WKU News

It’s a brotherhood and sisterhood of athletes who have represented WKU in intercollegiate athletics for more than 90 years.

The Alumni W-Club is still going strong and is looking to recruit more members as WKU’s Amy Bingham explains in this week’s View from the Hill.  

Founded by legendary Coach E.A. Diddle in 1928 as a rallying point for current and former Hilltopper athletes, the Alumni W-Club keeps the elite group connected long after their athletic careers.

WKU athletes have a common interest.

“It’s something to be proud of that you got to wear WKU across your chest for four years.”

All have worn the Hilltopper uniform with pride.

For the past 90 years, the W-Club has welcomed former letter winners into its membership.

 “It’s made up of former players, former coaches, former administrators and some people that have been all that.”

 “We bring former athletes back so they can support the students still participating.”

WKU Hall of Famer Clarence Glover is the current chairman of the W-Club board.  He says an effort is underway to bring more diversity to the exclusive club.

“They are very engaged, they’re a terrific resource for me. Obviously very passionate and very loyal to Western Kentucky.  Just a great group of Hilltoppers.”

“I felt we needed more gender equity and the fact we are all getting older and we needed to bring on younger people.”

New board member Kathryn Downing fits both those demographics.

“I earned this from the W-Club,”

The former Lady Topper softball player is the granddaughter of Dero Downing who was a member of the W-Club from 1943 until his death in 2011.

“I think me being a member of the W-Club board is just me being grateful and prideful of WKU softball that shaped me for a huge chapter of my life.”

The Hall of Fame brunch during Homecoming is the W-Club’s signature event.  A club dedicated to building on tradition.

“They are a terrific resource for me.  Obviously very passionate and loyal to Western Kentucky.  Just a great group of Hilltoppers.”

There are currently more than 350 members of the W-Club.  The first year of membership is free.  To learn more call (270) 745-6026.