A dominant distance runner, Rufus was a two time "All-American" and five time state champion. He set state records in the mile (4:30.8) and 880 (1:56.8) yard runs, breaking marks he had previously established. At the 1925 National Interscholastic Track Meet in Chicago, Rufus won the mile and finished third in the 880. He returned the following year to win both events and claim U.S. championships.

Rufus went on to an outstanding collegiate track career at the University of Washington. His accomplishments included the 1928 and 1930 NCAA mile national titles, a second place finish in that event in 1929, and the 1929 and '30 national AAU championships. He was a member of the winning four mile relay team at the 1930 United States vs. British Empire Games.

- Caricatures of inductees as they appeared while involved in WHS athletics and the synopsis of accomplishments are drawn and written by Jeff Mertes.