Oliphant resigns, other coaching news

YAKIMA, Wash. — Bob Oliphant has spent much of this week crabbing off Camano Island. Exactly the kind of thing he’s got more time for now.

After 25 years coaching in Eisenhower’s baseball program — the last 13 of which were as head coach — Oliphant has resigned from the position.

“I think it’s time to get some new blood in there,” said Oliphant, who preceded his head coaching stint with 12 years as an assistant. “After 25 years it’s probably a good time to try something a little different, for myself and the program.”

Oliphant helped direct Eisenhower to both of its state baseball trophies. He was an assistant in 1986 when the Cadets placed third and he was head coach in 2000 when Ike won district and regional titles and placed fourth at state.

Beyond the many wins Oliphant amassed and all the standout players he developed was a passionate loyalty to a program in which he served at every level.

“He went through the process the right way — C team, JV, varsity assistant and head coach — and he bleeds red, white and blue,” said Ryan Froula, Oliphant’s longtime assistant. “You have to applaud a guy who stays in any program for 25 years, especially these days. Bob coached baseball for all the right reasons.”

Oliphant, a 1977 Eisenhower graduate and elementary school teacher in the Yakima School District, also coached for 12 years in Ike’s football program.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with some great kids,” Oliphant said. “I love the coaching, but it’s a year-round commitment in the toughest league in the state. It’s time to have someone else have a go at it.”

AROUND THE VALLEY — East Valley has hired Darci Dekker (formally Beierle) to take over the volleyball program from Sue Cullen, who stepped down after five seasons. Cullen was the CWAC coach of the year last season. Dekker has coached at White Swan, Zillah and Prosser, where she coached the Mustangs to a seventh-place state trophy in 2003. … Sunnyside Christian has hired former Wapato assistant Ray Hernandez to launch its new 8-man football program this fall. … Sherrie Partlow is replacing Mary Rennie as Naches Valley’s volleyball coach.

AROUND THE REGION — Moses Lake’s Todd Griffith has been promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach, replacing Greg Kittrell. Kittrell will be an assistant principal at ML next school year. … Quincy’s football job has been taken by former Bridgeport coach Stephen Wallace. … Keith Boyd will replace Mike Carlquist as Cashmere’s boys basketball coach. … Former Southridge girls basketball coach Kristen Davis has taken the same job at Richland, and longtime Suns assistant Scott Stiles will replace Davis. … Pasco boys soccer coach Mike Pardini has resigned after four seasons and two appearances in the 4A state championship final.