Big Bend appoints Wilks

Vikings name professor, coach to AD position

MOSES LAKE - The search for a new athletic director at Big Bend Community College is over.

Big Bend appointed Preston Wilks to fill the void created by the retirement of Maryanne Allard.

Allard retired last year after an 8-year tenure as the college's athletic director.

"We're gonna miss her," Wilks said of Allard. "She was a part of the Big Bend family for years."

Wilks said Big Bend appointed him to the athletic director position on Sept. 3 and he is excited.

"It's a great opportunity to be involved in the college," he said. "It's a different look, different layer and a different level."

In addition to his athletic responsibilities, Wilks is also an accounting and business instructor at Big Bend and serves as the head coach of the women's basketball team.

While Wilks is entering his first year as the school's athletic director, Wilks is in his 13th year with the college.

"I'm a local guy," he said. "It's home to me. My grandparents came here in '49."

Wilks is a graduate of Moses Lake High School and attended Big Bend. Wilks played basketball for the Vikings before earning his degree from Brigham Young University.

Wilks said one of his goals is to promote Big Bend athletics to the Columbia Basin community.

"My goal for the future of Viking athletics is that out community sees the high level of quality student-athletes at Big Bend," he said. "My hope is that people will want to register here because of the athletic success."

The Viking Booster Club is hosting a golf tournament at the Moses Lake Golf and Country Club on Oct. 4 and Wilks said he hopes the tournament will raise funds and awareness for Big Bend athletics.