Del Talley (1956)

Del Talley graduated from RA. Long High School in 1956, got his B.A. degree from Central Washington and .Masters degree from Heritage College. Del played his first college role playing for his brother Darold at Centralia Junior College. He served afew years as an assistant coach at Lower Columbia College,  Eastmont H.S., and Marysville H.S.  At that point, Del's service as a head coach took off. He served as head coach at Okanogan H.S., Mark Morris, H.S., North Beach H.S. and Sunnyside H.S.  Del accumulated a record of 113 wins during his19 years as a head coach including 15 winning seasons, 6 league championships, 4 state playoff games including his 1979 team playing in the state championship game.  Following his ‘retirement' as a head coach, Del came back to RA. Long to serve as an assistant-for three years, including one game as head coach.  They beat Camas 44-14 in that game. He then moved to Chelan H.S. serving as an assistant to his oldest son, Darren.  In each situation at the various schools he served, Del took what had been losing seasons and turned them into winning seasons for that school.  We must mention Del's years at our neighboring high school. In his nine years as head coach, Mark Morris recorded eight winning seasons, with only one losing season, four championship seasons, and two appearances in the state playoffs.  His record there was 51 wins and 35 losses.  As a result of his enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge Del has garnered several awards over the years, including an induction into the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame. Del and his wife Marilyn have been married for 56 years, have four sons Darren, Dean, Duane and Dan, and have 14 grandchildren.  They split their time between Winlock and winters in Arizona.