2023 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

2023 INDUCTEES

Mike Amos Supporter

Sherrill Busby Football

Rhodney Donaldson Men’s Basketball

Carl Hollis Men’s Basketball

Barbara Sherwood Softball

Chris Force Women’s Golf

Mark Smartt Baseball

Dear Trojans:

It is my honor to welcome you to the induction ceremony of the 11th 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 adding seven outstanding Trojans to our Hall of Fame ranks.

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 and friends.

The class of 2023 consists of Mike Amos, contributor/supporter; the late Sherrill Busby, football; Rhodney Donaldson, men’s basketball; the late Chris Force, women’s golf; Carl Hollis, men’s basketball; Barbara Sherwood, softball; and Mark Smartt, baseball. All are deserving of induction, and they honor us by allowing us to honor them.

Go Trojans!

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Ph.D. Chancellor

Dear Trojan Family:

Welcome to the 2023 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. We are excited to honor seven 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. I would also like to thank our athletic staff who put on the greatest Hall of Fame banquet in college athletics. Tonight would not be possible without everyone’s efforts and the commitment of many other Trojans.

Congratulations to all of our inductees and their families on this special recognition. We appreciate all you have done, and continue to do, for Troy University!

One TROY!

Brent Jones Director of Athletics

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

KAY IVEY Governor of Alabama President, ex-officio

GERALD O. DIAL Area 5

JOHN D. HARRISON Area 2

KAREN CARTER Area 6

EDWARD F. CROWELL At-Large Vice President pro tempore

ROY DRINKARD Area 7

EARL JOHNSON Area 2 FORREST LATTA Area 1

C. CHARLES NAILEN At-Large

CAM WARD Area 4

ALLEN OWEN Area 3

C. GIBSON VANCE Area 4 President pro tempore

MAXWELL GEORGE SGA President Non-Voting

JACK HAWKINS, JR. Secretary

ORDER OF PROGRAM

Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

Tenth Induction Ceremony and Banquet

Trojan Arena • Troy, Alabama April 15, 2023 • 7 p.m.

Music ............................................................................................................ Troy University Jazz Group

Call to Order/Master of Ceremonies ...................................................................... Barry McKnight

Welcome .................................................................................................................................. Brent Jones

Parade of Inductees ..................................................................................................... Barry McKnight

National Anthem ............................................................................................................. Shelia Jackson

Invocation ....................................................................................................................... Lonnie Cochran

Dinner

Dinner Music .................................................. Troy University Jazz Group & Shelia Jackson

Introductions Corporate Sponsors ............................................................................................ Barry McKnight

Board of Advisors ......................................................................................... Mayor Earl Johnson

Special Guests ....................................................................................................... Barry McKnight

Special Remarks ............................................................................................................ Gen. Ed Crowell

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, Mike Frigge

Music .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Troy University Jazz Group

Video Presentations ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Adam Prendergast

Inductee Awards Sandy Atkins, Mike Frigge

Banquet Production ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Mike Frigge, Thomas Yeend

Photographer Joey Meredith

Printed Program Adam Prendergast, Robert Stevens

Inductee Reception ............................................................................................................................................................................................. Sandy Atkins, Walker Sandlin

Ticketing and Seating Rebecca Whetstone, Santiago Pinzon, Alisa Lamar

Parking Troy Equipment Room Staff

Guest Relations .......................................................................................................................................................................................Kyle George, Troy Athletics Students

Banquet Meal Sodexo Dining, Ibrahim Yildirim

Stage, Table and Chair Set Up ............................................................................................................. Student Services, Herb Reeves, Mike Frigge, Jason Leverson

Maintenance, Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Physical Plant Security Chief George Beaudry

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

BRENT JONES 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 DistrictMontgomery

RANDALL MOORE At-Large - New Orleans

BUZZ PHILLIPS City of Montgomery

JULIUS PITTMAN 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

MIKE AMOS

It’s a myth that the only impact one can make on a game or sport is on the field or court they play on. Mike Amos is the physical embodiment of this myth, creating a legacy that elevated Troy to historic and championship levels off the field despite finding himself on the field for a short time.

Amos’ time on the football field was short as a member of the 1965 team, where he played on the offensive and defensive line. A direct product of Troy, Ala., Amos understood that his true impact on the program would come through his words and actions as a supporter.

Fifty-plus years later, Amos has become a pivotal piece within the university and the athletics department since graduating in 1970. He currently holds a position within the university as the Chapter Coordinator for Alumni Affairs after holding the position as president and longtime member of the Troy University National Alumni Board.

In 1984, Amos made the next step in his legacy at Troy, becoming a founding father for the Troy Athletic Action Club, which started Football Night. The event continues to the present day as a highly successful drawdown fundraiser that raises thousands of dollars for Troy football.

“I first met Mike when I became an assistant coach for the football team, and I instantly knew that this guy had a deep support for the program,” former Troy Athletics Director and Troy Sports Hall of Fame member Johnny Williams said. “He was a huge piece of our fundraising and boosters, and he held so much passion for the program. That was the first thing I noticed about him. He demanded the room with his love for Troy. He has more passion than anyone that I’ve met within this program. He was at every event. Every game. Every practice. He even would make trips with us when we were on the road for games. And at the end of the day, he worked to get us the fundraising we needed to succeed.”

“ Wherever we went, someone knew and loved Mike. I would go around recruiting and hear stories about how everywhere he would go; he brought Troy apparel to hand out. Everyone knew he was a true Troy fan. Because of him, we were able to spread our brand to places we never could’ve reached without him.”

Dubbed “Troy’s Super Fan” by the Dothan Eagle, Amos continues to make trips with the athletic teams, hosting an event at “The Grove” this past football season when the Trojans ventured to Ole Miss to kick off the Sun Belt Championship season. At the event, Amos helped sell 300 tickets for Troy’s tent and over 1,000 for the ballgame.

“I remember when I came to Troy, he was the one I sat down with to gather an understanding of the alumni and supporters of the program,” Williams said. “Wherever we went, someone knew and loved Mike. I would go around recruiting and hear stories about how everywhere he would go; he brought Troy apparel to hand out. Everyone knew he was a true Troy fan. Because of him, we were able to spread our brand to places we never could’ve reached without him.”

After graduation, Amos used his passion for local television and print media to help promote Troy Athletics and its student-athletes and coaches. He even went as far as helping local high school athletes get their name out to the world through his local morning television show Today in LA, which ran for over 25 years – created in 1998 after he retired from the ADECA.

All of these accomplishments and positions were rewarded by Troy University in 2008 when Amos received Troy’s highest honor, the Trojan Award, and was named Alumni of the Year.

“He just has the biggest heart. He came to the football team before one season and said that for every football game we won, he would buy the team 10 pizzas, and he did it,” Williams said. “He delivered every time because he just loved the players and coaches. Anything it took to help the program and provide, he did. And he deserves a special spot in the Troy Hall of Fame for his contributions.”

- Johnny WilliamsTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2016)

SHERRILL BUSBY

Sacrifice. A term that often goes hand in hand with the military and the game of football. Sherrill Busby embodied what it meant to sacrifice, playing football for the Troy Trojans from 1937-39 and joining the military as a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Busby joined the Trojans in 1937 and immediately made an impact, cementing his name in the history books for the program and in NCAA history. Primarily positioned as an end, the 198-pound player led the Trojans to an Alabama Intercollegiate Conference Championship in 1939. That season, Busby brought Troy to a 7-4, 4-0 AIC record. Then, in the title game against Jacksonville State, Busby propelled the Trojans to a 27-0 victory.

“I’ll tell you what; to become the first Trojan to play in the pros and to play for a team like the Brooklyn Dodgers is nothing short of incredible,” Troy supporter and Hall of Fame member Mike Amos said. “To block as many kicks as he did back in the day when they played a different brand of football is phenomenal. Despite not being able to watch him play, the stats show that he was real good. Add in his accomplishments outside of football; his induction is well-deserved.”

Troy’s 1937 game against Memphis will forever be enshrined in the world of Troy and national football as the year Busby blocked the most kicks in a single game at four. The game opened with Memphis on offense, but the Trojans forced a punt. When the ball was snapped, Busby flew in to block the punt, which Troy recovered on the 22-yard line. Later in the second quarter, Busby blocked two punts, with the first regained by Memphis and the second scooped and almost scored.

The game against Memphis was the beginning of a legacy for Busby that would carry him through his collegiate career. In his four-year collegiate career, Busby finished with 23 blocked kicks which stands as the most in a career for a Trojan.

The year 1939 would be Busby’s most memorable statistically as he became Troy’s first All-American after blocking 11 total kicks while being a force on the offensive end to lead Troy to the AIC title. In 1939, Busby won the game for Troy against Georgia Southern when he blocked the game-tying PAT.

The football career for Busby didn’t stop at Troy; becoming the first Trojan to join professional football after the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him to the team as an undrafted free agent in 1940. He wore the number 16 and competed in two games before hanging up his cleats to fight for freedom.

World War II threw a wrench in Busby’s professional football aspirations, but it allowed him to join the armed forces as a member of the Army Air Corps in 1941. Busby helped America fight all the way to 1945, when Japan and Germany surrendered, and he came home a well-decorated veteran.

Despite the idea of playing football being in the past for Busby, his legacy in the game still needed to be finished. At the conclusion of the war, Busby went home to Highland Home, and in 1955, he became the head football coach of the Highland Home Flying Squadron.

His mission was to complete a full rebuild of the school, and it was a slow process. He coached the program for five years, claiming 15 total wins, with eight coming in his final two years. But unfortunately, he didn’t have a chance to complete the rebuild as he tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack on June 7, 1960.

“To become the first Trojan to play in the pros and to play for a team like the Brooklyn Dodgers is nothing short of incredible. To block as many kicks as he did back in the day when they played a different brand of football is phenomenal.”

- Mike AmosTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2023)

RHODNEY DONALDSON

To compete in multiple Division I sports at a time is difficult enough. But to star in two Division I sports is nearly impossible. Yet, Rhodney Donaldson (1993-97) was Troy’s Bo Jackson, doing just that, earning all-conference honors and conference titles on both the hardwood and the diamond.

“He was a man of heart,” former Troy basketball head coach Don Maestri said. “He was a super-competitor. There are not many people who can compete at the level he did in both sports. He had a natural gift from God and took it to the next level by putting in the hours on both the hardwood and the ball field. On the days he had baseball practice, he’d be in the gym early in the mornings taking shots to make sure he was getting better at both.”

Before modern-day basketball popularized the 3-point shot, it was Donaldson starting the trend to extend the floor. The 3-point game was pivotal in Donaldson’s career, leading the Trojans in 3-pointers made from 1994-97 and taking the scoring title in 1995-96 with 440 points. In his freshman season, Donaldson helped Troy convert an NCAA Division I record 28 3-pointers over George Mason, which stood alone until Wyoming tied the record in 2021.

“He was a man of heart. He was a super-competitor. There are not many people who can compete at the level he did in both sports. He had a natural gift from God and took it to the next level by putting in the hours on both the hardwood and the ball field.”

The four-year letterwinner played 108 games for the Trojans, scoring 1,363 points to become the first 1,000-point scorer in Troy Division I history under Maestri and assistant coach David Felix. Three decades later, he remains the 11th leading scorer all-time for Troy as one of just 13 players with 1,300-plus points. The former No. 14 / 44 also ranks in the top 10 in field goals made (4th), 3-point field goals made (2nd), free throw percentage (2nd), steals (6th) and assists (8th).

Donaldson was crucial in Troy’s transition to D-I basketball, joining the Trojans as a freshman in their first season at the D-I level (1993-94). That season, Donaldson averaged 9.4 points as Troy went 5-0 in the East Coast Conference to win its first regular-season title.

On the diamond, Donaldson excelled in the outfield, taking his talents to the Major League after the Florida Marlins drafted him in the 17th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. The Cairo, Ga., native played for the Utica Blue Sox and Kane County in the Single-A Division before finishing his professional career in the Texas-Louisiana League.

Experience allowed Donaldson to flourish on the ballfield, peaking his junior season to earn the Mid-Continent Conference All-First Team after hitting .368. He ended that season with five doubles, two triples and seven homers. Through his four-year career, Donaldson totaled 16 doubles and 11 home runs, finishing with a batting average of .329.

In 1995, Donaldson earned immortality at Troy in the team’s first season with the MCC. After a 22-21-1 regular season record, the Trojans marched to win the tournament championship with a 12-9 win over Western Illinois. The championship title punched the Trojans’ ticket to the NCAA Play-In series against Wright State.

In the bottom of the ninth, with the score tied, 5-5, Donaldson was at the plate against Wright State and Lance Lawley on second. The outfielder found the hole and brought Lawley home on a single, 6-5, to send Troy to its first NCAA Regional in Tallahassee in its second season at the D-I level.

“Coach Felix and I are extremely happy for him and are excited to see him join us in the Hall of Fame,” Maestri said.

- Don MaestriTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2012)

CHRIS FORCE

Troy Athletics is home 11 national championship teams throughout the course of its history. Chris Force is responsible for coaching three of those teams, the most of any coach in school history.

Force, who didn’t pick up the game of golf until he was a student at then Troy State, led the Trojans to NCAA Division II National Championships in 1984, 1986 and 1989, in addition to leading Troy to a runner-up performance at the 1982 AIAW National Tournament.

“Chris was an amazing coach, and he had a lot of success during his time at Troy,” Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Collin McCrary said. “He took up golf in the early 80s because of a golf class taught at the university, and he was hooked immediately. He began working in the Trojan Oaks Golf Course and became involved with Coach Mike Griffin and the men’s team before becoming the women’s head coach.”

One of the most impressive accomplishments for Force came in how quickly he adapted to the sport. In less than 10 years, he went from a golf novice to a PGA Class A professional, all while leading Troy to three national championships.

“To go from a beginning golfer to a Class A professional and passing the player ability tests in a 10year timeframe is an amazing feat in itself,” McCrary said. “He worked really hard, studied the game and became truly passionate about golf. Chris engrossed himself, set himself a goal and didn’t let anything stop him.”

Force led the Trojans to their first national title in 1984 in just his fourth season as head coach and followed with two more titles. In addition, three Trojans earned All-America honors during his coaching tenure.

“To go from a beginning golfer to a Class A professional and passing the player ability tests in a 10-year time frame is an amazing feat in itself. He worked really hard, studied the game and became truly passionate about golf. Chris engrossed himself, set himself a goal and didn’t let anything stop him.”

Collin McCraryTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2021)

“I used to go and practice at Trojan Oaks with Chris quite a bit and played in a couple of tournaments with him as a partner; we were’ good friends,” McCrary said. He was a really nice guy, strongly opinionated and always first class in how he approached people and did things.”

With no official NCAA Division II for women’s golf, Troy competed most of the 1984 season against teams from the NCAA Division I level before the Golf Coaches Association formed the Division II National Championship in 1984. Troy took advantage of the newly-formed opportunity and shot three straight rounds of 307 to claim the National Championship.

During their regular season schedule, the Trojans were eighth out of 16 teams at the Troy-hosted Hudson Industries Invitational that featured the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Mississippi State and Penn State.

In 1986, Troy rallied from a 10-stroke deficit on the final day of the 1986 Golf Coaches Association Division II National Championship to win the program’s second National Championship in three seasons.

The Trojans once again competed against one of the toughest schedules in the country with the LSU Invitational, Duke Invitational and South Carolina Invitational filled with Division I teams on the slate.

Thanks to a challenging schedule loaded with Division I opponents, Troy returned to the pinnacle of their sport in 1989, winning its third Golf Coaches Association Division II National Championship in Fayetteville, N.C., under Force.

The No. 1 ranked team throughout most of the season, Troy was the lone Division II school to compete at a handful of events throughout the season – Florida State Invitational, Memphis State Lady Tiger Invitational, the LSU Invitational and Troy’s Hudson Industries Invitational held in Eufaula. The Trojans made their mark by finishing 12th in a field of 18 teams (all Division I) at the Tiger-Tide Invitational in Destin, Fla.

Following his Troy career, Force coached professionally and was general manager at Willow Creek Golf Club in Spartanburg, S.C., until his death from cancer in 2010.

CARL HOLLIS

It’s very rare that a player joins a team and can have an immediate impact that will last the entirety of a program’s history. Carl Hollis is one of those exceptional people in his time playing for the Troy men’s basketball team from 1973-77.

When Hollis joined the Trojans in 1973, he was thrust into the spotlight as a premier scorer for the program. As a freshman, Hollis scored 416 points for 16.6 per game. Through 25 games, Hollis shot 43 percent from the field and 83 percent from the charity stripe. That season, the Troy community and new head coach Wes Bizilia knew they had someone special.

“Carl came to us from Headland, Ala., after his father and two brothers,” former Athletic Director and Troy Sports Hall of Fame member Robert Stewart said. “He came with impeccable character. He was a natural-born leader from the moment he stepped on the court. He and David Felix gave us one of the best one-two tandems in Troy’s history. He was a pure scorer and a gifted rebounder.”

His scoring contributions continued into his sophomore season with Troy, improving to a career-high 16.8 points per game at 420 total points scored on 46.9 percent from the field and 77.6 percent from the line.

Hollis produced on all levels his second season, earning All-Gulf South Conference honors in 1974-75 after averaging a double-double with 12.4 rebounds per game. He wasn’t done collecting the accolades in 1975, being named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and an AllAmerica honorable mention. The bowtie for Hollis’s spectacular season was the most wins in the Bizilia era, where the Trojans ended at 18-8, 8-5 GSC that included 11 wins at home.

The accolades continued into his junior season (1975-76), again being named to the AllGSC team and an All-America honorable mention with 16.4 points on a career-high 49.2 percent from the field. He led the Trojans to the NCAA South Regional Tournament, where they grabbed an 88-85 victory over Jacksonville State in the first round.

“He was the glue that held the team together. When the team struggled to start the season, Hollis was the guy that would bring them all together and keep them pushing. If it wasn’t for his leadership and how he united the team, we wouldn’t have turned things around to win the conference.”

His senior year, Hollis cemented himself in Troy program history. Individually, he became the first player in GSC history to earn all-conference honors in three or more seasons. He even became the all-time leading scorer with 1,747 points for seven years until Marvin Madison surpassed it by four points in 1984. However, what separated that season was Hollis finally reached the peak as a team, bringing Troy back from a 2-7 start to finish 15-14, 11-5 GSC to be named regular season co-champions for the first time in program history.

“He was the glue that held the team together,” Stewart said. “When the team struggled to start the season, Hollis was the guy that would bring them all together and keep them pushing. If it wasn’t for his leadership and how he united the team, we wouldn’t have turned things around to win the conference.”

Over 40 years after Hollis hung up the playing shoes, he still stands as Troy’s all-time leader in field goals made at 789. He also ranks fifth in scoring and second in rebounds at 1,124.

“What separated him from all other players was that he wasn’t at Troy just to play basketball,” Stewart said. “He was on a mission to get a degree from Troy to impact people’s lives. That’s why, even after he used his four years of eligibility, I saw to it that he could stay and graduate because I knew he had the potential to become something greater than basketball.”

Hollis did become greater than basketball, impacting lives on many levels as he became a police officer, preacher, teacher and head coach at Charles Henderson High School for 21 seasons. As a coach, Hollis used his leadership capabilities to lead the Trojans to 10 Area Championships, four Elite 8 and two Final Four appearances.

“He could arguably be the best player ever to put on a Troy uniform and is definitively one of the top five,” former teammate and Troy Hall of Famer David Felix said. “I’m so excited to see Hollis get inducted. It is well overdue, and I’m so happy for him and his family.”

- Robert Earl StewartTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2015)

BARBARA SHERWOOD

Confidant. Humble. Leader. Three terms that anybody would want to have associated with their name, and those three words rolled off the tongue of Hall of Fame head coach Melanie Davis when talking about Barbara Sherwood.

“Barb always had a lot of confidence as a player and as a coach, but she was extremely humble and had respect for those around her,” Davis said. “When she found out about the Hall of Fame, her first response was to think of those who went in before her and how special it was to be placed among the others who represent Troy Softball.”

Sherwood helped lead Troy to 176 wins during her four-year playing career, including a school record 52 wins in her freshman season of 1995. As a sophomore, Sherwood and the Trojans shocked the softball world by knocking off DePaul in back-to-back games to win the 1996 Mid-Continent Conference Tournament.

“She earned the right to be our catcher as a sophomore, and back then, catchers called their own games behind the plate,” Davis said. “She was a great leader and worked so well with the pitchers; she almost like a coach already that young in her career.

“Barb called two amazing games against DePaul and was a major reason we shut down their high-powered offense,” David said. “We were the last team to keep DePaul out of the NCAA Tournament for a long time.”

Troy would go on to beat Southeast Missouri State twice in the NCAA Playin Series and earn a berth in the NCAA Midwest Regional Tallahassee, Fla., where it battled Arizona and South Florida.

“She saw how precious championships were, and that meant a lot to her. When you have the intangible qualities that she did –passion, loyalty and insight into what being a champion means –it’s easy to see why she had success.”

- Melanie DavisTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2017)

“After we won the conference tournament and were loading the vans for a long drive back from the mid-west to Troy, and as we were trying to make sure everyone was on the vans, Barb was missing,” Davis said. “When we found her, she was sitting in the dugout just taking it all in, almost like a coach. I asked her what she was doing, and she said, ‘I don’t want it to end.’ She saw how precious championships were, and that meant a lot to her. When you have the intangible qualities that she did – passion, loyalty and insight into what being a champion means – it’s easy to see why she had success.”

In addition to being a star on the diamond for the Trojans, Sherwood also played volleyball for two seasons, where Davis was also the head coach.

“She had such a passion for competitive sports and the team concept,” Davis said. “She had a tremendous passion for the game and for her teammates. Barb was extremely loyal to her teammates, to her school and her coaches.”

Her passion and leadership were evident to all those around her as Sherwood was voted team captain as a sophomore, Troy’s conference championship season, and she went on to become a successful assistant coach and head coach at the collegiate and professional levels.

After her graduation from Troy, Sherwood joined Davis’ staff as a graduate assistant coach before moving into the No. 1 assistant spot. She parleyed her success at Troy into assistant jobs at Wisconsin, Florida State and Virginia Tech before being named the head coach at Portland State. Additionally, Sherwood coached at the professional level for the Akron Racers in the National Pro Fastpitch league, where she was named Coach of the Year in 1999.

“Because she was so good as a player from a leadership standpoint, she just naturally transitioned into a coach following her playing career,” Davis said. “Because of her leadership, recruiting and team building came easily to her, and you don’t realize how important those intangibles are as a coach until you don’t have them. She had a team-first personality, and it shows you the caliber of coach she was when you look at the schools she was at.

“It’s a truly an honor for Barb for her selection into the Hall of Fame when you look at the other softball representatives,” Davis said. “She was such an integral part of our success in the early days of Division I softball.”

MARK SMARTT

Scrap. Niner. National Champion. Those are just some of the names you can substitute for the man who has worn the Troy Baseball uniform more than anyone else in the program’s storied history.

While it came in many sizes, colors, styles and even two different school names across the front, Mark Smartt wore a TROJAN baseball uniform 1,173 times during his career as a two-time National Champion player and NCAA Tournament assistant coach and NCAA Tournament head coach.

“He loves Troy,” Smartt’s teammate and member of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame, Wendell Stephens, said. “He was dedicated wholeheartedly to Troy University during his entire career. That is one heck of a milestone, and he did it will all the class in the world.”

Smartt joined the Troy squad in 1986 after transferring from Dekalb Central Junior College and immediately impacted head coach Chase Riddle’s squad. He hit .405 in his first season with the Trojans, a mark that ranked as the third-best in program history at the time and stands as the sixth-best at the time of his induction.

“He was such a good hitter because he was Scrap,” Stephens said. “He wasn’t going to settle for mediocrity and had the mentality that you weren’t going to get a pitch by him. So you combine that with his great hand-eye coordination, and you had a .400 hitter.”

Smartt and the Trojans won a combined 84 games to just 18 losses in his two seasons and won back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1986 and 1987. Troy went a remarkable 22-0 in the postseason those two seasons.

“That whole group was special in the sense that maybe not knowing it at that time, but it was a group of guys who loved each other,” Stephens said. “Besides Coach Riddle, Mark was the glue that kept us all together, and I’m proud to call him my friend. He was a great hitter, a heck of a second baseman and an even better person.”

He earned All-Gulf South Conference honors in both his seasons as a player at Troy and was named to the 1987 College World Series All-Tournament Team. Smartt finished his career batting at a .379 clip, the fourth-best in program history, and with a .480 on-base percentage, the ninth-best all-time.

“Scrap was a good teammate and a great friend,” Stephens said. “He wasn’t the tallest and the biggest guy compared to some guys, but he was tough as nails and sure wasn’t one you’d want to get into a scrap with.

Following his playing career, Smartt did what he knows best – baseball. He began his coaching career with Riddle and the Trojans as he was first a student assistant in 1988 and then a graduate assistant in 1989. Those teams combined to post a 6433 record, win a Gulf South Conference title and play in the NCAA Division II Regionals.

Smartt spent 11 seasons as a coach at the University of West Alabama, serving as the head coach from 1995-2000 before returning to Troy to be an assistant coach under Hall of Fame member Bobby Pierce for 13 seasons. Following Pierce’s retirement, Smartt took over as Troy’s head coach for five years.

Troy advanced to six NCAA Tournaments and won four Sun Belt Conference titles during his time as an assistant or head coach.

“He was such a good hitter because he was Scrap. He wasn’t going to settle for mediocrity and had the mentality that you weren’t going to get a pitch by him. So you combine that with his great hand-eye coordination, and you had a .400 hitter.”

- Wendell StephensTroy University Sports Hall of Fame (2018)

2021 INDUCTION CEREMONY

The ninth and tenth classes of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on Sept. 3, 2021, inside Trojan Arena.

The 2020 class consists of Barney Burnett (golf), Nancy Dansby Swanson (women’s tennis & basketball), Rachel Hassan Gravel (volleyball), Max Howell (football), Mark King (football) and Jude Rinaldi (baseball).

The 2021 class is comprised of Leon Davis (men’s basketball), Collin McCrary (men’s golf) and Andy Whitener (track & field).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.

2021 INDUCTION CEREMONY

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. (Deceased)

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. (Deceased)

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.

DR. JOHNNY LONG Sound of the South

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.

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.

(Deceased)

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.

(Deceased)

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. (Deceased)

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 Venable 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)

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

CLASS OF 2019

Eighth Induction Class

JOHN FAIRCLOTH Football

A trailblazer in the history of Troy football, John Faircloth was a prominent fixture on the offensive line and as a linebacker during his tenure as he started every game of his career. The true definition of iron-man football, Faircloth averaged 56 minutes of playing time per game. He earned All-Alabama Athletic Conference honors as a junior and senior in addition to earning honorable mention Little AllAmerica honors as a senior in 1961. Faircloth was a two-time All-Alabama Collegiate Conference selection. (Deceased)

TAMRA HOWREN Softball

Tamra Howren produced one of the most productive careers in Troy history. Howren finished her career in the top 10 of 11 offensive categories and still holds five records – slugging percentage (.637), hits (273), doubles (67), home runs (52) and runs batted in (202). Howren is one of 35 players to be a three-time All-Atlantic Sun selection. A member of Troy’s 2005 A-Sun regular season championship team, Howren hit 23 home runs and drove in 65 runs, single-season records that still stand.

MITZI McLENDON HASTY Softball

One of the most prolific hitters in Troy softball history, Mitzi McLendon Hasty’s name is scattered throughout the Troy record book. Hasty finished her career with 256 career hits, a record that stood until 2005 and currently stands second alltime. Hasty was a three-time All-Mid Continent Conference First Team selection and led Troy to the 1996 Mid-Continent Conference Tournament title and the program’s first-ever berth into the NCAA Division I Tournament.

BROCK NUTTER Football

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 Division IA level. Nutter was the school record holder in passing yards and completions at the time of his graduation. 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.

GARRICK PIMIENTA Football

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

DARRYL THOMAS Men’s Basketball

Darryl Thomas, a two-time junior college All-American, averaged 23.2 points per game while being named an AllAmerican and Gulf South Conference Player of the Year in 1989. 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.

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

CLASS OF 2020

Ninth Induction Class

BARNEY BURNETT Men’s Golf

A leader of both the men’s and women’s golf programs, Barney Burnett led the Trojans through their successful transition from Division II to I. He coached the men’s team from 1986 to 2002 and served as the women’s head coach from 1996 to 2002. Burnett coached 18 All-Americans, six All-America Scholars and nine of his teams won conference championships. He led the men’s team to seven appearances in the NCAA Division II Championship with five top-five finishes, including a runner-up performance in 1992.

RACHEL HASSAN GRAVEL Volleyball

The most dominant offensive player to put on a Troy volleyball uniform, Rachel Hassan Gravel was a two-time All-Atlantic Sun Conference selection. She is Troy’s all-time leader with 1,644 kills, 4.08 points per set and 3.96 kills per set while ranking second in points (1865.5) and eighth in blocks (212). Her 616 kills during the 2002 season are the most in school history by a 119-kill cushion. Also, an outstanding student, Hassan received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Troy student.

MAX HOWELL Football

Max Howell played for the 1961 and 1962 teams before serving as an assistant coach on the 1968 NAIA National Championship team. He moved into the high school coaching ranks following his time at Troy where he coached future NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith. Following his coaching career, Howell became an influential member of the sports media community where he is best known as the host of multiple syndicated sports radio programs across the South.

MARK KING Football

Mark King was a two-time All-American and two-time AllGulf South Conference center during his tenure with the Trojans from 1973 to 1974. He was named to the 1973 AP All-America First Team and the 1974 NAIA & AP All-America teams. Following his playing career, King played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League. He joined the Marie Corps tand following a distinguished 28-year career, King retired at the rank of Full Colonel.

NANCY DANSBY SAWNSON Women’s Tennis

A pioneer in women’s tennis at Troy, Nancy Dansby Swanson reached the semifinals of the AIAW Small College National Championship and helped Troy finish fifth nationally. She finished that season with a 17-3 record at No. 1 singles and 14-1 record at No. 1 doubles. Troy won the AAIAW Championship in 1977 and she won the state title at No. 1 doubles. Dansby also starred for the women’s basketball team where she averaged 12.4 points per game

JUDE RINALDI Baseball

Arguably the best hitter in school history, Jude Rinaldi helped lead Troy to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1986 and 1987. Rinaldi earned All-America First Team honors following the 1987 season in which he set the school record with a .431 batting average and .819 slugging percentage. He was named the 1987 College World Series Most Outstanding Player after batting .588 with five runs scored, two home runs and seven RBIs. Rinaldi ranks among the top 10 alltime in both batting average and slugging percentage.

CLASS OF 2021

Tenth Induction Class

LEON DAVIS Men’s Basketball

One of the early pioneers of Troy basketball, Leon Davis was named team captain of the 1952-53 squad that finished 18-7 overall. He was the president of the Troy senior class and received the Kilpatrick Award. Davis served in a Special Services section of the United States Army and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He became Montevallo’s first men’s basketball coach. Davis was named the NAIA President in 1982 and was on the US Olympic staff for the World University Games in Edmonton, Canada.

COLLIN McCRARY Men’s Golf

An All-American, Collin McCrary earned multiple All-Gulf South Conference honors in addition to leading the Trojans to four straight Gulf South Conference titles. He earned third team All-America honors following his senior season in 1983 after he led the Trojans at the NCAA Division II National Championship. McCrary and the Trojans finished second at the 1983 NCAA Division II National Championship which capped a remarkable career in which Troy also finished fourth twice and third once at the highest level.

ANDY WHITENER Track & Field

One of the most decorated student-athletes on and off the field of competition, Andy Whitener earned multiple All-America honors during his career at Troy and was a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. Whitener earned NAIA AllAmerica honors in 1977 and 1978. Despite Troy’s standing in the NAIA, Whitener ran in the 1977 NCAA Cross Country National Championship Meet and the 1978 NCAA National Championship Meet . At the time of his graduation, Whitener held Troy school records in the mile, 1500m, 800m, 4x800m relay, distance medley and the two mile relay.

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 permanently displaying 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.