Don Requa (May 26, 1919 – August 12, 1987) was an almost-mythical figure, spending his entire 36-year career as head coach in Pendleton. His legacy of success left a memorable impression throughout Eastern Oregon.
Requa took over the Pendleton program in 1951 and led it to the state playoffs 23 times until he retired following the 1986 season, closing his career as the winningest high school coach in the state with a record of 272-86-5. Along the way, the Bucks had only three losing records and advanced to the state semifinals six times. Pendleton won the Intermountain Conference 24 times during his career and Requa coached in 14 Shrine All-Star games.
His total coaching career spanned 41 seasons including five other seasons at Buhl, Idaho and Southern Idaho College making his overall career record 301-98-6.
Among the many college-bound players he coached was Bob Lilly, who played collegiately at Texas Christian and then for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Requa was voted Oregon High School Coach of the Year in 1985.
In the classroom, Requa’s algebra students learned his three simple rules from the football field: Show up on time; Prepare to work hard and produce excellence.
Pendleton High honors Requa with a memorial golf tournament that funds a college scholarship in his name. Pendleton Youth Football celebrates his legacy every fall when its top teams play in the Requa Bowl. His bronze statue was dedicated in 2015 in Brownfield Park in Pendleton.
Requa was inducted to the National High School Coaches Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1997.