84-85 

Lennie was from Medical Lake High School, where he was selected as the two-time Frontier League MVP in basketball. He became a two-year CCS starter and double-figured scorer on back-to-back Eastern Region Champs, leading the team in assists both seasons. Parham was named the team MVP and Captain in 1985. Lennie went on to a stellar career at Gonzaga University (1985-87) as a two-year starter at point guard and made honorable mention all-league. After graduation, he pursued a college coaching career which was highlighted by becoming an assistant coach to Ben Howland at the University of Pittsburgh. Lennie is now a high school athletic director in New Jersey.

Kevin “Slim" Sattler, 1984-85-86 

Slim graduated from Gonzaga Prep High School in 1983 and was recruited to CCS by Coach Sam Brasch. He played at CCS from 1984-86 where he set the career field goal record of 63% and was named First Team All NWAACC. Sattler helped lead CCS to a region basketball championship in 1985 and was named to the All-Region team in 1986. Slim started two seasons at EWU, setting school records for most consecutive field goals made and single game scoring (44). He was selected Honorable Mention All-Big Sky and Team Captain in 1988. He graduated with a degree in finance and was employed in Edmunds, Washington. Sattler passed away in 2001 at the age of 35 from Marfan Syndrome. He was elected into the NWAACC Hall of Fame in 2003.

Bobby Jack Sumler, 1985-86

Bobby graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1979 where he was First Team All-GSL and led the league in scoring. He played at CCS in 1985-86 where he was a First Team Eastern Region selection while averaging 17.9 ppg on 56% shooting. Sumler tallied 225 assists while setting a CCS record of 150 steals in a single season and was named the team MVP. Bobby Jack is one of the best basketball players in Spokane history and is a true Spokane legend. Sumler returned to CCS as an assistant coach for over seven years and helped develop many outstanding players for the “Sasquatch.”

Jamie Nilles, 1986-87, 1988-89

Jamie graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1984 and played for CCS in 1986-87 and 1988-89. He became one of the most improved players in CCS basketball history and was named the team MVP and Captain in his sophomore season. Nilles led the team in both rebounding and assists while setting a school record for ‘charges taken’ in a season. Coach Brasch said he was a “tremendous competitor and great teammate.” Jamie has gone on to a highly successful high school coaching career at West Valley High School where he currently serves as athletic director.

Jon Mitchell, 1987-88-89 

Jon is from Coeur d’Alene High School, where he was named First Team All-Inland Empire League in his senior season. He played for Coach Sam Brasch at CCS from 1987-89. Mitchell was an outstanding big man for CCS and was named to the Eastern Region Second team in 1988 and the First team in 1989. Jon ranks fourth in CCS single game scoring (40 pts) and was selected as the team MVP in 1988. He went on to a great career at Puget Sound University, averaging 17.7 ppg in his senior year and was named to the All-District team. A great all-around athlete, Mitchell also played two seasons of golf at CCS for Coach Paul Tikker and another two years at UPS. He played professional basketball in Europe and is an insurance agent for Liberty Mutual in Spokane.

Aaron Childress, 1990-91-92  

Aaron was from Shadle Park High School where he was an All-GSL and All-State (State Champs) player in 1990. He played for Coach Sam Brasch at CCS from 1990-92. Childress was selected to the Second Team All-Region team in 1991 and was selected First Team and MVP of the Eastern Region in 1992. Aaron led his CCS team to the region championship and was named team MVP in 1992. Childress set the all-time career CCS scoring record of 942 points. He continued his basketball collegiate career as a two-year starter at EWU. He now serves the community as a Spokane County Deputy Sheriff.

Steve Ball, 1991-92-93 

Steve graduated from Cheney High School in 1991, where he was named to the First Team Frontier League basketball team. He played for Coach Sam Brasch at CCS from 1991 through 1993. Ball was selected to the All-Eastern Region team in 1993 while setting a CCS record of 19.6 ppg. and was voted Team MVP. Steve averaged 10.4 ppg for the region champs in 1992. He went on to Western Baptist College where he was a two-time all-league selection and was named an NAIA All-American in 1996. After graduation, he played professionally in Europe before becoming a successful high school coach in Oregon. Steve was a tremendous leader during his playing days at Spokane.

Chris Allen, Men’s Basketball 1998-99, 1999-00

Coached by the only person to be inducted into the CCS Hall of Fame as a player and a coach, Sam Brasch, Chris was honored by being selected as the Most Inspirational Player (Art Ferio Award) at the Championships, was the Team Captain, All-Eastern Region First Team, and All-NWAACC First Team. His determined style of play was instrumental in leading Spokane to the NWAACC title. Chris continued his athletic and academic career at Lewis-Clark State College.

Andre Ervin, Men’s Basketball 1999-00, 2000-01

Coached by Sam Brasch, Andre was one of the key players in the drive to the NWAACC basketball championship in 1999-00. For his play in the tournament he was selected as the NWAACC Tournament MVP (Phil Pesco Award) and named to the NWAACC All-Tournament First Team. Andre is still the CCS one season (550pts) and career (1,084) scoring record holder. He is also the record holder for one season rebounds (339) and career rebounds (586). Andre was elected team MVP in both of the years that he played for CCS. She was named the team MVP in both her years at CCS and was named to the NWAACC All-Region First Team in 1990-91. Nilles helped lead her team to a 23-9 record and a fourth-place finish in the NWAACC Tournament in her sophomore season. She continued her higher education and playing career at Whitworth University.

1966-67 Men's Basketball Team

The 1966-67 Men’s Basketball team won the Eastern Region WAACC Championship and went on to win the WAACC (Washington State Community College) Championship with a 19-9 overall record. This was the college’s first league championship in just their second season of athletic competition. The team was led by the legendary head coach Hank Coplen, and assisted by Mike Macaulay. Jack Bafus was Athletic Director and Mike Mahoney was team manager. In 1967, this team competed under the Spokane-SCC athletic banner and later became Spokane Falls when the Fort Wright campus was completed. Jim Thacker and Bob Burrows were both named to the WAACC All-Tournament First Team. Spokane beat CBC 81-76 in the championship game to win the 1967 WAACC title. After winning the WAACC title, they were chosen to advance to the NJCAA regional championship in Boise, where they lost to Arizona Western Community College, which was led by Nate Archibald. The team roster included Greg Allen, Dennis Ashe, Leroy Brown, Bob Burrows, Bill Crawford, Harvey Depew, John Fulton, Larry Heinz, Chuck Holley, Don Matson, Rod Pumphrey and Jim Thacker.

1971-72 Men's Basketball Team

The 1971-72 Men’s Basketball team, which was led by head coach Craig Johnson, has been selected for the CCS Hall of Fame. In its first ever year of competition in the NWAACC, Spokane Community College-Mission Campus, won the Eastern Region Championship and advanced to the WAACC Championship Tournament at Bremerton. The team won the Eastern Region with a 9-3 record and finished the year 19-9. By winning the Eastern Region in its first year of play, the 1971-72 squad set the standard of excellence for all SCC basketball teams which followed. SCC finished fifth in the WAACC State Tournament and was led by the play of First Team Eastern Region MVP selection, Ross Pace. Other outstanding players for SCC were Sam Brasch, Captain Tom Fitchie, and Most Inspirational Player Ray Zander. The championship team roster also included Gene Krupke, Willie Tolbert, Randy Ferrell, Randy Gunning, Jerry Quenton, and Dave Jelle. Don Kolb served as the Director of Athletics.

1974-75 Men's Basketball Team

The 1974-75 Men’s Basketball team, which was coached by Craig Johnson and assistant Maury Ray, has been selected for the CCS Hall of Fame. This freshman-dominated team finished second in the NWAACC Eastern Region with a 9-3 record and proved to be one of SCC’s all-time crowd pleasing teams with its wide open and exciting style of play. The team qualified for the NWAACC Tournament at Walla Walla where they beat Green River and Seattle Central to advance to the championship game. They played a great Mt. Hood team for the NWAACC title and finished second by a close 68-65 margin, culminating a record-setting year. Spokane won over 20 games for the first time and finished the year with a 22-7 record. The team was led by NWAACC First Team All-Tournament picks, Steve Alexander and Larry Anderson, and Second Team All-Tournament choice Erv Terry. The 1974-75 CCS Hall of Fame team roster also included Bruce Fecht, Bruce Johnson, Millard Garrett, Jeff Hunter, Lonnie Warnecke, Travis Bailey, Tim Hagenson, Kirk Burgess, Rich Stewart, George McQuenn, Jerry Simon, Billy Smith, and Wilbert Lewis.

1975-76 Men's Basketball Team

The 1975-76 Men’s Basketball team, which was coached by Craig Johnson and assistant coaches Maury Ray and Butch Halterman, has been selected for the CCS Hall of Fame. The 1975-76 SCC team finished second in the NWAACC Eastern Region with a 7-5 record behind a strong Yakima Valley team at 11-1. SCC advanced through the playoffs to qualify for the NWAACC Tournament at Walla Walla where they beat a good Mt. Hood team (49-42) in the first game and then destroyed their arch rival Spokane Falls (68-55) in the semi-finals. In the Championship game they met Yakima Valley for the NWAACC title and finished a close second by a 60-53 score. Spokane again won over 20 games to finish the year with a 21-10 final record. The flamboyant play of the 1975-76 squad was led by Erv Terry, First Team NWAACC All- Tournament and First Team Eastern Region, Larry Anderson, First Team Eastern Region and Second Team NWAACC All-Tournament, and Steve Alexander, Second Team NWAACC All-Tournament. This team’s brilliant play earned it a permanent spot in the hearts of all its fans. The 1975-76 Hall of Fame team roster also included Greg Arlt, Kirk Burgess, Charles Clay, Bruce Johnson, Charles Upchurch, George McQueen, Jerry Simon, Kelly Keeler, Bruce Fecht, Nick Colella, Dan Skinner, and Craig Faire.

1978-79 Men's Basketball Team

The 1978-79 Men’s Basketball team, coached by Craig Johnson and assistant coach Jerry Skaife, has been selected for the CCS Hall of Fame. This outstanding team finished second in the Eastern Region with a 6-4 record on their way to qualifying for the NWAACC Championships. During the regular season they served notice to the rest of the NWAACC that they were a potent force when they picked up their second straight home victory over perennial national power, College of Southern Idaho. In the opening game of the NWAACC tournament, they beat a solid Grays Harbor team by a tight 59-57 score. They defeated Everett 70-60 to advance to the title game. In the championship game they met the host Walla Walla team where they lost a close 61-55 contest to take the runner-up spot in the NWAACC Tournament. The 1978-79 team finished with a 19-10 record and was led by NWAACC First Team All-Tournament and NWAACC Most Valuable Player Ron Maben, and First Team All-Tournament selection Welton Jordan. The 1978-79 Hall of Fame roster also included Jeff Robinson, Bob Minarik, Steve Ferrette, Guy Therien, Len East, Don Black, Gene Diamond, Ralph Davis, Mike Huff and Rob Fairbanks.

1999-00 Men’s Basketball Team

The 1999-2000 Men’s Basketball team’s memorable season was capped off by winning the 2000 NWAACC Championship with an overall record of 20-10. The team was led by Andre Ervin who was selected as the tourney MVP (Phil Pesco Award) and the NWAACC All-Tournament First Team. Steve Chamberlain was also named to the NWAACC All Tournament First Team and Chris Allen was selected for the Most Inspirational Player (Art Ferio Award). Spokane started the season on a rebuilding note but finished very strong by winning the second NWAACC title in school history. Sam Brasch, who was named the NWAACC Coach of the Year, was helped by assistant coaches Jay Humphrey and Jose Hernandez. John Mitchell was team manager. The team roster included Chris Allen, Chris Anderson, DaShawn Bedford, Nick Bemis, Steve Chamberlain, Chad Cheeley, Mark Crouch, Andre Ervin, Pat Harris, James Kiger, Erich Prazak, Jason Rayson, Phil Renz and Jeff Whitman.

Hank Coplen, CCS 1967-1986

Coplen was hired in 1964 by Dr. Walter Johnson as the first athletic director and men’s basketball coach at Spokane Falls Community College. He was also named as the first men’s cross country coach. His team won the Washington Athletic Association of Community Colleges cross country championship in 1967-68. Coplen’s best men’s basketball team won the WAACC state title in 1966-67 and went on to compete at the NJCAA regional tournament in Boise, Idaho. An outstanding basketball coach and teacher his entire career, he coached successfully at numerous Washington high schools. He also coached basketball at Highline Community College and Columbia Basin College where he won two state titles. After coaching, he returned to Spokane to run the extension program for the Community Colleges of Spokane. Coplen has been honored by selection to the CCS, NWAACC, WIAA Basketball Coaches and Inland Empire Halls of Fame.

Jerry Skaife, SFCC 1976-1997

Jerry was an outstanding basketball player at Rogers High School where he earned All-City and All-State honors. He attended Columbia Basin College, where he was named NWAACC All-Conference as a player on CBC’s NWAACC Championship teams in 1963 and 1964. He transferred to the University of Idaho and took Big Sky All-Conference honors for two more consecutive seasons. In 1968 he was selected to the AAU All-American first team and invited to the Olympic trials in Colorado Springs. After coaching high school basketball for several years, Skaife came to Spokane Falls Community College in 1976 as head men’s basketball coach. When the two Spokane schools combined their programs in 1978, he assisted the CCS men's team for two seasons and the women's for five more. Spokane’s women won NWAACC titles in 1983 and 1984 with the help of assistant coach Jerry Skaife. Jerry became CCS's softball coach when the program started in 1985 and led them to the NWAACC tournament in each of their first 13 seasons, capturing three NWAACC Championships and finishing runner-up three times. The Sasquatch compiled a 270-72 record in league play and he was selected NWAACC Coach of the Year five times during his tenure. Skaife served ten years as the SFCC Physical Education Department Chair and is a member of the CCS and NWAACC Halls of Fame.

Sam Brasch, SCC 1981-2001

Sam attended Central Valley High School in Spokane and was instrumental in leading his CVHS basketball team to a 19-0 record in his senior year. Brasch had two outstanding years at Spokane Community College where he was a key leader of the 1971-72 team that won the Eastern Region, and he was named MVP of the 1972-73 squad. He had 322 career rebounds and had a physical and competitive style of play. Brasch continued as a leading scorer and rebounder at Whitworth College, where he was honored his senior year by being selected to both the NAIA All-Conference and All-District teams. Sam began his coaching career at Whitworth as an assistant to Cal Riemcke for three years and one year as head coach. He then became an assistant at SCC for one season before taking over as head coach, a position he held for 21 years (1981-2002). His career record was 292-276 and he was named Regional Coach of the Year in 1982, 1984 and 1985. The highlight of his tenure was in 1999-2000 when he led the Sasquatch to the NWAACC Championship and received NWAACC Coach of the Year honors. In 2006, Sam was inducted into the CCS Hall of Fame and his 1999-2000 team was inducted in 2008.

Craig Johnson, SCC 1971-2008

Craig graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1964, where he earned All-City and All State basketball honors. He continued his basketball career at both the University of Idaho and Whitworth College. Upon graduating, Johnson entered the coaching profession at Odessa High School, before he returned to Whitworth as assistant basketball coach under Cal Riemke. In 1971, Craig was selected to begin the development of the basketball program at the newly established Spokane Community College “Sasquatch” campus. He held the head coaching position from 1971-1979, with his teams compiling a 136-85 win/loss record. In his first year at SCC, his team won the 1971-72 Eastern Region Championship. His 1974-75, 1975-76, and 1978-79 teams were all NWAACC Conference Runners-up, and he was named Eastern Region Coach of the Year in 1975-76. In 1981, Coach Johnson became an assistant for the women’s basketball team and served under Scott Foxley with their 1981-82 and 1982-83 teams winning consecutive NWAACC Basketball Championships. He also played an integral role in the development of the physical education department at SCC, as both an instructor and the Department Chairman for over 38 years. Craig was inducted into the CCS Hall of Fame in 2006.

Paul Tikker, CCS 1979-Present

Tikker was an All-League basketball player at Wilbur High School who continued his education and athletic career at Whitworth College. Tikker started teaching and coaching at the Community Colleges of Spokane in 1979. His first coaching assignment was as an assistant for football under Bob Everson and John Buck. During that time Spokane won four NWAACC football championships. Tikker also assisted Sam Brasch in the men’s basketball program from 1979 to 1985 and they won the NWAACC Eastern Region title three years. Paul than served as the head women’s basketball coach for three years while winning the NWAACC Eastern Region two seasons in a row (1985-86 and 1986-87). Coach Tikker became the head men’s golf coach in 1988. He held that position for twenty years and built one of the most successful golf programs in the NWAACC. Under his guidance the men’s team became a constant title contender and won numerous NWAACC Eastern Region Championships and 2 NWAACC Conference Championships (1999 and 2002). Tikker started the women’s golf program in 1991-92 and was their head coach for 11 seasons. His women’s teams dominated the NWAACC golf league and his teams won 5 NWAACC Championships (1992, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001). He was named the NWAACC Coach of the Year 11 years during his tenure in golf. Tikker has been selected to both the CCS and the NWAACC Halls of Fame.

Eric Hughes, 2002-2007

Hughes played high school basketball in Oakland, California, before graduating from Cal State Hayward where he was named as team captain his senior year. He then served as a D-I assistant coach for 13 years, his last nine at the University of Washington. CCS Athletic Director Maury Ray hired Eric in 2002, and he immediately put his personal stamp on the CCS men’s basketball program. Eric was a great recruiter, super organized, and very passionate about coaching in Spokane. In his five years at the helm, he adopted the athletic department staff as his family and took pride in his position as a Physical Education tenured track faculty member. He led the Sasquatch to three NWAACC tournament appearances, finishing third in 2006. Eric won Region Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2006 as his teams won the Eastern Region championship both years. He left CCS in 2007 to become an assistant coach in the NBA, first with Toronto, followed by New Jersey and then the Milwaukee Bucks.