ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Seventh Annual Wildcat Alumni Challenges begins Thursday, October 1.

Central Washington University Athletics announced the start of the 7th Annual Wildcat Alumni Challenge.  The Challenge is a competition between CWU sports teams to determine which team can achieve the highest percentage of former student-athletes giving back between October 1 and December 1.

The first $25 of each gift will go to the Wildcat Athletic Fund and will count as participation in the challenge. Anything above that amount can be designated directly to the CWU athletic program of their choice. Contributions from dual- and multi-sport alumni will count toward each sport played.

"The Wildcat Alumni Challenge continues to grow each and every year.  Although the financial impact is certainly important, the bigger goal is to grow the number of former student-athletes engaging and supporting their alma mater," said CWU Athletics Director Dennis Francois.  "We also hope that our current student-athletes will realize that their opportunity at Central is made possible, in part, through the generosity and support of those that came before them.  And, they too, will have the opportunity to pay it forward when they graduate."

The team with the highest percentage of former student-athletes giving back will receive $5,000, the team that has the highest number of former student-athletes giving receives $2,500, and the team that raises the highest amount of money through the Challenge receives $2,500.  Since 2014, the Wildcat Alumni Challenge has made an incredible difference in the Central student-athlete experience, raising over $230,000 through the generosity of former Wildcat student-athletes.  

Athletics is also sponsoring a Virtual Homecoming on October 17 in lieu of the cancelled CWU homecoming game.  To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets click HERE.

To participate in the Wildcat Alumni Challenge, click HERE.