Dear Trojans: It is my honor to welcome you to the induction ceremony of the fourth class to the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. I appreciate the commitment of Chairman Earl Johnson and the members of the Board of Directors in selecting these outstanding Trojans who have set a high standard for all to follow. The Sports Hall of Fame is a source of great pride for our University. I am pleased to offer a special welcome to our inductees and their families. This is another outstanding class and it consists of a former golf All-American, a recordholding track star, a Trojan women’s basketball inductee, a successful administrator, a record-setting strikeout artist in baseball and three football legends from three decades. This induction ceremony is an annual reminder of the rich history of Trojan athletics and the outstanding competitors who made their marks at our great University. Our inductees tonight honor us by allowing us to honor them. On behalf of each honoree from each class and his or her family, I thank you for supporting our Department of Athletics and this Hall of Fame. Sincerely,
Jack Hawkins, Ph.D. Chancellor
Dear Trojan Family: Welcome to the 2015 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. We are excited to induct eight outstanding Trojans, who represent the best of the best in the rich history and tradition of Troy Athletics. Throughout the 128 year history of Troy University’s participation in athletics, there have been many remarkable team and individual achievements accomplished by the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who have represented the Trojans. This 2015 Class joins the 27 previous inductees as those who have achieved the highest honor awarded by Troy Athletics. We hope all of the attendees at tonight’s event have a terrific time. I want to thank the Hall of Fame Committee, along with the many Trojans who have a hand in making this event so successful. Congratulations to our inductees and their families on this special night. The Trojan Family is appreciative of all they have done and continue to do for Troy University. GO TROJANS!
John Hartwell Director of Athletics
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
2015 INDUCTEES
James Batie
Ronny Mobley Men’s Golf
Women’s Basketball
Virgil Seay
Ronnie Shelley
Robert E. Stewart
Track & Field
Football
Football
Ward Thigpen Baseball
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Kathy Russell
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Administration
Freddie Thomas Football
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
ORDER OF PROGRAM Troy University Sports Hall of Fame
Fourth Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet Trojan Arena • Troy, Ala. April 25, 2015 • 7:15 p.m.
Music.........................................................................Troy University Jazz Ensemble Call to Order/Master of Ceremonies...........................................Barry McKnight Welcome..................................................................................................John Hartwell Parade of Inductees..........................................................................Barry McKnight National Anthem.................................................................................Shelia Jackson Invocation........................................................................................... Lonnie Cochran Dinner Dinner Music...................................................Troy University Jazz Ensemble Introductions Corporate Sponsors..................................................................Barry McKnight Board of Advisors.............................................................. Mayor Earl Johnson Special Guests.............................................................................Barry McKnight Special Remarks..............................................................Honorable Gerald O. Dial Message from the Chancellor.............................................. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Induction Ceremony.................................................................Video Presentation Video Tribute to Inductees Closing Remarks................................................................................Barry McKnight
2015 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET
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TROY UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Troy University Board of Trustees Robert Bentley Gerald O. Dial John D. Harrison Karen E. Carter Edward F. Crowell Roy H. Drinkard R. Douglas Hawkins, D.V.M. Lamar P. Higgins Forrest S. Latta C. Gibson Vance C. Charles Nailen Allen E. Owen III Matt Thompson Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Governor of Alabama, President, ex-officio Area 5, President pro tempore Area 2, Vice President pro tempore Area 6 At-Large Area 7 Area 2, President pro tempore emeritus Area 4 Area 1 Area 4 At-Large Area 3 Student Member - SGA President, Non-voting Secretary
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
BOARD OF ADVISORS The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Board of Advisors is made up of 21 members who serve to encourage, receive and evaluate nominations of persons who shall be considered for induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, then to select from among the nominees those persons who will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.
ALLEN OWEN
JOHN HARTWELL
Chairman of Board of Trustees Director of Athletics (Ex-Officio) Athletics Committee (Ex-Officio) Secretary
WILLIAM THIGPEN
G. KEITH BLACK
Fourth District - Fayette
Fifth District - Florence
MELANIE GARNER
JEFF COLEMAN
BARRY McKNIGHT
ANDY BRITTON
At-Large - Geneva
Alabama Electronic Media
City of Dothan Vice Chairman
Sports Official
RON DAVIS
First District - Pritchard
ROY CRAWFORD
Seventh District - Birmingham
SIM BYRD
City of Montgomery
MAYOR EARL JOHNSON
Second District - Andalusia Chairman
BEN BEARD
At-Large - Troy
STACY FAISON
City of Phenix City
DR. JACK HAWKINS, JR Chancellor (Ex-Officio)
DR. KEN BLANKENSHIP
Third District - Montgomery
RICK MAXEY
At-Large - Tallahassee, Fla.
TOMMY HICKS
Alabama Sports Writers Association
DOUG MIMS
Alumni Board
2015 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET
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2015 Inductee
JAMES BATIE Former track coach, John “Doc” Anderson, and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member, only needs one word to describe his former standout track athlete James Batie: Superlative. It was the summer of ’69, when Doc was told about a runner from Columbus, Ga. “Pete Jenkins, a football coach, told me there was a runner over at Baker High that I needed to check out,” Anderson said. “So I went over there to talk to the track coach, Sam Roberts, who had previously coached at San Jose State with Bud Winter.” In high school, Batie finished just one-tenth of a second off the world record in the 50-yard dash, a record he would later tie as a freshman at Troy. “So, what made him unique was, this was a guy you could tell right off the bat was going to be a really good runner,” Anderson said. Batie, a five-time NCAA & NAIA All-American, ran for the Trojans from 1970-73. “In the spring of 1970 we went “He really is the reason today we have a track program. He lit it down to Florida and he won the up. In the spring of 1970, we won a conference championship 100-yard dash, upsettting the guy from Southern Illinois,” Anderson and from then on, it was championships after championships.” recalls. “He was the first real-deal guy that we had, and the rest was - John “Doc” Anderson history.” Troy State track & field head coach (1969-80) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) Batie went on to be rated as the sixth-fastest runner in the nation by Runner World. He held the Troy record in the 50, 60, 100 and 200-yard dashes, in addition to being on three different school record setting relay teams. As a freshman, Batie tied the world record in the 50-yard dash with a time of 5.1 seconds. He also led the Trojans to Alabama Collegiate Conference and NAIA District 27 championships. “His work ethic was good,” Anderson said. “He wasn’t a guy that was a ‘yeah, yeah’ guy. He went about everything quietly and got it done. He was very coachable, but with that said, I owe all of that to Sam Roberts, his high school track coach. He came out of Baker very advanced. In addition to tying a world record during his freshman campaign, Batie also finished second in both the 100-yard dash and the 60-yard dash at the NAIA National Meet. His illustrious career allowed him to be Troy’s first Division I AllAmerican. Anderson adds, “In track, you are not selected - you earn it, and he did. He upset the guy from Michigan in Detroit at the NCAA Indoor meet. Back then, if you qualified and were a member of the NCAA, you could go to the NCAA indoor meet, and that’s how he did it, several times.” Anderson says simply put, Batie lit it up on the track. “He really is the reason today we really have a track program. He lit it up. In the spring of 1970, we won a conference championship we weren’t supposed to and from then on, it was championships after championships. He would and could still be competitive today.” Anderson and Batie still hold a close relationship, as Anderson says Batie was just in his office a few days ago, catching up. “I know he is so excited about (being inducted into the hall of fame).” After all of the memories made between coach Anderson and Batie, Anderson makes it a point to say, “One last bit of information about Baite, he never had a single false start in his entire time here.” Batie, a member on the US Olympic Training team, is now retired after working in the state prison system, and lives in Troy.
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2015 Inductee
RONNY MOBLEY Four-time All-American. Two-time National Champion. Alabama State Amateur Champion. There are plenty of labels you can place on the career of Ronny Mobley; however for his coach and fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Mike Griffin, leader is the word that was used the most when talking about his former pupil. “He was the most complete player that I had the good fortune to coach at Troy, and that includes an awful lot of really, really talented players,” Griffin said. “Everybody knew that when Ronny teed off he was going to take care of business that day. Most of his leadership would occur off the course, whether it be in practice or just goofing around. No matter the circumstance – at the breakfast table, at the dinner table, in the van – other players seemed to migrate towards him, they leaned towards him for some solid direction.” Mobley was the perfect place to look for direction. The first scholarship golfer in Troy history, Mobley won a remarkable 18 tournaments during his Troy career, including seven during his freshman season. “Both of our first years at Troy were at the same time and the thing that really stood out to me was that he was able to make All-American as a freshman despite the fact that we were not the best golf team,” Griffin said. “That gave us some good “He was the most complete player that I had the good momentum and we were able to have solid back-to- fortune to coach at Troy, and that includes an awful lot of back recruiting classes.” really, really talented players. Everybody knew that when Those recruiting classes, plus Mobley, led to a Ronny teed off he was going to take care of business.” pair of NCAA Division II National Championships in 1976 and 1977. - Mike Griffin “By the time we got into our third year, we had Troy State men’s golf head coach (1973-84) matured as a team, and with Ronny’s strong leadership Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2014) plus the quality players he had surrounding him, they became one of the strongest programs in the history of Division II golf,” Griffin said. “It was truly remarkable to watch that.” His leadership skills carried over later in life as Mobley returned to Troy to coach the team that he once led as a player. He coached the men’s team for two seasons (1985-86) and earned Gulf South Coach of the Year honors both years. A three-time All-Gulf South selection, Mobley held five Troy school records when he took over as head coach, including for single-season stroke average (71.5). “He had no weaknesses,” Griffin said. “He had a great short game, he had good touch around the greens, his iron play was excellent and he could putt like a demon. When you put that all together, plus his mental approach to the game, you had a complete player.” Mobley went on to win the Alabama State Amateur Championship following his senior year at Troy before spending two years on the PGA Tour. He played in 16 tournaments on the PGA Tour and made the cut in the majority of them. Reflecting on Mobley’s career at Troy, one story stuck out more than the rest for Griffin when it came to assessing the impact and leadership that Mobley had on the program. “Back in those days we had to raise money any way we could to go to certain tournaments and compete against good teams,” Griffin said. “After one of the hurricanes came through, a friend of Ronny had all his corn knocked down and needed to have it picked by hand. We volunteered our services to pick the corn for a nominal fee. “One of Ronny’s best friends in the whole world and a true freshman got into a little tussling match out there in the corn field and tempers flared. I’m sitting in the pickup truck, and as I’m about to put my hand on the doorknob a blonde-haired flash comes running by me. He grabs one guy in one hand and the other guy in his other hand. He holds them at arm’s length and looks them both in the face and eliminates the problem right there. I took my hand off the doorknob and sat back down in the pickup truck.” Mobley was inducted in to the Wiregrass Hall of Fame in 2007.
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2015 Inductee
KATHY RUSSELL
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From inner-city Chicago to state champion in Troy, Alabama. Kathy Russell took quite a different path than most 1970s and 1980s Troy student-athletes, but she has ended in a place many dream of, the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. Russell was one of the top high school basketball players in Chicago in the late 1970s and had scholarship offers from many schools in the Midwest, including the University of Indiana. However, Southern hospitality and a beautiful campus made Troy State the right place for Russell. She arrived on the Troy campus in 1977 and attended a spring tryout for the women’s basketball team. It was there that she turned heads and earned a roster spot from head coach, and now fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member, Joyce Sorrell. As they say, the rest was history. In Russell’s case, a history that can still be seen in the Troy record books. In addition to being a key member of Troy’s 1981 Alabama AIAW State Championship team, the 5-foot-11 center is still the school’s all-time leader in career rebounds with “The way she approached getting better as a player, the way 1,325 boards. Russell finished her career one rebound she approached learning the game and staying with the game ahead of teammate Denise Monroe, another allowed her to make great contributions to the program and to Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member. the University.” Russell also finished as Troy’s second leading scorer with 1,521 points, behind only Monroe. - Joyce Sorrell “Having Kathy and Denise together Troy State women’s basketball head coach (1975-95) obviously made a big difference,” Sorrell said. Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) “They were both outstanding athletes with a great work ethic. Kathy was so interested in coaching and every other aspect of the game that she was easy to teach.” To this day, Russell is still the school’s all-time leading rebounder with no player ever getting within 300 rebounds of her record. She is now the seventh leading scorer in Troy history. A two-time All-Alabama AIAW selection, Russell set the Troy single-season record for rebounds in 1979-80 with 394 boards, another record that still holds today. In fact, all four of her single-season rebounding totals still rank in the program’s top 10. However, it wasn’t just her talent on the court that made Russell special. The Chicago native adjusted to life in the South and built a great relationship with Sorrell. “I met Kathy’s mother, and she’s a real personable individual just like Kathy,” Sorrell said. “I told her I’d do my best to make sure Kathy settled in and was taken care of. Kathy made it easy because she was a great student and was motivated to get an education as well as play basketball. It was part of my responsibility, and I didn’t really think of it as responsibility, to put all of my students and players under my wing.” It was Russell’s enthusiasm for basketball that brought her back to Troy a decade after her playing career. The 1983 graduate returned to Troy in 1993 as an assistant coach on Sorrell’s inaugural NCAA Division I staff. Russell spent two years on the Troy staff as the Trojans transitioned to Division I. “Kathy did a great job recruiting because she got along well with athletes and was just a really good people person,” Sorrell said. “She was interested in coaching and you can tell she loves the game from the moment you meet her.” Russell also spent time coaching at West Alabama, FIU, the AAU Georgia Metros and the Atlanta Justice Women’s Professional Developmental team. An avid women’s basketball supporter, Russell is a Dream Ambassador for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Russell is also currently a high school and college basketball official. “Kathy was unique because she was from Chicago and most of the players in those days were from the area around Troy and Alabama,” Sorrell said. “Right away she made a home in Troy and the team pulled together well. The way she approached getting better as a player, the way she approached learning the game and staying with the game allowed her to make great contributions to the program and to the University.”
2015 Inductee
VIRGIL SEAY One of the most dynamic players in Troy history, Virgil Seay parleyed an outstanding collegiate career into a pair of Super Bowl appearances with the Washington Redskins. Seay was a member of Troy’s 1978 and 1979 Gulf South Conference teams that finished 9-3 combined in league play. Seay put his mark on the Troy history book when he returned three punts for touchdowns against West Alabama in 1979. The same night, he also set a Troy single-game record with 215 punt return yards; both records still stand. Seay was dangerous as a wide receiver but even more so as a kick and punt returner. He holds the Troy career record as he averaged 16.7 yards per punt return over his two-year career. The native of Moultrie, Ga., returned 47 punts for 783 yards and five touchdowns for the Trojans. His five touchdowns are the second most in Troy history, behind only Leodis McKelvin’s seven punt return touchdowns. Teammate and fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Willie Tullis remembers the explosive type of player Seay was during their time as Trojans. “Virgil was the fastest receiver we had. He was a very intelligent football player and a great teammate,” Tullis said. “Virgil was full speed on his second step, it “People gravitated to Virgil. He fit in very well at the didn’t take him 10 or 20 yards. Virgil was top speed on university and had a great personality. He always the second step; he was like a jet. His best route was had people laughing , he kept things loose.” the ‘go’ route and as a quarterback, I loved it. I could just let it go and Virgil would run it down.” - Willie Tullis Seay ranks fourth all-time in punt return yards at Troy State football student-athlete (1978-80) Troy, despite ranking eighth in punt return attempts. Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) He finished second nationally in 1979 when he averaged 18.3 yards per punt return, a mark that still ranks as the third highest in Troy history. Seay returned three punts for a touchdown that season, which is tied with McKelvin and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Perry Griggs for the school record. A talented receiver as well for the Trojans, Seay is ninth all-time with his 19.7 yards-per-catch average. Aside from being a standout athlete, Seay was a standout student and teammate. “People gravitated towards Virgil. He fit in very well at the university and had a great personality,” Tullis said. “He always had people laughing, he kept things loose. That’s one of the things that everyone noticed. Virgil got along with everyone on campus, not just his teammates.” After being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1980 NFL Draft, Seay played 49 of his 52 career games for the Washington Redskins. He played in a pair of Super Bowls – 1982 and 1983 – before being traded to the Falcons in 1984 where he played three games for the team. Seay caught 43 passes as a professional for 792 yards and five touchdowns. Seay was a member of The Fun Bunch, the nickname given to the wide receivers and tight ends of the Redskins. The group that included Seay, Art Monk, Charlie Brown, Alvin Garrett, Rick Walker and Don Warren were known for their choreographed celebrations following touchdowns resulting in the NFL putting a league-wide ban on excessive celebrations in 1984. At 5-foot-8, Seay, was known as Papa Smurf as a member of The Fun Bunch’s sub-group, the Smurfs. “It didn’t surprise me at all, the success he had. He was a hard worker and took it seriously. You really don’t know what to expect as far as playing professional football and Virgil took it in stride just like he did everything else,” Tullis said. “He helped my career a lot and made everyone around him better.” Seay founded and manages the Virgil Seay Sports and Activities Summer Camp.
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2015 Inductee
RONNIE SHELLEY One of the most feared defensive backs of his time, Ronnie Shelley was tough as nails on the field and the complete opposite when the shoulder pads came off. “He was one tough guy,” Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member and Shelley’s teammate Danny Grant said. “He would hit you and it would feel like running right into a pine tree. He was mean and tough on the field, but off the field he was a little pussy cat. “We used to have some fun times as it was always a battle to see who could win in practice,” Grant said. “We had quite a few challenges every day.” Shelley, the fifth member of the 1968 NAIA National Championship team to enter the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame, intercepted 15 passes during the Red Waves’ run to the national title en route to earning All-America honors; his interception total that year broke his own school record for the most in a season in Troy history – a record that still stands today. A native of Headland, Ala., Shelley’s production in the secondary was so far ahead of everybody else in the game. He intercepted eight passes in 1967, a school record at the time and currently the third most in Troy’s long history, and finished his illustrious career with 36 interceptions. His career tally is almost double that of the next player on Troy’s all-time list as Derrick “He was nice and quiet off the field, but when he put that Ansley ranks second with 19 career interceptions. Shelley also holds the single-game interception helmet on - I’m telling you - you might as well buckle that record after picking off three passes against rival chin strap because he would knock you down.” North Alabama in 1968. He knew what to do with the football once it was in his hands as he returned 29 of - Danny Grant his interceptions for a school record 492 yards. Troy State football student-athlete (1966-1969) “Ronnie could have played anywhere on the field,” Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) Grant said. “He was fast, tough and was a guy that you could always depend on because he was always ready to play. Defense was his side of the ball because he just loved to hit people. He was nice and quiet off the field, but when he put that helmet on – I’m telling you – you might as well buckle that chin strap because he would knock you down.” A member of the Wiregrass Hall of Fame (2003), Shelley took a different route to Troy than his teammates. Shelley came to Troy straight out of high school, while the rest of his incoming class transferred to Troy from another school. “Ronnie was the only one who hadn’t come from some other college and he could play with those older guys right out of high school,” Grant said. Shelley had to work himself through the ranks that freshman season as he initially found himself fifth on the depth chart. However, a blown coverage by a teammate led to a touchdown and the beginning of Shelley’s career at Troy. He would later go on to record the first of his record-setting 36 career interceptions that game. As gifted as he was an athlete, Shelley was just as successful off the field as a coach following his playing career. He led Southeastern Louisiana to an NCAA Baseball Regional, Ashford Academy to several basketball and baseball state titles and Houston Academy to a pair of softball state championships.
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2015 Inductee
ROBERT E. STEWART Efficient, captivating, and encouraging are all words that students and faculty alike have used to describe Robert Earl Stewart. During his 17-year stint as Troy’s director of athletics, he used those qualities, among others, to create a dynamic athletic department, which superseded all expectations. “Two things that really stood out about Robert Earl Stewart were his work ethic and discipline,” said Troy Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Maestri. “Back when I came here and he hired me there was no director of facilities, or academics, or any of the sort; he did the work of at least five people in one. After the football game, he’d be the last one there to lock up at night, then he would do all the financial and compliance work. When we started to hire different people, all I could think to myself was, ‘One guy used to do all of this, and that was Robert Earl Stewart.’” The road to becoming Troy’s athletics director for Stewart was a different road than most athletics directors have taken. He came to Troy in 1974 from Ole Miss to teach and head the new finance major in Troy’s school of business. However, after discussing the need for an athletics director that was not the head football coach, then-chancellor, and fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member, “Two things that really stood out about Robert Earl Stewart Dr. Ralph Adams offered Stewart the opportunity to be were his work ethic and discipline...He was always fair and he the interim athletics director, for a year. never played favorites.” Stewart turned him down, because he was still attempting to finish up his doctorate. After turning Dr. Adams down two more times, Stewart finally gave - Don Maestri way after many discussions, and accepted the one-year Troy men’s basketball head coach (1982-2013) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012) position, which he stayed with for an additional 16 years. Despite the multitude of challenges that lay ahead, Stewart took the job and embraced them all. From 1974 to 1991, Stewart spearheaded the Troy athletics program, which won 10 Division II national championship titles. Under the leadership of Stewart, the football team won two national titles, the baseball team tallied two national championships, the men’s golf and women’s golf teams each won three national titles, and the men’s basketball squad made an appearance in the final four. The Trojans also accumulated 66 conference championships and eight All-Sports trophies during Stewart’s tenure. Much of this success can be attributed to the people Stewart associated himself with. Stewart was responsible for the hiring of Troy Hall of Fame coaches Larry Blakeney, Don Maestri, Chase Riddle, Chan Gailey and Rick Rhoades. “He was always fair and he never played favorites,” said Maestri. “If I messed up on an expense report, I got called in or got a memo. He was a memo man. An Ole Miss graduate of business, he made sure all his T’s were crossed and all of his I’s were dotted. You didn’t want to be off 10 miles on your expense report, because you would get a phone call. “One day, you’d be called in for being 10 miles over, and the next day after a big loss, he would be in there making sure you were feeling better,” Maestri said. “He is a great business teacher, and he was an outstanding athletics director.” Nowadays, you can find the ever-efficient and supportive Stewart on campus, where he has taken his talents back to teaching finance. If you’re up for the challenge, he currently has a perfect 5.0 rating on RateMyProfessor.com, with a perfect rating in both helpfulness and clarity.
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2015 Inductee
WARD THIGPEN An All-American and All-Gulf South Conference selection, Ward Thigpen put together one of the most memorable seasons in Troy baseball history. Thigpen and the Trojans dominated the Gulf South Conference in 1990 en route to a 50-10 record and came within one game of a trip to the NCAA Division II World Series. Thigpen finished the season with an 11-1 record and a 2.12 ERA. The Greenville, Alabama, native was named Gulf South Pitcher of the Year and first team All-American. Thigpen struck out 107 batters during the 1990 season, including a school record seven consecutive strikeouts against Montevallo. In the contest, he fanned 15 batters in just seven innings of work. “Ward was a very good teammate. We became quick friends and still talk today. He was kind of a quiet guy, he just went out and pitched,” said Ross Jinright, a teammate of Thigpen’s in 1989 and 1990. “Ward had one of the best curveballs I’ve ever seen. He was basically unhittable his senior season, it was really fun to watch. He just dominated folks.” Utilizing his dominant curveball, Thigpen defeated Jacksonville State, the eventual national champions, three times during his senior campaign including once in the Division II South Regional. His consistency and governance in 1990 helped lead the Trojans to 50 wins; the most team victories in program “It was a special season and a special team. There is no history. Thigpen was the backbone of a pitching staff that doubt that Ward played a big part in that. He gave us a ranks in the top 10 of several Troy team record categories. chance to win every game he pitched and more often “We all knew he was having a great year, but one of than not, we did.” the most important things he did was beat Jacksonville State three times. They had a good team that year, rivalry - Ross Jinright game and he was able to beat them three times,” Jinright Troy baseball student-athlete (1987-90) said. “That entire season was special; we had a lot of special players, special moments and Ward was the leader of that.” Thigpen, a member of the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame, currently stands sixth all-time in Troy history with three shutouts, while his .917 winning percentage in 1990 ranks fifth in a single-season. His magical senior season started with a bang as Thigpen struck out 13 batters in seven innings in Troy’s opening day victory over Faulkner. He would strikeout 10 or more batters four times that season and finished with five complete games including a shutout over Jacksonville State. Thigpen also recorded his only save of the year in the team’s regular season finale – a 10-9 victory over Birmingham Southern. Thigpen was dominant in the postseason as well. In the NCAA South Central Regional, held in Troy, Thigpen again faced rival Jacksonville State. The right-hander fanned seven batters in a complete-game effort, leading the Trojans to a 6-2 win. Troy would eventually fall twice to the Gamecocks, ending their season, but it would go down as one of the greatest seasons in Troy history. Only fellow Troy University Hall of Fame member Danny Cox, Mike Perez (13), Tyler Ray and Dean Cordova (12) won more games in a season than Thigpen. His record of seven consecutive strikeouts against Montevallo still stands and his .917 winning percentage is fifth best in Troy single-season history. “It was a special season and a special team. There is no doubt that Ward played a big part in that,” Jinright said. “He gave us a chance to win every game he pitched and more often than not, we did.”
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2015 Inductee
FREDDIE THOMAS From walk-on to two-time All-American, Freddie Thomas is a true success story in the history of Troy Athletics. A leader of two national championship football teams, Thomas turned a successful collegiate career into over 25 years of dedication to youth sports and Troy Athletics. Thomas joins former teammate Mike Turk as the only two Troy University Sports Hall of Fame members to play on Troy’s 1984 and 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship teams. The head coach of each team, Chan Gailey and Rick Rhoades, respectively, are also both in the Hall of Fame. “Freddie was a great teammate,” Turk said. “We played against each other growing up in Montgomery and we both walked on at Troy. I came to Troy a quarter after Freddie and he had already established himself as a good player.” Thomas, simply known as “Bootsy” to his teammates, came to Troy as a freshman in 1984 and played in all 13 games for a team that went on to win the 1984 NCAA Division II National Championship. Thomas posted 43 tackles that season and pulled in two interceptions He played in six games in 1985 as a sophomore, but really came onto the scene in 1986. Thomas was a consensus All-American as he helped lead the Trojans to a 10-2 overall record and their second Gulf South Conference title in three years. As a junior safety, Thomas collected 87 tackles, “The guy deserves to be in the hall of fame for lots of five interceptions, eight pass break ups and a blocked punt. reasons. On top of being a two-time All-American, the love Thomas parlayed his outstanding junior season into an and passion he has for Troy is evident and continues to even better senior campaign where he was named captain of grow.” the 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship squad. He was again a consensus All-American as he helped the Trojans to - Mike Turk a 12-1-1 record and earned his second national championship Troy football student-athlete (1984-87) ring. Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012) The unquestioned leader of the Trojans’ defense, Thomas recorded 110 total tackles as a senior in 1987 to go along with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two more blocks. He led a defense that allowed 14 points or less in eight games and never allowed more than 21 points. “They’re the reason we won two national championships,” Turk said speaking of the defense. “In the 1984 championship game we fell down 14-0 real quick and gave up just a field goal after that. In 1987, I know I fumbled three times in the first half, but we were only down seven points. The defense kept us in that game and we started to click in the second half. “It’s pretty typical that the offense gets the attention, but if you watch the highlight video, especially from 1987, you get chill bumps with the emotion and passion that the defense played with, and Freddie was the main one.” The most impressive part of Thomas’ senior season was that he played most of the way with a torn shoulder labrum. “Anybody that plays has to have toughness, but what set Freddie apart was that he was counted on heavily to make tackles from that free safety position and he did so with reckless abandon,” Turk said. “He would literally hit guys so hard that neither one of them would get up. He was certainly tough, and the level of respect he commanded because of the way he played the game is what really set him apart.” Thomas currently ranks 12th all-time in Troy history with 11 career interceptions, while checking in at 18th in total tackles and 20th in assisted tackles. “One thing I remember about Freddie is that our dorm rooms were next to each other,” Turk said. “We would talk about what we wanted to accomplish, and I remember him being very focused and it was very clear that he would be successful then and after football.” “The guy deserves to be in hall of fame for lots of reasons. On top of being a two-time All-American, the love and passion he has for Troy is evident and continues to grow. It hasn’t faded over the years. “He was a great teammate and he was a great football player. He’s a better human being than he was all of that. The way he has represented Troy, even after he finished playing, and the way he continues to support the program and school speaks volumes about Freddie.”
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
2014 INDUCTION CEREMONY The third class of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on March 29, 2014, inside state-of-the-art Trojan Arena. Eight of the greatest men in Troy history were part of the third annual class. The class included Danny Cox, Mike Griffin, Perry Griggs, Ted Horstead, Anthony Reed, Rick Rhoades, Osi Umenyiora and Paul Word. A sold out gathering of over 600 people enjoyed a ceremony that featured comments from Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and President pro tempore of the Troy University Board of Trustees Gerald O. Dial.
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
MEMBERS
VERGIL PARKS McKINLEY
CLASS OF 2012
Vergil Parks McKinley, a professor at Troy Normal School, was charged with the task of fielding the school’s first football team in 1909. McKinley, who never played football, had 14 players try out for the first team, but kept just 11. He guided that squad to a 1-0-2 record in his only year as the head coach. Both Troy University and the University of Alabama now award a Virgil Parks McKinley Employee Award on a regular basis. (Deceased)
Inaugural Induction Class
RALPH ADAMS
Football
Administration
DENISE MONROE
Women’s Basketball
Ralph Adams became President of Troy State University in 1964 and remained in that role for 25 years. Under his administration, Troy State achieved university stature and more than doubled its enrollment. Athletically, the Trojans won three national championships in football, two in baseball and numerous national titles in golf and track & field. (Deceased)
Denise Monroe is the all-time leading scorer in Troy women’s basketball history with 2,024 points in her four year career (1977-81). Monroe also ranks second in Troy history with 1,312 career rebounds and holds the Troy career records for field goal attempts, field goals made, free throws attempted and free throws made. A 1981 All-American, Monroe’s No. 30 uniform was retired on Nov. 14, 1998 and is still the only retired jersey in Troy women’s basketball history.
BILLY ATKINS
CHARLES OLIVER
Football
Track and Field
Billy Atkins coached the Troy State football team for six seasons from 1966 to 1971 and led the Trojans to the 1968 NAIA national championship. Atkins also led TSU to three Alabama Collegiate Conference championships (1967-6869). He was a two-time NAIA District 27 Coach of the Year and was the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1968. He served in the dual role of football coach and athletic director from 1969 to 1971. (Deceased)
Charles Oliver made an impression on Troy State track and field as both a student-athlete and as a coach. Oliver, who is still Troy’s 400-meter record holder, was the NAIA 400-meter national champion in 1976 as an athlete. He became the head coach at Troy State in 1981, and in his nine seasons won seven conference championships while coaching 26 athletes to All-America honors. Oliver still sponsors two Coach O Invitationals in Troy every year.
LARRY BLAKENEY
CHASE RIDDLE
Football
Baseball
Larry Blakeney led the Troy University football program from Division II, through Division I-AA and into Division I-A. Blakeney led Troy to eight conference championships, including five straight Sun Belt titles (2006-10). He guided the Trojans to 15 winning seasons, including six seasons of 10 wins or more and led the Trojans to five bowl game appearances at the FBS level. Before retiring in 2015, he was the second longest tenured coach in the FBS.
Chase Riddle is the all-time winningest coach in Troy baseball history with 434 victories in his 12 seasons (197990). Riddle led the Trojans to back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships (1986-87) and guided Troy State to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams won five conference championships and played in six NCAA Division II World Series. He coached 30 All-Americans and Troy’s home baseball field now bears his name. (Deceased)
SIM BYRD
MIKE TURK
Football
Football
Sim Byrd owned many of the Troy football program’s alltime passing records for over four decades. During his three seasons at quarterback (1966-68), he guided the Trojans to a 24-8 record and the school’s first national championship (1968). He was named a first team All-American as a senior, setting then single-season records for passing yards, completions and pass attempts.
Mike Turk led the Troy football program to a pair of NCAA Division II national championships (1984, 1987) as a fouryear starting quarterback. He earned all-conference honors three times and first team All-America honors in 1987. During his career the Trojans posted a 40-8-1 record and captured three conference titles. Turk finished his career second in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in Troy history. Turk was also an assistant coach at Troy for 12 years.
DON MAESTRI
DeMARCUS WARE
Men’s Basketball
Don Maestri led the Troy men’s basketball program from Division II to conference championships in three different Division I leagues. He retired in 2013 with 501 victories, nine 20-win seasons and seven conference championships. Troy led the nation in scoring three times and in 3-pointers seven times. Troy also set numerous records in a 258-141 win over DeVry in 1992, hitting 51 three-pointers while becoming the first team in NCAA history to score 200 points.
Football
A four-year defensive lineman, DeMarcus Ware had a great career for the Troy football program and has turned it into a wildly successful NFL career. He is Troy’s career leader in tackles for loss and helped Troy to its first bowl game in 2004, earning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Since being drafted 11th overall in 2005, Ware has been named to the Sun Belt’s All-Decade Team, been an NFL All-Pro seven times and was the 2008 NFC Defensive Player of the Year.
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
MEMBERS
JOYCE SORRELL
CLASS OF 2013
Joyce Sorrell, the mother of women’s athletics at Troy Unversity, was the first ever Coordinator for Women’s Sports at Troy State. She also made a name leading the women’s basketball program for 20 years (1975-95). Sorrell recorded 274 wins along the way, still the most in program history. Her 1980-81 team won an Alabama AIAW State Championship. Sorrell retired from the University in 2006 after 39 years as a physical education instructor.
Second Induction Class
JOHN “DOC” ANDERSON
WILLIE TULLIS
John “Doc” Anderson first made his name at Troy State when he served as the track and field/cross country head coach (1969-80) and head athletic trainer (1965-80). Anderson was twice named the NAIA Track Coach of the Year while his track and field teams won three conference championships and his cross country teams won 10 conference titles. Anderson is currently an associate professor and clinical director in Troy University’s Athletic Training Education Program.
Willie Tullis still ranks among the Troy football all-time greats. A dual-threat quarterback from 1978 to 1980, Tullis was a Kodak All-American in 1980 when he rushed for 450 yards and threw for 1,880 yards with 20 total touchdowns. A twotime All-Gulf South selection, Tullis went a combined 21-7 in his three seasons. Tullis was selected by the Houston Oilers in 1981 NFL Draft returned a kick 95 yards for a touchdown in his first career game.
JOHN ARCHER
LAWRENCE TYNES
Administration Track and Field/Cross Country
Men’s Basketball
John Archer coached the Troy State men’s basketball team for 17 seasons (1956-73), posting a 303-185 career record. He led the program to three NAIA National Tournament appearances in his first three seasons. He helped the team to three conference championships while also serving as the head tennis coach and football line coach. After his coaching days, Archer remained at Troy State as a physical education instructor. (Deceased)
BOBBY ENSLEN
Football
Bobby Enslen finished his football career at Troy State as one of the most dangerous all-purpose players in the country. He had 61 catches for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns during Troy State’s 1968 NAIA National Championship season. An allconference and all-district selection, Enslen’s 12 touchdown receptions still rank as the third most in a season in Troy history. The Red Wave went a combined 19-3 in Enslen’s two season with a pair of conference championships.
CHAN GAILEY
Football
Chan Gailey spent just two seasons (1983-84) as the head coach of the Troy State football team, but his impact was felt for many years. Gailey turned a program that won just five games over the two years prior to his arrival (1981-82) into the 1984 NCAA Division II National Champions. Gailey went 19-5 in his two seasons at Troy State. Since then, Gailey has served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Georgia Tech.
DANNY GRANT
Football
Danny Grant was one of the most dominant receivers in the country when he played for the Trojans from 1966 to 1968. An NAIA All-America selection, Grant finished his threeyear career with 44 touchdown receptions, still 15 more than anybody in school history. Grant’s All-America season came during Troy State’s 1968 NAIA National Championship run when he caught 72 passes for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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Administration Women’s Basketball
Football
Football
Lawrence Tynes transformed his successful career as a Trojan into a pair of Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants. A three-time All-Southland Conference selection, Tynes helped Troy State to a pair of NCAA Division I-AA Playoff berths. Tynes still holds Troy’s career record for extra point percentage and ranks second in field goal percentage. He has since kicked game-winning field goals in the 2007 and 2011 NFC Championship Games on his way to two titles.
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
MEMBERS
RICK RHOADES
CLASS OF 2014
Rick Rhoades is one of three men to lead Troy football to a national championship as he was at the head of the school’s 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship. Troy State won two Gulf South titles in Rhoades three seasons, posting a 22-2 conference record over his tenure. He was the National Coach of the Year in 1987 and was also the defensive coordinator for TSU’s 1984 NCAA Division II National Championship.
Third Induction Class
DANNY COX
Football
Baseball
OSI UMENYIORA
Football
Danny Cox put together one of the most magical seasons by a Troy State pitcher in 1981, earning first team AllAmerica honors. Cox won a school-record 13 games with six shutouts, a number this is still both the single-season and career record at Troy. An inaugural member of the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame, Cox set an NCAA record with 43 consecutive scoreless innings and posted a 1.30 ERA. Cox played 11 major league seasons for four different teams.
A top-notch defensive lineman in the NFL for much of his career, Osi Umenyiora was an All-American in 2002 following his senior season at Troy. Umenyiora finished second in the nation that season with 15 sacks and set a then-Troy record with 20.5 tackles for a loss. He finished his career as the Troy all-time leader in TFLs and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Umenyiora has won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and has played in two Pro Bowls.
MIKE GRIFFIN
PAUL WORD
Men’s Golf
One of the most successful golf coaches in NCAA history, Mike Griffin led Troy State to three NCAA DIvision II National Championships (1976, 1977, 1984), one runner-up finish and nine straight appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship tournament. Griffin won nine coach of the year awards and coached 32 All-Americans in his 11 seasons at TSU. Griffin then took over at Auburn in 1984 and led the Tigers to 18 NCAA Regionals in his final 20 years.
PERRY GRIGGS
Men’s Basketball
One of the early pioneers of Troy State men’s basketball, Paul Word was named a Small College All-American following the 1961-62 season. In his three-year career at Troy State, he helped TSU to three NAIA National Tournaments and scored 1,113 points. Word led the team in scoring and rebounding in each of his final two seasons, including 17.6 points and 9.9 rebounds as a senior. Word went to win 614 games in 38 years as a high school coach in Alabama.
Football
One of the most versatile players in Troy football history, Perry Griggs held the school’s all-purpose yards record for over 30 years after finishing his career with 4,079 yards. Griggs was named a Kodak first team All-American and a NAIA second-team All-American in 1976. Griggs posted his best statistical season as a sophomore in 1974 when he gained 1,585 all-purpose yards. In that season, Griggs was named the Gulf South Player of Year.
TED HORSTEAD
Football
One of the all-time great running backs in Troy football history, Ted Horstead currently ranks second in Troy history with 2,926 career rushing yards. During Troy’s 1984 National Championship season, Horstead rushed for 1,123 yards on 238 carries, both setting Troy single-season records, at the time. A fullback, Horstead earned All-Gulf South honors in 1984 and 1985. He is tied for second in Troy history with eight career 100-yard rushing games.
ANTHONY REED
Men’s Basketball
Troy’s all-time leading scorer, Anthony Reed dominated the Gulf South for four years, posting 1,875 career points. He was named Gulf South Freshman of the Year in 1986 after averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Reed’s scoring increased by over 10 points a game over his career as he averaged a Troy single-season record 24.4 points his senior season. Reed was named All-Gulf South three times and was an All-American following his senior season.
2015 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS
HALL OF FAME The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was established in 2010 and inducted its inaugural class of 11 members on August 10, 2012. The Hall of Fame is located in the main rotunda of Trojan Arena, which opened in 2012. The Hall of Fame, now with 27 members, features two interactive video monitors that display pictures and induction acceptance videos of all members. Between the two monitors is a wall displaying permanently the names of all members. The Hall of Fame area of Trojan Arena also features numerous artifacts from throughout the history of Troy University Athletics.
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Troy University Athletics would like to thank Troy University and its leadership, including the Chancellor and Senior Vice Chancellors, for their continued support and commitment to athletics. Banquet Program Event Coordination Music Video Presentations Inductee Liaison and Awards Banquet Production Photographer Printed Program Inductee Reception Ticketing and Seating Parking Guest Relations Banquet Meal Stage, Table and Chair Set Up Maintenance, Housekeeping Security
Board of Advisors Sandy Atkins, Tony Ferrante Troy University Jazz Ensemble Broadcast & Digital Network, Kyle Bozeman, Jeff Herring, Anna Gooden Andrew Dickinson Mike Frigge Kevin Glackmeyer Adam Prendergast, Matt Mays Hannah Mason Rebecca Whetstone, Santiago Pinzon Troy Equipment Room Staff Ambassadors, Jennifer Gardner Sodexho Dining, Ibrahim Yildirim, James Quinn Student Services, Herb Reeves, Derrick Brewster Physical Plant, Mark Salmon Chief John McCall
CONGRATULATIONS FREDDIE “BOOTSY” THOMAS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S CLASS OF THE TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME!
CONGRATULATIONS TO RONNIE SHELLEY, ROBERT EARL STEWART, JAMES BATIE AND TO THE OTHER INDUCTEES. TROY WAS LUCKY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU WITH ITS PROGRAMS.
Congratulaions Troy University Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Class
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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
NOTES/AUTOGRAPHS
2015 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET
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