The 2013 inductees into the Federal Way Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame consist of five former coaches and one notable alumnus. This year’s inductees include coaches Lee Anderson, Rick Dennison, Bob France, Jean Licari and Pete Refling, who all left a lasting mark on the district’s middle and high school athletic programs.

Quinn Gillis is this year’s Professional Achievement award winner. This award is given to a district graduate who is continuing to model athletic excellence and leadership through a career in education and coaching.

The Federal Way Athletic Hall of Fame honors district employees who have made a significant impact on the district’s athletic programs. The honorees represent the finest in athletic administration, coaching and program development, according to Greg Flynn, the district’s athletic liaison.

This year’s inductees will be presented during two events. The first will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Todd Beamer High School on Oct. 10. This ceremony will be emceed by Jefferson graduate Kenny Mayne, a nationally-known ESPN broadcaster. Another ceremony will be held during the Beamer/Federal Way football game on Oct. 11 at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.

Lee Anderson — Anderson came to Sacajawea in 1968 after three years in Eastern Washington. He moved to a new Kilo Junior High in 1969 and then on to Decatur as head basketball coach 1982-89. Anderson was an outstanding coach and quality person who cared about his athletes. He won several Junior High Championships and started a long line of successful Decatur teams.

Rick Dennison — Dennison taught and coached at Decatur for 32 years starting in 1978. Dennison’s Decatur boys’ soccer SPSL championship in 1980 was the first team championship in Decatur history. He also coached three top-four finishers in the soccer state tournament. Dennis also coached cross country, golf, softball, and boys’ swimming, winning the state championship in 2005.

Bob France — France taught social studies and sports medicine at Federal Way High School from 1984 to 2005. He also coached football, track and served as athletic director. France developed a student-based athletic training program covering all sports at FWHS. This program became a model for schools throughout the nation and was awarded the “Best of the Best” award in 2000 and ’02.

Jean Licari — Licari, who died of cancer last year, started her teaching career at Federal Way High School in 1991. Licari became head girls’ track coach in 1997. She quickly became one of the most decorated girls’ track coaches in the decade by earning SPSL championships in 1999, 2000 and 2001. She was selected SPSL coach of the year three times and was also head cross country coach and one of the premier pole vault coaches in the state.

Pete Refling — Refling coached basketball and baseball at Lakota and Kilo for three decades starting in 1970. He also was Kilo’s athletic director. Refling had a huge impact on developing young athletes who carried his winning attitude on to high school. In 1974, Refling originated the district junior high basketball substitution rule that guaranteed game participation for all team members. This rule is still in effect today.