Prep Sports Blog

Battle Ground Hall of Fame

Saturday, December 13 | 6:12 p.m.

THE COLUMBIAN

The first class of the Battle Ground Hall of Fame was released by the high school last week. We waited until after the ceremony to list the names. These biographies of the athletes and coaches were provided to us by the Battle Ground School District. Enjoy this cool bit of Clark County history ...

NINA BUSH – CLASS OF 1927

Nina Bush was captain and leading scorer of the 1926-1927 Battle Ground High School Girls’ basketball team. Nina was the star guard on a team that won 11 of 14 games. With the help of Nina Bush, the Redbirds (the team nickname at the time) outscored opponents 614 to 236 on the season. The Redbirds claimed the Southwest Washington championship and challenged the Southeast Washington champions from Granger. The team traveled 262 miles to take on Granger and put up a good fight, but was defeated by a score of 37 to 26. This team enjoyed the most success until the 1946 boys’ basketball team went to state.

In addition to being a stellar basketball player, Nina was also the yell leader for the senior class.

After high school, Nina Bush worked and played basketball for Montgomery Ward in Portland. Montgomery Ward was a well known AAU basketball program in the late 1920’s.

GERRY STALEY – CLASS OF 1938

Gerry Staley was Battle Ground’s local boy makes it big. After starring as a shortstop at BGHS, Staley moved to the pitcher’s mound at the request of his brother Roy. Staley tried out and made the roster of the minor league Boise Pilots in 1940. He won 20 games for the Boise Pilots in 1940 and 1941. World War II interrupted the start of a promising professional career. Gerry Staley served as a medic in the army in places like Guadalcanal and the Philippines. In his return from the army in 1946, Staley was assigned to the St. Louis Cardinals minor league team from Sacramento. In 1947, Staley made the major league roster with the St. Louis Cardinals. Staley pitched for the Cardinals through 1954. During his stint with St. Louis, he was selected to the National League All Star team in 1951 and 1952. In 1955, Staley was traded to the Cincinnati Reds and then to the New York Yankees. In 1956, Staley was in a Chicago White Sox uniform. With the White Sox, he pitched in the 1959 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His major league baseball career ended in 1961. Over his 15 year career, Gerry Staley won 134 games and lost 111 and had 61 saves.

After the end of his professional baseball career, Gerry Staley was inducted into the Washington Sports Hall of Fame. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth in Clark County. In addition, Staley worked as the Parks Superintendent for Clark County for 14 years.

DONOVAN KNISS – CLASS OF

During the last half of the 1940’s decade, Battle Ground’s athletic teams experienced a period of great success. One of the athletes who influenced this elevation of status in the community was Donovan Kniss. As a 3 sport athlete, Donovan contributed greatly to the Football, Basketball, and Track success during this time period. Especially known for his toughness and rebounding ability, Donovan helped the 1946 Basketball team to State and a 7^th place trophy. His sportsmanship, high integrity, and scholarship was recognized though his receiving the Bill Shockley Award at graduation.

Donovan was the first Battle Ground graduate to attend the Naval Academy where he played basketball for 4 years. He also attained All-American status in collegiate lacrosse. At graduation, he was awarded the Thomson Trophy, the highest athletic award given by the Naval Academy.

Upon receiving his officer commission, Donovan continued to play basketball in the very competitive Navy Athletic Program. He reached the rank of Captain and was assigned command of the nuclear submarine, George C. Marshall. After retiring from the Navy, Donovan turned his energy to coaching track and teaching high school science. In the past year Donovan passed away. His family still continues to reside in Connecticut where he taught and coached.

IRV LAHTI – CLASS OF 1948

Irv Lahti was an outstanding three sport athlete at Battle Ground High School. Irv competed in football, basketball, and baseball for the Tigers. He earned all-league honors in football and basketball his senior year. Irv was a key member of Battle Ground High Schools’ first two state tournament basketball teams. The 1946 team earned the school’s first trophy at state with a 7^th place finish. Lahti scored 684 points over his career including a record 34 point performance in a league game. Irv was considered the best basketball player at Battle Ground High School until John McKnight. In 1947, Irv received the Outstanding Player of the Week, awarded by the Oregon Officials Association and Radio Station KXL.

After high school, Irv served in the Marines. He returned to play basketball at Oregon State University on an athletic scholarship for a year before transferring to Palo Alto to play baseball. Shortly thereafter, Irv was called back into service by the Marines for 18 months.

After the military, Irv was a rancher in Royal City, Washington for many years. He returned to Battle Ground and worked as a real estate agent for Battle Ground Realty. Irv started 503 Realty in 1985 with Ernie Dunning and became a real estate broker until he retired and sold the business in 1996.

JERRY WEAVER – CLASS OF 1961

Jerry Weaver distinguished himself as BGHS’s first Wrestling State Champion in 1961. Wrestling was established as a team sport at BGHS in the 1950’s. As wrestling gained popularity the Tigers became more competitive and established the Tigers as a local power. Leading up to his state championship, Jerry placed 4^th at the State Tournament in 1959. Jerry’s 1961 State Championship in the 123 pound division combined with 2 teammates placing 3^rd and 4^th earned the Tiger team a 5^th place finish and state recognition. Beyond his hard work on the mat, Jerry was also a serious student and a member of the National Honor Society.

Prior to graduation, Jerry made a commitment to join the National Guard. After completing his military service, Jerry started work towards a degree in civil engineering at the University of Washington, which awarded his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967. After graduation, Jerry returned to Clark County and went to work with the Army Corp of Engineers in Portland. After 30 years of employment with the Corp, he retired in 1997.

At the time of his induction to the Hall of Fame, Jerry has been married to his wife for 41 years and has raised his son and daughter in the Clark County Area.

SPIKE WALKER – CLASS OF 1969

The love of the outdoors and sport has always been a huge part of the life of Spike Walker. While growing up and in high school, Spike loved to be out in the woods hunting, fishing, and tending his trap lines. Even with all those activities, he found the time, energy, and talent to excel in 3 varsity sports. He was a strong lineman on the football team as well as a state qualifying wrestler. But the Shot Put was the event where Spike found excellence. Spike set the school shot put record at 60’ 8.5" that is still standing after 40 years. In 1969, he followed up his 4^th Place finish as a junior with a State Championship performance at the biggest track meet in the state.

After high school, Spike attended Spokane Falls Community College where he was a 2-time State Junior College Shot Put Champion and he set a JC National Shot Put Record. He continued his education and competition at Oregon State University. While at OSU he set an OSU school record, placed 3^rd in the PAC 8 Meet, and participated in the 1972 Olympic Trials.

Spike’s careers include being a teacher, logger, commercial crabber/fisherman, and a registered deep sea diver. From his experiences on the crabbing and fishing boats in Alaska, Spike has authored 3 widely read and popular books based on making a living on the seas in the North Pacific. He is currently working on a fourth book and has appeared on the TV series "The Deadliest Catch".

KEITH ANDERSEN – CLASS OF 1970

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, long distance running became the fashionable fitness craze. Leading the charge of BGHS distance runners was a little guy with unending energy. Keith Andersen was BG’s version of ‘Pre’ or Jerry Lingren. He became one of the outstanding distance runners to come out of Clark County during this period of time and helped establish the long distance running tradition at BGHS. As a Tiger runner, he earned back-to-back Cross Country state titles in 1968 and 1969. In track, he often ran 2 or 3 races to help the team scoring. The 2 mile/3200 M record set by Keith in 1970 of 9.13.8 still stands.

After graduating from BG, Keith attended the University of Washington on scholarship and ran for Husky Cross Country and Track teams. While at UW, Keith qualified for and ran the 5000 meters at the NCAA National Championship Meet.

Since his graduation from college, Keith has devoted his time and efforts to serving and helping people. He has served as a church pastor and taught school at both the middle and high school levels in Washington and Oregon. He currently lives with his wife and family near Salem, Oregon where he teaches high school and coaches the sports he loves, cross country and track.

JOHN McKNIGHT – CLASS OF 1972

Basketball, Battle Ground, and John McKnight. The game, the school, and the player were almost synonymous in the early 1970’s. A more complete and exciting basketball player would be very difficult to find. During this period of Tiger-mania, games often sold out before JV games started. John performed at such a high level that he is tops or near the top in almost every statistical category kept. His career records include, but are not limited to, 1752 career points, 29.4 ppg season average (1972), and the single game rebound record – 29. John was All-League for 3 years, All-State for 2 years, and a High School All-American in 1972. John led the Tiger’s to 2^nd place in the State Tournament in 1971 and a 4^th place trophy in 1972. Off the court John was active in the National Honor Society and Student Government. In track, John also qualified for the state meet in the High Jump.

As the Washington State Player of the Year, John accepted a scholarship to attend and play at the University of Washington. John played and lettered for the Huskies during his successful Freshman year. Injuries cut short his playing days at UW.

John currently lives in Oregon with his wife of 33 years. They have raised their family there while John has worked for the same company for 30 years.

GARY SCHAEFER – CLASS OF 1973

Gary Schaefer competed in football, basketball, and track at Battle Ground High School. In football, Gary received All-State recognition at linebacker. In basketball, Gary was a force on the boards his junior and senior years. He helped the Tigers to a 4^th place finish at state in 1972. In track, Schaefer became a State Champion in the javelin his senior year after finishing 3^rd his junior year. He was ranked 4^th in the nation in the javelin his senior year.

After high school, Gary received a track scholarship at Spokane Community College where he still holds the school and conference record in the javelin with a throw of 252 feet 11/2 inches. Schaefer then earned a track scholarship to Washington State University, but injuries ended his javelin career.

Since college, Gary has worked as a sales representative for G-Loomis, a fishing outfitter company. Gary enjoys fishing and the outdoors and you might even catch him on the Lewis River.

Gary and his wife, Jani, have two children and continue to live in Battle Ground.

DORIS LAHTI – CLASS OF 1977

Tall and strong Lahtis were very popular long before Starbucks. Doris Lahti was an extremely successful three sport athlete at BGHS. Doris competed in cross country, basketball, and track. In 1974, Doris became the first female athlete at BGHS to win an individual State Championship. She won the combined AA/AAA Cross Country Championship. In her junior and senior year, Doris finished 4^th and 2^nd in the state Cross Country Championships. On her way to state, Doris set multiple District Championship records. In basketball, Doris helped the Tigers to their first State Tournament appearances in basketball. They finished 3^rd, 4^th, and 6^th. On the track, Doris excelled in the mile and high jump. She qualified for state in the high jump her freshmen and sophomore years and set the district record her sophomore year. The mile was Lahtis’ forte. She came in 4th in the mile at State in 1975 and 2^nd in the mile at State in 1976. Doris remains the record holder in the mile at BGHS.

After high school, Doris earned a scholarship to Spokane Community College and participated in cross country and track. Lahti is a top 20 all time performer in the 800 m and 1500 m at Spokane Community College. Doris moved on to Idaho State University on an athletic scholarship for cross country and track. Doris still holds the indoor 300 m hurdles record.

After college, Doris has spent time coaching volleyball, basketball, track and cross country. She is a certified track official with USATF and currently is a master official working track meets at Spokane Community College and youth cross country. In addition, Lahti has been board member of the Washington Cultural Exchange since 1993. Doris continues to serve the youth as a teacher at Wilson Creek High School where she teaches PE, science, art, and yearbook.

HEATHER GAMBILL – CLASS OF 1995

Heather Gambill’s athletic career at Battle Ground High School got off to a rough start. During a winter sports pep assembly her freshmen year, Heather blew out her knee. She missed the entire basketball and track seasons her freshman year. Heather returned her sophomore year with a vengeance. She helped lead the basketball team to a fifth place finish at the State Championships and followed that performance with a State Championship in the shot put and a 2^nd place finish in the discus. During Heather’s junior year, she led the basketball team and track team to second place finishes at State. Heather won the discus and finished second in the shot put her junior year. Heather’s senior year ended with State Championships in the discus and shot put. Heather currently holds the school records for the shot put and discus. Heather earned a track scholarship to Boise State.

After high school and college, Heather returned to Battle Ground High School as a coach. Heather coached freshmen basketball for 6 years and track.

Heather and her husband, Beau Knight, have two energetic boys, Trey and Carson. Heather and her family continue to live in Battle Ground.

MELVIN 'PAT' PETTICHORD

BGHS 1939 - 1977

Coach 1939 - 1961

Principal 1964 – 1971

Counselor 1961 - 1964 & 1971 - 1977

When Melvin ‘Pat’ Pettichord first came to Battle Ground in 1939, no one knew the impact he would have on a school, a community, and thousands of student lives. As a recent graduate from Washington State and one of the top ranked sprinters in the nation, Pat settled into a career that would span 38 years of service to the Battle Ground community

As a teacher, coach, principal, colleague, and counselor Pat will always be remembered for the class, integrity, and professionalism he consistently demonstrated. He demanded much of his students and athletes, but no more than he demanded of himself. At some time during his 20+ years of coaching at BGHS, Pat headed the football, basketball, and track programs. Highlights of his coaching career included coaching BG’s first teams to advance to the state basketball tournament in 1946 and 1948. In track, Pat coached Tiger athletes to individual state championships and high finishes. More importantly, his student/athletes learned the benefits of hard work, teamwork, sacrifice, and sportsmanship.

Due to health conditions, Pat ended his coaching career in 1961. He assumed duties as a counselor and was promoted to principal in 1964. He held the principal position for 7 years during a time when BGHS doubled in size. Pat finished his long career at BGHS as a counselor, still providing guidance to the youth of this community.

Even after his retirement in 1977, you could still find the coach stopping by the stadium, gyms, and track to watch the kids practice, play, and learn the lessons he taught for so many years himself. Pat passed away in 2006 but his influence on Battle Ground is still felt by those who knew him.

KAREN REMY – CLASS OF 1960

Coach 1973-1976

Growing up in a time where girls’ athletic opportunities were limited to playing in ‘pick-up’ games and intramural type activities must have been very frustrating for Karen Remy. She had the reputation in the BG community as ‘a great athlete’. Her first chance to play competitive school sports came when she enrolled at Clark College at the age of 26. While playing basketball at Clark for 2 years, she averaged 32 points per game. When she transferred to Portland State University, she averaged 24 ppg and earned a degree in Physical Education.

In 1973, Karen landed a teaching job at BGHS and started her coaching career as well. Her athletic background and knowledge was put to good use as she became the Girls’ Head Coach in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track. It didn’t take long for Karen to establish BGHS as power in those 3 sports. The volleyball team made 2 appearances at the state tournament. The Tiger’s Basketball 3-year record was 62-3 with 3^rd and 4^th place finishes at State. The girls track team produced state champions and other high placing individuals.

Her alma mater, was keeping track of Karen’s coaching success and convinced her to coach the PSU’s Women’s Basketball team in 1977. Karen led the Vikings to 35-17 record in 2 years. The love of high school sports brought Coach Hill to Fort Vancouver High where she coached for 14 years. Her combined record of 333-55 from BGHS and FVHS ranks among the best in the state. Karen gives her husband, Bill, credit for much of what she was able to learn about coaching and the sport she loves. Karen and Bill have retired from teaching and coaching, but you can probably still find Karen on the court or the golf course in Arizona.

BILL HILL – Coach 1967 – 1977

The arrival of Bill Hill at Battle Ground High School in the Fall of 1966 opened a new era and attitude in Tiger basketball. In 10 years as Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at BGHS, Bill established the traditions of teamwork, toughness, and class while putting successful teams on the court. During those years the Boys Basketball program posted a 149-79 record, a 2^nd place State finish in 1971, a 4^th place State finish in 1972, and numerous high finishes in the District IV Tournament. In 1977, Bill left the Tigers to coach at Clark College in Vancouver.

During a 21 year high school coaching career, Coach Hill led 3 different high schools - Lake Stevens, Battle Ground, and Prairie - to trophy finishes at the state tournament. His 315-187 career record led to recognition by the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association and induction to its Hall of Fame in July of 2008.

Bill’s creative and sometimes unconventional strategies and methods are remembered by his athletes and also the students in his history classes. Bill and his wife, Karen, have retired to the sun and warmth of Arizona. Bill’s three children continue to live in Clark County.