Rod Kammenga, left, shows off the plaque he received when inducted into the state coaches hall of game earlier this month. Former Oak Harbor High School coach, Eric Lindberg, right, was inducted in 2006. - Photo courtesy of Eric Lindberg
Photo courtesy of Eric Lindberg
Rod Kammenga, left, shows off the plaque he received when inducted into the state coaches hall of game earlier this month. Former Oak Harbor High School coach, Eric Lindberg, right, was inducted in 2006.

OHHS grad inducted into state coaches hall of fame

By JIM WALLER
Whidbey News Times Sports editor
January 23, 2012 · 9:38 AM

Rod Kammenga, a 1968 Oak Harbor High School graduate, was inducted into the Washington State Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Kammenga, who spent most of his 38-year career at Bellingham and Squalicum high schools, is the first assistant coach to be inducted.

He helped lead Bellingham to two boys and two girls state titles. He also helped Bellingham win nine boys and seven girls league titles and Squalicum win a boys conference title.

Kammenga made his mark as a jump coach. He coached seven state pole vault champions, two state long jump champions, three state high jump champions, the current 2A state meet record holder and numerous state placers.

His high jump relay set a state record in 1985 at 19 feet, 8 inches.

In the pole vault, Kammenga led 10 boy vaulters over 14 feet, four over 15 feet and four over 16 feet.

He was one of the coaches at the forefront of girls joining the event and guided two girl vaulters over 10 feet and two over 11 feet.

He has coached 12 high jumpers over 6-6.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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