Kenny Mayne to headline WVC athletics fundraiser

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College Knights Athletics will host a spring fundraiser featuring former ESPN anchor and WVC alumnus Kenny Mayne on May 9 at the college’s Wenatchee campus.

The event, titled “The Mayne Event,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. Organizers said the evening will include a stand-up comedy performance by Mayne, a screening of his documentary “Kenny Mayne’s Wiffle Ball,” a silent auction and live music by the Whisky Trail Band and the Confluence Jazz Trio with Angela Waggoner.

Tables are currently available and individual tickets are expected to go on sale in early April, according to the college.

Mayne graduated from Wenatchee Valley College in 1978. He played quarterback for the Knights football team from 1977 to 1978 and earned All-American honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association.

After WVC, Mayne attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a backup quarterback and earned a degree in broadcasting in 1982.

He began his media career as a reporter in Las Vegas and later worked as a weekend sports anchor in Seattle. Mayne joined ESPN in 1994 as a sports anchor and later hosted “Kenny Mayne’s Wider World of Sports” on ESPN.com. He was also a weekly contributor to “Sunday NFL Countdown” with a recurring “Mayne Event” segment.

In 2008, Mayne published the book “An Incomplete and Inaccurate History of Sport,” which features humorous commentary on sports and pop culture.

His documentary “Kenny Mayne’s Wiffle Ball” examines whether Mayne threw a Wiffle ball faster than former professional baseball outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. during a 1989 contest.

“Kenny Mayne’s legacy at Wenatchee Valley College goes far beyond the record book,” WVC Athletic Director Greg Sparling said. “Kenny set the standard for excellence. At the time of his induction into the NWAC Hall of Fame, he still held conference records for career passing yards, attempts, and completions—a true testament to his impact on our program. But what means even more to us is his continued support of WVC Athletics and his belief in our student-athletes, WVC, and our local community. We are very excited to have Kenny back on campus for the Mayne Event. We are grateful for Kenny’s commitment to giving back to our student-athletes and WVC Athletics.”

According to the college, proceeds from the event will benefit student-athletes and the WVC athletics program.

Sponsors include Weinstein Beverage Company, Draggoo Financial Group LLC and Smitty’s Pancake House.