Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

G-Prep Hires Rogers P.E. Director Carson, Former College Staffer, Will Coach Fabled Football Team

Dave Carson, who spent 19 years coaching football before sitting out last season, has been hired to carry on the tradition at Gonzaga Prep.

“It’s a great place to coach,” Carson, 49, said. “Obviously, there’s an awesome tradition, very supportive people and a very successful program. I’m extremely excited about it.”

Carson, who was an assistant at Rogers from 1990-96, replaces Don Anderson, who retired. Anderson’s teams won or shared 15 Greater Spokane League titles in his 25 seasons with two state titles in five trips to the championship game.

Prep has only had three coaches, Anderson, Billy Frazier and Puggy Hunton, in the last 70 years. Carson is only the ninth coach at Prep since the first game in 1920.

“You take the best parts of the tradition. You’re not going to rebuild, you’re just going to remodel,” Carson said. “Obviously, I’m not Don Anderson. I’m not going to do the same things exactly as Coach did, but at the same time, I’m sure not going to change any of the successful traditions they’ve had there.

“I may make a different call, or run a little different offense or different defense, but in essence I would like Prep football to remain the same high quality it’s always been, that I’ve come to respect since I’ve been here.”

Prior to coming to Rogers in 1990, Carson, who is the head of the Rogers physical education department, coached in California. He was offensive coordinator at Long Beach State University from 1978-79 and Cal State Northridge from 1980-82.

Carson coached at Burbank High from 1983-87 and at W.S. Hart in Newhall 1988-89.

His teams made the playoffs three times.

His teaching position at Prep has not been set, but he is certified to teach science.

Carson graduated from Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco. He is a member of St. John Vianney parish in the Spokane Valley, where he is on the parish council.

“It’s an excellent fit for our school, not only in teaching but in the mission of our community,” Prep athletic director Mike Arte said. “His wealth of knowledge will bring excitement to our school community and football team.”

Carson was one of two finalists out of 10 applicants.

Under Anderson, who finished with a record of 272-60-4, the Bullpups were known as an option team.

“In the GSL, you need to be able to run the football, but I would like to utilize the passing game a little more,” Carson said. “I’m also going to try to keep some phase of the option in; not to the extent of Coach Anderson … but we would like to have some phase of the option in to keep people honest.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: G-Prep football coaching legacy 1920 Dr. William Higgins 2-2-1 1921 Charles Canup 2-0-1 1922-23 Bill Hatch 5-4-0 1924-25 Mike Pecarovich 8-3-2 1926-27 Arthur Dussault 9-3-2 1928-38 Puggy Hunton 66-15-5 1939-72 Bill Frazier 199-81-13 1973-97 Don Anderson 193-52-3

This sidebar appeared with the story: G-Prep football coaching legacy 1920 Dr. William Higgins 2-2-1 1921 Charles Canup 2-0-1 1922-23 Bill Hatch 5-4-0 1924-25 Mike Pecarovich 8-3-2 1926-27 Arthur Dussault 9-3-2 1928-38 Puggy Hunton 66-15-5 1939-72 Bill Frazier 199-81-13 1973-97 Don Anderson 193-52-3