Legendary Coach Mike Bethea has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of student athletes in Seattle, WA. For over 30 years, this African American basketball coach has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for black males who have had the privilege to be under his mentorship. His dedication and commitment have seen 185 student athletes secure athletic scholarships in D1-D3 universities & JUCOs - a record that surpasses all other high schools combined in the state of Washington for black student athletes.

Coach Bethea's influence extends beyond academics and into professional sports as well. Six of his mentees were drafted in the first round of the NBA draft - a testament to his exceptional coaching skills. Moreover, with 8 state titles under his belt, he is rightfully recognized as one of the most successful hall-of-fame coaches.

However, despite these remarkable achievements and contributions to our community, there is no significant Rainier Beach landmark named after him within our city. This petition seeks to rectify this oversight by naming the Rainier Beach High School Gymnasium after Coach Michael S. Bethea.

By doing so we would not only honor his legacy but also inspire future generations to strive for excellence both on and off the court just like Coach Bethea did throughout his illustrious career. Let's pay tribute to this legendary figure who has given so much back to our community by signing this petition today!