ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Athletics is excited to announce the 2026 class of the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame: Jean and Joe Adams (Spirit of Central), Catie Fry (Volleyball), Zak Hill (Football), and Dr. Richard Roux (Meritorious Service). These five honorees will be enshrined as the 43rd CWU Athletic Hall of Fame Class on Saturday, May 2, 2026, inside Nicholson Arena.
"This year's Hall of Fame class is a testament to our student-athletes and their ability to achieve on a national level, and at the same time honoring those who support our student-athletes through their generosity and service", said Director of Athletics Dr. Dennis Francois. "It would be impossible for our student-athletes to achieve at the level Catie and Zak did without people like Jean and Joe Adams and Dr. Roux."
2026 CWU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS
Jean and Joe Adams (Spirit of Central):
Jean and Joe Adams have been steadfast supporters of Central Washington University for more than 17 years. Both Jean and Joe have served on the CWU Foundation Board of Directors and Jean served as the President of the Wildcat Athletic Association from 2018-2023. The impact they have had on the Central student-athlete experience has been significant in both the classroom and in competition. In addition to supporting the renovation of Tomlinson Stadium in 2018, Jean and Joe contributed generously to the recent Nicholson Pavilion Renovation Project. As part of CWU's comprehensive Health Education Project, the renovation represents a transformational upgrade to one of the University's most iconic facilities, an investment the Adams felt strongly about helping bring to life.
"These upgrades were long overdue, and we hope that current students, future students, alumni, faculty and fans are as excited as we are to see and use the new facility," they shared. Their generosity established two prominent naming opportunities within the renovated pavilion: the Jean and Joe Adams Atrium in the main lobby and the Sheila Hyatt Athletics Administrative Office Suite, named in honor of Jean's late mother.
Both Jean and Joe credit influential mentors who taught them the importance of giving back and "paying it forward" once they were able to support others, an ethos that has guided their philanthropic relationship with CWU. Jean, a 1988 CWU alumna with a degree in finance. The Adams were honored as CWU Alumni Philanthropists of the Year in 2022, and Jean earned recognition as the 2016 CWU College of Business Distinguished Alumni. Their enduring commitment and deep affection for the University continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of CWU students and student-athletes.
Catie Fry (Volleyball), Tacoma, WA (2011-2015):
One of the most accomplished setters in program history, Catie Fry left an indelible mark on CWU Volleyball during her five years donning the crimson and black. Fry ranks second all-time in program history in total assists and remains among the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's statistical leaders, finishing her career 11th in GNAC history with 3,820 assists and 12th in assists per set at 10.27. Her consistency and high-level play earned her numerous accolades, including First Team All-GNAC honors in 2013, 2014, and 2015, following an Honorable Mention selection in her freshman season. Fry excelled academically as well, earning Academic All-GNAC recognition in 2015.
Nationally renowned for her playmaking abilities, Fry was named an AVCA First Team All-West Region selection in 2014 and received AVCA Honorable Mention All-West Region honors in 2013 and 2015. She was also a three-time AVCA Honorable Mention All-American. Her breakout early in her career was highlighted by a GNAC Player of the Week award during the week of October 8–14, 2012. Fry's leadership and skill set the standard for excellence within the program, and she remains one of the most decorated student-athletes ever to compete for CWU Volleyball.
Zak Hill (Football), Battle Ground, WA (1999-2003):
Zak Hill stands among the greatest quarterbacks in the history of CWU Football, finishing his career near the top of nearly every major passing category. Hill ranks third all-time in passing yards with 8,882, passing touchdowns with 76, total offense with 8,485 yards, and total touchdowns with 79. He also completed 729 passes during his Wildcat career—third-most in program history—and posted a career completion percentage of 60.2, the fourth-highest in school history. His 2002 season remains one of the most prolific ever by a CWU quarterback, as Hill threw for 2,694 yards and 22 touchdowns while setting the single-season completion percentage record at 67.9 percent. That same year, he helped lead the Wildcats to an 11–1 record and their first NCAA Division II playoff appearance. Hill's on-field success earned him Third Team All-American honors from Don Hansen's Football Gazette in 2002, as well as All-West Region recognition from Daktronics, D2Football.com, and Don Hansen's publication. He was a two-time All-GNAC selection during the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Hill's coaching career began as a student assistant at Eastern Washington University, launching a path that would take him through both high school and Division I football. He first served as the Offensive Coordinator at Hillsboro High School before being promoted to Head Coach, leading the program to a 6–5 season in 2008. Hill returned to Eastern Washington as the Passing Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, helping guide one of the top FCS offenses in the country over six seasons. He then moved to Boise State as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, contributing to multiple 10-win seasons, before accepting the same role at Arizona State, where he helped elevate the Sun Devils' offense with nationally recognized quarterback development through Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Hill later became Head Coach at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, leading the Sabercats to the 2023 Arizona 6A State Championship. He spent the 2024 season as an Offensive Assistant with the Seattle Seahawks before returning to Boise State as Pass Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, helping the Broncos capture the 2025 Mountain West Championship.
Dr. Richard Roux (Meritorious Service):
For nearly three decades, Dr. Richard Roux served as the CWU Team Orthopedic Surgeon volunteering countless hours annually to provide care and guidance for student-athletes and athletic trainers, making him an invaluable part of the Wildcat athletic department. Specializing in sports medicine with particular emphasis on knee and shoulder procedures, Roux treated hundreds of CWU student-athletes, coaches, and administrators throughout his career. Known for his expertise in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, Roux averaged over 100 knee replacements per year while practicing with Orthopedics Northwest—now a part of Multicare—where he served from 1990 until retiring in 2022.
Roux's distinguished academic and medical background includes bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University, followed by medical school at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He completed his internship at the UC San Diego Medical Center and his orthopedic residency within the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program. Roux continued his training with a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. His decades of service, expertise, commitment, and his impact on the health and careers of countless Wildcats is immeasurable.
The 2026 CWU Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will celebrate these five outstanding individuals and their lasting contributions to Wildcat Athletics.
