Termed a “coach on the field” by line coach John Mirande, he climaxed a stellar high school career as an all-league center on the undefeated 1967 Sequoia varsity, a team anointed number one in the state by several prep journals. The quick and agile 190-pounder was an all-around athlete who also lettered in track and swimming. He excelled in the classroom and earned subsequent plaudits as an offensive lineman at Spokane Community College in Washington.