Central Washington University Athletics

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (May 9) -- The 1986 Central Washington University men's swimming team captured an NAIA National Championship with 381 points and eight individual titles.
 
The 1986 NAIA National Championship was held in Spokane, Washington.  Led by coach Bob Gregson, Central captured the title, beating out Drury's (Mo.) 335 points.  From 1984-1987, Central Washington and Drury battled for the right to be called national champions with Central taking home the honor in '84, '86, and '87. 
 
In 1986, the Wildcts won the  400-yard freestyle relay with John Dieckman, Stan Vela, Tom Harn, and Tom Edwards with a time of 3:05.04.  They also won the 400-yard medley relay behind Vela, Jeff Hillis, Tamera Myers, and Walter Flury with a time of 3:26.70. The third relay in which the Wildcats claimed first was the 800-yard freestyle relay where Dieckman, Harn, Edwards, and Vela finished with a time of 6:55.09.
 
Hillis won a pair of events.  He claimed the 100-yard breaststroke (57.88) and the 200-yard breaststroke (2:06.26).
 
"As the meet progressed, you kept your eye on every race," Vela said.  "How many swimmers made the final from either school [Drury or CWU].   We were wanting to win the relay as the points were double for each one of them."

Vela was named the 1986 Outstanding Swimmer.  Along with his role in the relays, Vela won the 500-yard freestyle (4:36.92), the 100-yard backstroke (52.55), and the 200-yard backstroke (1:53.78).  He also tied the record for the most individual titles in a single year with three.
 
"Having my friends and family at my last meet in my hometown and winning the national championship," Vela noted when asked about his most memorable CWU swimming moment.  "My grandma and grandpa, parents, siblings, past coaches and friends all came to support us."
 
On being inducted, Vela said, "I'm very excited! As the women's 86 team was inducted in 2017, I was hoping the men's team would too.  It's the greatest honor! The university couldn't give us anything better.  I miss the whole university.  The location, the university lifestyle and the camaraderie of the swimming team. They were like a second family."
 
Vela's advice for students: "Never give up! Manage your time wisely. Be the best you can be. Have fun!"
 
 In addition to the induction of the 1986 NAIA National Champion men's swimming and diving team, 23-time All-American and National Champion swimmer Russell Ferguson, and track and field National Champion Krissy Tandle-Richerson will be inducted at the Wildcat Gala and Athletics Hall of Fame.  The program will include dinner, hosted bar, and a silent and live auction to raise funds for Wildcat Athletics.  For questions, please call Brianna Bischof at 509-963-2021.