SIMPSON UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
Alex Thiemann has been with the bass fishing team since its inception in 2019. He was instrumental in the program development and has built a team that is nationally recognized as one of the top programs in the nation.
Coach Thiemann has a background in the fishing industry and is no stranger to tournament bass fishing. While completing his undergrad degree at San José State, he competed in the FLW College Fishing Series and qualified for the Western Regional Championship. After completing his Bachelor's Degree, he earned a Master's at Santa Clara University in Interdisciplinary Education. He would go on to teach high school social science classes for nearly a decade. During that time, he helped form high school fishing clubs and encouraged youth to compete in tournament angling.
Thiemann moved to Shasta County, in large part, because of the outdoor recreational opportunities. He spends his free time fishing the local water and spending time with his wife Morgan and daughter Elise.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Women 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Coach
- Assistant Women 's Basketball Coach
Northern has been an assistant coach since 2022. Northern made an immediate impact in her first season as she helped lead the Red Hawks to a program best 16-4 in conference play as they came runner up in the Cal Pac tournament but was given a bid into the NAIA opening round.
Job Titles:
- Director of Athletic Operations
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Director of Athletics
- Head Baseball Coach
Dan Tating began as the head coach of the Simpson University baseball program in 2018. In the 2022 season, he became the winningest head coach in Simpson Baseball history. Tating reaches the milestone after just 175 games coached, surpassing Rick Bosetti who set the record after 222 games coached.
Highlighting Tating's fourth campaign as head coach in 2021, the Red Hawks made their first postseason appearance in over 10 years. Capping off the 2021 season, Simpson won their first game in the Cal Pac conference tourney in an extra inning, walk-off victory over Providence Christian, 10-9. Accolades followed the postseason appearance, with 7 Red Hawks earning conference honors. Senior outfielder Nathan Minami and freshman relief pitcher Dylan Cabral earned spots on the Cal Pac All-Conference Team. Damien Chavez, Shane Ogata, and Logan Gomes were honorable mentions on the All-Conference Team. Sam Nakata earned a spot on the 2021 Rawlings All-Defensive Team for his efforts at first base.
The Red Hawks' 2020 season, Tating's third at the helm, was the most successful season in Simpson Baseball history. The COVID-19 global pandemic halted a historic season in which Tating led the Red Hawks to a 15-12 record, the first winning baseball season in Simpson history. Simpson finished 6-2 in Cal Pac conference play, one game out of first place. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, end-of-year awards were not given, but the shortened season provided many highlights for Tating and the Red Hawks. A 4-1 win against NCAA D2 Holy Names University was capped by a 7-inning shutout, 11 strikeout performance from pitcher Damien Awai. The Red Hawks won 12 of their last 15, fueled by an eight game win streak. All-Conference worthy production came from:
Tating is currently the Director of Athletics at Simpson University, which he started in April of 2021 after an Interim Director of Athletics role from May 2020 to Sept 2020.
Job Titles:
- Head Men 's Basketball Coach
David Cone came to Simpson University with incredible experience including eight seasons as an assistant coach at Biola University. Cone helped Biola reach the NAIA National Championship tournament in 2015-16 and end the season with a top-5 ranking in the NAIA Top-25 Coaches' Poll. Coach Cone also assisted with Biola's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and was vital in the recruiting process.
Cone was an assistant on coaching legend, Biola Head Coach, Dr. Dave Holmquist's staff. Dr. Holmquist is one of five four-year college coaches to ever win 1,000 career games.
Head Men's Basketball Coach David Cone took the reigns of the program in May of 2023.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Men 's Wrestling Coach
Job Titles:
- Head Coach Women 's Wrestling
Weaver is Entering his fourth year at Simpson University and his first as the head coach. He helped lead the Red Hawks to three consecutive Conference Tournament berths as an assistant and associate head coach from 2020-2023. Weaver was named the interim head coach in December 2022.
In Weaver's first season as an assistant coach for the men's soccer team, the team finished with its best record (9-4) in over a decade and best winning percentage in program history.
Gary Weaver is from Stockton, CA. Prior to attending Simpson, Weaver played in the Olympic Development Program. He was part of the California North State Team, West Regional Team, and U.S. Youth National Team.
Weaver holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Simpson University.
Previously, Weaver was the head boys varsity soccer coach at Kimball High School in Tracy, CA. During that time he also coached U15 and U16 boys club soccer for West Coast Soccer Earthquakes, under former U.S. International and San Jose Earthquake Troy Dayak. Weaver holds a National Diploma through United Soccer Coaches and a Grassroots License through USSF.
Shives became the Red Hawks pitching coach in 2022-2023 season and made an immediate impact in his first season. The Simpson pitching staff helped power the team into the programs second ever Cal Pac tournament birth where they placed 3rd.
Prior to Simpson, Shives made stops at Gettysburg College in 2020 and the University of Northern Ohio in 2021-2022. At Gettysburg College Shives helped the pitching staff establish a 6-2 record. He became the pitching coach at the University of Northern Ohio for two seasons where he also handled the duties of the JV head coach and recruiting coordinator. He was an integral figure amongst the UNOH coaching staff as they reached the NAIA opening round in 2021 and 2022 while being ranked as high as 19th in the NAIA coaches poll in 2022.
Prior to his coaching career, Shives pitched for the University of the Pacific and Williamette University. However, after his career was cut short due to a career ending elbow injury. Shives transferred to Ohio State University where he completed his Bachelors Degree in Political Science in 2019. In 2022, he completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Northern Ohio.
Shives grew up in San Diego California where he was a standout southpaw for Francis W. Parker High School. He currently resides in Redding, CA with his wife Emma.
Iliana Solis is entering her second year as the manager of the Women's Soccer team.
Solis is a junior and majoring in psychology. She currently is in the clinical counseling preparation program. Also, she is a student worker in admissions, a Ressident Assistant, and a part of the ASBSU.
Solis is from Bakersfield, CA and attended Ridgeview High School.
Job Titles:
- Head Cross Country & Track & Field Coach
- Simpson U President
Simpson U President, Dr. Hall made the announcement to the local media in December 2022 and the Simpson community and campus to smiles and applause. After combing through over 100 applicants and engaging in over two dozen screenings and multiple on-campus interviews, Simpson University made the decision to hire Daniel.
Jonathan Hall is entering his first year as the head coach of the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Programs. Hall spent the 2022-23 season as the interim head coach for the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field programs.
Prior to coaching at Simpson, Hall has spent much of his coaching career through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization. He has taken part in various sports camps as a leader and coach for over 8 years. This includes a summer camp that was held at UCLA with over 1,000 students. Hall was also accepted into the FCA's first ever California Leadership Internship for college athletes. A month-long, intensive study of coaching, internal team leadership, and biblical discipleship.
Prior to coaching, Hall was a multi-sport athlete growing up, taking part in Track and Field, Soccer, and Swimming. He later continued his Track and Field career at Azusa Pacific where he specialized in the 800 meter. Following his Track and Field career, he actively stays in shape and challenges himself inside and outside of the weight room. He participates in Crossfit and has plans to take part in future Iron Man races to test his endurance and skills.
Hall grew up in Greenville, Illinois and attended Greenville High School before heading out west to attend Azusa Pacific University for college.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Men 's Basketball Coach
Spaschak previously served as an assistant coach for Enterprise High School's varsity program. Spaschak played two years at Shasta College, serving as captain on the 2017-18 team that won the conference championship. While at Shasta, he earned Conference MVP, All-State honors, and was recently inducted into the Shasta College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Julia Gehrke is entering her first year as a team manager for the Women's Soccer team. She is a freshman majoring in Psychology.
Gehrke is from Castro Valley, CA and attended Redwood Christian High School. She played four years of varsity soccer and was an Honor Roll student in the classroom.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Women 's Volleyball Coach
Job Titles:
- Women 's Beach Volleyball Head Coach
REDDING, Calif - Simpson University welcomes Logan Friesen as the next head coach to lead the men's and women's swimming and diving programs. Friesen looks to be an integral figure in the Simpson community as he returns to his alma mater after being part of the first-ever swim team back in 2019.
"Returning to Simpson to be the Head Swim Coach is a great honor especially since I was a part of the first swim team at Simpson back in 2019," Friesen says. "It's exciting to return and help the swim team to continue to grow and be champions for Christ."
Friesen has had quite the career in the pool as he garnished numerous awards. Before coming to Simpson, Friesen was a dual-sport athlete at Livingston High School and Merced College competing in water polo and swimming. He was named an All-American swimmer twice during his time at Merced College.
He then transferred to Simpson in 2019 to be a part of the first-ever swim team in program history. Friesen placed 15th in the nation in his first year and then 10th in the nation as a team in his third year at the NAIA National Championships. He continued his success as he accumulated two more All-American honors during his three years as a Red Hawk and helped Simpson to 10th-place finish in the NAIA National Championships.
Friesen states that "I am most excited for the school year to start so we can get to work. I've always loved swimming and I can't wait to coach others to be the best athletes they can be."
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Assistant Men 's Basketball Coach
David "Coach Matt" Doyon has been coaching and training basketball players for 20 years. He recently moved to the area with his wife and daughter from San Jose, CA.
Coach Matt is currently an educator for Enterprise Elementary School District in Redding, Ca. His coaching experience includes head coaching and assistant positions at the high school levels. Also, he has been involved in coaching and officiating NJB and AAU club basketball since 2003. Before moving to Redding he was the head freshmen coach for women's basketball at Archbishop Mitty High School. He was also on the Mitty varsity coaching staff that won a National Championship in 2018, a CIF State Championship in 2015, four Nor Cal Open Championships, and seven CCS Open Championships.
As the Frosh head coach he won four WCAL League Titles and finished his coaching career at Mitty and the WCAL (West Catholic Athletic League) with a head coaching record of 84 - 0.
His faith in Jesus Christ, dedication to teaching the fundamentals of the game, and the love he has for the game of basketball have by far been the three major contributing factors to the success he and his players have experienced. He looks forward to working with the students and staff of Simpson University and hopes to repeat his previous success.
Job Titles:
- Director of Volleyball Programs
- Director of Volleyball Programs / Head Women 's Volleyball Coach
Mike Haworth was introduced as the Director of Volleyball Programs and head coach of the women's volleyball team in January of 2019.
The school announced in November of 2018 the re-addition of men's volleyball to begin competition in the 2019-20 academic year. Simpson previously competed in men's volleyball from 1994-2000. Haworth will oversee the management of both volleyball programs beginning immediately in the Spring 2019 academic term.
Haworth's impressive coaching career includes 709 victories in 35 seasons as the head girls' volleyball coach at Enterprise High School in Redding. During that span, he won 23 conference championships and 15 section titles. He earned Northern Section CIF Coach of the Year honors three times and five times was named Record Searchlight Coach of the Year.
Nearly 100 players under his teaching have continued their careers collegiately with 30 earning NCAA Div. I or NCAA Div. II scholarships offers. Three former Hornets are currently playing professionally overseas.
Haworth is no stranger to the men's game in his career, which started as a student-athlete on the men's volleyball squad as a setter for Chico State for three seasons. As the head club coach for Shasta Creations for over 25 seasons in Northern California, his teams continually ranked among the top clubs in the North State.
Also among his coaching accolades, Haworth won over 500 career games as the head boys' basketball coach and over 300 contests as the head softball coach at EHS.
Job Titles:
- Head Women 's Soccer Coach
Milton Carrera has been at the helm of the Women's Soccer program since 2018.
Prior to coaching at Simpson, Carrera had a decorated coaching career with stops that included; local youth club teams, men's assistant coach at Shasta College, and an assistant coach for former Semi Pro teams, Redding Royals and the Orlando Barnstormers.
Carrera was born in Bogota, Colombia and graduated high school in the county of Colombia from Colegio Distrital Juan Lozano y Lozano. He later moved to the States in 2002 where he also graduated from Red Bluff high school in 2003. Carrera was determined to earn his college degree as he started some classes at Shasta College but later finished his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Simpson University in 2023.
Since coming to Simpson University, Carrera has been an integral part of the women's soccer program's growth. His first season in 2018, saw great growth in player development as Carrera's staff helped develop two All Conference Honorable Mention selections, Esther Gnanadoss and Katelynn DeVille.
Job Titles:
- Head Competitive Cheer Coach
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Assistant Baseball Coach
Paul Barrington was hired as the hitting coach at Simpson University in June of 2014 and is heading into his 3rd season as a Red Hawk assistant. He has 47 years of experience as a youth, high school and college coach, including the freshman team at the University of California at Riverside (UCR) and three years as a volunteer assistant at Simpson University.
As a player, Barrington was a two time all-conference selection at Chula Vista High School in San Diego County. After playing at Southwestern Community College, he transferred to UCR to play for Don Edwards in 1965. While at UCR, Barrington was an All NAIA District 3 selection at first base, co-MVP and co-captain of the Highlander baseball team.
After graduating from UCR with a degree in sociology and minor in physical education, Barrington taught and guided baseball programs at Beaumont High School in Riverside County and Aptos High School in Santa Cruz County. While at Aptos High School, with the support of an accomplished coaching staff and excellent players, Barrington was honored with numerous Coach of the Year awards in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League. His teams at Aptos High School were in the Central Coast Section playoffs on an annual basis, placing second and fourth in two trips to the CCS final four at a time when there was one championship for all of the high school teams in the Central Coast Section.
In 1988, after teaching and coaching at Aptos High School for 15 years, Barrington moved to Northern California and held administrative positions in small school districts. He retired in 2006.
Coach Barrington has lived in Palo Cedro since 1995 with his wife of 33 years, Pamela, and son, Bryan.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Administration
- Director of Athletics
Rob Harley has been the Athletics Director of Simpson University since the spring of 2023.
Prior, to Simpson, Coach Harley had been a big part of athletics in numerous colleges and universities where he specialized in football programs.
He began his career at the University of Redlands where he spent four years as a quarterbacks/receiver coach, assistant recruiting coordinator, defensive backs coach, and tight end/tackle coach. He helped develop All-conference players and was a part of the #1 ranked defense in the SCIAC Conference.
Coach Harley then spent one year at D2 school Azusa Pacific where he was the Director of Recruiting Graduate Business Programs and receiver/tight end coach for the football team.
He then transitioned over to Eastern Oregon University where he spent two years as the strength coach, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator. He was a big part of the EOU program as he helped bring in and develop All-Conference players.
Coach Harley found his first head coaching job at D3 school Greenville College, now known as Greenville University in Greenville, IL. He spent four years overseeing all aspects of the football program and helped develop and grow a successful program. He led the team to its first winning season in seven years (2000), developed numerous All-Conference and All-American players, made the second-only bowl appearance in program history (Victory Bowl in 2001), was a conference champion (St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference 1999), and was named the Coach of the Year in the Illini-Badger Conference (1999).
After four years he moved over to Evangel University where he became an offensive coordinator/quarterback's coach, recruiting coordinator, and assistant professor. Coach Harley made an immediate impact as he helped develop numerous All-Conference players while establishing a high-powered offense.
Coach Harley was given the opportunity to be a guest coach at the professional level for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in 2010. He assisted in coaching running backs and special teams.
He found a home in 2011 at the high school level at Calvary Christian Academy where he spent 12 years as the strength coach and quarterbacks/receivers/assistant head coach. He was an integral part at the high school level as he helped develop D1 collegiate talent.
Coach Harley graduated in 1992 from the University of Redlands with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Physical Education. After completing his undergraduate studies, Harley graduated in 1995 from the University of Redlands with his Master of Arts degree in Education Counseling.
Coach Harley and his wife are happily married and reside in Redding, CA. They have two children, Annie who is 28 years old and Tommy who is 20.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Coach
- Assistant Women 's Soccer Coach
Robin Frohlich has been an assistant coach since 2021 and has helped the Red Hawks qualify for two cal pac play off appearances.
Prior to coaching at Simpson, Frohlich was the head varsity girls soccer coach at Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia from 2013-2019.
As a player, Frohlich was a highly touted athlete. She was a four year varsity athlete in cross country, basketball, and soccer. Also, she competed on the U19 national team level and as a Olympic development soccer player at New York State in the east region. Therefore, Frohlich had a decorated playing career at the NCAA D1, College of William & Mary where she started all four years and garnished numerous awards; competed in four NCAA tournaments, a 3-time All American, 3-time Academic All American, received the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, Outstanding senior award, Martha Barksdale Award, and a William & Mary Hall of Fame Inductee in 2003.
Frohlich grew up in Hopewell, NY and graduated from Arlington High School. She later graduated from the College of William & Mary with her Bachelor's Degree in Religion and Sociology.
Prior to settling in Redding, CA, Frohlich and her family served as missionaries with Youth With A Mission in the Middle East and in Southeast Asia. She is happily married to her husband Kevin for twenty seven years and they have three children, Joel (24), Shannon (22), and Gabriel (19).
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Head Men 's Wrestling Coach
Coach Forseth is in his 9th year at Simpson University,
Prior to that he coached wrestling at Enterprise High School for 19 years. His dual meet record was 128-38-1.
Coach Forseth founded and was tournament director of the NorCal tournament for 21 years, and he was the North Section Masters tournament director for 20 years.
Coach Forseth was instrumental in forming the Save Our Sports Foundation and kept Wrestling and other sports from being eliminated in the Shasta Union School District. For his diligent involvement in wrestling, he was awarded with the NSCIF "Distinguished Service Award".
Job Titles:
- Sports Information Director
Sam Nakata is entering his first year as the Sports Information Director (SID) at Simpson University.
Prior to becoming the SID, Nakata was a graduate assistant baseball coach and tutor/peer mentor for Simpson's ASC department. While attending his coaching duties he helped work various gameday athletic events over the past two years.
Nakata has been a part of the Simpson community since 2017. He graduated in 2021 with his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and thereafter entered Simpson's Teaching Credential and Masters Program. He completed his student teaching in 2022 and will be finishing his Masters Degree in Education this summer.
During his time on the field, Nakata was a part of the men's baseball team from 2017-2022. He earned recognition for his defensive play and efforts on the field as he was awarded an All-Defensive Team selection in 2021 and the Cal Pac Champions of Character Award in 2022. He is also the career putout leader in program history. In the classroom, Nakata earned a spot on the Cal Pac All-Academic team in 2021 and 2022 and was named Simpson's Liberal Studies Student of the Year (2021).
Nakata is from Kauai, HI and graduated from Kauai High School in 2017. He played 3 years of varsity baseball. During his time he was a KIF All-Star twice, a HHSAA D2 State Champion (2017), D2 All-Tournament team MVP (2017), and the D2 All-Hawaii Player of the Year (2017).
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Head Men 's Volleyball Coach / Assistant Women 's Volleyball Coach
Coach Brasher is going into his second year as Head Coach on the men's volleyball team at Simpson University. Brasher has also been the Assistant Coach for the women's volleyball team at Simpson University for three years.
Prior to his time as a coach at Simpson University, Brasher was a student athlete at Lindenwood-Belleville University playing for the men's volleyball team for two years there, being captain of the team his sophomore year, and studying Kinesiology. In 2019, Brasher transferred to Simpson University, playing for the men's volleyball team, being captain of the team all 3 years, and studying Kinesiology. Brasher graduated with a degree in Kinesiology in 2021 and is working toward finishing his Teaching Credential.
Coach Brasher grew up in Elk Grove, CA and went to Elk Grove High School. At Elk Grove High School, he was the starting setter his junior and senior year for the men's volleyball team, captain of the team his senior year, and was nominated to the All-City team and Optimist all-star team his senior year. Brasher also played club volleyball for Legends Volleyball
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Coach
- Assistant Director of Athletics / Assistant Softball Coach
- Facilities & Operations
Tayler Shaw has been an assistant coach at Simpson University since 2019. She has helped the lead Red Hawks to 5 consecutive Cal Pac Tournament berths.
Along with her coaching duties, Shaw became the Assistant Director of Athletics in 2021 where she handles scheduling and overseas travel and game management.
Prior to coaching at Simpson, Shaw had a decorated playing career at Shasta College and Simpson. She started her career at Shasta College in 2015 and earned second-team All-Golden Valley Conference honors. In 2016, She continued her success on the field as she earned the Golden Valley Conference MVP and a first-team All-Golden Valley Conference selection. In the classroom, Shaw graduated with her Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2016.
After Shasta, Shaw transferred to Simpson in 2017 to continue her academic and athletic career as a Red Hawk. She made an immediate impact as she helped Simpson to two consecutive Cal Pac championship titles in 2017 and 2018. Shaw was recognized in 2018 with the Cal Pac Champions of Character award for her sportsmanship and character on and off the field. She graduated in 2019 from Simpson with her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies.
Shaw grew up in Red Bluff, CA, and attended Red Bluff High School where she played softball and volleyball. She resides in Redding, CA with her husband Andrew, and her daughter Raelynn.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Coach at Simpson
- Assistant Softball Coach
Ackernecht has been an assistant coach at Simpson since 2007 and is the outfield and third base coach. He has helped lead the Red Hawks to 16 consecutive playoff berths and nine Cal Pac titles.
Troy Dang is from Houston, TX and is entering his first year as the team manager for the men's basketball program.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Head Softball Coach
Wayne Stower was named the women's softball coach in 2008 when he helped Simpson complete a very successful inaugural season.
Stower spent the previous seven seasons coaching at Foothill High School in Redding, California. At Foothill Stower lead the Lady Cougars to the Section Tournament every season during his tenure, and won the Section Championship in 2007.
Prior to coaching, Stower began his baseball career at Shasta College. In 1975 he competed in his first season of minor league baseball with the White Sox organization out of Edmonton, Canada. After two seasons of minor league baseball, Stower moved back to Red Bluff, California and continued his fast pitch career. Stower competed at the highest levels of Men's Fast pitch for over 20 years. He was awarded All-American honors three times.
Stower began coaching ASA girls softball in 1995, taking seven teams to the elite National Championship Tournament and finishing as high as 8th. Stower is currently making a smooth transition from his ASA organization into the collegiate ranks at Simpson University.
Stower earned the California Pacific Conference Coach of the Year Award in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. He has lead the team to appearances in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournaments.
Most recently, Stower led the Red Hawks in 2016 to the NAIA National Tournament while also being ranked as high as 7th nationally during the regular season.
Wayne is happily married to his wife Kathe, and has two children Marney and TJ.
Job Titles:
- Associate Head Baseball Coach / Compliance and Eligibility Advisor
- Compliance & Eligibility
Wilson Kessel began coaching at Simpson University in 2018. He is the 3rd base coach, catching coach, strength and conditioning coach, and JV head coach. Kessel has helped lead the Red Hawks to 2 Cal Pac playoff berths and the two highest winning percentages in program history. Also, Kessel has been a significant figure in Simpson athletics as he serves as the Compliance and Eligibility advisor since 2021 and served as the interim Athletic Director in 2023.
Prior to Simpson, Kessel began his collegiate baseball career at Centralia College in 2013 where he spent three seasons. He was a true leader on the field as he was voted "Mr. Hustle" and "Most Inspirational" by his teammates along with being recognized with the Sportsman of the Year award in 2015 and team captain in 2016. However, Kessel was equally important in the Blazer community as he was the Student Body President and was named the Outstanding Student of the Year in 2016. Kessel was a 2021 Centralia College hall of fame inductee.
Kessel continued his athletic and educational career at Simpson University in 2016. He became a staple behind the plate as he provided solid defense and power in the middle of the Red Hawks lineup. During his two years, he led the team in doubles and RBI's.
Kessel graduated from Simpson in 2018 with his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Accounting and then later in 2022 with his Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership.
Before moving to Redding, CA he grew up in Mukilteo, WA and attended Kamiak High School.