Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University is pleased to announce that the 40th annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026.
“The Wolves Athletic Auction is our biggest annual fundraiser for Wolves Athletics, bringing alumni, friends, and the broader community together to support more than 400 student-athletes across 14 NCAA Division II teams and cheer,” shares Randi Lydum, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This year, we’re celebrating an incredible 40 years of this tradition that helps ensure every student-athlete has the resources to compete, thrive, and succeed.”
Western alumnus and Athletics Hall of Fame member David Ribich ’18 is the evening’s featured speaker. Despite receiving zero college scholarship offers after graduating high school, Ribich set the DII 1,500 meter record, won multiple NCAA championships, and set a number of school records, many of which still stand. As a pro he’s continued his personal record and was the lead relay leg for the Beasts 4 x 1-mile indoor world record. And he’s still just getting started.
Proceeds from the evening go towards enhancing the student-athlete experience by growing scholarship funds, purchasing needed team equipment, and offsetting the cost of travel for away games and tournament play.
Attendees can bid on dozens of high-quality items and experiences at the live and silent auctions. Additional elements include a catered dinner with drinks from WOU beer partners Parallel 45 and Xicha Brewing, wine from Eola Hills Winery, a curated wine wall, and a raffle.
The auction is presented by Oregon State Credit Union. The live auction sponsor is Cornerstone Credit Union and the silent auction sponsor is Ferguson Wellman.
Additional auction sponsors include: Vines, Tours, and Cruises; Petals & Vines; Stoel Rives; Arena Sports Bar and Grill; Rookies Sports Tap; Eola Hills Winery; Andersen Construction; Pit Boss; Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions; Anne Allen Group; ServPro Team McGinnis; Partnerships in Community Living; Compass Visual; Parallel 45 Brewing.
Limited tickets are still available for the May 30 event and can be purchased at wouwolves.com/auction. Event doors open at 5:00 p.m. at the Wolves Athletic Center on the campus of Western Oregon University.
Support for the Wolves Athletic Auction helps fulfill the goals of the Wolves Rising campaign, which include raising funds for scholarships, student success, and Wolves Athletics.
###
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.