After 25 years of coaching the Gig Harbor High School boys basketball team, Lyle McIntosh reached one of the biggest milestone of his career last Friday when his Tides beat Narrows League opponent Mount Tahoma, 70-58.
With 400 wins, McIntosh has the 33rd best record in the history of Washington state at 401-249, with a winning percentage of more than .600.
“I’m very fortunate to get to that number,” McIntosh said. “It’s all the games along the way that have made it so special. It’s a reflection of all those who have contributed. It’s not just about me. It’s about the people who have helped me get to this position and be successful.”
It was not evident that McIntosh was close to winning his 400th game. He prefers the spotlight be on his players on the court.
“I try to go into each game 0-0,” McIntosh said about the significance of getting his 400th win. “I really didn’t think about it.”
McIntosh’s career coaching at Gig Harbor has been nothing short of memorable. In the 1995-96 season, the Tides went undefeated and won a AAA state championship, defeating West Valley (Yakima) by 15 points in the championship game, 60-45.
For seven consecutive years — from 1992-98 — McIntosh led Gig Harbor to the state playoffs. The Tides’ most recent run was in 2006, when Gig Harbor placed seventh.
“I think there are so many (memories) that you can’t mention any specific,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh has an unselfish desire to win basketball games stemming from his passion for the game. He coached his first year at Pioneer Middle School in Steilacoom. From there, he spent five years at Fort Steilacoom — what is now referred to as Pierce College — and he said he plans to finish his career at Gig Harbor High.
He’s been a coach for a total of 31 years.
“My coaches impacted me when I was younger, and I hoped to give a little back,” he said.
McIntosh hasn’t just positively influenced kids on the court. He’s been a teacher of many different subjects, an athletic director, an assistant coach for tennis and most recently vice principal for Gig Harbor High School.
Coaching aside, McIntosh has done more than just give a little back.
“Each year brings a different challenge,” he said. “Each group has been special. The Gig Harbor community has been so supportive. It’s been an incredible experience.”
It seemed plausible that, after his son Geoff graduated from Gig Harbor High last year, that McIntosh might step down as basketball coach. But he said he had a long talk with his family, and they understood his passion for coaching.
“Last year I made a decision to do it another year,” he said. “Next year, I’ll sit down with my family and make another decision.”
But after 25 years at Gig Harbor — and after suffering countless losses and remarkable roller-coaster rides to the state playoffs, it’s not the winning that keeps him going. It’s the excitement of the games and seeing players mature and improve, he said.
“Those are the fun things, the relationships you develop along the way,” McIntosh said. “Those relationships are huge.”
After the win against Mount Tahoma last Friday, McIntosh’s 400th victory was overshadowed by the fact that it was a league win. That’s what was most important to him, he said.
“To me, it’s no important than 398,” he said. “It means the same for this group.”
At 58, McIntosh still has the desire to win. He’s been to the top of the mountain, but he always wants his current group to feel the excitement of winning a state championship.
Whether or not that happens, he embraces the challenge each year to make another climb to the top.
“I love doing it,” McIntosh said. “Each year brings a great challenge. That’s what keeps you young is the kids.”
Years coaching: 25 with Gig Harbor, 31 total
Rank among most wins as Washington state as high school coach: 33rd
Overall record: 401-249
State titles: 1 (1996)
State appearances: Nine (seven consecutive from 1992-1998), including third- and seventh-place finish
Record at state: 14-15
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