Athletes

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.

JEREMY MANGUM, 2004-2006

Mangum played basketball for Davis High School in Yakima, Washington where he earned All-State honors in his senior year. Mangum was voted First Team All-Big Nine in both his junior and senior years and was the league MVP in 2004. Jeremy was recruited to Community Colleges of Spokane by CCS Hall of Fame coach Eric Hughes and became an instant star for the Sasquatch. One of the best point guards to ever play in the NWAACC, he earned First Team All-Region honors and was the league MVP in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Mangum scored 918 points in his career at CCS as well as accumulating 542 assists. He was named the Team MVP and was selected for the NWAACC All-Star game.

ERIC BEAL, 2006-2008

Beal played at Spokane’s North Central High School and in his senior year led the Indians to the 2006 WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament for the first time in 55 years, resulting in an impressive fifth-place finish. He was selected First Team All-GSL and was the league MVP. Beal was recruited to Community Colleges of Spokane by head coach Eric Hughes, and his leadership skills, ball handling and all-around excellent play earned him All-NWAACC honors in both seasons. He had the opportunity to play for coach Mike Burns in 2006-07 and then coach Clint Hull in 2007-08, being named the Team MVP and Team Captain both seasons. After CCS, Beal attended and played for Concordia College, Irvine, California, where he helped lead them to the NAIA Elite Eight. He transferred to Whitworth University his senior year and played an integral role in their 26-3 record. The Pirates placed in the Sweet Sixteen and Beal earned All-Northwest Conference First Team honors.