EVERETT – Joe Richer didn’t live to see his induction into the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
But judging by what those who were close to him shared Wednesday evening, his legacy is stronger than ever.
Richer, who coached the Everett High School boys basketball team to a trio of top-eight state-tournament finishes during his career and unexpectedly died in 1998, was one of six men welcomed into the WIBCA Hall of Fame at the Quality Inn in Everett.
The other honorees were Charlie Cobb, Roger Ottmar, Jim Adams, Mac Fraser and John Clark, bringing the total number of WIBCA Hall of Fame coaches to 83. This year’s class is the largest since 2002 (also six) and ties for the largest class since the association recognized its inaugural group in 1975.
During an emotional few minutes at the podium, former Marysville-Pilchuck High boys basketball coach Mike Lowery described Richer as a close friend and an honorary family member. “Joe was a special part of my dad’s life,” Lowery said of Richer’s relationship with Norm Lowery, whom Richer played basketball for at Everett.
Cobb, who worked alongside Richer before moving on to Cascade, called Richer one of the most important people in his life.
“He always found something good about every individual and perpetuated that,” Cobb said of Richer, who also guided the Everett golf team to state championships in 1971 and 1974.
The recognition of Richer capped a night that included moments of humor, graciousness and tears. Speaking on her father’s behalf, Richer’s daughter, Carin, said she soaked up her father’s passion for sports even as a child. The first tune she ever learned was Everett High’s fight song.
“My dad would be extremely humbled,” said Carin, whose father’s induction culminated in a standing ovation.
Here’s a rundown of the other honorees and some of the night’s memorable moments:
* Charlie Cobb, 61, of Marysville guided the Cascade High boys basketball team to a fourth-place finish at the state tournament in 1986 and was named the Western Conference coach of the year in 1992 and 1993. He was WIBCA President from 1986-1992 and currently works for Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.
Induction snapshot: The recipe for success, Cobb said, is surrounding yourself with successful people.
* Roger Ottmar, 62, of Edmonds coached the Mountlake Terrace boys basketball team for 23 seasons, including a 20-0 regular-season record in 2000. He piled up 302 victories, 13 playoff appearances and four state-tournament trips. Ottmar contributes to Terrace as an assistant for the freshmen team.
Induction snapshot: “Roger was a great winner but also a gracious loser,” said former Meadowdale coach Dave Wilson, who coached against Ottmar and continues to golf with him.
* Jim Adams, 66, of Arlington took the Snohomish boys basketball team to three state tournaments, including fifth-place finishes in 1985 and 1987. He earned Western Conference Coach of the Year honors both seasons. Adams concluded a 35-year coaching and teaching career in 1998.
Induction snapshot: “He was a great technical coach of the game, but also in life. … He emphasized what’s needed to be a well-rounded person,” said Nate DuChesne, who starred for Adams at Snohomish before starting his own coaching career.
* Mac Fraser, 54, of Lake Stevens coached the Mount Vernon boys basketball team to three state championships and a record of 336-58 in 15 seasons. His winning percentage of 82.41 ranks third all-time among state boys hoops coaches, according to WIBCA records.
Induction snapshot: “I didn’t want to be a fireman. I didn’t want to be a police officer. I wanted to be a coach. It’s all I wanted to do,” said a choked up Fraser.
* John Clark, 62, of Lynden directed the Lynden boys basketball team to six district championships and eight consecutive state-tournament appearances, including two state titles. He compiled a record of 205-38 in nine seasons at Lynden.
Induction snapshot: Clark cited five keys for being a successful coach: parents, administrators, coaching staff, family and referees. However, referees weren’t always a positive influence, Clark joked: “They forced me to have open-heart surgery.”
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