http://www.tacomasportsmuseum.com/, https://linktr.ee/tacomasportsmuseum

Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum, 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA (2026)

08/01/2026

We are so excited for four incredible athletes to be inducted into the State of WA Sports Hall of Fame prior to the start of the Mariners game this upcoming Wednesday, August 5! These athletes include Bob Rondeau, Aretha (Hill) Thurmond, Richie Sexson, and Ed Viesturs. Keep reading to learn more about Ed Viesturs and Richie Sexson and check our last post to see about Bob and Aretha. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark on August 5, 2026.

ED VIESTURS
You just know that some people are going to make it to the top—both literally and figuratively. Ed Viesturs has done both. He is the only American climber and one of just a few globally to reach all of the summits of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without using supplemental oxygen. After completing this goal May 12, 2005 with Nepal’s Annapurna, Ed was named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. Though he did not grow up here, Washington State has been vital to Ed’s climbing career. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1981 and began climbing Mt. Rainier, which he has ascended over 200 times. Ed has also climbed Mt. Everest a stunning seven times. Thank you for continuing to inspire us, Ed!

RICHIE SEXSON
There are many incredible multi-sport athletes in Washington State, but some stand out in a truly special way. Richie Sexson attended Prairie High School near Vancouver, where he not only had a 44-point basketball game and college scholarship offers as a wide receiver, but also played baseball. Though he originally intended to pursue basketball and baseball in college, Richie was selected by Cleveland in the 1993 MLB draft. His twelve-year professional baseball career finished with a .261 batting average, 306 home runs, and 943 RBI. Richie brought glory to his home state as a Seattle Mariner, hitting 39 home runs and 121 RBI. He earned votes for Most Valuable Player twice in his career, including once as a Mariner. Congrats Richie, you have had an incredible career!

08/01/2026

Four amazing athletes will be inducted into the State of WA Sports Hall of Fame prior to the start of the Mariners game this upcoming Wednesday, August 5! These athletes include Bob Rondeau, Aretha (Hill) Thurmond, Richie Sexson, and Ed Viesturs. Keep reading to learn more about Bob and Aretha’s incredible careers and stay tuned tomorrow to hear about Richie and Ed! We look forward to seeing you at the M’s game on August 5, 2026.

BOB RONDEAU
The voices of sports commentators stick with us for decades, telling the stories of live games and recording the events for future generations. Bob Rondeau was the voice of University of Washington football and basketball for nearly forty years, starting as a football color commentator in 1978, when he was the KOMO Radio sports director. He transitioned to play-by-play in 1981, where he stayed until retiring in 2017. He also called men’s basketball from 1985 to 2016. Bob won National Sports Media Association WA State Sports Broadcaster of the Year ten times and told fans about many of the Huskies’ most important moments, including their 1991 football championships and eleven NCAA Basketball tournament teams. Thank you for your work Bob, we’ve loved listening to you!

ARETHA (HILL) THURMOND
So many amazing athletes come out of Washington State, but few go on to rank in the top ten of their sport globally. Aretha (Hill) Thurmond’s incredible discus career began at Renton High School where she won three consecutive WIAA state titles (1992-94) and a shot put championship. She set both school and Pac-10 Conference records while being a four-time All-American student at UW. Aretha first qualified for the Olympics in 1996 while she was in college, and again in 2004, 2008, and 2012. She was in the top ten discus throwers in the IAAF World Rankings for many years, reaching a career high of 6th in 2005. Aretha was also the U.S. national champion in 2003 and 2004, and was a Pan American Games gold medalist in 1999 and 2003. Her career best throw was 216ft, 1in was at one point the third-best distance by a U.S. competitor. Congratulations Aretha, you have made Washington so proud!

07/31/2026

The Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum is saddened to share the passing of former Bethel High School athletic director and coach Ed Niehl on June 18, 2026. He was 102. Ed made innumerable contributions to Bethel School District athletics over his long career, serving as the head football coach for fifteen years, head baseball coach for four years, and a basketball assistant for three years. Ed became Bethel High School’s athletic director in 1956, while still remaining a dedicated classroom teacher and coach. He was the athletic director until his June 1981 retirement.

Born March 5, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA, Ed was a clear Washingtonian in his heart. After being an all-around athlete at Highline High School in Des Moines, WA, Ed attended WSU (then Washington State College), graduating in 1951. As the football and baseball coach at the new Bethel High School in 1952, Ed brought the athletes from Kapowskin and Roy high schools together, even driving the bus that brought students in for practices.

Ed formed the first Bethel Booster Club in 1954 to raise money for new baseball and football fields for his students. Not only did he successfully build fields, but he also built winning football teams. In 1955, the Bethel football team outscored their opponents 146-0 and in 1957, 201-19. They allowed just 10 points in 1958. Niehl was inducted into the TPC Sports HOF in 2007 in the football category and he also received the Dill Howell Award Recipient in 2015 from the Tacoma-Pierce County Baseball-Softball Oldtimers Association. His impact on his students and all of Bethel athletics continues to be felt. He will be missed.

05/13/2026

The Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum is saddened to share the passing of Audrey (Lakowske) Vaughn on April 13, 2026. She was two months away from her 100th birthday. Audrey was born on June 7, 1926, in Tacoma, where she lived the rest of her life. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1944, and worked in the banking industry.

Audrey was involved in sports for her entire life, despite limited athletic opportunities for women during her childhood. She played second base for the 1945 and 1946 WA State Champion Lincoln Electric women’s fastpitch team and guard on the 1945 City Basketball championship team. She was inducted into the TPC Baseball-Softball Oldtimers Hall of Fame in 2022 for her contributions to fastpitch.

Audrey’s interest in sports was not limited to playing. She and her husband of 48 years, Tex, began a youth soccer league in 1967 and supported their sons in baseball, soccer, and basketball. She was also a successful golfer, winning the Women’s Championship at Madrona Links (1992), Ft. Steilacoom Ladies Nines Title (1997-2000, 2002), and the 74-79 age group Gold Medal at the WA State Golf Championships. Audrey also helped to organize the Pierce County Senior Games in 1999 to support her community.

Audrey Vaughn was preceded by her husband Duane (Tex) and son James, and is survived by sons Michael (Ann), and Daniel (Barbara.; grandchildren, Kalissa (Ryan), Eric (Amy), Alissa (Dave) and Robert (Zoey); great-grandchildren, Emmett, Tilly, Logan, Scarlett, Harper and Gavin. Audrey will be missed in the Pierce County athletic community.

05/03/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to purchase tickets for the Tribute to Champions banquet! This incredible event only comes once a year and is a great way to not only celebrate the athletic community of Tacoma-Pierce County, but it’s also a fantastic way to support the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum. Our mission is to preserve, honor, and share the history of sports in this Pierce County and currently, we are doing so without a physical museum space. This limits our ability to display the amazing artifacts in our collection year-round with the public.

One aspect of the Tribute to Champions is the auction, which includes a condo in Phoenix for spring training, several golf packages, autographed sports memorabilia from local legends, and priceless experiences, like spending an inning with in the Mariners’ Press Box with Rick Rizzs during his final season. The proceeds from the auction support the TPC Sports Museum in our goal of finding a new home for our collection.

Again, today is your FINAL CHANCE to purchase a ticket to this event! https://buff.ly/yNEe8FX. Can’t make it on May 19? Contact Colleen Barta at (253) 208-9702 to submit an absentee bid. You won’t want to miss this - we can’t wait to see you there!

Pictured: Banquet emcee Chris Egan (King5 Sports) and Sports Museum President Marc Blau at the 2024 Tribute to Champions

05/02/2026

One of the Distinguished Achievement Awards the TPC Sports Museum is honored to present each year is the First Family of Sports Award, showcasing a family that has made significant contributions to the local athletic community. At this year’s Tribute to Champions banquet on May 19, we are excited to present this award to the Ladenburg Family for their role in slowpitch softball!

The sixteen Ladenburg siblings became known statewide as “The Family” for earning over 100 softball trophies over 22 seasons, including league, city, and invitational tournament titles, and a historic state championship. The Family’s dynasty formed in 1977, when Frank and John were playing men’s softball and began fundraising for tournaments, debuting (and winning) at the Joe Stortini Invitational at Peck Field.

They made it to the Amateur Softball Association State Championships in 1981, as the lowest seed of the 32 teams and became the first Tacoma team to win an ASA State 14-inch softball title. The Family’s legacy is clear and we are so excited to honor them at this year’s Tribute to Champions. Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to purchase tickets to this amazing event!! Buy tickets here: https://buff.ly/yNEe8FX.

All siblings graduated from Stadium High School and many played multiple sports: Kathy (‘64, Metro Parks box-hockey champion); Frank (‘65, youth football teammate of Ahmad Rashad); John (‘67, brought Men’s US Open Golf Championship to Chambers Bay as Pierce County Executive); Marlene (‘67, played softball in high school and at Tacoma Community College); Nadine (‘71, was a guard on the Tigers’ girls basketball team and played “Powderpuff football”); George (‘73, played baseball at Olympic College, UPS, and semi-pro with the Tacoma Raiders); Mike (‘74, was a wide receiver and defensive back on Tigers’ football team and played baseball at Olympic College); Barry (‘75, was a member of the Tigers’ cross-country team and played baseball); Barbara (‘75, did not play sports in high school); Dan (‘77, was on the Tigers’ wrestling team and played baseball); David (‘77, was on the Tigers’ basketball team and played basketball at Tacoma Community College); Mary Jane (‘79, earned a scholarship to play modified women’s fastpitch at Tacoma Community College); Alan (‘81, was a multi-year varsity wrestler for the Tigers); Dale (‘84, played baseball and was a youth basketball coach/official); Gail (‘84, played softball for the Tigers); Lissa (‘84, played softball for the Tigers and did gymnastics).

05/01/2026

There are only a few days left to purchase tickets to the Tribute to Champions banquets on May 19th! In addition to admission to the Hall of Fame inductions and sports experiences/memorabilia auction, tickets come with a FREE copy of “Playgrounds to the Pros: An Illustrated History of Sports in Tacoma-Pierce County” and complimentary autographs from the amazing Hall of Famers pictured here! This is a great chance to meet sports legends while supporting the community.

The 2026 Tacoma-Pierce County Hall of Fame inductees are: Denise Baxter and Sara Halasz-Price (basketball); Tom Gallagher, Steve Harshman, Torey Hunter and Desmond Trufant (football); Todd Erwin (golf); Tom Glasgow (broadcaster); Art Thiel (sportswriter); Jason Edwards (mountaineering); Sheri Bauer-Cruz (multi-sport); Mark Stricherz (officiating); Jody DeGroot and Courtney Schwan (volleyball); Bryan Bartelson and Jordyn Bartelson (wrestling)

We are so excited to honor these incredible athletes and their contributions to the field. Please join us in celebrating their careers on May 19th and receive FREE autographs from Hall of Famers! Tickets can be purchased here through May 3rd: https://buff.ly/yNEe8FX.

05/01/2026

The Tribute to Champions is just a few weeks away and there are a limited number of tickets left, so if you plan on joining the celebration, BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW by clicking here: https://buff.ly/yNEe8FX. There are also many fabulous auction items from sports memorabilia to a Seattle Mariner Press Box Experience with Rick Rizzs in his final season, rounds of golf at premier courses, wine and goodie baskets and an Arizona condo for spring training next year. Click here: https://buff.ly/J6tUwlg to view all the auction items. If you want to submit an Absentee Bid, call Colleen Barta at (253) 208-9702. You won’t want to miss the biggest sports happening of the year!

Pictured: Former NFL referee Buddy Horton, who YOU can have a football game day party with ($250 value)! Buddy refereed bowl games in the Pac-10 and many NFL playoff games in his 20-year career. Bid now!

04/25/2026

Every year, the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum is especially honored to present the Doug McArthur Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tribute to Champions Banquet. This award acknowledges individuals who have lived their lives in service of the local athletic community. This year, the award will be given to Teri Wood and Tom Burmester. Come thank these two wonderful individuals for their contributions at the banquet on May 19 in Lakewood! Tickets can be purchased until May 3 at this link: https://buff.ly/lF1Fbl6. See you there!

Teri Wood is a longtime advocate for women in sports. She graduated from Aquinas Academy in 1974, where she participated in many sports, and quickly became an athletic official. She became a volleyball referee in 1975 and excelled throughout her entire career, proving herself to be a positive role model for all young women. She earned the highest possible officials rating of National referee in 1989, and refereed college volleyball for over 20 years. She received the Washington Officials Association Meritorious Service Award (1995), TPCVOB’s Wayne Gardner Match Point Honor Award (1999), and Connelly Law Offices Excellence in Officiating Award (2012). Teri’s tireless advocacy for girls was perhaps shown most in her work with Tacoma Public Schools as a Title IX Specialist, ensuring that district athletic directors and facilities remained complaint with Title IX law, including bringing the Heidelberg Sports Complex into compliance. Thank you for your amazing equity work, Teri!

Tom Burmester served students both on and off the baseball diamond for over 40 years. He graduated from Mt. Tahoma in 1965, after which he began teaching and coaching baseball at Baker Junior High in Tacoma. His career trajectory first changed in 1976, when Tom was named head baseball coach of Green River Community College. Though he only had a year of experience, Tom’s natural coaching ability became clear as his teams reached post-season tournaments and nine of his students signed professional contracts during his time with Green River. Tom was teaching at Foss High School when, in 1988, his career underwent another unexpected change and he was asked to serve as the student government advisor. Once again, Tom’s natural coaching abilities came through and he made positive changes for the student body. He has served as the Foss Athletic Director, the WIAA State Baseball Tournament Director, the WCD3 Director for Baseball/Wrestling/Swimming and has received theWCD 3 Meritorious Service Award (2003), the WCD 3 Athletic Director of the Year (2005, 2011), and Washington State High School Activity Coordinator of the Year (2006). Thank you for your years of service, Tom!

04/24/2026

In addition to showcasing the achievements of the Pierce County athletic community, the Tribute to Champions banquet features both a silent and a live auction with a variety of items and experiences. Some of the great items available include a week-long stay at a 2bd Phoenix condo during 2027 Spring Training ($2,500 value), golf lessons with PGA Professional Todd Erwin ($260 value), a round of golf for 4 at the Sahalee Country Club ($1,800 value), Mariners Press Box experience ($1,200 value), 4 Club seats for the 9/5/26 Seattle Sounders match ($440 value), a “Play Ball Kid” Mariners ticket package ($350 value), custom Mariners or Seahawks quilts ($300 values), Wes Stock autographed baseball ($150 value), or a Ken Griffey, Jr. autographed baseball cap ($150 value). See the entire list of auction items HERE: https://buff.ly/J6tUwlg

These are just a few of the many auction items that will be available at this year’s Tribute to Champions. All proceeds support the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum. Currently, the Museum is in the process of finding a new location to house and display our wonderful collection and every donation helps these efforts. Can’t make it to the banquet on May 19? Contact our Executive Director Colleen Hall Barta ([email protected] or 253-208-9702) to place an absentee bid!

We look forward to seeing you at the Tribute to Champions! Tickets can be purchased here https://buff.ly/lF1Fbl6!

Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Museum

08/01/2026

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07/31/2026

05/13/2026

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