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

Ex-LC wrestling coach Phil Pomeroy dies at 75

The Spokesman-Review
Former Lewis and Clark wrestling coach Phil Pomeroy died Sunday from issues stemming from a heart attack four years ago. He was 75 and lived in Spokane. A Montana native, Pomeroy accepted a math teaching position and head wrestling coach position at Lewis and Clark in 1969. In 1981, Pomeroy led the Tigers to their first state championship and the first for a Greater Spokane League school. Two of Pomeroy’s athletes – Mike Dotson (141 pounds) and Rick Ellingson (158) – captured individual titles. Pomeroy resigned from coaching after the 1982 season. “If there ever was a team in the state that deserved a state championship, this was it,” Pomeroy was quoted in a Spokesman-Review story that year. “They worked hard, twice a day for two years, to get it. And they really deserved it.” Pomeroy retired from teaching in 2005. He continued in a second career as a certified crop insurance adjuster. He is survived by his wife, Constance (Laber) of Spokane; his first wife, Judith Wood, of Garrison, Montana; and second wife, Sandra Pomeroy of Spokane; four adult daughters; two adult stepsons; an adult stepdaughter; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter.