Athlete 1972 - 1975
The late Ken Cutcher of the Class of 1976 was rock-solid offensive lineman for the Wildcats from 1972 until 1975.
A four-year letterwinner in football as an offensive tackle, “Cutch” was a member of three conference championship programs, including the 1974 team that went undefeated over the regular season. That year, the ‘Cats reached the national semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Texas Lutheran.
Over the course of his career, Cutcher was named to the all-Northwest Conference team twice. He was also an NAIA All-American first team selection as a senior.
Former teammate Duffy Schneider describes Cutcher as “a significant part of the glue that held the ‘Cats football team together during good and bad times.”
“Nobody messed with Ken,” Schneider recalls. And while Schneider never remembers seeing his teammate in a fight, “it was clear that starting one with Ken was probably not a good idea.”
Former friend Teri Gable remembers Cutcher more for his off-the-field personality.
“He was a gentle giant,” she says, “and a very loyal friend.”
Cutcher was also a phenomenal track athlete, specializing in the shot put. His throw of 52 feet, 10 inches remains the second-longest throw in Linfield history.
After graduating from Linfield, Cutcher went into the commercial fishing business, which tragically cost him his life. In 1984, he went missing while on the water and was never found.
