David Douglas Athletics Hall of Fame
Welcome to the David Douglas Athletic Hall of Fame. Here are some of the greatest athletes to walk the halls of David Douglas High School. Enjoy!
John Jaha
Class of 1984
John, a versatile three sport athlete, holds the distinction of being one of a handful of athletes in the history of Oregon to be chosen as an All-Star in football, basketball, and baseball during his senior year. John was drafted by the Milwaukie Brewers in 1984 and went on to become an All-Star during the 1999 season with the Oakland Athletics. During that same year he was voted Comeback Player of the Year by Major League Baseball.
Claxton Welch
Class of 1965
Claxton Welch earned All State honors in football and basketball while attending David Douglas. Upon graduation Claxton accepted a scholarship to the University of Oregon to play football. Claxton was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1969 NFL Draft. Claxton played for 4 teams and earned a Superbowl Ring in 1971 while a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Alison Hanna
Class of 2000
Alison contributed heavily to the success of both the basketball and golf teams. She was selected First Team All League for three years and is the #2 all time scorer at David Douglas. In golf she was selected as Player of the Year for the Mt. Hood Conference three years in a row. She won the state championship her junior and senior year and broke the state tournament record. Upon graduation from high school Alison received a scholarship to play golf at Ohio State. She won Big 10 freshman of the year and was an NCAA All-American. During the duration of her college career she also won Big 10 Female Outstanding Athlete of the Year. After graduating from college she went on to play in the LPGA.
Kim Peyton
Class of 1975
Kim was a two-time U.S. Olympian in 1972 and 1976. As a member of the U.S. 400 freestyle relay in ’76, she won Olympic gold in world record time. She was also a member of the U.S. Pan American Games team in ’71 and ’75, where she garnered five gold medals. As a David Douglas Scot she was undefeated in four years of dual meet competition. She won an unprecedented 12 state high school championship titles-eight individual and four relays, all in record time. She swam for Stanford University on a full scholarship, graduating in three years. In 1975 she won the Bill Hayward Award as Oregon’s Most Outstanding Amateur Athlete. Kim was also inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
Pete Pierson
Class of 1989
Pete was a gentle giant until he reached the football field or the court. He excelled at football and basketball while at David Douglas earning a spot in the Shrine Game his senior year. Pete graduated from the University of Washington where he played offensive tackle. His team played in two Rose Bowls and won a National Championship in 1991. In 1993, Pete was named All Pac 10 and NCAA Honorable Mention All American at offensive tackle. Pete went on to play 9 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL.
Jenni Stratton
Class of 2004
Jenni Stratton excelled in swimming and water polo at David Douglas. She was a 3 time State Champion in the 200 Yard Freestyle and a 2 time State Champion in the 500 Yard Freestyle. Jenni was selected as a High School All American all 4 years and was named Senior Athlete of the Year at David Douglas. Jenni received a swimming scholoarsip to Texas A & M University where she was a 2 time All American in the 400 Yard Individual Medley. As a senior, Jenni won the Big 12 Championship setting a new record in the 500 Yard Freestyle. In 2008, Jenni placed 8th at the U.S Open in the 400 Meter Individual Medley.
Jeff Hoffman
Class of 1987
Jeff was a member of both David Douglas’ basketball and track
programs. In basketball, Jeff was honored with selection to the
state All‐Tournament team. He also earned a place on the 3rd
team All‐State team and played in the state metro All‐Star
game. As a track & Field athlete, Jeff placed 2nd in the state in
the high jump. Jeff had an impressive basketball career at George Fox University with a scoring average of 23.8 points per game, the
2nd best average in school history. Setting a school record on
February 14, 1991, Jeff scored fifty points in a single game. Jeff
was selected as a 1st team All‐Northwest Conference player and
was twice awarded NAIN Honorable mention All‐American.
James Lory
Class of 1980
James Lorys was an outstanding competitor in swimming and
water polo at David Douglas. As a senior, James was State
Champion in the 200 and 500 Yard Freestyle events. James
was an All‐American as a junior and senior. He placed 8th at
the 1980 US Olympic Trials in the 1500 Meter Freestyle and
was ranked 10th in the world. James received a scholarship to the University of Iowa where he competed in the distance events. He was a Big 10 finalist in the 500 and 1650 yard freestyles and competed at the NCAA Championships all four years at Iowa.
Bob Gray
Class of 1988
Bob participated in football, basketball and track. He was selected All-Conference in football but will be remembered as a sprinter and hurdler. He set the state record in the 110 high hurdles his senior year. Bob attended the University of Oregon on a track scholarship highlighted by his winning the Pac-10 400 meter and by placing 2nd in the 110 hurdles at the N.C.A.A Championships. He was twice named to the All-American team for his performance at the N.C.A.A Track and Field Championships.
Just0n Wood
Class of 1998
Juston, a versatile 3 sport athlete, holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of athletes in the history of Oregon to play in the State All Star game for football, basketball and baseball. He was a three year letterman in all three sports. Justin was twice named 1st Team All League in football and basketball. Juston was also a National Honor Society member and class valedictorian. Justin played football at Portland State University. He was the PSU Male Scholar Athlete of the year and academic All American. In 2003, Juston signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.
Isacc Frederick
Class of 2000
A standout football player and State Champion runner, Isaac was an impressive athlete in his time at David Douglas. On the track, Isaac was a State Champion in the 100 and 200 Meters. While on the football field he was an All-League player and played in the State Metro All Star Game. Isaac continued his athletic career at Wesern Oregon University where he played football and ran track. In 2003 and 2004, Isaac was the Pac West Champion in the 200 and 400 Meters. After competing, Isaac was an assistant track coach at Western Oregon and the head track coach at Concordia University.
Jennifer Velander
Class of 1996
Jennifer was a three‐sport standout athlete playing volleyball,
basketball and softball. Jennifer earned an impressive 11
letters in her high school carrier. In 1996, Jennifer was captain
of the volleyball team, a team that finished 4th in state. She was
selected to the 1st Team All‐League and Honorable Mention All‐
State. In Softball, Jennifer helped lead the Scots to the schools first
state playoff appearance. She earned honors as both a 1st team
All‐League and 1st team All‐State player. In addition to being
an outstanding athlete, she was also an excellent student and
was a member of the National Honor Society.
Jennifer attended Drake University on a softball scholarship.
Mike Dirksen
Class of 1968
Mike was an outstanding swimmer at David Douglas High
School. As a senior, Mike won the 100 Yard Breaststroke
setting a new National High School Record. He won the US
National Championship in the 100 Meter Breaststroke in 1968.
Mike received a scholarship to the University of Oregon and as
a freshman, was NCAA champion in the 200 Breaststroke.
Mike was an NCAA All‐American all four years at Oregon.
Ron Gray
Class of 1988
Ron was a very busy athlete while attending David Douglas. In the ninth grade, he participated in 4 sports. After dropping basketball as a sophomore, he continued to make a strong contribution in football, baseball and track. Ron was awarded 9 varsity letters and was a major contributor to the 1987 State Track Championship won by David Douglas. Ron continued his education at the Air Force Academy where he graduated in 1992 and was commissioned an officer in the U.S Air Force. Ron was a quarterback and kick returner on the football team. Ron received second team All-American recognition as a kick returner.
Monrad Bjorge
Class of 1961
Monrad lettered in wrestling his sophomore, junior and senior years at David Douglas. He helped the Scots win their first Wrestling State Championship in 1961. That team boasted three State Champions including Monrad at 136 pounds. Monrad went on to teach and coach at David Douglas and is an active member in the David Douglas community.
Hoyt Keeney
Class of 1961
Hoyt participated in football, basketball and baseball at David Douglas for 4 years. He served as team captain in both football and basketball, was nominated to the High School All-American Football Team as a center. In 1961, Hoyt was 1st Team All State in football and played in the Shrine Game. Hoyt was also the N.F.F.H.F Scholar/Athlete Award winner. After high school, Hoyt went on to play football at Oregon State University where he played in two bowl games.
Cameron Sinclair
Class of 1966
Cam won 9 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He is the all-time scoring leader in football at David Douglas High School. In 1966, Cam was 1st Team All State in football and was selected N.F.F.H.F Scholar Athlete. After graduation, Cam attended the University of Oregon on a football scholarship.
Julie Waage
Class of 1983
Julie, an honor student, distinguished herself in track and field as the first David Douglas female individual State Champion in the Javelin. She also served as team captain in volleyball. For her efforts, Julie was voted Prep All-American by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.
Dave Hanson
Class of 1961
Dave participated in football, basketball and baseball and received All-Star honors in football and baseball. Highlights of his senior year included a State Championship in football and Dave also pitched in the State-Metro All Star Series. Dave was First Team All State in Baseball and Football. Dave won an appointment to the Air Force Academy and graduated from Easter Washington where he was selected All Conference Team as an offensive end in football and was also lettered in baseball.
Doug Skille
Class of 1967
Doug was an athlete with many skills. These athletic skills contributed heavily to the Championship David Douglas won in Football and Basketball while Doug was a student-athlete. Doug also played baseball and golf. Doug was selected to the 1st Team All-State Tournament team in 1967. Doug received a scholarship to Oregon State University. After transferring to Lewis and Clark, Doug received Hall of Fame recognition at that institution in football and basketball.
Larry Watson
Class of 1967
Larry was an exciting athlete to watch as he played three major sports and received recognition in all three. Not only was he an accomplished player but he was also a great hustler. Larry was a big contributor to two State Championships teams; football in 1965 and basketball in 1967. Larry was First Team All-State in Baseball and played in the 1967 Shrine Football Game.
Don Palmer
Class of 1969
Don was an all-around athlete earning Metro League All-Star status in football, basketball and baseball. He earned 7 varsity letters and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Don was First Team All-State in football and baseball. Don won a football scholarship to Oregon State University and during his freshman year signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Yankees.
Doug Ainslie
Class of 1975
Doug helped establish the strong tradition in the sport of swimming that David Douglas has held for many years. He was a High School All-American and was undefeated in the 100 yard breaststroke during all 4 years of competition. Doug won 7 State Titles in Swimming in 4 years! Doug also helped the Scots waterpolo team to two State Championships.
Jawanza Hadley
Class of 1993
Jawanza contributed heavily to the success of both the basketball and football teams. He was selected First Team All Conference in football and basketball and was also the Player of the Year on both offense and defense in football. He received recognition as the Athlete of the Year. Jawanza was also involved in the Dare Program traveling to elementary schools as a speaker and a role model.
Jawanza received scholarships and attended the University of Oregon for 1 year, Clackamas Community College for 2 years and Northwest Nazarene for 2 years, graduating in speech and communication with an emphasis on business. He was recognized at Clackamas as a First Team selection and runner-up MVP in the Northwest Athletic Association. He was also an All Star at North West Nazarene and was selected to the First Team at the NAIA basketball tournament
Matt Rankin
Class of 1985
Matt was an outstanding swimmer and was named as a High School All American. He was also selected to the First Team All State and All League in water polo. He was selected as the D.D. Athlete of the Year as a senior.
Matt attended the University of Arizona on a full ride scholarship. He placed fifth at the 1994 Olympic Trials and finished third in three events in 1988.
George Shoemaker
Class of 1967
George was a member of the gymnastics team for four years in high school. During his time, he was District Champion twice in the floor exercise and one each on the parallel bars and the vault. George was also a member of school clubs and participated in band.
George attended the University of Oregon on a full ride scholarship and participated in gymnastics all four years. He was the Pacific Conference Gymnastics Champion in the floor exercise. He also coached the David Douglas gymnastics team from 1971 to 1974.
Delores Payne & Polly Picco
Class of 1973,1975
David Douglas has never known as much fame in girls tennis as these two young ladies provided. Their success brought a State Championship in 1972, a second place trophy in 1973 and a third place trophy in 1974. After graduation, Delores played varsity tennis at the University of Washington. Polly graduated from Willamette University and also played tennis in college.
Bill Blevins
Class of 1986
Bill lent his talents to football, basketball and track while at D.D. In basketball, he was First Team All Conference and was also named the Player of the Year. In track and field, he qualified for state as a middle distance runner. In football, Bill was selected First Team All League defensive back, and Second Team All League as a wide receiver. Bill was named the D.D. Senior Athlete of the Year.
Bill attended Pacific University on an academic/athletic grant. He played football and basketball for four years and was NAIA All American for three years. Bill was also named Athlete of the Year while attending Pacific University.
Dennis Baker
Class of 1979
Dennis participated in both water polo and swimming for 4 years at David Douglas. He was All State and All League in water polo and was honored as High School All American in swimming. We was also selected as Senior Co-Athlete of the Year.
Dennis received a full scholarship to the University of Oregon where we was the Pac 10 Champion for two years. He was also the Sports Festival Champion for two years an was honored as an NCAA All American. He placed 5th in the 1980 Olympic Trials, seventh in 1984 and ninth in 1988. Dennis became the Master’s Champion in 1992
Steve Crane
Class of 1978
Steve was an accomplished pole vaulter throughout is years at David Douglas. He won district and state titles twice and was also a High School All American in track.
He was also a member of the gymnastics and basketball teams at D.D.
Steve participated with the American Track Team in Europe. He attended the University of Oregon on a full ride scholarship in track. He participated in the Pac 10 Championships twice. He also traveled the European circuit for track and field after graduation from college.
Terry DeSylvia
Class of 1961
Pete Russo
Class of 1962
Terry’s prowess as an athlete is well demonstrated in his contributions to the success of the basketball and football teams as well as his participation in tennis and golf. Terry was selected as a Metro League All Star in basketball and football. He was salutatorian for his graduating class and still had time to be involved in school activities and leadership.
Terry attended the University of Oregon and then transferred to Stanford his last two years. He played college football as a quarterback for all four years and was selected as a scholar athlete. He graduated from Stanford Law School and been an attorney since 1967.
Pete wrestled for four years, and was three years the Metro League Champion. He finished third at State in 1960 and was the State Champion the next two years.. Pete was also involved in cross country, school activities and leadership. Pete was voted the Athlete of the Year for his class.
Pete attended Arizona State University on a full scholarship where he wrestled for four years. Pete was the Western Athletic Conference Champion and a two time All American.