When Dave McKenna stepped away from the football sidelines in 2024, he summed up his decades-long devotion to Gonzaga Prep with a simple phrase: "I bleed blue." And while that might not be medically accurate, it perfectly captures the spirit of a man whose entire career has been defined by loyalty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his school.

McKenna never chased awards or recognition. But this weekend, the honors are finding him anyway. He will be inducted into the Washington State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the annual awards luncheon on Sunday at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton. He joins an impressive class that includes Mike Morgan of Colfax, Eric Kurle (Graham-Kapowsin, Bethel, Clover Park), and KC Johnson (Ilwaco, Shorecrest, Adna).

"I got into coaching a long, long, long time ago. Never. That never, ever crossed my mind," McKenna said from his Dean of Students office at Gonzaga Prep. "And when you get a phone call that says, 'Hey, you're going to go in the Hall of Fame,' it is pretty amazing, almost surreal. But I am very honored. If you surround yourself with good people, good things are going to happen. I had great people around me — administrators, coaches, players, families. Obviously, my own family has been very supportive, so I'm blessed that way."

McKenna's connection to Gonzaga Prep runs deeper than most. He arrived as a freshman in the fall of 1984, following in the footsteps of his father (class of 1953) and grandfather (class of 1929). He is one of 12 children — 10 of whom attended the school. As a player, he was the backup quarterback on the 1986 state championship team under legendary coach Don Anderson.

After college, McKenna returned to his alma mater in 1990 as a volunteer assistant to Anderson. He remained on staff through Dave Carson's 10-year tenure and was named head coach in 2008 when Carson retired — becoming just the fifth head coach in the program's nearly 100-year history as a varsity sport.

Over 16 seasons at the helm, McKenna compiled an impressive 136-37 record, ranking second in program wins behind only Anderson's 195. Under his leadership, the Bullpups captured eight league titles and the State 4A championship in 2015. He was named Greater Spokane League Coach of the Year six times and state coach of the year following that championship season. Nearly 1,000 players suited up for G-Prep during his tenure, with dozens moving on to college football and several reaching the NFL.

Now in his 36th year at the school — and counting — McKenna reflects on a journey that began long before he ever wore a headset. "My dad played for Bill Frazier, and then I played for Anderson," he said. "I coached with Anderson and Carson, and now I've had my own run. It's been one incredible ride."

For a man who never sought the spotlight, this Hall of Fame induction is a fitting tribute to a legacy built on blue blood, hard work, and an enduring love for the game.