Royce McDaniel (born August 27, 1939) is a true multi-sport honoree. He showed his many talents as both an athlete and coach in the State of Oregon.
McDaniel graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1957 where he played football, basketball and baseball. That combo of talents served him well at Lewis and Clark College where Royce starred for four years in all three sports, earning a total of 12 varsity letters and nine All-Northwest Conference honors.
He was quarterback of the football team and point guard on the basketball team. Baseball became his primary sport, the young outfielder hit .339 for career average and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Royce played three seasons in the minors but turned down a AAA contract to enlist in the Marines.
He took his first coaching job in 1964 at age 25. After Lakeridge High School opened, he made that home base for 20 years. He won 1974 baseball championship and then turned the Pacers’ girls basketball team into a state power – winning the 1991 state title. He also coached at Milwaukie and Tigard high schools. Even in retirement from full-time work, he kept at coach baseball and was a beloved assistant at Sunset High School, 60 years since he first began his coaching career.
Along the way, he also taught drivers education and PE classes. An avid fisherman, Royce became a great-grandfather.
Royce McDaniel was one of the first members of the Lewis & Clark Hall of Fame in 1978.