Central Washington University Wildcats Football: A Legacy of Gridiron Glory
The Central Washington Wildcats football program boasts a rich and storied history, dating back to the early days of the university. From its humble beginnings as a physical culture class to its current status as a competitive NCAA Division II program, CWU football has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for the game.
Early Years and Intercollegiate Beginnings
The CWU athletics program traces its roots to 1893 with the introduction of a Physical Culture class at the Washington State Normal School (WSNS). The first women’s intercollegiate basketball game, played against the University of Washington in 1895, marked an early milestone. Throughout the 1890s and early 1900s, the WSNS men’s and women’s basketball teams competed against local and regional high schools. In 1909, the Normal School took a significant step forward by hiring a part-time athletics coach to oversee the growing number of sports teams. Later that year, the men’s basketball team played Bellingham Normal School (Western Washington University), marking the first men's inter-collegiate sporting event in the school’s history. The football program itself officially began in 1901.
A Century of Competition: From Early Programs to Division II
This collection contains digitized Football programs of games the Wildcats played from 1923 until 2007, and one Basketball program from 1996. The Central Washington Wildcats program represents Central Washington University in college football at the NCAA Division II level. Since Central Washington moved to Division II, the football program has played eight games in the postseason. The Wildcats are 3-5 in NCAA postseason play.
Memorable Postseason Appearances
The Central Washington University football team earned a postseason berth after finishing the 2021 regular season with an 8-2 record.
2017 Playoff Game Against Texas A&M Commerce
Reilly Hennessey led the undefeated No. 7 Wildcats against No. 8 Texas A&M Commerce in the 'Cats first playoff appearance since 2009. After a 52-yard touchdown pass from Commerce, Hennessey found Kyle Self in the second quarter, capping off a seven-play drive to give CWU a 21-7 lead. In the second half, however, Commerce scored 21 unanswered points, tying the game at 28-28. Commerce kicked a 38-yard field goal in the opening overtime possession. Central responded with a field goal of their own, a 22-yarder from Gavin Todd, forcing a second set of possessions. Three consecutive incomplete passes, after a one-yard rush from Pernell, forced a turnover on downs and gave possession back to TAMUC.
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2007 Game Against Northwest Missouri State
On their opening possession, Central took the game's first lead. A 12-play, 75-yard drive culminated in a one-yard touchdown rush from Eldridge. Trailing 14-7, Central took over again on offense and moved down the field with a 36-yard reception by Reggie Westmoreland and a 19-yard grab by Spevak. Early in the third quarter, NW Missouri State pieced together a 12-play, 78-yard drive to take the lead. A 15-yard touchdown pass capped the drive and tied the game. The Wildcats' defense held for the remainder of the game, including forcing the Bearcats to punt with 1:19 remaining. After three consecutive attempts to find Spevak in the end zone were unsuccessful, a pass interference penalty gave the Crimson and Black a first down. On third down, Morgan found Waller for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Trailing 21-20, CWU lined up for the extra point. After an offside penalty, which the Wildcats declined, on the first attempt, Central lined up again for the point after.
2007 Game Against Tarleton State
Top-ranked Central Washington held Tarleton State to minus-14 rushing yards, while senior quarterback Cole Morgan threw for a career-high 287 yards. A 39-yard field goal gave Tarleton an early 3-0 lead, but the Wildcats responded on their next drive. Jerome Williams took the ensuing kick-off back for 43 yards, giving CWU possession near midfield. In the second quarter, a fumble recovery by the CWU defense deep in Tarleton territory, coupled with a personal foul penalty, allowed Eldridge to take a two-yard carry into the end zone. Tarleton went 48 yards on 10 plays in their next drive, but were stymied but Central's defense. They settled for a 31-yard field goal.
2007 Game Against West Texas A&M
Mike Reilly threw for a career-high 420 yards in a 49-42 loss at West Texas A&M. Reilly's 420 yards through the air saw Reilly pass CWU Athletics Hall of Fame member Jon Kitna in career passing yards with 12,448. After ending the first quarter 8-7, in favor of West Texas, the Wildcats scored 14 points in the second stanza. The Buffs, however, tallied 27 points to take a 35-21 lead into the locker room. A missed field goal from the Buffs left Central down by seven with 1:50 remaining. The Wildcats took over on their 20-yard line.
2007 Game Against Nebraska-Omaha
Central Washington completed a comeback effort against Nebraska-Omaha a week after taking down Ashland. A 10-yard touchdown run from put the Mavericks ahead 7-0 in the first quarter. On their next possession, the Crimson and Black fumbled at their own 32-yard line. Heading into halftime, the Wildcats carried a 7-7 tie. The Mavericks staked out a 17-7 lead late in the fourth quarter on a field goal. The next Maverick possession was abruptly halted when Williams picked off a pass, setting up the go-ahead touchdown - an 18-yard pass from Reilly to Spevak.
2007 Game Against Grand Valley State
Central's season came to a close in the Northwest Region final against Grand Valley State. It took the Lakers eight plays, 66 yards, and 3:16 to score on their opening drive. A three-yard quarterback keeper put Grand Valley State ahead 7-0. The Lakers defense forced three consecutive turnovers on the Wildcats' three drives. The Lakers capitalized only once, however, on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Reilly and company found their footing in the opening drive of the second half. A nine-play, 67-yard scoring drive culminated when Reilly found a familiar target in Spevak on a 17-yard TD pass. Brandon Stout caught a touchdown pass from Reilly in the fourth quarter, but again the Lakers responded in kind.
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2007 Game Against Ashland
The Wildcats earned their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff victory over Ashland, 40-24. Ashland racked up 195 rushing yards in the first half. It took only five minutes for Ashland to take the lead. Trailing 7-3, Central's defense forced a punt. The see-saw battle continued, though Central never relinquished the lead. In the second half, Central held the Eagles to just a field goal. Reilly put the Wildcats up 30-21 on a one-yard quarterback keeper. Central's defense held Ashland to 172 yards in the second half.
2007 Game Against UC Davis
In their first NCAA postseason contest, No. 5 Central Washington met No. 13 UC Davis. UC Davis scored 14 first quarter points, opening the game with an eight-play, 64-yard drive. Trailing 14-0, the Wildcats struck back on their second possession of the contest. The Crimson and Black went 68 yards in 11 plays, capped by Willie Johnson's 18th rushing touchdown of the season. The Aggies added a bit of insurance with 21 seconds left in the first half. Brian Potucek finished with a game-high nine receptions for 90 yards. Zak Hill finished 27-for-48 for 272 yards. Safety Jeremy Jacobs recorded 16 tackles, while Blake Walker added 10.
Home Field Advantage: Tomlinson Stadium
The Central Washington Wildcats have played their home games at Tomlinson Stadium since its construction in 1959 (Field named to Steve Hertling Field in 2024).
Affiliations and Identity
The Central Washington Wildcats are affiliated with the Lone Star Conference. CWU Brand Identity Standards Quick Guide.
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