WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rainier Beach Basketball Team Visits Legislature

Rainier Beach Basketball Team and Coach Mike Bethea with Legislators
Rainier Beach Basketball Team and Coach Mike Bethea with Legislators

Last week, the Rainier Beach basketball team, led by their coach, Mike “Falcon Eddie” Bethea, came to accept a resolution honoring their team,  their winning record and their academic success!

Rainier Beach High School is in the 37th Legislative District, represented by Eric Pettigrew and Sharon Tomiko Santos.

The team won the 2013 3A State Championship Title, scoring 62-59 against Lakeside High School.  The House Democractic Caucus congratulated the team on their State Title and outstanding sportsmanship. 

In a school with many academic and behavioral issues, a high level of poverty and quick teacher turnover – the basketball team stands out and defies odds.  Due to the leadership and guidance of Coach Bethea, 98% of students on the basketball team graduate from high school!  Many of them go on to play college basketball and graduate with advanced degrees. 

“Mike Bethea is a role model, a teacher and an incredible coach.  We need more adults in our schools who are so dedicated to our children’s future,” says Rep. Eric Pettigrew.