The opportunity to tackle a new series of challenges was too enticing for Jon Rasmussen to pass up.
Rasmussen has stepped down as Lynnwood girls basketball coach to fill the same position at Shorecrest. Both schools are members of the Western Conference South Division.
“I enjoyed my time at Lynnwood,” Rasmussen said. “No one drove me away. It was just time for a change for me.”
The move is bittersweet for Rasmussen, who spent the past four seasons rebuilding the Lynnwood program. After winning just one game Rasmussen’s first year, the Royals advanced to the playoffs the past two seasons.
Lynnwood overcame a rash of injuries last winter to finish 7-15. Following a narrow loss to top-seeded Sehome, the Royals were ousted from the Northwest District 3A playoffs by Shorecrest.
Rasmussen leaves Lynnwood with a 36-118 overall record.
“I made a lot of friends there,” Rasmussen said. “The players and parents were great. This is one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make.”
Changing schools within the same league created an uncomfortable situation for Rasmussen, who coached junior varsity basketball at Lynnwood for two years before taking over the varsity team.
As difficult as it was to break the news to his former team, Rasmussen noted the strongest reaction came from his two young daughters, who became attached to the players.
“I assured them they’ll make new friends,” Rasmussen said. “Just like their dad.”
The Shorecrest position opened in June when Don Dalziel was promoted to Shoreline District athletic director. Dalziel respected his successor’s style when the two coached against each other and is confident he’ll mesh well with the players.
“He brings a veteran coach’s perspective,” Dalziel said. “He’s familiar with the rigors of the Western Conference. I’m excited to see what he can do with a team laden with returning players and experience.”
Shorecrest returns four starters from last year’s 12-11 squad that tied Kamiak for third in the Wesco South standings, including all-league forwards Mary Tseng and Banimi Lawson.
“It’s a veteran team that has strength inside and outside,” Rasmussen said. “They’ve got shooters and they run the court well. They’re tough defensively and they can go zone or man-to-man. They’re just strong overall.”
Rasmussen was hesitant to comment on specific players but acknowledged he was intrigued by the fact that the Scots have never qualified for the state tournament. As a senior, Rasmussen helped Woodway High School earn its first state berth in 1979.
“Getting to state is one of those things you wish every player could experience,” he said.
The Scots reached the district playoffs all six seasons Dalziel was coach and came within one victory of clinching the program’s first state appearance in 2001-02 and 2002-03.
“They’re a very talented team,” Rasmussen said. “Hopefully I can be the missing piece to put them over the top.”
With such a large group of returners, Rasmussen doesn’t plan on overhauling the game plan already in place.
“We’ll change some things but we’re going to incorporate some of the stuff they’ve been running,” Rasmussen said. “I ran a lot of the same stuff at Lynnwood. We just gave it a different name.”
Rasmussen became familiar with Shorecrest’s offensive and defensive schemes by chance. The way the league schedule was laid out, much of the scout footage Rasmussen accumulated the past two seasons featured the Scots.
“It just so happened I saw more film on them than any other team,” Rasmussen said.
Earlier this week, Rasmussen organized a team meeting to introduce himself to the Shorecrest players and explain his philosophies.
“I really try to develop a team concept. Players know I always give 110 percent and expect the same from them,” Rasmussen said.
“I’m probably more of a player’s coach, but I can be firm too. It’s a style that’s worked well for me. I’m demanding and tough when I’ve got to be.”
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