CWU celebrates record year at Wildcat Gala and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony

Central Washington University hosted the 42nd annual Wildcat Gala and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, in Nicholson Arena — and it was a night to remember for everyone involved.

Among the highlights was the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, celebrating the achievements and contributions four remarkable individuals have made to CWU’s rich athletic history: Jason Patterson, Carianne Davis Ferencik, Mary Lindquist Herche, and John Picha.

“It was an honor for us to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of four outstanding inductees,” Director of Athletics Dennis Francois said. “The impact Central Athletics had on each of their lives was unique, and it was incredible to hear how their time at Central helped shape who they are today.”

The four distinguished inductees in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were selected based on their lasting contributions to CWU Athletics.

• Jason Patterson (Football, 1998–2001) — A standout defensive back, Patterson holds CWU's all-time record for career pass breakups (49) and is tied for the most passes defended in a single season (20 in 2001).
• Carianne Davis Ferencik (Women's Swimming, 1993–1997) — One of CWU's most decorated swimmers, Ferencik earned 21 All-American honors — second-most in program history — and was the 1996 NAIA National Champion in the 200-yard freestyle.
• Mary Lindquist Herche (Spirit of Central) — A dedicated alumna and advocate for women's sports, Lindquist Herche becomes the first daughter to join her father, Walter "Swede" Lindquist (Class of 1986), in the CWU Hall of Fame.
• John Picha (Coach) — Picha began coaching football at CWU in 1988 and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 1996 and serving as interim head coach in 2013. He also led the track and field program from 1995 to 1999, leaving a lasting legacy as one of CWU's most beloved coaches.

In addition to the induction ceremony, the Wildcat Gala also featured various fundraisers that are used to support CWU student-athlete scholarships. This year’s event raised over $175,000 in total through tickets sold, live and silent auctions, raise the paddle, and more.

“It was a record night for Wildcat Athletics in terms of the generosity of those who supported and attended the event,” Francois said. “These much-needed resources will assist us in developing future hall of famers.”

Part of the record-breaking fundraising included a crowdfunding campaign to support Lindquist Herche’s induction. Fifty-two donors contributed to the campaign, raising over $30,000.

“I am very humbled and grateful to join the previous Hall of Fame inductees who have come before me,” Lindquist Herche said. “The sports world is changing dramatically, and therefore, another condition I had for accepting this award was that we would make it part of a focused fundraising effort to help support and sustain the future of athletics for both women and men at my alma mater. And those of you who know me understand that is just who I am."

All of the money raised through the May 3 event will support current and future CWU student-athletes. A portion of the funds will support the Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship, a fund started by hall of famers John Kirry and Ken Kladnik approximately 13 years ago that has since grown to over $300,000.

This Endowed Scholarship fund allows athletics to award two student-athletes a Hall of Fame Scholarship each year in the amount of $3,500 each.

Learn more about the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at WildcatSports.com.