I was a first year coach when I came to East High in 1967. I thought that I understood the game, had some plays that would work, and I even felt that I could get more accomplished with a man-to-man press and defense than any zone. I quickly learned that the Knights play a jug zone. This point was driven home when I saw youth teams at the rec. center playing a 1-2-2 zone. As a history teacher, I decided to name my plays after cities in Washington State (Anacortes, Issaquah, and Auburn). I’m not sure my teams ever understood how yelling Issaquah could intimidate an opponent. I also have vivid memories of watching Coach Eathorne and being amazed at half-time as he kicked a garbage can or broke a clipboard to make his point. My memories of East High Basketball always include some great JV teams I coached and the young men that I enjoyed coaching and knowing. Throughout my coaching career I always compared my teams to the first JV squads that I was privileged to coach at East High from 1967-1973. In addition, I always believed that a team had to be in the best possible condition to play hard the whole game. Some of my teams felt that I overused 30 second line sprints. “Line up again” does have a familiar ring. Finally, the images I will never forget are associated with the 1973 state championship. The ride back to Bremerton and the escort into town, the energy in the gym filled with Knight fans in an after midnight pep rally and standing in the shower with Coach Eathorne and the team will never be forgotten.
Dave Holmer
EHS JV Coach 1966 to 1973
Principal Darrington Middle/High School
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