Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony celebrates excellence, generosity

Central Washington University Athletics celebrated another memorable evening of recognition and support on May 2, as alumni, student-athletes, donors, and friends gathered at Nicholson Arena for the 2026 Wildcat Gala and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony.

The annual event brought together members of the Wildcat community to honor distinguished student-athlete alumni and supporters whose contributions have left a lasting impact on CWU Athletics, while also raising critical funds to support current and future student-athletes. Throughout the evening, the room was filled with stories and shared experiences that brought generations of Wildcats together.

“Every year is a little bit different,” said CWU Athletic Director Dennis Francois. “One thing that was pretty amazing this year was having Deputy Athletics Director Mario Andaya be our master of ceremonies, and it was his connection to each of the inductees that made it even more special.”

Andaya served as the head volleyball coach at CWU for 30 years before stepping into a new role in late 2025.

The 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony recognized five remarkable inductees for their excellence across competition, service, and philanthropy within Wildcat Athletics.

Jean and Joe Adams (Gary Frederick Spirit of Central) — For more than 17 years, Jean (’88) and Joe Adams have made a lasting impact across CWU. Each has served on the CWU Foundation Board of Directors, with Jean also leading as President of the Wildcat Athletic Association from 2018 to 2023. Their generous support has helped transform campus facilities, including the 2018 renovation of Tomlinson Stadium and the recent Nicholson Pavilion renovation project. Jean and Joe were recognized as CWU Alumni Philanthropists of the Year in 2022, and Jean was also honored as the College of Business Distinguished Alumna in 2016. Together, the Adams’ continued investment strengthens the student-athlete experience and the future of Wildcat Athletics.

Catie Fry (Volleyball, 2011–2015) — One of the most accomplished setters in program history, Catie Fry ranks second all-time with 3,820 assists and 11th in GNAC history. Fry earned three First Team All-GNAC selections and numerous AVCA All-American accolades with her combined elite playmaking and academic excellence. Fry is one of the most decorated CWU student-athletes to take the court.

Zak Hill (Football, 1999–2003) — Zak Hill ranks among the top quarterbacks in CWU history, finishing with 8,882 passing yards and 76 touchdowns while leading the Wildcats to their first NCAA Division II playoff appearance in 2002. A two-time All-GNAC selection and All-American honoree, he went on to a successful coaching career at the Division I level and served as Offensive Assistant with the Seattle Seahawks.

Dr. Richard Roux (Meritorious Service) — For nearly 30 years, Dr. Richard Roux served as CWU’s team orthopedic surgeon, volunteering countless hours to care for student-athletes and support athletic trainers. A respected specialist with Orthopedics Northwest, he is known for his expertise in minimally invasive knee replacement and trained at institutions including Stanford, UC San Diego, and Harvard. His dedication to sports medicine and the Wildcat community has been vital to the success of the program.

As this year’s Hall of Fame class was celebrated, a strong sense of team morale filled Nicholson Arena. Typically a space for boisterous competition, the Wildcat Gala transformed the venue into a lively gathering of shared purpose.

Attendees bid in silent auctions, raised their paddles, and dashed across the court for donated desserts, all in the name of directly supporting student-athletes. This year’s event also invited donors to purchase sweepstakes entries in support of a Central sports team selected at random.

Wildcat Women’s Basketball won the lucky draw to receive $5,000, donated by Jean and Joe Adams. In addition, the sweepstakes raised over $3,300 for the event fund. In total, the 152 guests raised just over $155,000 to fund scholarships, team resources, and other program needs for Wildcat student-athletes.

The evening’s generosity reflected the strong sense of belonging within the Wildcat community.

“We want our guests to feel a sense of pride that comes with being associated with Wildcat Athletics,” Francois said. “This is a special event, and honoring those who have made meaningful contributions to our success and history strengthens the long-term success and support of CWU Athletics.”

Traditions like the Wildcat Gala and Athletic Hall of Fame remain vital touchstones for all, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future of Wildcat student-athletes.

Learn more about the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at WildcatSports.com.