Ken Wilson enters his second season back at CWU in 2014, helping the Wildcats to a 30 win season and runner up finish in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in 2013. As the Wildcats’ recruiting coordinator, Wilson has helped diversify the roster, bringing in players from eight different states for the 2014 team. Wilson also works closely with the Wildcat pitchers, aiding fellow Wildcat Hall of Famer and pitching coach Rob Hippi.
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Wilson has extensive college head coaching experience at three different programs spanning 18 seasons. Most recently, at Yakima Valley Community College, Wilson compiled a 100-41 record, leading the Yaks to the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) Baseball Tournament in 2011 and 2012. In 2012, he guided the Yaks to 34 wins and the NWAACC Eastern Region Championship. Additionally, in 2010, Wilson was named the NWAACC Eastern Region Coach of the Year. This was Wilson’s second stint with the Yaks after serving as an assistant coach from 1999-2001 under then-head coach Bob Garretson Jr.
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Wilson started his coaching career at Centralia College in 1979, where he led the Trailblazers to eight consecutive NWAACC Baseball Tournament appearances. From 1979-86 he compiled an overall record of 203-96-3. Wilson guided Centralia to NWAACC runner-up finishes in 1984 and 1985 as well as NWAACC Western Division Championships in 1985 and 1986. Following his time at Centralia, Wilson began his first stint with the Wildcats. In five seasons as CWU’s head baseball coach, Wilson compiled an overall record of 88-108-1. In 1988, Wilson led the Wildcats to a NAIA World Series berth while also guiding them to NAIA West Coast and NAIA District 1 titles. CWU qualified for the NAIA District 1 playoffs four out of his five seasons in Ellensburg.
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Wilson currently resides in Ellensburg with his wife Meredith. The Wilsons have five children, Amy, Julie, Katie, Scott, and Sophie. Wilson’s son, Scott, is in his third season as an assistant coach with the CWU baseball team. Wilson received his Bachelor’s degree in physical education and biology, as well as, his Master’s degree in education from Linfield College. Wilson went on to get his Principal’s Certification from CWU.
(Updated 2/12/14)
