The attention of the basketball world was focused on McMinnville during the late 70’s. Charlie Sitton (born July 3, 1962), all six-foot eight inches of him was literally the biggest story from the small town. Sitton earned All-State and All-State-Tournament basketball honors three times and was first team prep All-American in his senior year.
The Grizzlies won the state AAA title in 1979. Sitton was the MVP of the United States All-Stars in the Capital Classic in Washington D.C. and played in McDonald’s All-American game in Oakland.
Charlie’s first year in Corvallis was one of legend for the Beavers. 1980-81 was the year of the #1 ranking and a 26-1 record. Sitton was a four-year starter at OSU, leading to a 93-25 record during his college career. He was a two time All-American (1983-84), three-time All-Pac-10 selection (1982-84). He played in three NCAA tournaments and one National Invitational Tournament. Charlie scored 1,561 points and grabbed 502 rebounds and blocked 60 shots as a Beaver.
After college, Sitton was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and played one season before spending four years in European pro ball.
When basketball ended, a new life began in property and hospitality management. That included 23 years running the very popular Hayden’s Grill in Tualatin.
Charlie Sitton is a fourth-generation Oregonian whose family arrived on a wagon train with original settlers. Sitton is a member of McMinnville High School and Oregon State halls of fame and has been added to the Pac-12 Wall of Honor.