Once again, the Lewis & Clark College Department of Athletics has made great strides and achieved record-breaking membership results in the past year, surpassing this year’s goal of 500 members!

Growing to over 500 members is a huge step for Pioneer Athletics as only two years ago PAC boasted a mere 93 members. Growing to over 300 members 2006-07 and gaining a record-breaking 517 members for the current year thus far.

In true Pioneer spirit, we are thrilled to highlight our 500th member, Ralph Knudsen. Ralph made a pledge to the Fred Wilson Endowment to becoming our 500th member in mid-April! Native to Portland, Ralph grew up in the Troutdale area and was recruited to play shortstop for the Pioneers when long-time coach, Fred Wilson swayed Ralph to join his friends and play for L&C. Ralph had originally planned to attend Portland State and remarked “I would not have even gotten into L&C if it wasn't for Fred. I had average grades, no money and no family support. I did have a strong arm for a shortstop, and Fred got me into his baseball program.”

Fred Wilson’s legacy at Lewis and Clark touched the lives of so many and Ralph was no exception. Ralph made a point to recognize that Fred literally reached out his hand to him at a young age, giving him an opportunity that I will never be forgotten.

Ralph ended up starting his freshman year at shortstop and helped his team claim the Northwest Conference league championship during his junior year. Ralph ended his time at Lewis & Clark in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science and captain of the Baseball team. Nicknamed “scooter” he said “I jokingly tell everyone I went to college to play baseball, and ended up with a fantastic college education, met my future wife, and established a very good career.”

Currently, Ralph considers himself to be semi-retired, running a few small companies, however he still stays involved with L&C as one of his companies, AstroMail, is a world-wide distributor for the L&C Chronicle. Along with his wife, also an L&C grad (Michaele ’69) Ralph is retiring to Oceans Shores, WA .

“We are thrilled to honor a L&C former student-athlete as our record-breaking 500th PAC member,” said Assistant Director of Athletic Development, Monica Baker “This milestone would not be possible without the loyalty and generous support demonstrated by our wonderful alumni, friends and numerous businesses who have contribute to the Pioneer Athletic Club. We are energized by the renewed sense of Pioneer Pride and look forward to welcoming many new PAC members to the Future."

Record-breaking membership for the Pioneer Athletic Club needs to continue for the sustainability and success of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. PAC funds have enabled the athletics program to obtain equipment, services and facility improvements that are not otherwise funded. Computers, weight room equipment, public address systems, scoreboards and many other amenities for all of our student-athletes have been made possible thanks to PAC memberships and contributions.

Many Pioneer Athletic Club donors have given to multiple projects in addition to the various sports teams and PAC including the Fred Wilson Endowment, Dean Sempert Scholarship fund and the Track & Field Maintenance fund. Click here for a full listing of current 07-08 PAC members.