On Jan. 29, 2026, Western Washington University held a celebration of not just athletic achievements, but the relationships and history that defines Viking athletics as a whole. Coaches, former athletes, families and supporters gathered at Carver Gym in Bellingham, Wash. to honor the newest batch of Hall of Fame inductees: Wade Gebers, Cim Hanson, Marc Hill, Herm Nelson and Mike Palm.
Wayne Gebers, a kicker for the Western football team, was a two-time first team All-American player with a 34-9 record at Western from 1993-96.
“Wade was the kind of player who led by example,” said former football Head Coach Rob Smith. “He didn’t need to talk a lot, he just showed up, worked hard and inspired everyone around him.”
In his four years of kickoffs, no opponent ever returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Reflecting on his time with his coaches, team and family, Gebers showed he had cultivated a commitment to teamwork and excellence on and off the field.
“Kicking is 90% mental. Every snap, every hold, every kick, its pressure, and it teaches you life lessons you carry long after football ends,” Gebers said.
Cim Hansen, an instrumental member of the women's basketball program at Western from 1987-91, was inducted for her exceptional team play and significant contributions, including being the only person in program history to lead a team to 30 wins.
“Cim was our loudest cheerleader and most encouraging voice. Whether it was a missed shot or a bad day at home, you always had the right words to lift us up,” said former teammate Chris Garrison.
Carrying her leadership into her career teaching elementary P.E. at Hilltop Elementary School in the Highline School District for the past 28 years, Hansen reflected on her time at Western. “Not everybody has had the opportunities to experience being on a team and all the lessons that I learned growing up and how I use them today in my life,” she said.
Marc Hill, a track and field standout, was also inducted. He broke four school records, including a record in 1994 with a 400 meter time of 47.35 seconds, which still stands today. Hill's career was defined by his love of competition and the teamwork that came with it.
“Marc came into the program and made an immediate impact on the team,” said Pee Wee Halsell, former Western track and field head coach. “He was a factor on and off the field. I will always be honored to have been one of Mark’s coaches.”
Hill reflected on the pivotal role his coaches played in shaping both his athletic career and character. “Each of them pushed me, believed in me, and helped me become part of something bigger than myself, my team, my community and my sport,” said Hill.
Herb Nelson was also a track and field athlete who was inducted as a legendary race walker and distance athlete. A four-time All-American, Nelson was also a competitor in the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Nelson was introduced to race walking in 1986 by former Western head track and field coach Ralph Vernacchia, who planted the seed that led to his Olympic journey. “Race walking became more than a sport, it was a lesson in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” Nelson said.
His teammate Alan James, who trained alongside Nelson, recalled memories from his time at Western, “During the nationals in Arkansas, Herb pulled up alongside a rival who had been taunting him and simply said, ‘I will bury you.’ By the end of the race, Herb had beaten him by 30 seconds,” James said. "That's who he was, calm under pressure, focused, and unstoppable.”
Mike Palm was also inducted as a member of Western’s men’s basketball team 1999-2003 and finished his career as the Vikings’ all-time leader in rebounds, second in points and third in blocked shots. Palm went on to play professionally in Sweden for the Sundsvall Dragons and Borås Basket, being named a four-time Center of the Year in Basketligan and having his jersey No. 15 retired at Borashallen Arena in 2019.
Brad Jackson, former Western men’s basketball head coach, recalled recruiting Palm, a highly sought after high school player. “There was a play where the ball was going out of bounds, and Mike had put himself in position to save the ball and assist a teammate,” Jackson said. “For him to make a play like that, it really said a lot to me.”
Palm, unable to attend the event due to living in Sweden and his busy coaching schedule, recorded a video acceptance speech and reflected on his time at Western and his professional career. “Western gave me the foundation to succeed in basketball and in life, and I’m grateful for every coach, teammate and fan who supported me along the way,” said Palm.
From Gerber's clutch kicks, to Hansen's inspiring leadership, to Hill's record-breaking speed, to Nelson’s olympic discipline, to Palm’s dominance on the court; each honoree exemplified their dedication, perseverance and teamwork that will carry on in Western athletics and serve as a reminder of the lifelong bonds forged through sports.
Caitlin Grygorcewicz (she/her) is a sports and recreation reporter this winter quarter. She is in her second year, majoring in visual journalism, and is returning to The Front for a third time after previously serving as the photo and video editor. In her free time, you can catch her cleaning her camera, climbing rocks and cooking good food. You can reach her at caitlingrygorcewicz.thefront@gmail.com.
