The Federal Way Public Schools will induct its second class into the district’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 2. The four-member Class of 2010 will be honored at halftime of a boys basketball game between the Todd Beamer Titans and Decatur Gators. The game will be played at Decatur.
The 2010 Federal Way Hall of Fame class includes Lou Blaesi, Jim Gard, Bob Stewart and Joann Neil.
The ceremony will be held to introduce and induct the four individuals who had a major impact on the district’s athletic programs. Also, prior to the game, a reception will be held in the Decatur cafeteria starting at 5:30 p.m. Fox Sports analyst and former Decatur and Western Washington University quarterback Jason Stiles will serve as master of ceremonies at both.
Beginning this year, the Hall of Fame Committee will also recognize a district athlete who has gone into the teaching/coaching profession. Receiving this year’s award will be former Decatur High School football player Wayne Lewis, who set defensive records at Western Washington University. He currently is a teacher and coach at Mount Si High School.
The Federal Way Public Schools established the Athletic Hall of Fame to honor past employees who have made a major impact on the district’s athletic programs. The 2010 honorees all have served in the district for over 20 years and have distinguished teaching and coaching careers.
Blaesi has a 28-year history of teaching physical education at Totem Junior High School and coaching football, track, baseball and wrestling. Gard is a 24-year veteran of coaching football and baseball at Thomas Jefferson High School and also serving as athletic director. Stewart was the Federal Way High School head baseball coach for 16 of his 28 years in Federal Way. Neil won three state soccer championships at Federal Way High School during her 42-year career in education.
Nominees to the Hall of Fame are evaluated based on the following criteria: The nominee has served the district for a minimum of 10 years, has been retired for at least five years or deceased, and has made a significant impact on an athletic program in the school district.
