Event Recap: 2026 EvCC Athletics Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet

July 2, 2026

Everett Community College (EvCC) hosted its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet inside the Walt Price Student Fitness Center on June 2, which recognized three athletes, a coach, contributor and team.

The Hall of Fame “honors those who have made lasting contributions to Trojan athletics through athletic achievement, coaching excellence or service to the college and community,” according to an EvCC press release. “Inductees are selected by a committee of coaches, alumni and community members.”

One student athlete from each of EvCC’s 11 varsity sports was also recognized for their academic and athletic achievements, in addition to a male and female athlete and team of the year.

Other athletic department accomplishments included seven teams qualifying for the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) postseason, four teams ranking in the NWAC top 10, five athletes being named NWAC All-Americans, 55 athletes being named to All-Region teams, two coaches receiving Regional Coach of the Year awards, two teams securing North Region titles, completing more than 100 hours of community service and 87 athletes making the Academic Honor Roll.

Below is a list of the individuals of the EvCC Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2026, including a brief biography copied from the press release. Click here to read more about the inductees.

Athletes

Emily Bland
- As a standout track and field athlete in 2015 and 2016, Bland became a three-time Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) champion and school record-holder in the hurdles before continuing her championship success at Central Washington University. Today, she uses her passion for active living to serve her community as a fitness instructor in Ellensburg.
Keone Kela
- After a standout 2012 freshman season when he helped the Trojans to a third-place NWAC finish, right-handed pitcher Kela was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft. He played seven seasons in the major leagues as a reliable relief pitcher for three organizations, recording 28 saves and appearing in the postseason twice. He continues his professional career in the minor leagues and Mexico.
Chuck Kinney
- Kinney won the Washington State Junior College individual golf title in 1950, helping the Trojans secure their fourth consecutive state championship. He earned a degree from Washington State University and served for 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He continued to compete in amateur golf tournaments around the world.

Coach

Matt Koenigs
- As EvCC’s all-time winningest coach, Koenigs led the cross country programs to national prominence from 2006 to 2014, capturing seven NWAC championships, 15 podium finishes and an undefeated 16-0 regional title record at EvCC. The six-time NWAC Coach of the Year built a premier destination for distance runners that produced 73 All-American athletes.

Contributor

Dan Murphy
- Serving as the high-energy “Voice of the Trojans” for over 400 games across eight years, Murphy pioneered a unique blend of public address and play-by-play announcing that redefined the game-day experience for Trojan volleyball, baseball and softball players and fans. Beyond his 30-year history of coaching youth sports and personal athletic achievements, he considered his time behind the microphone the highlight of his career.

Team

1950 & 1951 Men’s Golf Teams
- Led by local golf professional Ken Tucker, the 1950 and 1951 men’s golf teams secured the Trojans’ fourth and fifth consecutive state championships to cement an era of dominance for Everett Junior College. The 1950 squad captured the title behind Kinney’s two-under-par, while an entirely new 1951 roster soundly defeated second-place Grays Harbor by 22 strokes in the championship match.

Below is a list of the other individuals and group that received awards: