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Dexter Griffen (1984) - Basketball, Track & Field

Name
Dexter Griffen
Class
1984
Category
HoF Individual
Induction Year
2019

Dexter Griffen graduated from RA Long High School in 1984.  He was an exceptional athlete who participated in several different sports:  two years of football, four years of basketball, and two years of track and field (and excelled especially in the latter two).  In 1983 and 1984 he was the team MVP for basketball, and All-League for years 1983-84.  He lettered all four years of his high school career.

In track and field he was MVP in 1984.  He placed fourth in the 2A State Triple jump finals in 1984.  He went on to break the R.A. Long Triple Jump record at 45’4” which has stood for 36 years.

After his successful high school career in basketball and track, he moved on to Eastern Washington University, where he received the Basketball Most Valuable Player.

After graduating with his prestigious degrees, he has continued with his exceptional abilities. He has been a teacher and coach for more than 20 years, passing on his awesome knowledge and expertise.  In 1998-99 he was the state runner-up for Coach of the Year.  In 2002 he was the WESCO Coach of the Year.

In addition to his wonderful achievements, his teams had the following accomplishments:

  • made playoff appearances in 1999, 2002, 2007, 2008, and 2009;
  • WESCO League Champs in 1999, 2003, 2009; and
  • placed 3rd in the 1999 3A State Championships.

 

To Dexter’s players and peers, he is known as an intense basketball coach, dedicated mentor, unapologetic joker, gentle giant, and animated storyteller.

He is also a proud family man of four daughters with his wife Alisa.

Dexter has been quoted as being inspired by his high school coach Daun Brown, stating that he inspired him to pursue a career in coaching and teaching.