2025 Wildcat Gala & Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Nicholson Arena
Ellensburg, Wash.
Doors Open at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75 per individual or you can buy a table of 8 for $850
You can purchase tickets by clicking HERE
Can't make the Gala? No worries, you can help support CWU Athletics by following THIS LINK to show your support and donate!
All money raised during the Wildcat Gala auction supports CWU Student-Athlete Scholarships
This year's inductees include Jason Patterson, Carianne Davis Ferencik, Mary Lindquist Herche, and John Picha.
Jason Patterson (Football), Enumclaw, WA (1998-2001):
Patterson was a member of the CWU Football Team from 1998 through 2001, during which he built one of the most decorated careers Wildcat football history. He has since embraced a career in education and currently teaches math at Enumclaw Middle School in his hometown.
Patterson's illustrious career places him among CWU Football's all-time greats, with his name appearing in 15 different top-10 categories. He is the program's all-time leader in career pass breakups with 49 and is tied for the most passes defended in a single season with 20 in 2001. His record of 22 career interceptions stood until this past fall. Patterson ranks second in career interception return yards (306), second in career interception return touchdowns (3), and is tied for second in single-season interception return touchdowns in a season (2 in 2000). Additionally, he ranks third in single season interceptions (11 in 2001), is tied for third for the longest interception return (99 yards vs. Western Oregon), and is tied for third in single-game punt returns (6 at Montana Western). He also ranks fifth in career kick return yards (838), sixth in single season kick return average (30.38 yards per return in 1999), tied for sixth in career punt (44), eighth in career punt return yards (416), eighth in career yards per kick return (23.28), and ninth in single season passes defended (13 in 1999).
Patterson's stellar 2001 season earned him First Team AP All-American honors, as well as First Team Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-American, Second Team Daktronics All-American, and Third Team D2Football.com All-American recognition. He was named the first-ever GNAC Defensive Player of the Year, earned First Team All-GNAC honors, and was selected to the D2Football.com All-West Region Team.
Carianne Davis Ferencik (Women's Swimming), Port Orchard, WA (1994-97):
Ferencik swam for the Wildcats from 1993 to 1997 before graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Elementary Education. After graduation, she taught in the Bremerton School District for eight years and has spent the past 17 years teaching in the Peninsula School District.
Ferencik specialized in breaststroke and medley events and served as a four-year letterwinner, captaining the team in 1996. She is one of the most decorated swimmers in CWU history, earning 21 All-American honors—the second-most in program history. Of those, seven were individual honors, and 14 came as part of relay teams.
Ferencik became the NAIA National Champion in the 200-yard freestyle in 1996, clocking a time of 1:54.85. She earned five All-American honors in 1994 (one individual, four relay), four in 1995 (one individual, three relay), six in 1996 (two individual, four relay), and six in 1997 (three individual, three relay). Her 200-yard freestyle school record was set during her national championship swim.
Mary Lindquist Herche (Spirit of Central), Seattle, WA (1968-1972):
Lindquist Herche attended CWU from 1968 to 1972, earning a degree in Home Economics and Secondary Education with minors in Elementary Education and Physical Education. During her time at CWU, working as a student in the Athletics Office, she worked with legendary Wildcats such as Adrian Beamer, Abe Poffenroth, Tom Parry, Dean Nicholson, Gary Frederick, Eric Beardsley, Gary Smith, Dorothy Purser, Jean Putnam, Pat Lane, Keith Gilbertson, Eric Schooler, and Dave Heaverlo to name a few.
As the daughter of CWU Hall of Famer Walter "Swede" Lindquist (Class of 1986), Lindquist Herche becomes the first known daughter to join a parent in the Hall of Fame. Her college years preceded Title IX, fueling her lifelong advocacy for women in sports. After graduation, she coached multiple sports at the junior high and high school levels, including volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, track & field, cheer, pep club, and even boys' baseball.
She later helped form an informal alumni group in Seattle, fostering connections between CWU graduates. In 1987, after her second child was born, she turned her focus to volunteering specifically in the areas of education, youth development, housing for low income, and care and protection of children at risk, eventually finding her focus in the field of fundraising.
In the early 2000's, Mary started engaging with CWU Athletics to bolster their fundraising efforts after learning of their need in the area and to honor her father. She joined the Athletic Support Board alongside CWU Hall of Famers John Delaney and Jean Putnam working to increase support and recognition for student-athletes especially for women's sports in CWU Athletics. Her contributions helped in the creation of an live and silent auction at the annual golf fundraiser with the support of Mike Lambert, owner of the Washington Athletic Supply. The live and silent auction were moved to the yearly Hall of Fame event, and remain a part of the department's core fundraising initiatives.
Beyond CWU, she has made lasting impacts on St. Anne School, Holy Names Academy, O'Dea High School, Gonzaga University, the Junior League of Seattle, Childhaven, Rebuilding Together, Washington Women's Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Magnolia, holding leadership roles and earning numerous awards for her dedication.
John Picha (Coach), Puyallup, WA (1988-2024):
Picha, a 1993 CWU graduate, played two seasons on the Wildcats' offensive line after transferring from Wenatchee Valley College. He earned Honorable Mention All-Columbia Football Association honors as a center, helping CWU set a conference record with 34 rushing touchdowns in his senior season. He was also awarded the team's Best Blocker Award.
Picha began coaching at CWU as a graduate assistant in 1988, working with tight ends. From 1990 to 1993, he served as a part-time assistant coaching defensive linemen before becoming a full-time assistant. He later coached linebackers before assuming the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach roles in 1996.
Picha also served as CWU's head track and field coach from 1995 to 1999, earning PNWAC Men's Coach of the Year honors in 1995 after leading the Wildcats to a conference title and a 17th-place finish at the NAIA National Championships.
During Picha's football coaching tenure, CWU compiled a 263-117-2 record, with a 166-50-1 conference mark and a 14-13-1 postseason record. The Wildcats won the 1995 NAIA National Championship and made multiple playoff appearances. Picha was named the 2002 AFCA NCAA Division II Offensive Coordinator of the Year after leading CWU to an 11-1 record and its first NCAA postseason appearance.
In 2013, Picha served as interim head coach, guiding CWU to a 7-4 record. He worked under seven head coaches, including CWU Hall of Famer Mike Dunbar, and recently served as assistant head coach under Chris Fisk.
Thank you for your support!
