John Picha, a 1993 CWU graduate, lives in Ellensburg with his wife, Brenda, and their two children.
Central Washington University’s 2025 Hall of Fame Class includes John Picha, a celebrated coach and former player who dedicated 36 years to the Wildcats.
The Hall of Fame induction event will be held on May 3, 2025, at Nicholson Arena.
After transferring from Wenatchee Valley College, Picha played on the Wildcats’ offensive line for two seasons.
Picha earned Honorable Mention All-Columbia Football Association honors as a center.
In his senior season, he helped CWU set a conference record with 34 rushing touchdowns and was awarded the team’s Best Blocker Award.
He started coaching at CWU as a graduate assistant in 1988, working with tight ends. In 2013, he served as interim head coach, guiding CWU to a 7-4 record.
John worked under seven head coaches, including CWU Hall of Famer Mike Dunbar, and recently served as assistant head coach under Chris Fisk.
John Picha And His Wife Brenda Raised Their Two Kids In Ellensburg
A 1993 CWU graduate, John Picha, tied the knot with Brenda Heim Picha in 2008 after dating each other for several years. They have been married for over 16 years.
Brenda served as a second-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School and now serves at Ida Elementary School in Ellensburg.
John and Brenda had one son, David, and one daughter, Katie Picha. They raised their children in Ellensburg, where they played sports, went fishing and hunting, and had a great time in school.
Their son, David, was a senior football player who graduated in 2017 from Ellensburg High School.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 240 pounds, he was a versatile athlete who played key positions on both sides of the ball: Guard and Center on offense and defensive tackle on defense.
As per David’s LinkedIn profile, he received his bachelor’s degree in Safety and Health Management at Central Washington University.
He served as an intern at Atkinson Construction in 2020.
On the other hand, John’s daughter Katie’s Facebook handle shows that she lives in Ellensburg, Washinton, and went to Ellensburg High School.
Brenda frequently posted photos of David and Katie on her Facebook handle, celebrating Christmas and Halloween.
When John Picha announced his retirement on May 6, 2024, he thanked his wife, Brenda, son David, and daughter Katie for admiring and supporting him.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- John Picha was born to his father, Lloyd Picha, and his mother, Margaret Picha. Sadly, his mother, who volunteered for numerous organizations, including All Saints Catholic Church and School, peacefully passed away on October 12, 2013, at 89.
- He grew up with his brother Tom and three sisters, Catherine, Jean, and Marianne Picha. His sister Jean married Bart Parker.
- During Picha’s football coaching career, CWU compiled a 263-117-2 record, with a 166-50-1 conference mark and a 14-13-1 postseason record.
- John’s brother went to Governor John R. Rogers High School and works at Bellarmine Preparatory School.
