Paul Enquist ’73

Enquist’s story is one of persistence and determination. A life-long sports enthusiast, he participated as a member of the Ballard High basketball and football teams, then later went on to find his true sports calling at Washington State University where he rowed for the crew team.

Wall of Recognition Inductee: 2000

Encouraged by his success at WSU, Enquist attempted to qualify as an individual for the 1980 Olympic \ rowing team but failed. He was briefly discouraged, but his desire to be a member of the team led him to attempt to qualify a second time for the 1984 Olympics with a partner, Brad Lewis from the University of California-Irvine.

There were two ways to quality for a spot on the team, either be selected by a panel of coaches, or win the U.S. Olympic Trials. Enquist and his partner were initially selected for the team, but after five weeks of training, were cut.

Undaunted, the two registered for the Olympic Trials and won their race in the double sculls (each having two oars). At the Olympics, held in Los Angeles, Enquist and Lewis won a series of 2,000 meter heats and went on to earn a Gold Medal.

Enquist retired from rowing immediately after the Olympics and became a commercial fisherman and longshoreman. He and his family now reside in Edmonds, Washington.