WSU Athletics Hall of Famer Jack Fanning Dies at 89

PULLMAN — Jack Fanning, a distinguished member of the Washington State University Athletics Hall of Fame and celebrated wide receiver, passed away last week in Spokane at the age of 89. His memorial service is scheduled for June 24 at 2 p.m. at Heritage Funeral and Cremation in Spokane.

A native of Spokane, Fanning showcased his athletic prowess at Rogers High School before joining WSU, where he excelled from 1955 to 1960 as a four-sport athlete. During his time as a Cougar, he garnered three varsity letters in both football and track and field.

In 1957, Fanning made a remarkable impact on the football field, leading the nation with nine touchdown receptions, a feat that tied the school record and secured his place among WSU's all-time single-season leaders. Notably, he set school records with a three-touchdown game against Nebraska and an impressive 87-yard touchdown reception against Stanford. Over his three-year football career, Fanning racked up 45 receptions for 714 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Beyond football, he also made significant contributions to the WSU track and field team, excelling in the pole vault where he once cleared 14 feet, setting a school record. Fanning graduated from WSU in 1958 and was honored with induction into the Cougars’ Hall of Fame in 2012.