Alumni Spotlight - Ross Rettenmier

When I was around 8 years old, I feel in love with the game of basketball. This love came from experiencing the game in many different facets and venues. I played games with my second grade squad at the Everett Boys and Girls Club. My mom started letting me walk to Whittier Elementary to shoot hoops by myself, where I pretended I was Dale Ellis, Xavier McDaniel, or Tom Chambers hitting game winners. I went to Sonics’ games at the old Coliseum, and remember watching the Soups play against the “Showtime” Lakers with Magic, Kareem, and Worthy with chants of “BEAT LA!” echoing throughout the arena.

But above all, what cemented my love for the game was the getting the opportunity to watch my uncle Larry Harris (EHS Class of ’78) compete in various Pro-Am leagues and tournaments throughout Snohomish County. I worshipped my uncle, and the guys he played with, because it looked like so much fun to compete at such a high level. It was around this time that I saw Ross Rettenmier play hoop for the first time.

While it was a joy to watch my 6’7” uncle compete in his athletic prime, I was blown away by the game that Ross had. He was probably around 30 years old at the time, and while he was still playing above the rim, I was drawn into the endless array of post moves he possessed. He simply dominated everyone he went up against. So I started asking my uncle questions about him, and over time started picking up tidbits on his background. Like that he had gone to Everett High. And that he was the cornerstone of the 1975 team that went 27-2 and placed 2nd in the State Tournament (Picture above right is from State Title game at Hec Ed vs. Lincoln HS). And that he went on to star at Gonzaga. And that he was the best big man my uncle had ever competed against.

December 31st, 1987, my uncle took me to my first EHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, where I got to watch the ’75 team play together for the first time. Watching the camaraderie these guys had, coupled with how hard they competed…it opened my eyes for the first time to what it meant to play Seagull Basketball. As I left “The Pit” that day, I walked down the hallway that is home to the framed pictures of the greatest teams in Seagull history. And there was the 1975 team. Studying their team photo and the other pictures and trophies littered throughout that hallway, it was then that I knew I wanted to play Seagull Basketball. Even though I wasn’t alive when they were making their mark, Ross and the 1975 team had made a lasting impact on me. Simply put, they are the best team that Everett Basketball has produced in the last 70+ years, and the standard of what success is both on and off the court.

Ross was kind enough to share his thoughts on his experiences playing Seagull basketball, the guys he grew up with that were part of that squad, and the impact that Head Coach Joey Richer had on his life:

------------------------

EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Ross Rettenmier – I had the privilege of playing for two great coaches - Norm Lowery as a sophomore and Joe Richer as a junior/senior. I was probably the #12 guy on the freshman team for Charlie Cobb. Lucky to make the team. Craig McLennan (the head football coach) was the jayvee coach and I split varsity/jayvee time my sophomore and junior years playing in a program that had subs who could start on many of the teams we played.

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

RR – Like many Everett High bound kids, I thought that playing for EHS would be the equivalent of playing in the NBA. I went to some games and was in awe. Later, as a freshman, I brought a ball to school every day and played before and after school. I remember thinking I'd died and gone to heaven when senior sharp-shooter Tom Kingshot (class of 72) shot hoops with me one morning. Playing for Everett was thought to be the ultimate honor.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

RR – Unlike the guys I played with as a senior, I didn't play any organized ball until my freshman year. Never played on a real team until then. I played intramurals at South Junior/Port Gardner and was exposed to a high level of player in Mike Collord who was scoring in the 20's and 30's as a 6th, 7th and 8th grader. Those guys(Mike Collord, Don Levin, Tom Rife) played all over with the Boys Club and guys at Immaculate (Jerry Barhanovich and Dave Duffy) were playing in CYO league. I came to the game really late and then couldn't get enough. It was all I did in my free time for most of my high school years.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

RR – There were so many, but a couple that stand out were the crowd at the district game against Anacortes which was played at Cascade to a standing room only crowd. My older brother couldn't get in and had to listen on the radio in the parking lot. We were down by 10 with 2 minutes to play and came roaring back to put the game in overtime. Incidentally, that was without the benefit of 3-pointers. While we ended up losing the game, I'll never forget that crowd! The other strong and impactful memory was when we returned to Everett after the loss to Lincoln of Tacoma. The station wagons carrying team and coaches came back a different way, going down Colby instead of Wetmore. As we approached EHS block, we saw a huge crowd filling the area around the auditorium. The bus stopped and we soaked up the cheers from the fans who had watched us through our memorable season. Incredible!

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?

RR – I played at Everett during some real glory years. We won conference and went to state each of the four years I was there. I got to watch some great teams from the bench and then play on the most successful team in the 35 years after the 1940 team. We went 23-0 before losing in overtime at district to the team (Anacortes) that we then beat them in the regionals (in another great game). We went on to finish 27-2, losing in the championship game to a really strong Lincoln of Tacoma team that featured Steve Matzen who went on to play and captain at UW.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

RR – We had very few close games through league. Our really epic battles were against Anacortes (splitting) and a really good Blanchet team to win conference. Our semi-final game against University High of Spokane was really tough and I actually thought they were a better team than Lincoln.

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

RR – Definitely that would be Gary Nelson, a three year starter at Anacortes who ended up going to Oregon. At 6'9" he was that tallest and toughest. Ironically, he was being recruited by Gonzaga and the GU coach came to watch him one last time when we played Anacortes and I ended up being the one they ultimately pursued. (Though going to Oregon was a bigger deal than Gonzaga back then)

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

RR – I can only say that each of the guys that I played with my senior year was great. We had an uncommon chemistry. Most of us were good friends and have stayed that way. Our two captains, Mike Collord and Jerry Barhanovich were amazing leaders. Joe Richer inspired us to be our best and the most fun we had was when we had run up a big lead and everyone played.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

RR – That would definitely be the state championship game against Lincoln. We had a 6 point lead going into the 4th quarter and were within 1 with about a minute to go. It was a hard fought game with great coaches strategically battling too. Jerry Barhanovich set the tournament assist record (later topped by Carl Ervin of Cleveland) and Mike Collord set the single game assist record - and it still stands today!

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

RR – It's really hard to separate the traits that were taken from my EHS experience from other maturing experiences that have shaped who I am. I learned that hard work and preparation are essential to success. I learned that team is number one. I learned to value experiences with people. Joe Richer is no longer with us. He was an incredible person who gave a number of young men one of the best experiences of their lives to that point.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

RR – Enjoy it! Put your teammates ahead of yourself. Try to play each game like it's your last.