Former Coach Replaced Athlete's Lost State Track Awards
A former Spokane high school track star received replacement honors after his home was lost in the recent Complex fires.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Running
Dennis Schuerman has replaced track and field memorabilia for former Rogers High School athlete Mike Dixon. Dixon lost his original letter and captain's trophies when the Spokane Complex fires destroyed his home near Riverside State Park.
Why it matters
Schuerman sought to restore a meaningful piece of history for his former runner after learning that the fire destroyed personal belongings gathered over decades. The gesture provided support for a community member affected by a disaster that consumed approximately 100 area homes.
Mike Dixon placed fourth in the state two-mile track event in 1975 with a time of 9 minutes and 21.04 seconds. His original home near Riverside State Park spanned over 2,000 square feet before being lost in the fire.
The players
Dennis Schuerman
He is a former coach who led Mike Dixon at Rogers High School.
Mike Dixon
He is a former athlete and retired employee of The Spokesman-Review.
Aaron Brecek
He serves as the athletic director at Rogers High School who helped coordinate the delivery of replacement medals and a school letter.
The details
Dennis Schuerman contacted the Rogers High School athletic director and a local shop to secure the replacement awards for Dixon. The items were presented to the former athlete during an annual golf tournament gathering at the Esmerelda Golf Course.
Timeline
Mike Dixon placed fourth in the state two-mile race in 1975.
The Spokane Complex fires occurred in early August 2026.
The Dixons celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in late August 2026.
Dennis Schuerman initiated the process to replace the lost awards in early September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This effort highlights the communal recovery efforts following the Spokane Complex fires that destroyed 100 homes. It underscores how local athletic traditions continue to anchor personal identity even as residents navigate the long-term impact of regional disaster.
The disaster recovery process for the impacted families involves plans to rebuild their residences as smaller two-level structures. Affected residents also continue to search for missing personal valuables like rings while managing their transition to new living arrangements.
The takeaway
Acts of kindness can help restore a sense of normalcy for disaster victims who lose irreplaceable personal mementos. Residents facing similar losses may find support through local school networks and community organizations.
Further reading
Learn more about the local athletic community in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
