2019 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Program

Dear Trojans:

It is my honor to welcome you to the induction ceremony of the eighth class of 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 2019 consists of John Faircloth, football; Tamra Howren, softball; Brock Nutter, football; Mitzi McLendon Hasty, softball; Garrick Pimienta, football; and Darryl Thomas, men’s basketball. All are deserving of induction, and they honor us by allowing us to honor them.

We will also pay tribute to a great friend of Troy University athletics, Mr. Karl Benson, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference. Commissioner Benson has announced he will retire in June, so we at TROY wanted to use this occasion to express our appreciation to him for all he has done to advance the Sun Belt Conference.

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Ph.D. Chancellor

Dear Trojan Family:

Welcome to the 2019 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. We are excited to honor six 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 endeavor. 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

2019 INDUCTEES

John Faircloth Football

Tamra Howren Softball

Brock Nutter Football

Garrick Pimienta Football

Darryl Thomas Men’s Basketball

Mitzi McLendon Hasty Softball

ORDER OF PROGRAM

Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

Eighth Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet

Trojan Arena • Troy, Alabama April 13, 2019 • 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 Presentation ........................................................................................... 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 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Adam Prendergast

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, Jace Sanders, Eric Evans II

Inductee Reception ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Sandy Atkins, Steve Stroud

Ticketing and Seating Rebecca Whetstone, Helen Shirey

Parking Troy Equipment Room Staff

Banquet Meal .................................................................................................................................................................................................Sodexho Dining, Ibrahim Yildirim

Stage, Table and Chair Set Up Student Services, Herb Reeves, Derrick Brewster

Maintenance, Housekeeping ............................................................................................................................................................................. Physical Plant, Mark Salmon

Security .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Chief John McCall

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

KAY IVEY Governor of Alabama President, ex-officio

GERALD O. DIAL Area 5 President pro tempore

JOHN D. HARRISON Area 2 Vice President pro tempore

KAREN CARTER Area 6

EDWARD F. CROWELL At-Large

ROY DRINKARD Area 7

LAMAR HIGGINS Area 4

EARL JOHNSON Area 2

FORREST LATTA Area 1

C. GIBSON VANCE Area 4

C. CHARLES NAILEN At-Large

ALLEN OWEN Area 3

GUS McKENZIE SGA President Non-Voting

JACK HAWKINS, JR. Secretary

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

JOHNNY WILLIAMS Fourth District - Tuscaloosa

DONNA HORN At-Large - Troy

DONNIE PEMBERTON City of Phenix City

MAJOR JOHN WILLIAMS First District - Mobile

KELLY COLBERT City of Dothan

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR Alabama Electronic Media

JEREMY McCLAIN Director of Athletics (Ex-Officio) Secretary

PATRICK KELLOGG Fifth District - Hoover

BOBBY PIERCE At-Large - Seaside

MAYOR JASON REEVES City of Troy

DR. KARL STEGALL Third District - Montgomery

RANDALL MOORE At-Large - New Orleans

BUZZ PHILLIPS City of Montgomery

BOB BOOTHE Alumni Board

MAYOR EARL JOHNSON Second District - Andalusia Chairman

FREDDIE THOMAS Sixth District - Birmingham

DENISE MONROE Sports Official

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

JON JOHNSON Alabama Sports Writers Association

PHILLIP GRICE Seventh District - Birmingham

2019

JOHN FAIRCLOTH

A trailblazer in the history of Troy football, John Faircloth was prominent fixture on the offensive line and as a linebacker during his tenure starting every game of his career from 1959-1961. The true definition of ironman football, Faircloth averaged 56 minutes of playing time per game.

“If there was one word or phrase to describe John Faircloth, it would be hard-nosed,” former Troy football player Mike Amos said. “I believe he was and still is the baddest dude to play football at Troy University, he really was an outstanding player, and he lived his life hard-nosed as well off of the field.”

The Brundidge, Ala., native earned All-Alabama Athletic Conference honors as a junior and senior in addition to earning honorable mention Little All-America honors as a senior in 1961. Faircloth was a two-time Alabama Collegiate Conference selection and was selected as the team’s captain in 1961. He was a two-time team MVP and 1957 all-state selection at Pike County High School before beginning his collegiate career at Southern Union Junior College.

“If there was one word or phrase to describe John Faircloth, it would be hard-nosed. I believe he was and still is the baddest dude to play football at Troy University, he really was an outstanding player, and he lived his life hard-nosed as well off of the field.”

His success in the game of football did not end following his career at Troy as Faircloth went on to have a prosperous career coaching at the high school level. He led South Montgomery County Academy to a district title before moving on to serve as the executive director of the Alabama Independent Schools Association for 27 years.

“He did a marvelous job as a coach as well as the executive director, he ran the school system like it was supposed to be,” Amos said. “John is the kind of guy you would want in education today. He would make sure his students say yes sir/ma’am or no sir/ma’am, basically if you didn’t know the right way to live at home, he would teach you once you entered his presence.”

Additionally, 14 of his players went on to play collegiate football with two going on to the National Football League. Faircloth was inducted in AISA Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class and earned multiple coach of the year honors during his career.

“He was a no-nonsense person and everybody knew it and respected it,” Amos said. “He was a do-it-the-right-way or don’t-do-it-at all kind of guy, and he used that motto to run the schools, to coach and in life.”

A charter member of the Troy University T Club, Faircloth also serves as the chairman of the William Clipson Scholarship Committee and is a member of the Wiregrass Hall of Fame.

“I’m glad that he is getting inducted into Troy’s Hall of Fame because he is a man with complete integrity,” Amos said. “If he said that he was going to do something, then you knew without any doubt that he did what he said. He is very loyal and as solid of a person as you can get.

“There are a few things that I still know about John and that is he exercises, stays in great shape and is a little stubborn,” Amos jokingly remarked. “He always wants to do things his way, but he really is a fantastic person. He is Troy all the way and has been that way for all of his life and he is deserving of this honor.”

- Mike AmosTroy Football Student-Athlete (1965) Troy University Alumni Association Membership Coordinator

TAMRA HOWREN

One of the top sluggers in program history, Tamra Howren rewrote the Troy softball record books in her distinguished, four-year career.

A native of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, Howren still holds five career batting statistic records, as well as two single-season records. The program’s top career slugging percentage (.637), hit total (273), double total (67), home run total (52) and runs batted in total (202) all still belong to Howren. She is also one of just 35 players to ever be selected to three All-Atlantic Sun teams in her career and her 52 home runs rank 133rd all-time in the history of NCAA Division I softball.

“Her numbers speak for themselves,” former Troy head softball coach and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Melanie Davis said. “But, she also brought an unprecedented competitive spirit and work ethic to the program. She helped to continue to instill the values we tried to implement from the beginning of the Division I era to where our program is now. She brought intangibles to the table that reinforced what we were trying to do; competing to be the best we could be.”

Her 2005 senior campaign was arguably the best season by any Trojan softball player in history. She was named first team All-Atlantic Sun, to the allconference tournament team and to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association South All-Region second team. In 209 at-bats, she batted at a .364 clip with a school record 23 home runs, along with 17 doubles, 76 hits, 47 runs and a .775 slugging percentage – a school record at the time. Howren drove in 65 runs on the season, another program record that still stands today.

“Back in those days, the batting cage was open – a concrete slab with netting. It didn’t matter if it was 40 degrees and raining, Tamra would still be in the cage getting her cuts in.”

“She was a leader and very big part of our last year (2005) in the Atlantic Sun,” Davis said. “The conference always had powerhouses like UCF and FAU at the top. Tamra’s class was the first group to dethrone FAU – who had dominated the league for several years. We had two great pitchers that year, coupled with Tamra – the ‘Canadian Sensation’. She’ll always be a big part of that memory of winning the championship. That year was very significant in the realms of Troy softball.”

The 2005 season was memorable for Troy softball, as a whole, as the Trojans won 44 regular season games en route to their second-ever conference championship. Howren made her mark on the championship-clinching game at UCF, driving in two of Troy’s three runs on a solo homer and a sacrifice fly. The Trojans took the game, 3-1, to win the outright regular season Atlantic Sun crown.

“Her nickname was ‘The Canadian Sensation’. That was real representative of her tremendous work ethic with a bat in her hand, behind the plate and off the field. Back in those days, the batting cage was open – a concrete slab with netting. It didn’t matter if it was 40 degrees and raining, Tamra would still be in the cage getting her cuts in.”

Following her senior year, Howren was selected as an alternate on the Canadian National Team that competed at the Pan American Championship in Guatemala City, Guatemala and at the World Cup of Softball. In the 2006 World Cup, she doubled in the go-ahead run in Canada’s 3-1 victory over China helping the Canadians to a third-place finish at the tournament.

“There’s no doubt that she has been one of the most accomplished players in the history of the Troy softball program,” Davis said. “In 22 years, it’s hard to remember everything. But I do remember how hard Tamra worked day in and day out. Her power numbers will remain in the record books for as long as records are kept. I’m proud of her selection for such a prestigious honor; no one deserves it more.”

- Melanie DavisTroy Softball Head Coach (1993-2014) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2017)

MITZI McLENDON HASTY

One of the most prolific hitters in Troy softball history, Mitzi McLendon Hasty’s name is scattered throughout the Troy record book. Hasty terrorized opposing pitching for the Trojans from 1994 until 1997 and finished her career with 256 career hits, a record that stood until 2005 and currently stands second all-time.

“Mitzi was one of the most positive players I’ve ever played with,” teammate and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame inductee Sandy Atkins said.

“It didn’t matter what the situation or outcome, she was always there to support the team and her teammates. She was just a pure human being on and off the field. I’ve never heard her say one negative thing about anyone since I’ve known her. She has great ethics, great family, great work ethic and a great attitude.”

Hasty, a member of Troy’s first Division I team in 1994, was a three-time All-Mid Continent Conference First Team selection and led the Trojans to the 1996 MidContinent Conference Tournament title and the program’s first-ever berth into the NCAA Division I Tournament.

“She was the fastest player that I’ve ever played with,” Atkins said. “Some of us were making the transition from slowpitch to fastpitch, so that was an adjustment, but defensively she was one of the best. If it was hit in the air, it was caught.”

In the mid-90s the sport of softball underwent one of the greatest transitions in sports, switching an entire generation of players from slowpitch to fastpitch seemingly overnight. But Hasty’s incredible athleticism helped ease the conversion.

“One of the biggest keys to having success as athletes during that change was the grit and determination of our coach, Melanie Davis,” Atkins said. “It took some time offensively to adjust, but I really think that it was the coaching staff that instilled that mentality in her and the rest of the team. It was never a question of if you could do it. It was how consistently could you get it done.”

As Troy made the transition to Division I, the Trojans excelled nonetheless. A 40-13 finish in 1994 laid the foundation for the program for years to come. The next year, Troy won 52 games, a school record, a finished 24-4 at home and collected wins over Georgia Tech, Army, Maryland, Samford and Jacksonville State.

Hasty holds the school career record with 160 runs scored and 25 triples, she also posted a .344 career batting average, a mark that ranks third all-time. The Ashford, Alabama, native finished her career third all-time with 72 stolen bases.

“She had a very strong passion for the game, she loved playing softball,” Atkins said. “She continued to amaze me with her with her quickness and her reaction time. Her athleticism was obvious, but she made us all better with her attitude and work ethic. I don’t know of a coach in the country who wouldn’t want a player like Mitzi on their team.”

Hasty went on to work as a computer programmer at AAA Cooper Transportation for 12 years. For the past five years, she has served as an IT and Financial Assistant at Providence Christian School in Dothan, Alabama.

“She was the fastest player that I’ve ever played with. Some of us were making the transition from slowpitch to fastpitch, so that was an adjustment, but defensively she was one of the best. If it was hit in the air, it was caught.”

- Sandy AtkinsTroy Softball Student-Athlete (1993-95) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2016)

BROCK NUTTER

A leader both on and off the field, Brock Nutter started 48 straight games for the Trojans and made history as Troy’s first quarterback at the NCAA Football Subdivision Level (FBS).

He ranks third all-time in Troy history with 7,687 career passing yards and 581 completions while checking in fourth all-time with 49 career touchdown passes –Nutter was the school record holder in passing yards and completions at the time of his graduation.

“He was tough and super competitive,” said Troy University Sports Hall of Fame inductee Lawrence Tynes, who was Nutter’s college roommate. “They played a really tough slate of games his senior year and for him to make every single start of his career really showed you his leadership and his toughness.”

A two-time All-Southland Conference selection and the 1998 Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, Nutter led the Trojans to a pair of conference titles and three trips to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Additionally, Nutter was named to the Dan Hansen All-America Team following his junior season after throwing for 1,999 yards and guiding the Trojans to an 11-2 record and quarterfinal berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

Before the Trojans made the jump to the FBS, they began to mix in teams from the upper division into their schedule including games at Cincinnati and Middle Tennessee in 1999. Behind Nutter’s arm, Troy knocked off both the Bearcats and Blue Raiders which was just a precursor of what was to come in its inaugural FBS season.

“He just wanted to beat you in everything he did. Whether it was checkers or football, Brock is one of the most competitive people that I know. He was fiery and would do anything he had to to win a football game; we knew he was our guy after he sat that first year.”

“He was just fearless in those two games,” Tynes said. “We went on the road and beat two Division I teams and that was such a big moment for us.”

Nutter threw for 390 yards in the win at Middle Tennessee, the second most in school history at the time and 13th most currently, and threw touchdown passes to three different receivers.

“Nobody threw that post pattern better than Brock Nutter,” Tynes said. “He could throw the complete pattern tree, but that play action post pattern with just a thing of beauty.”

Under Hall of Fame head coach Larry Blakeney, Troy made the move to college football’s top level and made history with a stunning 21-9 win at Mississippi State as the Trojans finished the season 7-4 against a schedule that also included Miami and Nebraska – the two teams who played for the national championship that season.

Troy combined for 36 wins over his four-year career and never lost a game to in-state rival Jacksonville State (4-0).

“I didn’t know if he was 65 or 18 when he first got here because of that trademark gray hair,” Tynes joked. “I had heard we signed this kid out of high school but didn’t know much about him. He traveled with us as a true freshman, which was rare, so that showed what the coaches thought about him early on.”

Nutter led the Trojans to an 8-4 mark his redshirt freshman season and a trip to the FCS Playoffs.

“He just wanted to beat you in everything he did,” Tynes said. “Whether it was checkers or football, Brock is one of the most competitive people that I know. He was fiery and would do anything he had to to win a football game; we knew he was our guy after he sat that first year.”

Nutter is active in his community volunteering with the Hoover Service Club and Junior Achievement of Alabama among several other organizations.

- Lawrence TynesTroy Football Student-Athlete (1997-00) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2014)

GARRICK PIMIENTA

A quick glance at the Troy defensive record book and one thing stands out like a sore thumb, Garrick Pimienta was a tackling machine for the Trojans.

“All the great linebackers have a great combination of speed and strength which we call power,” Troy University Sports Hall of Fame head coach Rick Rhoades said. “Garrick was a very powerful guy and we he hit you, you went backwards. He had tremendous instinct and just a nose for the football.”

Troy’s all-time leading tackler, Garrick Pimienta was a three-time All-Gulf South selection and was a key member of the Trojans’ 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship team. A native of Brandon, Florida, Pimienta finished his Troy career with 563 career tackles, 98 more than anyone else in school history.

What stood out most about Pimienta might not have been the numbers he put up, but his actions both on and off the field.

“He was a great player and just let his statistics speak for himself,” Rhoades said. “He was a very quiet guy off the field and unassuming. But on the field, he was always around the ball. I never had to coach effort with Garrick, he brought that to every practice and every game on his own.”

Known as a big hitter on the Troy defense, Pimienta also holds the school’s career record for unassisted tackles (307) and assisted tackles (256). A four-year starter for the Trojans, Pimienta’s 198 tackles during Troy’s national title season still hold true as the single-season record – 43 more than any other player – and his 102 unassisted tackles and 96 assisted tackles that season are also school records.

“He was a great player and just let his statistics speak for himself. He was a very quiet guy off the field and unassuming. But on the field, he was always around the ball. I never had to coach effort with Garrick, he brought that to every practice and every game on his own.”

“There are very few secrets as to why we won so many games and the national title when you see the guys that are in the Hall of Fame that were on those teams,” Rhoades said. “The story of Garrick was that he was very consistent day in and day out. I cannot remember a bad snap he ever took. He’s the guy that when you set the bar as high as possible and he keeps bumping his head on the bar no matter how high it was.”

The Trojans won 32 games over his four seasons as a starter including a pair of Gulf South Conference titles and a berth in the NCAA Division II Semifinals in 1986. His junior season also stood the test of time with his 131 tackles that season ranking as the eighth most in Troy history.

“Garrick was one of those guys where a few words said a lot,” Rhoades said. “He was not a speech giver, but when he talked you listened. He was able to get his message across with his actions and they spoke volumes.”

Following graduation, Pimienta went into teaching with a desire to help inner-city youth. He has been named teacher of the year 10 times in his 19-year teaching career and is currently an exceptional student education specialist in the public school system.

“Great teachers are experts in their subject and they have a sincere interest in people,” Rhoades said. “You could tell that Garrick cared a lot about his teammates and that was an extension of the type of person he is. He was always a ‘we’ guy, he wanted to serve people all the time. Garrick is just a wonderful person and that was something that he had a long time before he got to Troy.”

- Rick RhoadesTroy Head Football Coach (1985-87) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2014)

DARRYL THOMAS

One of the most exciting players to ever grace the floor of Sartain Hall, Darryl Thomas wowed Trojan fans from 1987-89. A two-time junior college All-American, Thomas was third in the nation in scoring with 30.7 points per game coming out of DeKalb Junior College.

“Over the years we had many outstanding shooters, Troy men’s basketball coaching legend and Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Don Maestri said. “Darryl was not only an outstanding shooter, he made them at clutch times. He was truly the reason we went to the first Final Four in Troy history. He made big shots throughout the year and in the regional, the kid just took over.”

As a Trojan, Thomas continued to frustrate opposing defenses averaging 23.2 points per game while being named an All-American and Gulf South Conference Player of the Year in 1989.

“We got him out of DeKalb Junior College and one of the main reasons is that he had a great visit,” Maestri said. “We used our players to recruit as much as we did the coaches and our players were great. He had a great visit, came to Troy and the rest is history. As Darryl likes to tell it: ‘Maestri, you and (David) Felix, I saved your jobs.’ And he did.”

Thomas scored 1,415 points in his two seasons at Troy and finished his career in the top 10 in points, scoring average (23.2), field goals attempted (1,157), free throws made (298) and free throws attempted (391). Thomas still holds the program’s single-season record with 815 points and 320 field goals made in 1987-88.

“When you get a player like Darryl Thomas, you have to let him do his thing. You can’t draw up some of the things that he could do. Teams would double-team him and he’d take the shot over both of them and make it. Players like that are unique.”

“He was so competitive,” Maestri said. “I think that’s why he made so many clutch shots. He wasn’t thinking about himself, he was thinking about winning the game. The other thing was his super athleticism. He was only about 6-foot-2, but we used to joke that you could put a dollar bill on top of the backboard and he could go up, get it and leave the change.”

The Atlanta, Georgia native was named MVP of the South Atlantic Regional which Troy won to advance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. In the regional tournament championship game, Thomas hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime, then knocked down a reverse layup with three seconds left in overtime to lift Troy to a 66-65 win over North Carolina Central. Thomas went on to score 25 points against Cannon (Pa.) and 34 points in the consolation game against Florida Southern to earn all-tournament honors. For his career, Thomas broke the 30-point plateau six times, including a career-best 38 against West Alabama.

“When you get a player like Darryl Thomas, you have to let him do his thing,” Maestri said. “You can’t draw up some of the things that he could do. Teams would double-team him and he’d take the shot over both of them and make it. Players like that are unique.”

During Thomas’ two-year career, Troy won 43 games and in 1988 advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four Tournament for the first time in school history.

“He set the tone for Troy basketball for the next 30 years,” Maestri said. “He created excitement for basketball at Troy University. We were not considered a basketball school, but when we started winning with him, the whole community and campus started to get involved. We really were good and exciting, he was as exciting a basketball player as we’ve ever had.”

- Don MaestriTroy Head Men’s Basketball Coach (1982-2013) Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012)

2018 INDUCTION CEREMONY

The seventh class of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on April 21, 2018, inside state-of-the-art Trojan Arena. Eight of the greatest men and women in Troy history were part of the seventh annual class. The class included Mandee Armstrong, Chuck Ash, Ben Bates, Bob Lambert, Leodis McKelvin, Bobby Pierce, Wendell Stephens and Steve Venable 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.

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

CLASS OF 2012

Inaugural Induction Class

RALPH ADAMS Administration

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)

BILLY ATKINS Football

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)

LARRY BLAKENEY Football

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.

SIM BYRD 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.

DON MAESTRI 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.

VERGIL PARKS McKINLEY Football

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)

DENISE MONROE Women’s Basketball

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.

CHARLES OLIVER Track and Field

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.

CHASE RIDDLE Baseball

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)

MIKE TURK Football

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.

DeMARCUS WARE 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

CLASS OF 2013

Second Induction Class

JOHN “DOC” ANDERSON Administration Track and Field/Cross Country

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.

JOHN ARCHER 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.

JOYCE SORRELL Administration

Women’s Basketball

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.

WILLIE TULLIS Football

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.

LAWRENCE TYNES 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

CLASS OF 2014

Third Induction Class

DANNY COX Baseball

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.

MIKE GRIFFIN 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 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.

RICK RHOADES Football

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.

OSI UMENYIORA Football

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.

PAUL WORD 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)

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

CLASS OF 2015

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.

ROBERT E. STEWART Administration

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.

WARD THIGPEN Baseball

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.

FREDDIE THOMAS Football

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

CLASS OF 2016

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.

TERRY McCORD Men’s Basketball

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.

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

CLASS OF 2017

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.

DR. JOHNNY LONG Sound of the South

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.

BUBBA MARRIOTT 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.

FRANK SADLER Football

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 MEMBERS

CLASS OF 2018

Seventh Induction Class

MANDEE ARMSTRONG Women’s Basketball

One of the most dynamic scorers in Troy women’s basketball history, Mandee Armstrong’s name is littered throughout the Troy record book. Armstrong ruled the court for the Trojans from 1993 until 1997 and finished her career with 1,606 points, a total that stood as Troy’s Division I record for nearly 20 years and still ranks as the second-best mark in the school’s Division I history and fourth-best overall. A twotime Mid-Continent Conference First Team selection, checks in fifth all-time in Troy history in scoring average (17.1).

CHUCK ASH Administration

An influential voice in collegiate athletic training for more than three decades, Charles “Chuck” Ash served Troy University student-athletes from his roots as an undergraduate student athletic trainer in the mid 70s until he retired as the Director of Sports Medicine in the fall of 2017. The 2016 Troy University Alumnus of the Year, Ash was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainer Hall of Fame in 2008 and was named the Alabama Athletic Trainer Association College and University Athletic Trainer of the Year during his career.

BEN BATES Men’s Golf

Two-time All-American, national champion and PGA professional, Ben Bates has been successful at every level throughout his golf career. A four-time all-Gulf South Conference honoree, Bates earned All-America honors in 1983 and 1984 under Troy University Sports Hall of Fame head coach Mike Griffin. Bates and Troy won the 1984 NCAA Division II national championship and the Trojans finished no worse than third in the four national appearances during his career.

BOB LAMBERT Track & Field

Eight-time conference coach of the year, Bob Lambert served as the director of track & field / cross country for 14 seasons and finished his career as one of the most successful coaches in Troy history. Lambert led the Trojans to seven men’s conference titles and one women’s conference title, while more than 300 of his student-athletes earned allconference honors.

LEODIS McKELVIN Football

Troy’s only Football Bowl Subdivision All-American, Leodis McKelvin was a terror for opposing offenses and special teams units. In 2007, McKelvin ranked third nationally averaging 18.3 yards per punt return and was the only player in the country to return three punts for a touchdown. Those numbers landed him on the Rivals.com, The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly All-America Teams. He also led the Trojans in all-purpose yards (1,192) despite not taking an offensive snap at all that season.

BOBBY PIERCE Baseball

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. 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).

WENDELL STEPHENS Baseball

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. 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 12th home run of the season deep into the midnight sky to give Troy the lead and eventually the national championship.

STEVE VENABLE Track & Field

One of the most decorated athletes in Troy track & field history, Steve is a five-time NCAA All-American and still holds numerous school records more than 30 years after his final meet for the Trojans. Nicknamed “Animal” by Coach Doc Anderson, Venable ran on six Troy teams that won both conference and regional championships during his tenure and he himself won seven individual conference titles, five in track & field and two in cross country. (Deceased)

HALL OF FAME

The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame came to being in the spring of 2010 following a conversation between Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, and former trustee, the late Dr. Doug Hawkins. Ensuing conversations between the Chancellor and the Athletics Director resulted in a plan to develop the TROY University Sports Hall of Fame.

The vision shared by Dr. Jack Hawkins and Dr. Doug Hawkins was of a Hall of Fame whose membership is based on merit and free of political favoritism. To that end, bylaws were drafted appointing a wide-ranging Board of Advisors drawn from across the Troy University family, which would be charged with selecting inductees. Complete information on the bylaws and members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee can by found by visiting TroyTrojans.com/HOF.

The Hall of Fame is located in the main rotunda of Trojan Arena, which opened in 2012. The Hall of Fame, now with 59 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.

HALL OF FAME

Chancellor Hawkins chose Earl Johnson to lead the inaugural board of advisors. Mr. Johnson, an attorney and Mayor of Andalusia, was an active member of the Troy University Foundation Board of Directors and a strong supporter of Trojan sports. Dr. Hawkins also chose for a key leadership role Dr. Ken Blankenship, former TROY football player and former Director of Athletics, who was then serving as the Executive Director of the Central Alabama Sports Commission in Montgomery.

The other members of the inaugural Board of Advisors were alumnus Ron Davis, Mayor of Prichard, William Thigpen, former State Representative from Fayette County and a basketball letterman; G. Keith Black of Florence, former TROY baseball standout; Bob Butterworth, TROY alumnus and Montevallo insurance agency owner; Ben Beard, Troy businessman; Rick Maxey of Tallahassee, Fla., a former Trojan football star; Melanie Garner, TROY alumna and insurance agent from Geneva; Jeff Coleman, alumnus and President of Coleman Worldwide Moving in Dothan; Susan Murphree of Troy, an alumna and long-time Trojan fan; Sim Byrd, Montgomery businessman and quarterback of the 1968 Troy State University Red Wave which won the NAIA national title; Stacy Faison of Fortson, Ga., alumnus and former Trojan football player; Tommy Hicks, alumnus and sportswriter, Mobile Press-Register; Barry McKnight, the “voice of the Trojans;” Doug Mims, Dothan CPA and football letterman; Andy Britton of Montgomery, who is a Coca-Cola executive and football referee; Roy Crawford, a Birmingham attorney and football letterman.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES