Dwight’s love of the game of basketball started at a very young age. He attended Peshastin-Dryden High School where he played four years of varsity basketball. After graduating he continued to play hoops as he attended Wenatchee Valley College and later Whitworth College. Dwight helped both college teams compete at a high level as well as earning a Business Ed. degree with a Physical Ed. minor. Dwight’s first teaching job was at Mansfield, WA in 1980. Even with the enrollment of under 30 students Dwight was about to lead his team to their first ever State Tournament. In 1987 the Mansfield Kernels took home the 5th place trophy and Dwight received the NCW Coach of the year award.
In the fall of 1987 Dwight became a Ritzville Bronco. Dwight spent the next 22 years helping not only his own basketball teams but as a board member of WIBCA he helped with many projects including the All State game. Dwight became the school counselor in 1988 as well as serving as the Athletic Director for 7 years. Over the years in Ritzville Dwight’s teams won 5 league championships, 1 district championship and qualified for 7 state tournaments. At State his teams placed 7th, 6th (twice) and 4th (twice).
Not only did Dwight’s team do well, he has also received many personal awards such as Teacher of the Year (1987), Bi County Coach of the Year (1990, 1993), WIBCA Coach of the Year (2001), and Bi County Athletic Director of the Year (2008). In 2009 Dwight received a teaching position in the Brewster School District where he will continue the fine basketball tradition of the Bears.
Dwight’s teams, no matter if they are Kernels, Broncos or Bears, play with great passion for the game. They are teams that are disciplined and well prepared. As many opponent coaches have agreed to, Dwight’s teams have always been ready to play. They play hard and you can tell that they love to play the game. Dwight instills the work ethic and desire it takes to compete at the highest level. He has an overall win/loss record of 415-273 and in 27 years of coaching his teams have never failed to make the playoffs.
Dwight’s coaching expertise is not just limited to basketball. He has been involved in Track & Field where the teams have won 10 league championships, 8 district championships and 2 state championships. He has also coached 6 individual state champions (5 high jumpers and 1 hurdler).
Dwight is a father of two, son Brett and daughter Jillian. He has been married to his wife Mary for 31 years.
