Danny Graham has built an impressive record as a coach, leading teams to wining records, state tournaments and, eventually, to the medal stand.
Now, he’s looking to continue that record of success at Enumclaw High.
Graham has been tabbed to guide the EHS girls basketball program, replacing the retiring Ted Carlson. When the next school year rolls around, Graham also will fill Carlson’s spot in the EHS physical education department.
A 1991 graduate of Federal Way High School, Graham returned to his alma mater and oversaw a remarkable six-year run of success. Beginning with the 2006-07 season, his girls went to the West Central District tournament each year, advanced to the Class 4A state tourney four times and added two trophies to the Eagles’ display case. His Federal Way teams took second-place state honors in 2011 and were third in 2009.
During that six-season span, Graham’s teams compiled an overall record of 126-37, a .773 winning percentage.
But all those victories came at a cost and Graham determined family time was his No. 1 priority. So, following the 2011-12 campaign – which included a 22-6 record and another state 4A appearance – Graham announced his decision to step away from the program. A father to a trio of multi-sport boys, Graham cited a desire to spend more time with his sons’ activities. Baseball provided fewer conflicts, so he remained as Federal Way’s head baseball coach.
When the time was right for a return to the basketball ranks, Graham also was looking for a small-town feel. He believes he has found that in Enumclaw.
He takes over a program that finished with an overall record of 11-15 during the last winter season. That included a 5-9 mark in North Puget Sound League play, following by a trip to the third round of the West Central/Southwest 4A tournament.
Graham’s arrival coincides with the dawning of a new era for Enumclaw High athletics. With a new set of enrollment numbers and new classification guidelines determined by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, EHS will be competing in the Class 2A South Puget Sound League. In recent years, Enumclaw has posted 3A enrollment numbers but opted to step up a classification and play in the Class 4A North Puget Sound League.
