MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Western Oregon Athletic Department is excited to announce its 2026 Wolves Athletics Hall of Fame class that includes football standout Chuck Burns ‘63, track and field stars Pro Escobedo ‘03 and Jennifer (Dunkin) Reinhardt ‘03, and the historic 1980-81 men’s basketball team.
Registration is officially open to all Western alumni, fans, and community members. Single tickets are available for $20, and full tables of eight can be reserved for $160. Those interested in attending the induction ceremony and celebrating these legends can secure their spots directly through the WOU Foundation Hall of Fame Registration.
The Wolves Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, as part of homecoming weekend. The event will begin in the Werner University Center (WUC) Pacific Room at 5:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to welcome these extraordinary individuals and the iconic 1980-81 men’s basketball team into the Hall of Fame,” said WOU Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum. “To celebrate their timeless achievements on the Friday evening of Homecoming weekend makes it incredibly special, allowing our alumni, students, and community to unite in honoring the rich tradition of Wolves athletics.”
Burns was a premier leader on the gridiron for the Wolves during the early 1960s, wrapping up his stellar career in 1963. His toughness, leadership, and performance on the field set a foundational standard of excellence for the WOU football program and generations of student-athletes to follow.
Escobedo was a dominant force for WOU men’s track and field, capping off a remarkable collegiate career in 2003. As a premier competitor on the regional and national stage, Escobedo left behind a legacy of athletic excellence and record-setting achievements that elevated the Wolves’ track and field profile.
(Dunkin) Reinhardt established herself as one of the elite championship-caliber competitors in WOU women’s track and field history, concluding her outstanding career in 2003. Her relentless drive, exceptional performances, and numerous accolades continue to rank among the program’s finest eras of athletic success.
The 1980-81 Men’s Basketball Team captivated the campus community and defined the true standard of WOU teamwork, resilience, and competitive spirit. Led by head coach Jim Boutin and assistant coach Vic Backlund, the squad remains one of the most iconic teams in school history.
Members of the team included Zelle Allen, Rebel Austin, Dan Barendse, Rickey Hamilton, Barry Janusch, Skip Kinney, Phil Nolin, Dave Porter, Tony Rea, Jeff Smith, Brian Stockner, and the late Mark Leader and Doug Harris.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.