Mickey Polis, Wildcat men’s assistant basketball coach has Lower Columbia College, family connection to Linfield

When Mike Polis was growing up in Longview, Wash., he attended Perry’s Basketball Camp in Vernonia, Ore., run by Linfield men's basketball coach Ted Wilson (and the Perry brothers). Mike dreamed of playing for Linfield.


It didn’t happen.

After graduating from Longview’s R.A. Long High School in 1968, he played two seasons each of basketball and baseball for Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview and Central Washington University.

But, Mike’s dream is almost coming true in a roundabout way through his son, Mickey Polis. See photo.

Mickey is coaching Wildcats men’s basketball in Linfield’s Ted Wilson Gym as assistant coach on the staff of newly appointed men’s head coach Shanan Rosenberg.

LCC has a Linfield connection through Linfield grads Don Porter, Jack Riley and Scott Carnahan, Linfield athletic director and assistant/former head baseball coach. Carnahan came to Linfield as head baseball coach after serving in the same role at LCC. Don, Jack and Scott graduated from Linfield in 1956, 1960 and 1973 respectively.

Don -- who played basketball for head coach Ted at McMinnville High -- coached LCC men’s basketball, 1965-70, assisted by Riley. Mike played for Don and Jack in the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons. At the time Jack left LCC in 1972 to become Oregon State University head baseball coach, he was LCC head coach of both baseball and men's basketball.

Back to Mickey, he starred in basketball and baseball at Longview’s Mark Morris High School from 2002-2005. He went on to play basketball at LCC, 2005-2007, and Portland State University (PSU), 2007-2009. At PSU, he was a point guard on teams that won 46 games, two Big Sky Conference titles and made two trips to the NCAA Tournament. Mickey was the team’s top three-point percentage shooter during his career, hitting 47 percent of his shots.

After his graduation, Mickey remained at PSU as director of basketball operations for the men’s team.  During four years in the job handling various administrative duties for the PSU team, he earned a master's in education degree.

MORE TO THE STORY:

==Second Polis brother in NWC -- While this will be Mickey's first time in the Northwest Conference, his brother, Tony Polis, is no stranger to it. Tony played men's basketball for NWC member Pacific Lutheran University and competed against the Wildcats at Ted Wilson Gym.

==PSU pipeline to Linfield -- In addition to Mickey joining the Linfield Athletics staff, former PSU trainer Duane Duey now holds the same job at Linfield.

==About Ted Wilson -- He was Linfield head men's basketball coach, 1961-1981. He died in 1996.

==Camp leaders --Ted Wilson and brothers Bob and George Perry started and operated Perry's Basketball Camp (also known as Perry's Sports Camp) in Vernonia, 1964-1980.

==Played hoops for Lefty -- Don Porter played basketball at Linfield for coach Roy “Lefty” Helser in the 1954-1955 and 1955-1956 seasons.

==Former reporter's Linfield connections -- John Polis, uncle of Mickey and brother of Mike, has connections to Linfield, too. As sports editor of the Longview Daily News, he covered LCC basketball when Don Porter was coach. He knows two of Ted's Linfield players, Terry Miller and Loren Bruner. "Terry was my closest pal growing up in Longview," John said. "We lived on the the same street, played four years on the same Little League team and remain friends to this day. I played ball with and graduated from R.A. Long with Loren."


.........

Mickey Polis at Greg Crawford (Linfield Class of 1972) Sports Lunch Oct. 5, 2016, in Portland.

IPNC 2013 will take Linfield by a storm 7/23/2013

All was relatively quiet at Linfield the morning of July 23, 2013, when Wildcatville took these photos. But, soon -- July 26-28 -- the 27th annual International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) will take campus by a storm. According to the IPNC website, the celebration "offers Pinot noir consumers and industry members the chance to enjoy an unparalleled selection of Pinot noir from around the world via a full schedule of seminars, walkaround tastings, winery tours, and unforgettable meals prepared by top Northwest chefs. With the exception of a vineyard and winery tour, the IPNC is held on the beautiful and historic Linfield College campus. McMinnville is an easy hour drive southwest of Portland in the heart of Oregon wine country."

O'Riley's becoming Starbucks 7/23/2013

Construction turning O'Riley's coffee shop in Linfield's Riley Hall into a Starbucks continues. In this video of four Wildcatville photos, see exterior entry door on June 14, 2012. Other photos from July 23, 2013, show the green awning gone and a Starbucks logo on the door window. Wildcatville has learned wood from the Old Oak will, indeed, be used in the Linfield Starbucks. However, it will be used as trim. Tables in the shop will not be made of Old Oak wood.

Exodus of Linfield football opponent head coaches to CFL

Do two head coaches of  California small college football teams moving in a six year span to coaching jobs in the Canadian Football League (CFL) make an exodus? Yes.

The coaches are Scott Squires of California Lutheran and Mark Speckman, formerly of Willamette and most recently of Menlo.

In 2007, Squires left CalLuth for an assistant coach position with the Edmonton Eskimos. Later, he coached with the Montreal Alouettes. Now he's in southern California real estate investing. Speckman departed Menlo in 2013 to coach with the Alouettes.

Wild bits -- After Frosty Westering retired as PLU head football coach, the finalists to be his successor were Scott Squires and Frosty's son, Scott Westering, who got the job. ... On Sept. 21, 2013, Linfield plays at CalLuth on Maxwell Field. Linfield and Menlo are not playing each other this season. ... Menlo opens its 2013 schedule Aug. 31 in Cheney, Wash., versus Carroll College (Helena, Mont.) on the red artificial turfed Roos Field of Eastern Washington University (EWU). On the same day, EWU plays at Oregon State in Corvallis. 

Then and now

Starting in the early 1930s -- it was a gift of the Linfield Class of 1931 -- and for many years, there was a wood "Linfield College" sign hanging on a metal holder affixed to a brick pillar on the edge of campus. The sign is long gone, but the holder and pillar remain, next to Highway 99W, across the street from Walgreen's (used to be site of McMinnville Community Hospital) and near an empty lot (used to be site of a former Columbus Elementary School). Current photos taken 6/24/2013 by Wildcatville. Historic photos from Linfield Oak Leaves yearbooks.

Should Linfield be called 'The Farm,' too?

According to one source, Stanford University's "The Farm" nickname is "derived from the days when horses rather than students roamed in what previously was the farm of university founders Leland and Jane Stanford." 

Wildcatville does not know if horses roamed what is now the Linfield campus. But, it does know this photo -- taken by Wildcatville on 6/24/2013 on the newer part (Keck campus) of Linfield's campus – appears it could have been taken on a farm. Wildcatville still photos taken 7/11/2013 appear in a video slide show.

Linfielder John Sadowski saluted for 41 years as an educator in Hawaii

More than 100 people attend the May 31 retirement celebration in Wahiawa, Hawaii, of educator John Sadowski. That’s one indication of Sadowski’s positive impact during a 41-year career.

Sadowski graduated from Linfield in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree. In 1971, he earned a master of education degree. As a student, he was member of the Linfield football and track & field teams.

He started teaching in 1971 at Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, initially as a physical education/ health teacher and head junior varsity football coach. Later, Sadowski joined the varsity football staff as an assistant to head coach Hugh Yoshida (Linfield Class of 1962).

During his time at Leilehua his duties included being boys’/girls’ track & field co-head coach and JV and later varsity boys head basketball coach. He also was head coach of boys’/girls’ golf and served as acting athletic director. He also served as a career guidance counselor and head of physical education/health.

He left Leilehua and for three years was in the Hawai’i Department of Education central office in teacher development working with new kindergarten through 12^th grade teachers. Returning to Leilehua, he served as a teacher mentor, initially for new teachers and then all teachers.

Looking back on his career, Sadowski says, “I was blessed to have great coaches in high school and college. Being mentored by Hugh during my tenure at Leilehua was special.  Linfield was a big part of my life. I was grateful to share what I've learned from my Linfield coaches, Paul Durham, Ted Wilson, Roy Helser, Hal Smith; Ad Rutschman, Ted Henry and John Knight and student coaches Tony Ah Yat and Pete Dengenis.  Professors Wilson, Helser, Durham, John Boling, Ray Befus and Roy Mahaffey and many others positively impacted my growth and development, too.”

His hard work as a mentor, teacher and coach were acknowledged in April when he was given the high school’s first “Leilehua Way Award” honoring his leadership, humility and service.

As busy as he was at Leilehua, he has made and continues to make a positive impact in Ewa Beach, where he lives with his wife, Sharan, and mother, Wilda.

In retirement, he'll continue helping fight a flood of litter on Ewa Beach. Sadowski created Save Our Surf and Seals which holds monthly cleanups of the Ewa Beach and channel. For his efforts, he has been honored with:

• a 2009 Laulima Award -- presented to him in the state capitol in Honolulu -- for helping keep Hawaii beautiful.
• a 2012 "Good Neighbor Award" for making significant contributions to the City and County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Quality programs.

And, in retirement he will continue surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. (See photo.) "John's," a surf site off the west end of Ewa's beach park, is named for him.

Pencil pouch examples

Turning O'Riley's into a Starbucks

Photos in slide show posted above taken by Wildcatville morning of 6/14/2013.

Linfield Sodexo delays Starbucks construction

Feb 27, 2013 - Linfield Review with slight editing by Wildcatville

Despite plans to introduce a full-service Starbucks in O’Riley’s coffee shop space in time for the spring semester, Linfield Sodexo is pushing back the construction process to June 3.

The decision to postpone the project, which was slated to take place during January Term, came after Bill Masullo, general manager of Linfield Sodexo, and Allison Horn, director of auxiliary services, re-evaluated the construction schedule.

Moving the Starbucks project to coincide with the renovation of Dillin Hall this summer proved to be more cost effective. 

Additionally, it eases the burden on the incoming contractors who otherwise would have had to make numerous trips, Masullo explained.

Although Starbucks is on hold for now, plans to remodel the Fred Meyer Lounge were in full swing during January, leaving the space ready for use in time for the new semester.

The Fred Meyer Lounge received a new paint job and furniture. 

The floors were refinished, and the Wildcat logo was added, Masullo said.

The Office of Academic Affairs funded the media portion of the space, which includes a flat screen TV, Horn added. There is also a built-in sound system.

In addition, the old wood-burning fireplace was converted to gas. Dan Fergueson, director of college activities, is safekeeping the controls, Horn said.

Originally, there were plans to open up the space to the coffee shop. However, the entrances had to remain the same because of structural issues, Masullo said.

Even so, the Starbucks space will be arranged differently than the current café. The tables will be made from Linfield’s famous Old Oak. And, historical photos will adorn the walls.

Students will have the opportunity to see the floor plans after spring break. Masullo and Horn said they plan to post them up outside of the space.

“It was disappointing for everyone when the project was pushed back. But, [the Starbucks] is still coming, and it will be an improvement when everyone gets back to campus,” Horn said.

Signs of a Champion

How you fixed for strings?

As a Linfield student, there's no doubt McMinnville provided everything you needed. Well, consider this. If you are a current Linfield student in McMinnville, you have access (off campus outside a McMinnville guitar shop) to a 24-hour vending machine from which you may buy guitar strings and accessories. See photos taken 6/3/2013. Did you have such luxury during your Linfield student days?

Golden Grad Ad

Ad Rutschman (Class of 1954) was among Golden Grads taking part in Linfield College 2013 Commencement on June 2 in the college's campus Oak Grove in McMinnville. During the ceremony, he hugged graduating granddaughter Alyssa Nichols (Class of 2013) as she walked by in her cap and gown. This photo by Erika Nichols, Alyssa's sister, another grandchild of Ad and Joan (honorary Class of 1954) Rutschman. Also, see "Recruit a Wildcat" graphic from Fall 2009 Linfield Magazine here.

AD RUTSCHMAN Annual Reunion. Year 2013 edition at Golden Valley, McMinnville, 6/1/2013

Travel in Wildcat football time machine

If you could travel in the Wildcat time machine and attend, play in or coach in any past Linfield football game, which game and why? 

Respond to wildcatville@gmail.com. 

Responses -- which may be edited for clarity and accuracy and etc. -- might be posted at Wildcatville. 

If you have a photo related to your response, please include as a JPG attachment to your email. 

Thanks, Go, Wildcats!

Celebrate Linfield 2013 College World Series champs 5/31/2013

Celebration held starting about 4 p.m. 5/31/2013 Pacific Daylight Time on Linfield's Helser Field.

Linfield wins NCAA DIII College World Series

Dave Hansen: Still 'color' voice for Wildcat football broadcasts

Photos below (l-r), Dave Hansen & Larry Ward on KMCM, McMinnville N-R black & white photo. Dave Hansen on KLYC, Wildcatville color photo.

Linfield Review May 13, 2013, with editing/rewriting by Wildcatville

Professor, Wildcat football announcer retires

By Quinn Carlin, Staff writer

“Twice-Told Stories – Most of Them True” is the title of the last lecture Dave Hansen, professor emeritus of economics, will give at Linfield after four decades of teaching.

The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. May 13 in T.J. Day, room 222.

 

In addition to his teaching duties, Hansen is the color commentator for Linfield Wildcat football radio broadcasts and “CatsEyeView” football webcasts.

 

He is distinguished in the Linfield community for  relationships inside and outside the classroom.

Although retiring from the classroom, he is staying on as a broadcaster for the Wildcats.

"If I bring anything of value to the broadcasts, it's knowing the kids outside of the football realm. I have the opportunity of interacting with them through the week," Hansen said several years ago. Thanks for his service to Linfield, he offered unique insights about the college, bringing the past to the present.

Larry Ward worked with Hansen during the Linfield 1973-1977 football and men’s basketball seasons as Wildcats’ play-by-play voice for McMinnville KMCM radio. "Dave is one of the few color analyst that I have worked with that 'fit like a glove.' We had that just right feel for each other in a few short games. He was also one of the most knowledgeable people about the history of Linfield sports as well,” said Ward, director of broadcasting and radio play-by-play voice of the Chattanooga, Tenn., Lookouts professional baseball team.
 

Michael Zeir was a student in Hansen's Linfield “Principle of Economics” class.

“Professor Hansen is a wise man. What really stood out for me about the class, though, was his particular style of teaching. He would never let the class become boring,” Zeir said. “To help illustrate complex economic theories, he could pick a student in the class and break the theory down into an interactive story where the student would go through the problem as if they were the business facing the problem. This helped everyone in furthering their understanding. He was a good economics professor and will surely be missed.”

 

After more than four decades of teaching, his lecture will be his last words of wisdom for the students at the school.

However, his voice will still be heard over the radio airwaves and Internet during the Wildcat football season.

Photo of fan of Wildcats and friend of Wildcatville. Can you name him?

'It’s the fastest 26 years I have been through.' -- Larry Doty

Men’s head basketball coach retires after 26 seasons

By Ivanna Tucker, Sports Editor, Linfield Review

4/8/2013 print edition

The men’s basketball team held senior night Feb. 16 for all players leaving the team to say their good-byes and receive honors from the program. However, one person was left out on this night. Head coach Larry Doty, or "Dotes" as players and other students know him as, is retiring after 26 seasons of coaching the Wildcats.

"It’s the fastest 26 years I have been through," Doty said.

The tenured coach has held his position the longest in program history. He also recorded the most victories in program history with 330.

He was the last full-time faculty and head coach hired by the school.

Doty attended West Linn High School, then Linfield for his undergraduate and master’s degrees, during which, he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball.

"I had a great experience here as an athlete," Doty said.

During his senior year playing basketball, coached by Ted Wilson, the team had the program’s all-time best scoring record with 2,676 points in 28 games. The team’s average was 95.6 points per game.

After having positive experiences with basketball in both high school and college, Doty stepped into coaching himself.

He coached the West Linn Lions men’s basketball team. The team took fourth in the state during his final year of coaching.

As soon as he saw an opening for head coach at Linfield, Doty quickly applied for the position.

During his time as head coach, Doty made sure the men that went through his program had positive experiences.

In addition to the 100 hours spent to prepare for about 26 games a season, the team spends time bonding through fundraising events, volunteering and team trips.

"We end up doing those kinds of things because we spend a lot of time together," Doty said.

His players know him for all of the stories that he shares with them, which helps him standout as a lively individual.

"[Doty] is somebody who teaches his players much more than just the game of basketball. He is constantly teaching his players life lessons as well," senior Dakotah Pine said.

Doty’s son Dominic Doty is also a member of the basketball staff. He has served as an assistant coach for the past six years, in addition to his four years as head coach for women’s soccer.

"I think every son grows up wanting to be like their father. I was just lucky enough to be a part of his legacy, Dominic said in an email.

"I can’t begin to tell you all the things he has taught me or all the ways he has impacted my experience as a coach today. I wouldn’t know where to start. But what I can say is that I am what I am as a coach and a person today because of him."

Doty’s family was constantly sitting in the stands cheering him and Dominic Doty on at home games.

Doty also helped lead game management for the soccer games so he could support his son.

"When you are a coach, your family makes sacrifices," Doty said. "It’s been a family affair."

After leading two teams to conference championships in 1999 and 2001, Doty said he is now ready to try new things in his life.

He will continue to teach classes for the Human Health and Athletic Performance Department and also oversee internships for students.

Doty has helped find opportunities for players to get involved on campus and is now helping other students receive the same opportunities.

"The things that I will take with me are the experiences with the student athletes," Doty said.

Former players from all over, including ones from Iceland and England, remain in contact with him, following their college careers. Reconnecting with players and seeing how they are following their college careers is something that Doty enjoys.

"He has devoted as much time, energy, and effort into the Linfield men’s basketball program as he possibly could," Pine said. "When you drive past the HHPA, it doesn’t matter if it’s a weekday or weekend, 6 a.m. or midnight, there is a good chance you will see his car parked in front of Cook Hall."

Although Doty has completed his time with the men’s basketball program, this does not mean he is done impacting students’ lives at Linfield.

"It just seemed like the right time for me, my wife, my family and the right time for the basketball program," Doty said.

 

How observant are you at Linfield home softball games?

Are you observant at Linfield home softball game? You appreciate the informative Del Smith Stadium scoreboard.  The weather is enjoyable. It's fun listening to the recorded music before the game and between innings. You enjoy keeping company with other enthusiastic Catball fans. But, what have you missed? View this video clip and notice the building (Mahaffey Hall) looming in left field. Look at the four windows near the peak of the building's roof. Note the window on the far right. It's just another window, right? Wrong. It's a sign. To see a still photo of the building, look here. To see a close-up of the sign, look here. Next time, please pay more attention!