Vi·King /ˈvīkiNG/ (n):
A determined individual who competes with integrity and strives for excellence in the classroom, in competition, on campus, and in the community.
VIKING ATHLETICS
A DEPARTMENT OF EXCELLENCE
Keep scrolling or click on the headings below to jump to each section
I. EXCELLENCE in the Classroom
III. EXCELLENCE on Campus
IV. EXCELLENCE in the Community
VI. EXCELLENCE in Tradition and Alumni
VII. EXCELLENCE in Game Day Experience
VIII. EXCELLENCE in Communication
GO VIKS!
WE ARE VIKINGS
Viking Athletics is committed to the whole student-athlete experience, providing resources for students to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in academics, competition, campus involvement, and community service. No matter who we are or where we come from, once we join the WWU community, we are all Vikings. GO VIKS!
EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM
Viking Athletics is dedicated to excellence in the classroom. During the shortened 2019-20 season, our teams produced a record 111 GNAC Academic All-Conference honors, 30 prestigious GNAC FAR Awards (awarded for maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.85), 18 academic all-region honors, 9 CoSIDA Academic District 8 honors, and 2 Academic All-Americans. WWU's 15 intercollegiate varsity sport programs (nearly 300 students) combined for a 3.29 GPA, with 14 of the 15 teams recording at least a 3.00 team GPA.
NCAA Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence
In three of the last four years, the commitment and success of our student-athletes has led to Viking Athletics receiving the NCAA Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. The award is given to those programs which record a 90% academic success rate or higher (as measured by the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment). Out of 300+ DII institutions across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Western is one of six public institutions to earn the award in 2020.
"It is a true honor to see Western Washington University on this list of schools to earn the NCAA Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. This is a prestigious award that embodies what our student-athletes, coaches and staff strive for by achieving envious graduation rates. To earn this honor three of the last four years stresses how hard our student-athletes work in the classroom, while also maintaining excellence across the board in competition. I congratulate everyone that has worked towards this academic success and proud of how they represent WWU." - Steve Card, WWU Director of Athletics
WWU student-athletes graduate at higher rate
Using federal rate criteria (based on a six-year cohort (2010-13) as prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education), Viking student-athletes entering from 2010 to 2013 graduated at a 84 percent rate, compared to 69 percent for the full set of freshmen entering WWU in that period. Over the past two cohort periods, Viking student-athletes had a graduation rate 13% and 15% percent higher compared to the general student body.
"To be able to balance the academic rigors of WWU along with being a high-level student-athlete, and achieving this level of success speaks volumes on the quality of our programs, and the coaches and student-athletes that work so hard to be the very best at everything they do, both on the field and in the classroom." - Steve Card, WWU Director of Athletics
EXCELLENCE IN COMPETITION
Viking Athletics carries a rich legacy of excellence in competition. Since joining the NCAA DII ranks 21 years ago, Western has won 10 team national championships (11 overall) with the most recent being won by Women’s Rowing (2017), Women’s Soccer (2016) and Men’s Basketball (2012). Viking Athletics has also produced 46 All-Americans over the last four years and has won 59 Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships.
GNAC Dominance
Western has dominated the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) since its founding in 2001, placing either first or second in the All-Sports Championship Award (given for overall excellence in athletics over a given year) all 19 possible years, winning the award in 12 of those years, including eight in a row from 2008-2016. In the shortened 2019-20 season, the Vikings were on pace for their best year in history, sweeping all five fall GNAC Team Championships and winning seven out of nine possible championships (Men's and Women's Cross Country, Volleyball, Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's Indoor Track & Field, and Men's Basketball). Western has won 59 GNAC titles in its history.
NCAA Championship Experience
The regatta is quite impressive. It is always well run and the hosts do a great job. We enjoy seeing programs across the three divisions and from all corners of the USA. Our unmistakable colors of blue and hi-vis yellow on our uniforms and equipment is fun too. I believe the team enjoys the situation. They earned the right to attend and compete from the year's hard work and dedication. It's the pinnacle of competition. But its also a rewarding fun time for them. A chance to finish the season on top and race the best in the country is the dream they all aspire to. We emphasize fun throughout the year and racing at the NCAA championship is fun, indeed. - Rowing Head Coach John Fuchs on what is so special about the national regatta.
The Vikings have won 11 total National Championships in their storied history. 10 of those championships are at the DII level and have come in the past 15 years, with Women's Rowing winning a historic seven in a row from 2005-2011. The Vikings have also hosted their share of NCAA championship tournament games. In 2019 the Women's Soccer team defeated Dixie State at Harrington Field to advance to the final four. WECU Court and Viking Volleyball hosted the 2018 West Regional tournament, defeating Cal State San Bernardino to advance to the Elite 8. Our world class venues provide the perfect setting for championship level competition.
Top 50 in the Learfield Directors' Cup
The Learfield IMG Directors' Cup honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men’s and women’s. Viking Athletics has finished in the top 50 in the NCAA II Learfield Directors' Cup standings in 15 of the past 16 years, and in the top 20 in eight of the last 12 years. WWU's highest finish was 6th place in 2009-10 and 7th place in 2010-11. The Vikings ranked #2 in the final fall rankings of the 2019-20 standings, their highest ranking in fall history.
All-Americans
Viking Athletics sees some of the nation's finest athletes walk through our doors. Through their hard work and the hard work of our coaches, strength trainers and athletic trainers, WWU has produced 46 All-Americans in just the last four years alone.
A Legacy of Excellence
“The excellence of our student-athletes, coaches and staff reaches far beyond our great success in competition. The history of our athletic department has been built by achieving excellence at the conference, regional and national level in a number of areas. We have reached the pinnacle of academic success with envious graduation rates, been upstanding member of the community representing Western Washington University in a positive manner and shown great character at every step in the process of nurturing the student-athlete experience.” - Steve Card, Director of Athletics
EXCELLENCE ON CAMPUS
Viking Athletics is committed to excellence on campus. Sports are cultural events bringing people together from all communities and demographics. On campus, they act as hubs for student engagement, a space for campus groups to interact with the Bellingham community, and an opportunity to highlight other campus events. We aren't only student-athletes, though. We are all part of the WWU family. Through active engagement and cultural awareness, we are constantly seeking ways to highlight and add to the rich diversity of our campus community. Outside of athletic events, our spirit squad (Mascot, Band, and Cheer) loves to bring energy to various spaces around campus. Through our energy, we hope to promote more active engagement by students and create a greater sense of camaraderie across campus and the Bellingham community. We love promoting school spirit to all corners of our amazing community to highlight and celebrate all the incredible events, achievements, and people WWU has to offer.
Paint B'ham Blue for WWU
Viking Athletics plays a big role in one of the largest campus/community events - Paint B'ham Blue for WWU. Partnering with the Alumni Association, there is nothing we love more than promoting school spirit and bringing our energy to celebrate the entire student body.
EXCELLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
Viking Athletics believes in contributing excellence within the community. We believe it is important to give back to the local community. Most of our student-athletes are not originally from the area and Bellingham has become their adopted home. We take great pride in returning the love those in the community have shown us and look to give back any way we can. Some of the many community service projects Viking Athletics has been involved with over the years:
- Toys for Tots Donation Drive
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Cornwall at the Mall
- Local school outreach: Assemblies, programs, PE classes, volunteer opportunities
- WWU Track & Field and XC Food Drive
- Camp Phoenix Burned Children Recovery Foundation
- Alderwood Elementary School Day
- City of Bellingham Service Days
- Bellingham Food Bank Drives
- WWU Volleyball Youth Clinics
- Boys and Girls Club of Bellingham – outreach and partnering on games / clinics
- Annual Pink Night games for PeaceHealth St. Joseph
- Coaches vs. Cancer for PeaceHealth St. Joseph
- WWU Cheer Youth Clinics
Vikings in the Global Community
Collegiate athletics holds the power to connect the greater world to a very specific place. When we go out into the global community, we are a direct link between the world and WWU. Our unique position as a highly visible member of the university gives us the ability to shine a light on the entirety of what WWU has to offer - our campus, various academic programs, university culture, and Bellingham in general. We highlight the very best Western Washington University brings to the table, carrying its culture with us, sharing the values of the university, and acting as ambassadors for Western wherever we go.
“We have always known we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. So it is a special feeling to represent our university and the GNAC Conference at Regional and National tournaments. For some people, it is their introduction and the only interaction they have with Western Washington University, and our student-athletes do a great job of taking that opportunity to show what WWU is all about! We are so proud of the people who walk the halls of our gym.” - Diane Flick-Williams, Volleyball Head Coach
EXCELLENCE IN COACHING
Viking Athletics boasts a lineage of unparalleled excellence in coaching with some of the more iconic names in the sports lexicon of the Pacific Northwest having ties to WWU. The current group of coaches have a combined 156 years of head coaching experience at WWU, with five of them having over 20 years as the heads of their respective programs. They have taken the success of those who came before them and have elevated Viking Athletics to even greater levels of success never before seen in program history. While our coaches have guided their programs to success in competition, if you ask any one of them, the thing they would be most proud of is their leadership and guidance of our student-athletes in life. All our coaches speak of their teams as family - championing the values of support. They care about teaching life skills that translate to all areas of life and helping our student-athletes find excellence in all phases of their lives.
Coaching Legends Series
"Coaching Legends" is a new and currently ongoing series looking at the achievements and legacy of our coaches. It highlights their leadership and successes of their teams and student-athletes both in competition and in the classroom. Look for more from our "Coaching Legends" series as we continue to showcase the legacy our coaches are creating right before our eyes.
Past Greats
Lynda Goodrich
Lynda Goodrich posted a 411-125 record in 19 seasons (1971-90) as women's basketball coach, never having a losing season, reaching post-season play 18 times and winning 20 games 13 times. A finalist for National Division II Coach of the Year honors in 1981 and 1982, she directed the Vikings to two quarterfinal finishes at the NAIA National Tournament; and three regional titles and subsequent trips to the AIAW Nationals. Goodrich, who has received numerous sports administration honors, has already been inducted into five Hall of Fames - the NAIA, WWU Athletics, Northwest Women's Sports, Snohomish County Athletics and Lake Stevens High School Athletics. Lynda was also named both WWU's Sports Impact Person of the Century (1900-99) and Female Coach of the Century (1900-99). In addition to becoming just the third NAIA women's basketball coach to reach 400 milestone in career victories, she also served 26 years as WWU Director of Athletics. Under her direction, Vikings won nine national championships and another nine individual national titles and posted five straight top 15 finishes (2008-13) in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup Division II National All-Sports standings.
"I never thought of myself as a pioneer, but it happened that I participated and coached at the very beginning of women's sports and Title IX. A lot has been accomplished and I helped lead the charge," - Lynda Goodrich, former Women's Basketball Head Coach and Director of Athletics
Chuck Randall
Chuck Randall posted a 275-186 record in his 18 seasons at Western Washington University from 1962 to 1981. Randall's best WWU team was the 1971-72 squad that finished 26-4 and reached the national quarterfinals, winning conference and NAIA District 1 titles. His many honors include NAIA Area I Coach of the Year (1972), NAIA District 1 Coach of the Year (1966, 1971, 1972) and Evergreen Conference Coach of the Year (1966, 1971, 1972, 1975). He was elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1985, and was selected as WWU's Men's Coach of the Century (1900-1999) in 1999. He is also a member of the Washington State Basketball Coaches and both WWU and EWU Athletics halls of fame. Randall also began the first summer basketball camp in the state during the 1960s and is recognized by many as the inventor of the Slam-Dunk Rim.
"UCLA had its John Wooden, Western had its Chuck Randall. He was a great coach and an even better person. He had a knack for making people feel better about themselves and bringing people together." - Paul Madison, WWU Historian
Brad Jackson
Brad Jackson directed WWU Men's Basketball to 19 national post-season appearances, winning the NCAA II national title in 2012 and reaching the national semifinals in 2001. The Vikings had 12 20-win seasons during Jackson's tenure, including a school-record four straight in the late 1980s. Jackson ranks third among the winningest collegiate basketball coaches in state of Washington history with 518 victories, and is one of just five to reach the 500 mark.
"He has been a great asset to our athletic program, to the university, and to the community in ways that go well beyond his outstanding success on the court...he leaves having established a legacy of one of the top programs in all of Division II." - Lynda Goodrich, former Director of Athletics
Dominic Garguile
Dominic Garguile coached the Vikings for 10 seasons from 1981 to 1990, posting a record of 106-43-12. During that stretch, Western won 38 straight games over a span of three seasons from Sept. 26, 1982, to Oct. 28, 1984. The streak was the longest nationally among all collegiate divisions other than NCAA Division I until 1996 and was Western's record for 34 years (2017). Garguile's teams reached post-season play nine times, winning three consecutive NAIA District 1 titles from 1983 to 1985. In 1983, Western was 14-0-0, only the second team in school history for all sports to finish unbeaten and untied. The Northwest Collegiate Soccer Conference Coach of the Year in 1983 and district Coach of the Year in 1984, Garguile coached 15 All-Americans at Western and several district and region all-stars. Five of his players have been inducted into the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame.
"Dominic was a frontrunner in the support of women in athletics. His enthusiasm and perseverance opened so many doors for the women of my generation, on the early side of Title IX at the college level. I will be forever thankful for Dominic's dedication and commitment to building the foundation of WWU Women's Soccer. I will always remember him running up and down the sideline during games cheering his players on! Classic Dom coaching style - a fabulous, loving and high integrity man." - Annette Duvall, former player of Garguile's and WWU's Women's Soccer Player of the Century for 1900-99
Steve Card
Prior to being selected as WWU's sixth Director of Athletics in 2014 (was interim AD in 2013-14), Steve Card spent his first 23 years at Western as the head coach of the men's golf program and was also the Associate Director of Athletics for business and financial affairs. Card led the Vikings to 12 national appearances including six straight from 1995 to 2000. He was named league Coach of the Year 10 times, earning GNAC honors six times, and four times was selected NCAA Division II West Region Coach of the Year. He was named WWU Men's Golf Coach of the Century (1900-99) and coached 27 All Americans. In June 2020, Card was also appointed the chair of the NCAA Division II Championships Committee - an oversight group responsible for administering policies and procedures surrounding the 25 NCAA Division II championship.
"Coach Card taught me loyalty, integrity, etiquette, and how to live life. He helped me improve my game each year I was at WWU. I would not have the highlights in golf that I experienced if it weren't for Steve Card believing in me." - Former WWU Golfer Craig Welty
EXCELLENCE IN TRADITION AND ALUMNI
Viking Athletics has an excellence of tradition and connection with alumni. The history of Viking Athletics spans 116 years, with thousands of student-athletes being a part of our program. The stories, moments, athletes and legacy of these programs is part of a rich tapestry of athletics in the Pacific Northwest. The connection between alumni and the program is something we take pride in fostering and keeping alive. The shared experience of past student-athletes and current ones offers a unique bond that elevates excellence in everyone.
Viking Hall of Fame
The WWU Hall of Fame is the second-oldest among Pacific Northwest colleges and universities. On January 27, 1968, the inaugural induction took place during halftime of a basketball game at Sam Carver Gymnasium. Inducted that night were Sam Carver, Boyd Staggs, Bill Wright, Chuck Erickson, Norm Hash, Robert Tisdale and Norm Dahl. The next induction did not take place until 1974, but since then it has become an annual event. In 1989, the Western Athletics Department and the WWU Alumni Association worked together to create the WWU Athletic Hall of Fame Room, located in the Viking Union Building on Western's campus. In the fall of 2017, the hall of fame was moved to the Hall of Fame Room inside Carver Gymnasium. WWU’s Athletic Hall of Fame has inducted 145 members that span the 116-year history of Western’s athletic programs.
Carver Memories
A collection of long form stories written by Viking Athletics Historian and former Sports Information Director Paul Madison. Paul engages in conversations with former Viking student-athletes, coaches and staff to share the stories of WWU Athletics incredible history.
To see all the incredible Carver Memories stories, click the button below.
A Strong Connection with Alumni
Once A Viking, Always a Viking. The Viking alumni community is a vital component of Viking Athletics. They pass down a legacy of excellence and offer a support system like no other. Through reunions and celebrations at games and events, we keep this important connection alive and thriving.
Pro Viks
There have been many Viking athletes that have gone on to play professionally after their time at WWU. Their hard work and the dedication and leadership of our coaches and staff set them up to do great things beyond their time here. We are proud of all our former student-athletes who have gone on to have successful careers in athletics. See the comprehensive list of professional athletes that played a sport for Western Washington University.
Viking Night
Viking Night is a celebration of all things Viking Athletics. It is a chance for those who are passionate about Viking Athletics to come together to support the student-athletes and celebrate the department. Viking Night is recognized as one of the premier social events in Whatcom County, with a huge gathering of Western boosters attending each year.
"Viking Night is always one of our most cherished events of the year, where we are able to bring together so many great people with the same common goal of supporting our amazing student-athletes," - Steve Card, Director of Athletics
EXCELLENCE IN GAME DAY EXPERIENCE
Viking Athletics showcases excellence with every gameday experience. There is nothing like cheering on a soccer match at Harrington Field, participating in the roar of the crowd at a basketball or volleyball game in Carver Gym, soaking up the view at Viking Field for a softball doubleheader, hitting up a track meet at Civic Stadium, regatta on Lake Samish, cross country meet out in Sudden Valley, or golf tournament at the Bellingham Country Club. Excellence can be found everywhere - in our fans, through our cheer squad and band, in our on campus venues, and from our game day crews. Everyone is dedicated to making the gameday experience memorable and fun, for both athletes and fans.
Fans Like No Other
World Class on Campus Venues
Viking Athletics believes our student-athletes deserve a stage that matches their hard work. Our venues are designed for competitive excellence. From the energy on WECU Court at Carver Gym to the action at Harrington and Viking Fields, these spaces offer an intimate, high-quality experience for the community to come together and support the Blue and White.
Game Day Crews
Victory on the field starts with excellence on the sidelines. Our Game Day Crew is a powerhouse of dedicated students and staff who bring professional-level precision to the DII stage. From seamless live-stream production and digital play-by-plays to fan engagement that keeps the stands rocking, they are the engine that makes game day possible.
Memorable Moments
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION
Viking Athletics delivers excellence from our communication department. Our main goal is to highlight the achievements of our student-athletes and make our fans feel like they are a part of the experience. Dynamic videos capture the emotion of the moment, graphics enhance the Viking brand, and long-form stories allow for more in-depth interaction. We are our own newsroom. We broadcast our own events. We write our own game stories. We create every single piece of content you see or read involving Viking Athletics.
The Viking Student-Athlete Experience
Capturing the experience of Viking student-athletes is paramount to what we do. Whether it's through dynamic photography, engaging videos or compelling graphics we hope to give our student-athletes the complete collegiate athletic experience and provide access for families and fans.
WWBlue Awards
The WWBlue Awards serve as the crowning event of every season. This celebration honors the past year by highlighting memorable moments, commemorating personal and team achievements, and awarding the Female and Male Athlete and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. While typically held as a picnic on the Old Main lawn, Viking Athletics presented the 2021 awards through a digital prime-time premiere, allowing the community to celebrate these excellence-driven milestones together from home.
Student Interviews
We interview student-athletes all the time in post game interviews, scheduled media sessions, pre and post season previews/reviews to chat about all things athletics and the student-athlete experience.
Viking Voices
The official WWU Athletics Podcast, Viking Voices features interviews with coaches, student-athletes, department staff and more! Topics range from all things Viking Athletics, academics, and the life of a student-athlete. It gives an inside look at WWU Athletics and life at Western Washington University. To listen to all the episodes, follow the link below.
Social Media
Our social media channels are the go to place for all things Viking Athletics. News, pre-, post-, and day of game information, graphics, videos, photos and so much more is constantly being added and the best way to stay up to date with what's going on with all our athletic programs.
We Are Vikings, This is WWU!
Excellence is our tradition. Excellence is our culture. Excellence is who we are. GO VIKS!