Rodney Giske Memorial Scholarship

In 1952, Rod and Mary Beth Giske and their young family were proud to join the Bearcat community, where Rod became the head football coach and history teacher.. The couple raised four children in Chehalis, each a graduate of W. F. West. Many experienced the Giske hospitality and friendship, and many credit the couple with the guidance that made them who and what they are today. In 2014 at age 92, Rodney Giske, a man with a big and generous heart, passed peacefully, leaving a legacy of inspiration.

While at Washington State College, Giske was captain of his team his senior year, and was the JF Bohler Inspirational Player. In 1946, he played in the East-West Shrine game in San Francisco and was voted All-American by the Associated Press. While at Stadium High School in Tacoma, he made All-Cross State league guard in 1940, and was also team captain and inspirational award winner in his senior year.

Coach Giske was respected by his peers and his positive influence extended beyond football, as he inspired his colleagues to be better teachers. He was known for his coaching abilities and his ability to motivate. He believed that coaching was serious responsibility and cared deeply about each and every one of his players.