Tony Softli

Year:

2015

Sport(s):

Football / Track & Field

Tony Softli

In 1955 and 1956, Everett Junior College’s football team featured a strong running game which included running back Tony Softli. Softli also was a member of the track and field squad under Hall of Fame coach Walt Price as a freshman and another Hall of Fame coach Bill Deller in his sophomore season. Softli won four events in the northern division meet his second season (100 yd. dash, 220 yd. dash, low hurdles, and long jump); at the 1956 state meet he set a record in the long jump with a leap of 22’ 7 7/8” as part of the state’s third-place squad.

Following his career at Everett, Softli transferred to the University of Washington and became a two-sport athlete at the university level. He set a school record in the long jump (over 24 feet) during his time there. He began his employment career as a mechanic at Boeing, but soon took a position in the recreation program at UW, eventually leading the schools intramural sports programs for over 30 years. He became well-known as a trusted adviser, mentor, and inspiration to thousands of students. Softli retired in 2001 and lives in Newcastle.