It is with great sadness that the basketball community and the state of Washington said farewell to retired Mercer Island head basketball coach, Ed Pepple, who passed away on the morning of September 14th, 2020. To everyone he was “Coach Pepple”. The list of accomplishments and accolades achieved by Coach has no peer, he simply is “The GOAT”. The all-time winningest coach in the history of boys basketball in the state of Washington with 952 wins (Mercer Island HS, Mark Morris HS and Fife HS) achieved over 49 years and also inducted to numerous hall of fames, this was only part of what Coach Pepple will be remembered for. Coach sent over 80 players to numerous colleges and universities at all levels and has a far reaching coaching tree that extends all over the country and also into the NBA. As any of his former players or assistants will attest to, Coach was a man of kindness and caring but of high demands. His players met these demands because they knew he cared about them so much. To WIBCA, Coach was a long-time member, advocate, and most importantly-a kind friend. WIBCA would not be the association we are today if it was not for Coach Pepple and what he did for basketball in the state of Washington for many years. WIBCA says farewell Coach Pepple but thanks him for the many memories he has left with those of us that were lucky enough to have known him.
RIP Coach Ed Pepple