McKinney Sets All-Time CWU Football Milestone

Sophomore wide receiver Kent McKinney’s 87-yard touchdown reception, on a pass from quarterback Jake Nelson last Saturday, is now the longest pass play in Central Washington University football history. It's a history that dates back to 1901.

McKinney’s record eclipsed the previous mark set when wide receiver Todd Peterson caught an 84-yard scoring pass from quarterback Jim Hill in 1986. It was matched by wide receiver Nate Brookreson’s 84-yard TD grab from quarterback Brian Baugh in 2004. Hill also connected on a non-scoring 83-yard pass to wide out Bret Collins in 1987. In addition, tight end Jared Bronson caught an 83-yard TD from quarterback Mike Reilly in 2007.

Before starting his career in the National Football League, quarterback Jon Kitna connected on three passes of 80 yards, or more, during his Wildcat career: an 82-yarder to John Balmer, in 1992; and two of 80-yards to Kenny Russaw, one each in 1994 and 1995.

While McKinney’s catch was the longest pass play, it is not CWU’s longest play from scrimmage. Running back Kenny Thompson holds that mark with a 94-yard touchdown run in 1991. The longest play overall belongs to defensive back Pat Maki, who returned an interception 102 yards in 1972.

McKinney is double majoring at CWU in law and justice and political science, with plans to go on to law school.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, director of Public and Media Relations, Department of Athletics, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu