Shelton-Mason County Journal - Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886

In 1960, three teachers at Central Grade School in Snohomish created an elementary play day that include 50- and 75-yard dash races.

Dan Dittmer finished third in both events.

"Little did I realize those two races would be the beginning of a journey that finds me here 61 years later," Dittmer told an audience at the Washington Track and Field Coaches Association's Hall of Fame Banquet on Jan. 21 at Hotel Murano in Tacoma.

A veteran of 51 years of coaching track and field across Western Washington, Dittmer was inducted into the WTFCA's Hall of Fame this year.

"I was really humbled by the e...