2018 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Program by Troy University Athletics

SEVENTH ANNUAL

I NDUCTI ON CEREMONY BANQUET AND

APRI L21,2018

ARMSTRONG -ASH -BATES-LAMBERT McKELVI N -PI ERCE-STEPHENS-VENABLE

Dear Trojans: It is my honor to welcome you to the induction ceremony of the seventh class to the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. Thanks to the work of Chairman Earl Johnson and the members of the Board of Advisors, we are inducting another outstanding class this year. The Sports Hall of Fame is a source of great pride for Troy University, as it gives us the opportunity to honor the “best of the best.” On behalf of the entire Troy University family, I am pleased to extend a special welcome to our inductees and their families. The class of 2018 includes Mandee Armstrong, women’s basketball; Chuck Ash, athletic training; Ben Bates, golf; Coach Bob Lambert and the late Steve Venable, track and field; Leodis McKelvin, football, and Coach Bobby Pierce and Wendell Stephens, baseball. All are worthy additions to this Hall of Fame and they honor us by allowing us to honor them. On behalf of each honoree from each class and his or her family, thank you for supporting TROY University and this Hall of Fame. Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Ph.D. Chancellor

Dear Trojan Family: Welcome to the 2018 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. We are excited to honor eight outstanding inductees tonight who have had an extremely positive impact on Troy Athletics over the years. This is a special event for all involved as we celebrate the rich tradition and history of Troy Athletics. We hope our inductees, their families, and our guests enjoy a beautiful evening inside Trojan Arena. I would like to thank the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their time and dedication to this process. Tonight would not be possible without their efforts and the commitment of many other Trojans. Congratulations to the all our inductees and their families on this special recognition. We appreciate all you have done, and continue to do, for Troy University! GO TROJANS!

Jeremy McClain Director of Athletics

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

2018 INDUCTEES

Mandee Armstrong Women’s Basketball

Administration

Chuck Ash

Ben Bates

Bob Lambert

Leodis McKelvin

Bobby Pierce

Track & Field

Football

Wendell Stephens Baseball

Men’s Golf

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Baseball

Steve Venable Track & Field

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

ORDER OF PROGRAM Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

Seventh Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet Trojan Arena • Troy, Alabama April 21, 2018 • 7 p.m.

Music.......................................................................................................... Troy University Jazz Addicts Call to Order/Master of Ceremonies....................................................................... Barry McKnight Welcome...........................................................................................................................Jeremy McClain Parade of Inductees...................................................................................................... Barry McKnight National Anthem..............................................................................................................Shelia Jackson Invocation........................................................................................................................Lonnie Cochran Dinner Dinner Music.................................................................................. Troy University Jazz Addicts 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

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.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Board of Advisors Event Coordination......................................................................................................................................................................Sandy Atkins, Tony Ferrante, Steve Stroud Music............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Troy University Jazz Addicts Video Presentations..........................................................................................................Broadcast & Digital Network, Kyle Bozeman, Jeff Herring, Anna Gooden Inductee Awards.......................................................................................................................................................................................................Sandy Atkins, Tony Ferrante Banquet Production............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mike Frigge Photographer.......................................................................................................................................................Joey Meredith, Chip Dillard, Joshua Thurston, Clif Lusk Printed Program ........................................................................................................... Adam Prendergast, Wes Johnson, Grace Bolin, Russ Schaffer, Jace Sanders Inductee Reception.................................................................................................................................................................................................. Sandy Atkins, Steve Stroud Ticketing and Seating........................................................................................................... Rebecca Whetstone, Santiago Pinzon, Helen Shirey, Corrie Musgrove Parking.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Troy Equipment Room Staff Guest Relations.............................................................................................................................................................Hospitality Students in Revenue Generation Class Banquet Meal..................................................................................................................................................................................................Sodexho Dining, Ibrahim Yildirim Stage, Table and Chair Set Up.................................Student Services, Herb Reeves, Derrick Brewster, Hospitality Students in Revenue Generation Class Maintenance, Housekeeping..............................................................................................................................................................................Physical Plant, Mark Salmon Security...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Chief John McCall 2018 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET

TROY UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Governor of Alabama President, ex-officio

KAY IVEY

Area 5 President pro tempore

JOHN D. HARRISON

Area 2 Vice President pro tempore

KAREN CARTER

EDWARD F. CROWELL

ROY DRINKARD

LAMAR HIGGINS

EARL JOHNSON

FORREST LATTA

C. CHARLES NAILEN

Area 7

GERALD O. DIAL

Area 4

ALLEN OWEN Area 3

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Area 2

C. GIBSON VANCE Area 4

Area 6

ASHLI MORRIS SGA President Non-Voting

Area 1

At-Large

JACK HAWKINS, JR. Secretary

At-Large

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

JEREMY McCLAIN

Chairman of Board of Trustees Director of Athletics (Ex-Officio) Athletics Committee (Ex-Officio) Secretary

JOHNNY WILLIAMS

Fourth District - Tuscaloosa

DONNA HORN

PATRICK KELLOGG

MAJOR JOHN WILLIAMS First District - Mobile

FREDDIE THOMAS

Fifth District - Hoover

Sixth District - Birmingham

At-Large - Troy

At-Large - Seaside

BOBBY PIERCE

KELLY COLBERT

MAYOR JASON REEVES

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR

DENISE MONROE

City of Troy

Alabama Electronic Media

City of Dothan

Sports Official

MAYOR EARL JOHNSON

Second District - Andalusia Chairman

PHILLIP GRICE

DR. JACK HAWKINS, JR Chancellor (Ex-Officio)

DR. KARL STEGALL

Third District - Montgomery

RANDALL MOORE

Seventh District - Birmingham

At-Large - New Orleans

BUZZ PHILLIPS

DONNIE PEMBERTON

City of Montgomery

JON JOHNSON

Alabama Sports Writers Association

City of Phenix City

BOB BOOTHE

Alumni Board

2018 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET

2018 Inductee

MANDEE ARMSTRONG It didn’t take long for Denise Monroe to know that Mandee Armstrong was talented. In fact, it was the first time Monroe saw Armstrong that she knew she was destined for a long career in basketball. “People kept coming by telling me I had to see this kid play,” Monroe, who tutored Armstrong in high school, said. “I finally got an afternoon free and went to see her. You know talent when you see it and I knew she was going to be special.” Monroe, who was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, would know success in Troy as she played for the Trojans from 1977-81. In her time with Armstrong, Monroe said they would constantly battle in one-on-one games as Armstrong displayed a ferocious work ethic while working to better her game. It paid off as Armstrong had one of the most prolific careers in Troy basketball history. From 1993 through 1997, Armstrong was a scoring machine as she put up 1,606 points in her four-year career; a mark that stood as Troy’s Division “People kept coming by telling me I had to see this kid play. I record for nearly 20 years. Not only does her point total I finally got an afternoon free and went to see her. You know rank as the second-best mark in talent when you see it and I knew she was going to be special.” Troy’s Division I history, it also remains the fourth-most in school - Denise Monroe history. Under Armstrong, Troy Troy Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete (1977-81) went to the Division I postseason Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012) for the first time ever in 1996-97 with a matchup against Virginia in the NCAA West Regional. That season saw the Trojans go 23-7 and 13-3 in the Mid-Continent Conference. The 23 wins were the most wins in school history; a record that remains today. Troy’s 13 conference wins that season also stood as a program record until the Trojans won 15 conference games in 2014-15. Armstrong averaged 18.8 points per game as a senior and 18.2 points per game as a junior, which is the sixth and seventh most points in a season in Troy history to this day. Her 17.1 points per game for her career is the fifth most ever. Her scoring averages were no fluke as she is the fourth-most accurate shooter in program history at 51.2 percent. Though it may be easy to label Armstrong as a shooter, she was certainly far from just that as she holds a number of records in various categories. A terror by the basket on the offensive end, Armstrong was just as difficult to handle on the defensive side as she set the program record with 196 blocks before it was broken shortly after by teammate Samantha Tomlinson, who is eighth in NCAA history with 3.74 blocks per game. Armstrong checks in with the third, fourth and fifth most blocks in a season. If she wasn’t blocking shots, Armstrong was most likely the first one to the glass as her 7.6 rebounds per game is the ninth most ever by a Trojan. It took hardly any time at all for the forward to show her potential after she averaged 12.3 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game en route to being named the 1994 East Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. That season also saw her set a school record for most blocks in a season with 62. With her successful collegiate career concluded, Armstrong then went on to play professionally in Luxembourg and Austria. Since then, she has spent time coaching while also pursuing a career in the field she graduated in: criminal justice. In 2016, Armstrong was named the police chief of the Monroeville Police Department becoming the first female chief of police in the town’s history. Monroe said her goal was to help her be able to understand responsibility in her life to help give her an opportunity to play in college. That certainly worked out for all involved as Armstrong lived up to all expectations in her time in Troy.

2018 Inductee

CHUCK ASH Larry Blakeney roamed the sidelines of Veterans Memorial Stadium for 24 legendary seasons as Troy University’s head football coach. Chuck Ash was by his side for all of them and played an influential role in Troy’s success on the field. Charged with the health and well-being of Troy University’s student-athletes, Ash dedicated his life to his alma mater for more than three decades through various roles in the athletic training department. Named Troy’s head athletic trainer in February 1991, Ash transformed Troy’s athletic training department into what it is today and one that was a benchmark many in the industry tried to reach. “Chuck built the athletic department sports medicine team as it is today,” said John “Doc” Anderson, who held Ash’s role from 1967 until 1980 and was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. “He raised funds when the office was in Eldridge Hall to transform the second floor into an athletic training facility.” The only child of a pair of school teachers, Ash served Troy University studentathletes from his roots as an undergraduate student athletic trainer in the mid 70s until he retired as the “I am proud of him and I know the countless number of Director of Sports Medicine in the fall of 2017. “Chuck still has the letter that I sent him in high athletic trainers across the country that he has helped school about coming to Troy,” Anderson said. “He took mentor feel the same way. Chuck Ash is a no-doubt hall of famer in my book. a lot of pride during his career because Troy is such a special place to him. Coaches and student-athletes have defining victories, in my opinion becoming - John “Doc” Anderson Troy Head Athletic Trainer (1967-80) the head athletic trainer at Troy University, his alma Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) mater, was Chuck’s defining moment.” Not only did Ash work with the current Troy student-athletes and coaches, he was also instrumental in outreach to area high schools as Troy quietly built one of the top athletic training curriculums in the country. “His outreach and the way he mentored all of the athletic training students was a great thing to see,” Anderson said. “Chuck is a smart cookie and what made him as successful is that he was steady and has a lot wisdom. His whole approach was common sense and he built his department on that standard.” His leadership did not go unnoticed as Ash was named the 2016 Troy University Alumnus of the Year. Additionally, he was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainer Hall of Fame in 2008 and was also named the Alabama Athletic Trainer Association College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year during his career. In 2001, Ash was granted membership into the prestigious American Sports Medicine Fellowship Society. A 1978 and 1979 graduate of Troy, Ash attended 305 consecutive Troy football games in his role as an athletic trainer. He witnessed Troy’s two NCAA Division II National Championships and saw the transformation of the football program from Division II, to FCS and finally FBS. Ash was on the sideline for Troy’s five straight Sun Belt Conference championships and he stood beside Blakeney as the legendary figure at Troy University coached his final game on Nov. 29, 2014. “He’s witty, he knows how to get along with people and could read the athletes, which is not easy,” Anderson said. “I am proud of him and I know the countless number of athletic trainers across the country that he has helped mentor feel the same way. Chuck Ash is a no-doubt hall of famer in my book.”

2018 Inductee

BEN BATES It’s not often you find a team where the seniors look up to a freshman, but it’s also not often that you find a golfer quite like Ben Bates. “His golf game was just that strong,” former Troy head coach and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Mike Griffin said. “He never found a golf course he couldn’t beat. He would prove it very shortly when he got on that golf course. “He was never arrogant or egotistical about it by any stretch of the imagination. He was very confident about what he could do with a golf club. He’s one of the easiest going, fun golf players to be around.” Few in Troy history have had as storied of careers as Bates. The two-time AllAmerican won a national championship with the Trojans before embarking on a career in the PGA. Success was immediate in his collegiate career as Bates garnered All-Gulf South Conference honors in his debut season as a Trojan in 1981 en route to being named all-conference in all four years he played for Troy. While learning under what will soon be his partner in the Hall of Fame in Griffin, Bates “He never found a golf course he couldn’t beat. He was never became an instrumental leader on a team arrogant or egotistical about it by any stretch of the imagination. that went on to win the 1984 NCAA Division He was very confident about what he could do with a golf club. II National Championship; the first in program He’s one of the easiest going, fun golf players to be around.” history. His final two seasons in 1983 and 1984 saw - Mike Griffin the current Havana, Fla., resident named to the Troy Head Men’s Golf Coach (1973-84) All-America team. Troy made it to the national Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2014) championship in all four seasons Bates was on the team and finished third or better in three of those appearances. He claimed individual medals five times in his career, highlighted by the 1984 Gulf South Conference individual title. That victorious senior season propelled him into his professional career, where he played his 1,000th round in 2007 and has two victories. Nobody has more starts and has made it through more cuts since the formation of the Nationwide Tour—since renamed the Web.com Tour—in 1990. In 1997, Bates achieved his first professional victory in the Wichita Open after winning a four-way playoff. The win placed him in the top 10 on the money list, which qualified him for the first time for the PGA Tour after he spent seven years splitting time between the Nationwide Tour and mini tours. In one of the most competitive eras in golfing history, Bates was able to play on the PGA Tour for nearly five years before making his return to the Nationwide Tour in 2002. It didn’t take him long to secure another victory as he was able to again win in a playoff; this time in a two-man showdown against three-time Nationwide Tour winner Paul Gow in the 2004 Reese’s Cup Classic. One of the highlights of his five-year career on the PGA Tour was when he competed in the 2001 U.S. Open. Since retiring from the Nationwide Tour, Bates has gone on to compete on the Champions Tour. Bates made sure to devote time to giving back as he took part in the Together, Anything’s Possible initiative, which was created by the PGA to build a community of tournaments, players, charities, sponsors and partners to make a social investment in others. “I’m extremely proud for our golfers to get recognition,” Griffin said. “He’s a special person that’s due that recognition. I couldn’t be prouder of him, his family and his teammates. For him to be recognized is another feather in the cap of the whole program. He earned it, without question, the opportunity to be so recognized.”

2018 Inductee

BOB LAMBERT Eight-time conference coach of the year, Bob Lambert served as Troy’s director of track & field / cross country for 14 seasons and finished his career as one of the most successful coaches in school history. “When Bob got to Troy, he was tasked with getting the program back,” former track coach and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member John “Doc” Anderson said. “The men’s program was gone and the women’s team really didn’t have much. I would say he’s the father of our track program and where Troy is now.” Lambert was hired in 1993 to help resurrect Troy’s track and field teams after a sixyear absence. That didn’t slow Lambert down, who eventually led the Trojans to seven men’s conference titles and one women’s conference title, while more than 300 of his student-athletes earned all-conference honors – 194 men and 117 women. “He was a good guy and the student-athletes he coached were good kids,” Anderson praised. “They were smart students with high GPAs, but just having a scholarship doesn’t make you run; head, heart, legs and lungs make you run, jump and throw. He understood that and was able to successfully develop those guys and girls and sent quite a few to nationals. If a coach can learn to develop kids “He was able to successfully develop those guys and the way Bob did, they’ll be successful.” girls and sent quite a few to nationals. If a coach can Under his watch, Michael Green was named the learn to develop kids the way Bob did, they’ll be Atlantic Sun Athlete of the Year for all sports. Troy successful.” athletes were such a dominant force in the Atlantic Sun, that Trojan student-athletes held 13 league records - John “Doc” Anderson when Troy made the move to the Sun Belt Conference. Troy Track & Field Head Coach (1966-80) “He was able to get two things done that I thought Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) were excellent for the track program,” Anderson pointed out. “First, he was able to get the track surfaced with a rubberized surface and got it to the point where it is now. Secondly, despite being a one-man show - with the help of graduate students – he led a pretty successfully transition into the Sun Belt. He didn’t have a lot of help, but he got the job done.” Among his eight coach of the year awards, Lambert was named the Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year on the men’s side five consecutive seasons from 2001 to 2005 and just missed an eight-year run by one season (2000). Lambert then helped lead Troy’s transition from the Atlantic Sun to the Sun Belt as he led the Troy men to a runner up finish in its first year in the league. His commitment to the sport reached far past Troy’s walls as he served as the Alabama High School Athletic Association Track & Field Meet Director for 11 years, he was named the AHSAA Track and Field Official of the Year and he served on the U.S. Track & Field / Cross Country Association Division I Executive Committee. “He was highly organized because was a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and that carried over to his time here at Troy,” Anderson said. “His benchmark was he was well-organized, got along with the kids and he worked hard to provide the foundation for where we are track program is now.” A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lambert finished fifth in the javelin at the U.S. Olympic Trials. He set Air Force records in the high jump and javelin before returning to the service academy as an assistant coach in 1974. Following his graduation in 1965, Lambert served as a commissioned officer in the Air Force for 28 years with two tours in Vietnam and more than 400 combat hours of flying. Following his retirement from Troy, Lambert continued his service to the University as a volunteer coach with the track & field / cross country programs for several years.

2018 Inductee

LEODIS McKELVIN Troy’s football history is littered with great players – National Player of the Year, All-Americans, Conference Players of the Year, the list goes on. For Leodis McKelvin, he stood alone among the giants as Troy’s lone Football Bowl Subdivision All-American for 11 seasons. “He was as good as it gets,” legendary Troy University football head coach and Troy Sports Hall of Fame member Larry Blakeney said. “He was a phenom as far as his athletic abilities and was a good guy, a great teammate and one heck of a football player.” McKelvin earned All-America distinction from The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly following the 2007 season in which he ranked third nationally averaging 18.3 yards per punt return and was the only player to return three punts for a touchdown. He led the Trojans in all-purpose yards (1,192) and when his storied Troy career was all said and done, McKelvin had returned a combined seven punts and kickoffs for a touchdown, just one shy of an NCAA record. His impact stretched far past the kicking game as McKelvin was frequently tasked with covering the opposing teams’ top receiver. Troy’s defense, led by McKelvin, held opponents to a measly 183.1 passing yards per game and just 24.6 points per contest as the Trojans rolled off an 8-4 record, including a victory over Oklahoma State. “He was as good as it gets. He was a phenom as far as In that game against the Cowboys, a nationally- televised contest on ESPN2, McKelvin thrust himself his athletic abilities and was a good guy, a great teammate into the national spotlight. He returned a punt 74 and one heck of a football player.” yards for a touchdown to give the Trojans a 20-3 lead midway through the second quarter … he would go - Larry Blakeney on to finish with a team-high seven tackles in addition Troy Head Football Coach (1991-2014) to three pass break ups and a forced fumble in Troy’s Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012) 41-23 victory. “He was lean and he could fly,” Blakeney said. “He got me in trouble on his punt return against Oklahoma State. I was so excited and I ran out on the field following him down the sideline and the official that was following him ran right into me, I’m not sure if they penalized me or not.” A quick glance at the box score shows Troy with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following the return, no indication whether it was directed at Blakeney or the team for celebration. If it was on Blakeney, looking back it was well worth it. “When you have a guy back there like Leodis, it’s hard to kick it away from him unless you kick it out of bounds,” Blakeney said. “He could cover so much ground and wanted the ball in his hands. He was a true weapon any time he touched the football.” He touched the ball a lot in his Troy career as the three-time All-Sun Belt selection ranks first in Troy history in kickoff returns, kickoff return yards, punt returns, punt return yards and punt return touchdowns. Amazingly, McKelvin ranks fourth all-time in Troy history in all-purpose yards despite never taking an offensive snap – no other player in the top 20 in Troy’s record book in the category has less than 1,000 offensive yards. “The offensive coaches certainly wanted him on that side of the ball,” Blakeney said with a chuckle. “But at that point we were already using him in two-thirds of the game. He always drew the opponents’ top receiver and could change the game in an instance on special teams. “He will always be remembered for being an outstanding football player,” Blakeney added. “But he also needs to be remembered for being a stand up young man. He earned the respect of his teammates and was always one to come back and visit Troy when he was playing in the NFL. One of the first things he did when he was drafted was to build his momma a house. I’ve got nothing but the most respect for Leodis.” The Buffalo Bills made him the 11th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, which is tied with Troy’s DeMarcus Ware for the highest overall selection ever out of the Sun Belt Conference. McKelvin played nine seasons in the NFL – eight with the Bills and one with the Philadelphia Eagles – and recorded 360 tackles, 15 interceptions and six touchdowns.

2018 Inductee

BOBBY PIERCE The all-time winningest coach in Troy baseball history, Bobby Pierce led Troy to four conference titles and four NCAA Regional appearances, while his players earned numerous All-America, all-conference and NCAA statistical champion awards. “I spent 13 really, really great years with him,” Troy head baseball coach Mark Smartt said. “I am forever grateful to him for not only giving me an opportunity to come back to Troy and work for him, but the opportunity to learn and grow underneath his leadership. He’s easily one of the best people that I’ve been around on a daily basis.” In his time at Troy, Pierce coached 15 All-Americans and had 28 players sign professional contracts. He also coached 42 all-conference selections, four Pitchers of the Year (2005, 2006, 2011, 2013), two Players of the Year (2005, 2011), one Newcomer of the Year (2007) and two Freshmen of the Year (2009 & 2014) while amassing 450 wins passing legendary Troy head coach Chase Riddle (434). “I can say without reservation that he shared many characteristics with Coach Riddle,” Smartt said. “They both had the unique ability to get the best out of every player, whatever that best was. They both had “People migrated toward him, they wanted to be around the ability to make great in-game decisions that affected him. They wanted to play for him and excel for him. That’s the game in a positive way. Players had a desire to give a gift, it’s a trait and it’s really hard to recreate. That’s what their best for Coach Pierce, they had a desire to compete makes him so special.” at the highest level for him.” Smartt fondly remembers a game when Pierce’s intuition and in-game decision-making abilities were put - Mark Smartt on full display. Troy Head Baseball Coach (2016-pr.) In an Atlantic Sun game in 2005, Troy trailed Central Troy Baseball Student-Athlete (1986-87) Florida, 5-4, heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Third baseman Jared Keel stepped into the box with a runner on first and no one out. “It was a textbook sacrifice bunt scenario,” Smatt recalls. “I was dead set on giving the bunt sign as soon as Keel stepped in the box. I look over into the dugout at Coach Pierce and he’s not giving me anything. So, Keel takes a strike. I look over again … nothing.” Keel took another strike and found himself in an 0-2 hole. Keel served the next pitch over the wall in left field lifting the Trojans to a 6-5 victory. Smartt sought council on the situation after the game. “I went into his office and asked him about the at-bat,” Smartt said. “It was a clear bunt situation, I just wanted to know what his thoughts were.” Pierce stated simply: “I just had a gut feeling. I felt like the moment was right for him.” “It could have played out differently, but it didn’t.” Smartt said. “Coach Pierce had belief in the kid and he came through. That’s just one of many examples of his ability to make decisions and put us in a position to win games.” Pierce’s teams posted a grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher in nine of his 13 seasons and Troy student-athletes were named to the prestigious CoSIDA Academic All-America team on three different occasions. Troy led the nation in runs scored in 2006 and in doubles in 2013. For an unprecedented six straight seasons from 2004 to 2009, a Troy player was recognized as a statistical champion. A member of the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Pierce retired in 2015 following his 13th season at the helm of the Troy program. Of the four NCAA Regionals that the Trojans played in under Pierce, the final one in 2013 might be the most memorable. Troy defeated Pierce’s alma mater, Alabama, twice, including a walk-off walk to eliminate the Crimson Tide and send Troy to the Regional Final against Florida State. “People migrated toward him, they wanted to be around him,” Smartt said. “They wanted to play for him and excel for him. That’s a gift, it’s a trait and it’s really hard to recreate. That’s what makes him so special.”

2018 Inductee

WENDELL STEPHENS In what forever will be known as the “Grand Slam at Midnight”, Wendell Stephens etched his name in Troy lore for all-time with one powerful swing of the bat. “I had never experienced a moment quite like that one,” said Mark Smartt, current Troy baseball head coach and teammate of Stephens in 1986. “The electricity in the crowd, the energy in the park, the sheer joy of such a huge moment was incredible.” Stephens stepped to the plate in the top of the ninth inning with one out and the bases loaded in Troy’s opener of the 1986 NCAA Division II World Series. Down to his final strike and with Troy trailing Mankato State, 6-4, Stephens sent his 11th home run of the season deep into the midnight sky to give Troy the lead and eventually the national championship. That alone would get most people into the Hall of Fame, but Stephens’ credentials keep going. “What some people don’t remember is that was our first game of the tournament,” Smartt said. “In his first at-bat of the next game, he hit a threerun home run in the first inning. So, in two swings, he had seven RBIs, which basically won the championship for us.” A transfer from Pensacola Junior College, Stephens batted .344 in his two season prior to Troy. He was also a three-sport letterwinner at Niceville (Fla.) High School. As a junior in 1985, Stephens “He had a knack for coming through in big situations, earned all-region and third-team All-America honors with he was outstanding overall hitter. He had a great junior the Trojans after batting .396 with 14 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs and a then-school record 67 RBIs. His 1986 year as well and was a real leader on the team ... His ability gave our team a lot of confidence.” campaign was just as impressive as he hit at a .387 clip with nine doubles, 12 home runs and 64 RBIs. “The grand slam is the moment he’ll be remembered - Mark Smartt Troy Head Baseball Coach (2016-pr.) for, but over the course of that 1986 year, he came through Troy Baseball Student-Athlete (1986-87) any number of times to help us win games and lead us to the championship,” Smartt said. “He had a knack for coming through in big situations, he was outstanding overall hitter. He had a great junior year as well and was a real leader on the team.” The son of two Troy graduates, Stephens ranks second all-time in Troy history with a career .391 batting average and a .513 on-base percentage, while ranking third in slugging percentage (.704), eighth in RBIs (131) and ninth in home runs (27). His single-season RBI record stood until 1999 and currently ranks as the eighth best mark in Troy history while his .396 batting average stands 10th best in a season at Troy. “Great hitter. He was an incredible two-strike hitter,” Smartt said. “In my 29 years as a coach and my four years of playing college baseball, I’ve never seen another player do what he did in 1986.” Stephens drew 51 walks and struck out just 12 times over the course of the 54-game season. For his career, pitchers managed to strike out Stephens only 32 times in 345 at bats. “His ability gave our team a lot of confidence,” Smartt said. “He had incredible talent and had the ability to stay calm under pressure and came through in big moments many, many times. In all of my years around the game of college baseball, I can honestly say that Wendell Stephens is one of the top five hitters that I’ve ever seen play the game. He was that good. He is so very deserving of hall of fame recognition as he is easily one of the best hitters to ever put on the uniform here at Troy and I’m proud to say that he was a teammate.” Troy won 89 games in the two seasons Stephens suited up for the Trojans, including a 20-2 start to the 1986 campaign. Stephens was a member of the inaugural class to be inducted into the Troy Trojans Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 along with Troy University Sports Hall of Fame members Danny Cox and Chase Riddle.

2018 Inductee

STEVE VENABLE Records are made to be broken. However, 30 years later, Steve Venable still sits atop the Troy record book in multiple track and field and cross country events. Venable was nearly untouchable on the track. A member of the Troy track and field and cross country teams from 1977-81, Venable became one of the most decorated athletes in Troy history. He was a five-time NCAA AllAmerican and still holds numerous school records decades after his final meet for the Trojans. “Steve was incredible,” former coach John “Doc” Anderson said. “He was a brilliant student and a phenomenal athlete. There was and still is nobody here that could touch him. If the 1978-79 team competed in this conference today, they would walk away with it. That’s how good those guys were. You just can’t lie about times.” Venable helped lead the Troy track and cross country teams to six conference and regional championships. Individually, he earned seven conference titles, five in track and field and two in cross country, earning the nickname “Animal” from Anderson. He was small in stature, but his long strides and passion for running made him unstoppable. “For a distance runner, its all about head, heart, legs and lungs,” Anderson expressed. “A scholarship doesn’t make you run faster or play harder. What makes someone successful is his attitude. Steve “I was only worried about three things: that they made their was small, but he had a big heart, a great attitude and worked grades, stayed out of trouble and competed. Steve certainly as hard as anyone.” did that. He was on another level and truly deserves to be in During his Troy career, Venable was the only runner in the Troy Hall of Fame. He will be missed.” the nation in NCAA Division II to make All-America in both the 1500 meters, placing fourth in 1981, and the 5000 meters, - John “Doc” Anderson placing second in 1980. Troy Track & Field Head Coach (1966-80) He was one of only four runners to post three top-15 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013) finishes in the national cross country meet, placing 15th in 1978, 12th in 1980 and fifth in 1981. Venable holds school indoor records for the mile (4:07.40), two-mile (8:48.10) and distance medley relay (10:16.80), in addition in outdoor records in the 1500 meters (3:44.69), mile (4:04.84), and 5000 meters (14:08.86). “He was a five-time All-American, in two different sports,” Anderson said. “No athlete as of yet at Troy University has ever done that. Track times you just can’t spin. Back then, you had to finish top-15 in the nation to be named an All-American. He did it twice.” Venable’s natural talent and attitude could not be coached, but there were several members of the team and coaching staff that the Athens, Ga., native forged a special bond with. “He continued his career and got better and better each year,” Anderson said. “There were probably three other people that helped him succeed that deserve credit. One was Rick Stetson, who was the track captain, he took over coaching when I left. The other was Nick Costes, who was a professor here and was an Olympian in the marathon. He had a lot of influence over the distance runners back then. And then someone who really helped Steve improve his times was Ed Sheehan. He was a grad assistant at Troy, but had a successful track career at Harvard. Ed cranked up his workouts and helped him get those records. They had as much to do with his success as anyone.” Not only did Venable excel on the track, but he was also a member of the Dean’s List and President’s List during his time at Troy. Venable earned a full academic scholarship to graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi. Venable tragically passed away just weeks before his Hall of Fame induction. However, his passion for competing and his legacy at Troy will be remembered by many as they strive to top his name in the record books. “Someone once asked me if I was worried about his long hair,” Anderson recalled. “I said I was only worried about three things: that they made their grades, stayed out of trouble and competed. Steve certainly did that. He was on another level and truly deserves to be in the Troy Hall of Fame. He will be missed.”

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

2017 INDUCTION CEREMONY The sixth class of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on April 15, 2017, inside state-of-the-art Trojan Arena. Eight of the greatest men and women in Troy history were part of the sixth annual class. The class included Benny Beard, DeWhitt Betterson, Melanie Davis, Dr. Doug Hawkins, Jerrel Jernigan, Dr. Johnny Long, Bubba Marriott and Frank Sadler. 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

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

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.

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.

Administration Women’s Basketball

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. (Deceased)

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.

2018 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

MEMBERS

ROBERT E. STEWART

CLASS OF 2015

Robert E. Stewart was Troy’s athletic director from 1974-91 and the Trojans won 10 NCAA Division II National Championships, 66 conference championships and eight All-Sports Trophies during his tenure. During his career, the men’s golf and women’s golf teams each won three national titles, while the football and baseball teams each won two national titles. He was responsible for the hiring of Troy University Sports Hall of Fame coaches Larry Blakeney, Don Maestri, Chase Riddle, Chan Gailey and Rick Rhoades.

Fourth Induction Class

JAMES BATIE

Track and Field

A five-time NCAA & NAIA All-American from 1970 to 1973, James Batie set Troy records the moment he stepped foot on campus. Rated as the sixth-fastest runner in the nation by Runner’s World, Batie held school records in the 50, 60, 100 and 200-yard dashes, in addition to being a member of three different school-record relay teams. A member of the U.S. Olympic Training Team, Batie finished just one-tenth of a second off the world record in the 50-yard dash in high school.

RONNY MOBLEY

Men’s Golf

The first student-athlete to receive a golf scholarship at Troy, Ronny Mobley did not disappoint as he went on to become a four-time NCAA Division II All-American and help lead the Trojans to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1976 and 1977. Mobley won a remarkable 18 tournaments during his Troy career before going on to play on the PGA Tour for two years. Mobley coached the Troy men’s team for two seasons (1985-86).

KATHY RUSSELL

Women’s Basketball

The all-time leading rebounder in Troy history, Kathy Russell earned All-America honors and helped lead the Trojans to the 1981 AIAW State Championship. Russell finished her career with 1,325 rebounds, which was one more than teammate Denise Monroe. Russell, who was a two-time AllAIAW Conference selection, ranks seventh all-time in Troy history with 1,521 career points. She set the Troy singleseason rebounding record with 394 in the 1979-80 season.

VIRGIL SEAY

Football

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 holds the Troy career record as he averaged 16.66 yards per punt return over his two-year career. His five punt return touchdowns ranks as the second most in Troy history, Seay ranks fourth all-time in punt return yards, despite ranking eighth in punt return attempts.

RONNIE SHELLEY

Football

Ronnie Shelley holds Troy single-season and career records for interceptions. A key piece of Troy’s 1968 NAIA National Championship team, Shelley earned All-America honors after intercepting 15 passes during the 1968 season. He broke his own school record that season as he established a new single-season mark with eight interceptions the prior year. Shelley finished his career with 36 interceptions, which is almost double that of the next closest player’s tally.

Administration

WARD THIGPEN

Baseball

FREDDIE THOMAS

Football

Ward Thigpen turned in one of the best seasons in Troy baseball history as he posted an 11-1 record with a 2.12 ERA en route to Gulf South Pitcher of the Year and First Team AllAmerica honors. Thigpen helped lead the Trojans to within one game of a trip to the NCAA Division II World Series. Thigpen struck out 107 batters during the 1990 season, including a school record seven consecutive strikeouts.

From walk-on to two-time All-American, Freddie Thomas is a true success story in the history of Troy Athletics. Thomas earned Kodak All-America honors his junior season after recording 85 tackles, five interceptions, eight pass break ups and a blocked punt. He parleyed his outstanding junior season into an even better senior campaign where he was named captain of the 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship squad. Thomas was a Consensus AllAmerican that season as he finished with 85 tackles and an interception from his safety position

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

MEMBERS

TERRY McCORD

CLASS OF 2016

One of the top offensive players in Troy men’s basketball history, Terry McCord not only lit up the scoreboard, but he also helped lead Troy to the 1993 NCAA Division II National Championship Game. McCord earned All-America honors his senior year after averaging a Troy single-season record 24.2 points per game. The Trojans topped the 100-point mark a remarkable 24 times, McCord also a set Troy single-season record that season for free throws made (156). McCord ranks second all-time in Troy history in scoring average at 22.0 points per game.

Fifth Induction Class

SANDY ATKINS

Softball

A dynamic offensive threat, Sandy Atkins helped lead the Troy softball team to its best season in school history, while at the same time etching her name in the Troy record book. Atkins finished her Troy career with a .359 batting average over two seasons, which is a number that still holds true as the best in school history. She also ranks fifth in on-base percentage (.419) and steals (69). As a senior, Atkins set single-season records for hits (85) and runs scored (54); she finished ninth nationally with 36 stolen bases.

RALPH BLACK

Broadcaster

Ralph Black was responsible for many historic calls during his 26 years as the play-by-play broadcaster for Troy football, basketball and baseball. He called four national championship games during his career. Black was also part of the 1993 men’s basketball run to the national championship game. Black called over 1,000 Troy sporting events from 1976 to 2002 and helped build the Troy State Sports Network into one of the largest of its kind in Alabama, at one point comprising 18 stations.

DAVID FELIX

Men’s Basketball

David Felix made his mark at Troy as both a player and coach. He still holds the school records for assists (625) and steals (251). Felix spent 32 seasons as an assistant coach at Troy. He helped guide the Trojans to four trips to the NCAA Division II Tournament, a pair of NCAA Division II Final Four appearances, one NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2003 and two NIT appearances. Troy led the nation in 3-pointers six times and won three NCAA scoring titles.

AL LUCAS

Football

Two-time All-American and 1999 Buck Buchanan Award winner, Al Lucas was a true force on Troy’s defensive line during the late 1990s. A unanimous All-America selection following his senior year in 1999, Lucas led the Trojans to an 11-2 record and a berth in the NCAA FCS (I-AA) quarterfinals. He finished the season with 129 tackles and 20 tackles for loss, which rank as the ninth and third most in a singleseason in school history, respectively. (Deceased)

RICK MAXEY

Football

One of the most feared defensive players of the 1970s, Rick Maxey was a four-year starter for the Trojans at linebacker and was named one of the team’s permanent captains his senior year. A native of Ocoee, Fla., Maxey led the Trojans in tackles as a sophomore and a senior en route to earning NAIA All-District honors his sophomore campaign. A member of the 1974-77 football teams, Maxey helped lead Troy to a 1976 Gulf South Conference championship.

Men’s Basketball

CHARLES PICKETT

Football

Troy’s all-time sack leader and a three-time NAIA All-District selection, Charles Pickett’s name is littered throughout the Troy defensive record book following an All-American career. Pickett earned honorable mention All-America and NAIA All-District honors following his junior season in 1975 after recording 106 tackles and 19 sacks. He followed with another 19-sack season his senior year as the Trojans went on to win the Gulf South championship. (Deceased)

JOHNNY WILLIAMS

Administration

One of the instrumental leaders in Troy’s move from NCAA Division II to Division I, Johnny Williams’ was named Troy’s Athletics Director in the spring of 1994 following a sevenyear stint as Troy’s defensive coordinator. Williams was an original member of the Athletic Challenge Fund Steering Committee, which was the precursor to the committee that raised $1 million in less than two years to initiate Troy’s move to Division I.

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

MEMBERS

DR. JOHNNY LONG

CLASS OF 2017

Thanks to the life-long dedication to his craft, Dr. Johnny Long transformed the Sound of the South into one of the nation’s premier marching bands and forever changing the pageantry surrounding Troy Athletic events. Hired in 1965, Dr. Long not only wrote The Sound of the South’s trademark piece “The Fanfare”, he also named the band upon his arrival. Under Dr. Long’s direction, The Sound of the South represented the state in four presidential inaugural parades and served as the official band for two presidential visits to Alabama.

Sixth Induction Class

BENNY BEARD

Supporter

The “driving force” for the plan to move Troy University Athletics from Division II to Division I, Benny Beard provided the vision and countless hours of work towards that move. A two-term president of the Troy Alumni Association from 1983 to 1987, Beard made the first presentation to the Board of Trustees to recommend the step up on the NCAA ladder, which he dubbed “The Dream”. Beard served as the president of the Troy University Challenge Fund which was charged to help fund the drive to Division I athletics.

DeWHITT BETTERSON

Football

The all-time leading rusher in Troy history, DeWhitt Betterson was a key member of the Troy football teams that helped the Trojans make the transition from the FCS to the FBS and the Sun Belt Conference. Betterson, who played for the Trojans from 2001-04, rushed for 3,441 yards on 653 carries over his four-year career – his career rushing total is 515 yards more than anyone else in school history. in Troy’s first year in the league after rushing for 1,286 yards, which ranks as the third most in a season in school history.

MELANIE DAVIS

Softball

The face of the Troy softball program for 21 years, Melanie Davis accumulated a 780 wins, led the Trojans to a pair of conference titles and one NCAA Regional. Davis built the Troy softball program from the ground up and her win total stands as the most by any coach in the school’s history. She has been inducted into the West Alabama Softball Hall of Fame, the Wiregrass Hall of Fame and the Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.

DR. DOUG HAWKINS

Administration

A 35-year veteran of the Troy University Board of Trustees, Dr. Doug Hawkins dedicated his life to service and was a major administrative voice behind Troy’s move from NCAA Division II to Division I. Dr. Hawkins served as a guiding vision to many projects at Troy University including the first doctoral programs, Division I athletics and the internationalization of the University; he also served as the President Pro Tempore on the Troy University Board of Trustees. (Deceased)

JERREL JERNIGAN

Football

One of the most dynamic players in Troy University and Sun Belt Conference history, Jerrel Jernigan was a player that head coaches and defensive coordinators had nightmares about and game planned against. A seven-time All-Sun Belt selection, Jernigan ranks in the top five in Sun Belt history in four categories, while holding Troy career records for 100-yard receiving games, receiving yards, receptions, receptions per game and all-purpose yards.

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TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Sound of the South

BUBBA MARRIOTT

Football

FRANK SADLER

Football

Troy University has a history of producing top-level quarterbacks. The pioneer of that long lineage of strong signal callers is Bubba Marriott. A two-sport star for the Trojans, Marriott lettered four seasons in football and three seasons in baseball. Marriott became the fifth All-American in Troy’s football history his senior year when he was tabbed to the Associated Press’ Little All-American Team in addition to earning All-Alabama Collegiate Conference honors in Troy’s first season in the conference.

One of the best kick returners in school history, Frank Sadler still holds records today that he set during his tenure from 1957-59. A four-sport star for the Trojans, Sadler earned allconference honors both on the football field and baseball diamond in addition to playing one season of basketball and competing in track & field for one season. Following his Troy career, Sadler went on to become a successful collegiate and high school coach before returning to Troy to retire.

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 51 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.

2018 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET

Congratulations

Chuck Ash Troy Sports Hall of Fame

The Troy Athletic Training Staff and Team Physicians thank you for your years of dedication to the student-athletes at Troy University. Courtesy of Jon E. Adams, PA-C & Mickey DiChiara, MD

Congratulations Wendell Stephens on your induction into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

We are proud of you!

Stephens is ranked second of all time in Troy history with a career .391 batting average and a .513 onbase percentage.

Wendell Stephens, SAEC Construction Superintendent

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

BOB LAMBERT

STEVE VENABLE

Head T&F/XC Coach

Distance Runner 1977-1981

1993-2007

In Memory (1959-2018)

The Trojan Track & Field and Cross Country alumni are grateful to these gentlemen for representing our sport to the highest caliber. Their dedication to, and accomplishments within, our field will always remain among our most cherished memories.

AUTOGRAPHS

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME