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Bill Maguire: Distinguished Alumnus Award
On June 5, 2023, Bill Maguire was inducted into the OHS Alumni Hall of Fame. A 1969 graduate, Bill Maguire's name resonates deeply within the community of Olympia High School (OHS), touching multiple aspects of the experience—athletics, academics, and administration. A multi-sport athlete, a dedicated educator, and a committed member of the community, his impact is immeasurable. Bill has always considered his entire career to be a team effort, stating in his induction remarks, “I was very fortunate to be on a team of an educational institution that was always doing what's in the best interest of students.” He went on to give credit to the OHS staff, administrators, and everyone else he collaborated with throughout his career, attributing his success and this award to their collective efforts.
The Formative Years
From a young age, Bill demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for athletics. He first made a name for himself as a nationally-ranked speed skater at the 1963 North American Amateur Championships in Portland, Oregon. Throughout his high school years at OHS, Bill excelled not only in sports—including football, baseball, and basketball—but also in leadership roles as an active participant in the school's Senate and a constant presence in the Big O Club for three years. These experiences at OHS were the stepping stones to a fulfilling career dedicated to enriching the lives of students.
A Love for the Game
Bill continued his athletic journey at Walla Walla Community College, where he shone in football and baseball, securing a place on the Community College All-American Football – First Team in 1971. His sports career took him to the University of Texas El Paso in 1972, but an unfortunate injury cut his football journey short. Unfazed, Bill moved on to Central Washington University in 1973, where he completed his bachelor's degrees in physical education and biology. He later acquired a Master's Degree in Education from Heritage University in Toppenish, WA.
An Educator at Heart
Returning to his alma mater in 1975 as a physical education teacher, Bill acknowledged the significant role Dale Herron played in his career, recalling how Dale offered him a job opportunity at a time when teaching positions were scarce. Dale transitioned from being Bill’s basketball coach and history teacher to becoming a mentor and best friend, instilling in him invaluable qualities such as being a good listener, prioritizing patience, and resilience, and fostering student leadership. Bill later became the department head for physical education and took on the roles of head baseball coach and head football coach. Reflecting on his years at OHS, Bill reminisced, “I hoped that my interaction with the thousands of students that I had contact with, that I had a positive impact on their development.”
Off the Field
Outside the realms of OHS, Bill ventured into other community roles, serving as a basketball referee across various levels from 1975 to 1985 and providing security at the legislature in 2017 and 2018.
A Lasting Legacy
The Maguire family has a long and proud history with OHS, boasting 17 graduates spanning three generations, including Bill, his mother Bette, and his son Brandon. Emphasizing his deep-rooted connection to the OHS, Bill proclaimed, “We bleed Bear blue”! In his closing remarks, Bill praised the OHS community, saying, “Community, parents, students, Olympia High School has been and always will be recognized for its outstanding academics, athletics, the arts, and other activities. With your help and with the staff and everybody working together, this will continue.” Bill's enduring association with Olympia High School stands as a testament to a life well-lived, enriching the school's legacy through relentless dedication, hard work, and a deep-seated love for the community.
