Suzanne Marble (second from right, back row) built La Conner into the premium volleyball program in the region. (Photo property WIAA)
It’s a nice parting gift.
Suzanne Marble, who retired after winning seven state titles in a 30-year run as La Conner High School volleyball coach, is being inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame.
With everyone playing catch-up thanks to the pandemic, the WIAA is honoring both the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 at the same time, with the event set for May 3 in Renton.
The 11 inductees from the two classes include administrators, contributors, athletes, coaches, and officials.
Marble fills the coach slot for the class of 2022, while Phil Lonborg, who coached five sports in his career while working at Timberline and River Ridge, is the ’21 selection in that category.
The WIAA Hall of Fame includes such heavy hitters as professional athletes John Stockton, Ron Santo, and Kate Starbird, as well as the state’s winningest football coach, Sid Otton — best known for being my 9th grade health teacher at Tumwater High School.
Marble, a graduate of Mead High School in Spokane, led La Conner to 574 wins, bringing home state titles in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
The Braves are four-time defending 2B champs, as there was no state tourney in 2020 because of pandemic restrictions.
Coupeville Sports 