Henry "Hank" Rybus, a native of Lidgerwood, ND, graduated from Valley City State Teachers College in 1940 with a B.A. degree. Student Activities while on campus included serving as Student Body president and captain of the football team as well as being selected as Viking Pilot. Hank received his M.A. degree in Physical Education at Montana State University in 1946.

During his professional career, Hank held a number of positions. He taught at Grand Prairie, ND from 1940-41 after which he accepted a position at Harvey, ND. He then served as a U.S. Naval Officer during World War II. Upon completing his Naval career, Hank settled in Washington where he was employed at Cathlamet from 1947-52 as a high school principal and instructor. In 1952 he was pre-doctoral associate at the University of Washington. The following year he served as a visiting professor at Seattle University. From 1953-60 Hank was employed at Longview as Principal. In 1961 he served as Assistant Executive Secretary of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association until 1963 when he was promoted to Executive Director of the Association until he retired in 1982. Hank has been involved in a number of professional activities including the Washington Education Association, State Wrestling Committee, National Education Association and Phi Delta Kappa. He has also had a number of personal writings published during his career. Hank has developed and promoted a "Life Time Care Program" for students badly injured while participating in local activities.