The Class of 2003: ATHLETES

MIKE CASHMAN '75 (1973-1975)

As a basketball player from 1973-75, Mike Cashman earned first team all-Northwest Conference, all-District, all-Coast and honorable mention all-America each of his two seasons at Willamette. His honors also included NAIA District II MVP and Willamette’s J.H. Booth Award in 1975 as the outstanding scholar-athlete of his class. At graduation, Mike held the school records for scoring in a single game and career rebound average. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, and played in the Belgium European League in 1976-77. Graduating from Willamette in 1975 with a degree in economics, Mike went on to earn his Master’s degree in education from Lewis & Clark in 1978. He currently is vice president of development for Students in Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization active on more than 1,000 university campuses in 28 countries that works in partnership with business and higher education to help students apply classroom learning to real world working environments.

CYNTHIA PEMBERTON ’80 (1976-1980)

Dr. Cynthia Pemberton attended Willamette from 1976 through 1980, graduating with a dual degree in biology and psychology. During her time on the Bearcats swim team, she was a four-year all Northwest Conference and all-America selection in the 50, 100 and 200 yard backstroke events. Serving as team captain, Cynthia was Willamette’s first ever all-America in swimming and earned Academic all-America honors in both 1979 and 1980. She was named Willamette’s female Athlete of the Year in 1980 and earned her highest national championships finish that same year, placing second in the 200 backstroke. After leaving Willamette, Cynthia coached swimming at University of Nevada, Reno and Linfield College and earned her doctorate from Portland State University in 1996. A noted national author on Title IX and women in sport, Cynthia’s contributions to athletics have continued after graduation as a teacher, coach and administrator. She currently chairs the Education Leadership Department at Idaho State University.

CHUCK PETER ‘56 (1952-1956)

Chuck served the Willamette Athletic Department for more than a quarter century, working at Bearcat football and track & field events as official scoreboard operator, time keeper and course clerk. Missing fewer than five games during his tenure, Chuck was a reliable and exemplary volunteer for the Bearcats until he retired from his duties in 2001. He was given the NAIA District II Meritorious Service Award in 1989 and awarded the Sparks Medallion for service to Willamette University in 2001. Chuck was a member of the Cardinal Round Table for many years and continues as a member of the Bearcat Club. It is not uncommon to see him helping out with Willamette’s band at special events and he has been an active member of the Salem Alumni Club and reunion committees. Chuck graduated from Willamette in 1956 with a degree in music education, and spent 30 years as a teacher and administrator in the Salem-Keizer public school system.

MIKE WARD ‘93 (1989-1993)

Mike Ward was a cornerstone for the success of the 1993 men’s basketball team, leading the Bearcats to the NAIA District II national championship. Crowning his basketball career at Willamette, Mike earned NAIA Division II first team all-America honors in 1993 and was named MVP of the national tournament. He led the Bearcats in scoring and rebounding his senior season, while playing in every game during his four years and starting every game his last three seasons. Mike also earned first team all-Northwest Conference and NAIA District II honors his last two years, and was league and District MVP in 1993. Upon graduation in 1993 with a degree in economics, Mike ranked No. 3 in career shooting, No. 6 in career rebounding and No. 8 in career field goal shooting. His career was notable particularly for his improvement each year, and his selfless, total commitment to the teams he played on.

KATHY KELSO ' 90 ( 1986-1990)

Kathy Kelso was a key ingredient in bringing respect and recognition to the women’s soccer program at Willamette University. An all-Conference and all-NAIA District II Player of the Year twice, and finished her career as the leader in goals scored and assists. After her senior season, Kathy earned NAIA second team all-America honors. She also played one year of basketball for the Bearcats, leading the team in assists that year. Kathy graduated from Willamette in 1990 with a degree in English and now works as an educational consultant.

The Class of 2003: TEAM

1993 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

The first NAIA national championship athletic team at Willamette, these Bearcats won the Northwest Conference, NAIA District II and the NAIA Division II National titles while finishing with a WU all-time best 29-4 record. In addition, they won three of five pre-season tournaments. Head coach Gordie James was named Coach of the Year for District II and NAIA Division II. The team ended the season with a No. 3 national ranking and was undefeated in 14 games in Cone Field House.

The team was deep and strong in all phases of the game, but the primary reasons for their success at the national tournament were defense and balance. With intelligent and aggressive play, they held their four tournament opponents to 40 percent shooting and almost 24 points below their season scoring average. Their opponent in the championship game, Northern State University, was held to 56 points, 38 points below their average.

 

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