Donald Antone ‘Coach’ Spinas
August 12, 1933 - September 22, 2016
Donald Antone ‘Coach’ Spinas born August 12, 1933 to the parents of Sebastian Antone ‘Tony’ and Gladys Louise Robinson-Spinas in Grants Pass - Selma, Oregon. Don grew up hunting and fishing in Southern Oregon and always had a strong affinity for the outdoors. Don ran track at University of Oregon under Bill Bowerman, and ran the 400 meter hurdles at the Olympic Trials. Don took his passion for track and field to his first teaching and coaching job at Central Point Junior High. In 1958 he served in the Army in El Paso Texas. After his military services, he continued teaching and coaching at Central Point. From Central Point, he taught at Milwaukie High School until 1967 before accepting the head coaching position at Oregon College of Education, O.C.E, and later to become Western Oregon State College.
Don went on to lead his track teams to four consecutive conference and district championships. The 1972 team was the best team in the history of the small college track and field and cross country in the Pacific Northwest. Coach Spinas re-wrote the O.C.E record book. His teams won nine NAIA District 2 titles, and he served as an assistant meet director at two Olympic Trials. Don retired from WOSC in 1988, and was inducted into the NAIA National Hall of Fame and the WOSC Hall of Fame. Don’s influence is still felt through his numerous students that have become teachers and coaches over the years.
Retirement provided him the opportunity to explore the Northwest and focus on fishing and hunting again. Don passed away at the age of 83 on September 22, 2016. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Kathryn Lynn Katon, his son Michael Antone Spinas and his two step-children Tami Gilbreath and Shawn Monson. He is also survived by four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and two step-grand-children. He is also survived by his brothers Ronald Luther and Howard Edwin Spinas.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Western Oregon University Athletic Track and Field and Cross Country scholarship fund in the name of Coach Spinas.
Farnstrom Mortuary is handling arrangements. Share your memories and condolences at FarnstromMortuary.com.