Ken Pelo
Inducted in 1998

Rogers High School (Spokane) 1959-1996

Ken Pelo graduated from Carbon County High School in Red Lodge, Montana in 1950 where he was the ASB President and from the University of Montana in 1958. In between high school and college Ken spent two years serving in the Army. He lettered in baseball and football while at Eastern Montana College, Billings. He then moved to Spokane where he started his teaching and coaching careers.

Coach Pelo served as wrestling coach at John Rogers High School in Spokane for 37 years. During his tenure his teams compiled a dual meet record of 250-118-4 and won 13 Greater Spokane League titles and one Region IV championship along with 3 runner-up placings. Pelo coached 125 state participants; including 10 individual State Champions, 12 runner-ups and 58 placers. Coach Pelo's teams finished in the top 4 teams at State 8 times.

Ken was named "AAA" Wrestling Coach of the Year and Washington State Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1991 and has received a NFICA National Service Award. Pelo has also been asked to be an Ambassador for the World Championships to be held in Spokane on April 2-3, 1999. He is justifiably proud of the fact that he was one of three individuals responsible for WIAA adoption of the provision allowing two wrestlers from each school to enter post season competition at the same weight.

Coach Pelo served from 1988-1996 as Rogers High School Social Studies Chairman and is currently the Chairman of the Spokane County Democratic Central Committee. He has been an ASB Advisor and in 1977 received the PTA Golden Acorn Award. He and his wife Carol still reside in Spokane where they enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, golf and gardening.

Nominated in 1998 by Walt Arnold.
Inducted by Brad Schwartz, former wrestler.