Two new induction categories added to honor teams and contributors for the first time

Wenatchee High School Athletics, in partnership with The Panther Booster Club, is proud to announce the Panther Hall of Fame Class of 2026 — a milestone class that marks 30 years since the Hall of Fame was established in 1995.

Since its founding, the Hall of Fame has honored 117 athletes, coaches, and administrators who have represented the best of Wenatchee High School Athletics. This year, the Hall of Fame Committee unanimously approved two new induction categories: Teams and Contributors — recognizing that championship programs are built not only by individual athletes, but by the teams and dedicated individuals who make it all possible.

"The Panther Hall of Fame has always been about honoring the people and teams that have made Wenatchee Athletics what it is," said BJ Kuntz, WHS Athletic and Activities Director. "This year feels especially meaningful. Adding the Teams and Contributors categories has been a long time coming — there are so many unsung heroes and legendary teams whose contributions deserve to be recognized alongside our great individual athletes and coaches. This class is a celebration of everything that makes Panther Athletics special."

CLASS OF 2026

TEAMS

1924–27 Track Team - The WHS Panther Track Team won the WIAA State Track Championship for four consecutive years (1923–24 through 1926–27), coached by Coach Moodhe. Wesley Foster broke state records in the 50-yard dash (5.3 seconds), 100-yard dash (9.8 seconds), and the 220-yard dash. Rufus Kiser held the state record in the mile (4:36) and the half-mile. Other standout athletes included Babe Peterson, William Jack, Harry Fenton, Melvin Fuller, and Harold Metzger.

1966 Boys Tennis Team - The Panther Varsity Boys Tennis Team — Dave Law, Mike Cheney, Nick Handy, Stewart Cusick, Larry Corbin, Terry Valdez, and Ron Zielinski — captured the state championship, led by Ron Zielinski's singles title. The team was coached by Jack Brantner.

1970 Football Team - The 1970 Panther Football Team finished the season undefeated with 10 consecutive victories, a record 336 offensive points, seven shutouts, and the Big 8 Championship. They were first in the North Cascades League and first in the state poll— and handed Eastmont a 49–0 defeat in the Bridge of Sportsmanship game. The team was coached by Lee Bofto, Dale Skalisky, Gene Baker, and Tim Harris. Co-captains were Ted Taylor and Rocky Skalisky.

1983 Volleyball Team - The 1983 Panthers brought Wenatchee its first girls state championship. Coached by Jeff Lucas and assistant Marilyn Stewart, the team earned a spot at the WIAA State Tournament in Renton and defeated Kent-Meridian 15–3, 15–3 in the championship match. MVP honors went to Cathy Kuntz; Most Improved to Errin Seale; Most Inspirational was shared by Laura Black and Julie Bernier; and Diane Harper received honorable mention.

2016 Boys Soccer Team - The 2016 Panthers claimed the WIAA 4A State Championship — the first boys soccer state title in school history — defeating Tahoma 1–0. Coached by Dennis Tronson, the team was anchored by a stout defense and a championship goal from senior Miguel Viramontes, assisted by Salvador Chavez. Goalkeeper Raphael Jimenez earned the shutout.

CONTRIBUTORS

Dale Blair - Dale Blair built the WHS Sports Medicine program from the ground up beginning in 1984, developing its curriculum and earning a national reputation for student excellence in athletic training competitions. Blair served on district and national committees, authored articles, and presented at conferences throughout his career. He retired in June 2022 after 38 years of service. Blair is also a member of the NWATA Hall of Fame and the WIAA Hall of Fame, and is the recipient of the NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer, and WSATA Excellence in Service Award.

Ken Murtaugh - Ken Murtaugh has been a fixture in Wenatchee Athletics since arriving in 1972. Beginning in 1974, he served alongside Coach Ed Knaggs as scorekeeper and announcer for Panther Baseball — a role he continues to this day. Murtaugh also worked with Coach Knaggs during legion ball and with the Apple Sox, and helped build the current announcer's booth. He has supported Panther Football and Basketball by running scoreboards and announcing when needed.

Dick Pieper - Dick Pieper served as Sports Editor of the Wenatchee World, where he was celebrated for his storytelling and his deep commitment to covering Wenatchee Athletics. He was a tireless champion of girls sports throughout his career.

ATHLETES

Trey Adams — Class of 2015 | Football & Basketball

Trey earned 5 varsity letters as a Panther earning first team offensive line twice and 1st team defensive line. He was the Big 9 Lineman of the Year and made the all-conference defensive team in Basketball. Trey was recognized as an all-state football player and earned a scholarship to play football at the University of Washington. Trey earned numerous awards at UW including the UW Outstanding Freshman, 1st team All Pac 12 twice and 2nd team All-American. Trey was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2020.

Jessica Wierzbicki — Class of 2017 | Swimming

Jessica earned 4 varsity letters as a Panther swimmer. She was a 4-year state participant, where she was the state champion two times in a row in the 100 yard butterfly. Jessica earned 15 Big 9 first team certificates as well as Big 9 Co-Swimmer of the Year and an All-American. She continues to hold 4 school records. 

Grady Miller — Class of 2016 | Football, Basketball & Baseball

Grady earned 8 varsity letters while a Panther including two trips to the state tournament. Grady was on the Big 9 all-conference 1st team all four years in Baseball; 2x 1st team pitcher, 2x Pitcher of the Year, 3x first base. He was an all-state pitcher his junior and senior year. He currently holds the record for saves in a season and saves in a career. Grady was also a 1st team all-league basketball player where he has the career record for charges taken in a season and career. Grady went on to play college baseball and is currently an assistant coach at the University of San Diego.

VINTAGE

Chris Howell — Class of 1970 | GAA Sports

Chris was Wenatchee High School GAA Girl of the Year in 1970 for her excellence in GAA activities. Once Title IX went into effect, Chris had the opportunity to participate and coach competitive athletics. She played basketball at California State University Fresno and went on to coach basketball as an assistant at UCLA (1975-77) and the University of Minnesota (1977-1987). Chris also played softball with the Fresno Rockets, a premier women’s fastpitch softball team that dominated the amateur game in the mid-20th century. The Rockets became one of the most successful women's teams in US History. She retired after serving 21 years at the University of Minnesota in Athletic Administration.

Induction Ceremony — Saturday, September 19, 2026 

The Class of 2026 will be inducted during Hall of Fame activities held from 1:00–6:00 PM in conjunction with the Panther Football game against South Kitsap. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Additional details will be posted by June 1 at the Wenatchee Athletics website, wenatcheeathletics.com 

For more information, contact Athletic Director BJ Kuntz at kuntz.bj@wenatcheeschools.org or 509-663-8117.