​PURPLE & GOLD CLUB

Sterling Raymond Harshman

 

When Sterling Raymond Harshman left Lake Stevens High School’s Pink Palace in the mid 1930’s, he had earned six athletic letters, three in both football and basketball, and his life, filled with honor and distinction, had just begun.  As an athlete at Pacific Lutheran University, he earned multiple letters in three sports, all-conference recognition in football, and numerous other honors.

On active duty for ten years as a United States Marine and then as a naval officer, Harshman served in WWII, in the Korean War, and during Viet Nam, earned eleven battle stars, rose to the rank of Captain, and completed over 35 years of military service.  Degrees from PLU and the University of Puget Sound prepared him for almost 30 years of teaching biology and coaching track and cross country at Puyallup High School.

Among his numerous honors was inclusion in the 1975’s Who’s Who in Washington State, induction into the Pacific Lutheran University Hall of Fame in 1992, and, in 1995, a Track/Cross Country Scholarship created in his name.

Clearly, Sterling Raymond Harshman served his community, his schools, his profession and especially his country with commitment, courage and nobility.