With nearly 400 wins and 10 league championships under his belt, Renton High School basketball coach Rick Comer can now add one honor to his resume: Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer.
Earlier this month Comer was selected as one of Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014.
“In Rick’s case it was unanimous,” said Dave Dickson, WIBCA Banquet Chair.
Dickson said it was not just Comer’s impressive stat sheet that led to his induction, but also because he is a “quality individual.”
“People that know Rick know he’s done it the right way,” Dickson said. “He cares about the kids, he doesn’t just care about winning.”
Maybe not, but winning is what Comer has done.
In 22 seasons at Renton High School, Comer has racked up a record of 395-168. He has coached two 10 league championship teams, two district championships, had eight teams qualify for the state tournament, including last season when the Indians finished fifth, and was named Seattle Times Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2006.
“Rick has had a long and distinguished career here,” said Renton High School Athletic Director Wendell Ellis. “There really isn’t a lot he hasn’t seen.”
Dickson cited Comer’s longevity with a single school and his win-loss record as major factors. Comer is expected to cross the 400 win plateau this season, which Dickson said puts in a “pretty elite group.”
But beyond the play on the court, Dickson, who said he has known Comer through a friend for 20 years, called the coach a “quality individual” who brings a “positive energy when he walks into a room.”
Ellis agreed and said Comer has been a “staple” at Renton High, where he also teaches.
“He;s able to share that with students and players and get the best out of them,” Ellis said, citing the breadth of Comer’s career.
Ellis said when he told Comer of the news, the coach’s response was that it would great for the school instead of thinking about what it would mean for himself.
“He encompasses what you want in a stellar coach and a stellar teacher.” Ellis said.
The WIBCA Hall of Fame Banquet is set for July 23, 2014 in Tacoma.
