Aug. 30, 2006
By Staci Schottman, NAIA
OLATHE, Kan. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its Hall of Fame class of 2006-07 today. The honor is the highest bestowed by the NAIA. Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes.
The 2006-07 NAIA Hall of Fame class of 19 includes: Dr. Greg Feris, Dan Harris, Robert Johnson, Joel Todd Marchand, Jamie Mueller, James Carder, Jerry Carder, Mike Harkins, Bob Wilson, Daniel Payne, Denney Crabaugh, Lew Ford, Ronald "Woody" Hunt, Clyde Miller, John Baumann, Greg Ray, Andrew Rinn, Mary Rinn and David Symonsbergen. All inductees will be recognized and honored at various NAIA events throughout the year.
The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the Association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. Each sport division is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service.
NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees:
Dr. Greg Feris, Wayland Baptist University (Texas) - Meritorious Service
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA National Convention, Kansas City, Mo.
Dr. Greg Feris has been the Director of Athletics, Division Chair and Professor of Physical Education at Wayland Baptist University since 1990. Feris has served the NAIA in many capacities and acted as an NAIA representative with organizations such as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the U.S. Collegiate Sports Council. Feris is a tireless advocate of the NAIA and has worked at both the local and conference levels to bring positive attention to the NAIA and its Champions of Character initiative.
Dan Harris, Baker University (Kan.) - Meritorious Service
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA National Convention, Kansas City, Mo.
Dan Harris has diligently dedicated himself to the NAIA, Baker University and student-athletes for over 20 years. Harris, an NAIA graduate, former student-athlete and coach has served as Baker's Athletic Director since 1995. Under his leadership Baker is consistently among the best in the region and on pace with other great programs across the country. The guidance and commitment he has provided the university, his community and the NAIA on a conference, regional and national level is exemplary.
Robert Johnson, Pittsburg State University (Kan.) - Meritorious Service
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA National Convention, Kansas City, Mo.
Robert Johnson, a retired basketball and golf coach, served over 25 years at the College of Emporia and Pittsburg State University. His contributions to the NAIA are numerous and include service on the District Ten Basketball Committee and the NAIA Basketball Coaches Association. Johnson, who has received a handful of Coach of the Year Awards, was named to the Kansas Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and continues to be a voice of encouragement for coaches both young and old, to his players and to the NAIA.
Joel Todd Marchand, Malone College (Ohio) - Cross Country Athlete
to be inducted at the 2006 NAIA Cross Country National Championships, Louisville, Ky.
Joel Todd Marchand, a NAIA National Champion and six-time NAIA All-American, is considered the "best of the best" in Malone College cross country and track & field history and was recently inducted into the Malone College Athletics Hall of Fame. Marchand's love for running continues as he serves as a mentor for other young runners in Stark County.
Jamie Mueller, Benedictine College (Kan.) - Football Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 AFCA National Convention, San Antonio, Texas
A graduate of Benedictine College, Jamie Mueller set numerous school records while his work ethic, physical style of play and natural ability differentiated him from others on the field. In 1985, Mueller led the Ravens to a 10-0 regular season finish and No.2 ranking in the final NAIA poll. Following a stellar collegiate career, Mueller became the 78th pick taken by the Buffalo Bills in the 1987 draft. Mueller excelled as a running back, finishing as the second leading rusher behind NFL star Thurmon Thomas. Mueller was highly respected throughout the NFL and in the broadcast booth as one of the leagues most physical players, accomplished blockers and special teams player. Mueller was part of three Super Bowl teams that not only brought national recognition to Benedictine College, but also showed NAIA student-athletes throughout the country how hard work and utilizing the skills you have can take you to the pinnacle of sport.
James Carder, University of Findlay (Ohio) - Men's Basketball Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, Kansas City, Mo.
A four year letterman at University of Findlay, James Carder currently ranks second on the school's all-time scoring list with 2,052 points. James along with his twin brother Jerry Carder, will both be inducted into the 2006-07 NAIA Hall of Fame class. The entire Findlay community recognizes the duo as part of the greatest moments in the University of Findlay basketball history. The NAIA National Champions came out of Ohio District #22 in 1965 and 1968. It was tough to get to Kansas City, but with Carder's leadership, University of Findlay made the Nationals in 1967. Carder's efforts carried over to the campus where he was a leader in many activities. After graduation Carder pursued a career in the education field and continued his support and love of sports, again influencing young people along the way.
Jerry Carder, University of Findlay (Ohio) - Men's Basketball Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, Kansas City, Mo.
Jerry Carder is often referred to as part of the greatest moments in University of Findlay basketball history. Carder who ranks third in all-time scoring for Findlay (1,983) will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame alongside his twin brother, James Carder. Carder is often referred to as a true example of the best in character. Carder's association with the community and the integrity he brings as a teacher and coach is something that makes the entire Findlay area proud. The excitement that Carder brought to the game is something people continue to talk about as if it was yesterday.
Mike Harkins, Montana State University-Billings - Men's Basketball Coach
to be inducted at the 2007 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, Kansas City, Mo.
In 2003, Montana State University-Billings school officials, friends, family and former players celebrated the coaching career of the school's all-time winningest coach Mike Harkins. Harkins coached the Yellowjackets from 1960 to 1976, coaching in 448 games. He won a school-record 290 of those games for a 64.7 winning percentage. Even more impressive was the conference record of Harkin's teams. In winning 12 Conference Championships, the Yellowjackets posted a 154-29 conference mark for an 84.2 conference winning percentage. Harkins led the Yellowjackets to the NAIA District Championship and the NAIA National Tournament a total of ten times in his career. Harkins would later go on to make a name for himself nationally as a basketball coach and writer. Harkins dedication to and knowledge of the game of basketball are second to none. He is equally recognized for his commitment to the growth and development of his student-athletes, personally, academically and professionally.
Bob Wilson, Vanguard University (Calif.) - Men's Basketball Coach
to be inducted at the 2007 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, Kansas City, Mo.
Bob Wilson has been a head men's basketball coach in the NAIA for nearly a quarter of a century and has been involved with NAIA athletics for over 30 years. He has taken three different universities to four NAIA National Tournaments and recently retired from the coaching field after reviving the Vanguard University men's basketball program with a 20-13 season and leading the Lions to their first NAIA National Tournament in 16 years. Spearheading Vanguard's recent transformation into an NAIA Champions of Character Program Center, Wilson was always a proponent of education and teaching valuable life lessons to his players. Wilson, who will remain Vanguard's athletic director, will not only be remembered as a competitor on the court, but also as a coach who truly cared about those who played for him. Highly involved in the NAIA, Wilson continues to serve on various committees and has held a host of positions throughout his career. People who have watched Wilson coach will remember his passion for teaching and competing in the game of basketball, as well the 742 NAIA basketball games that he coached during his NAIA career.
Daniel Payne, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) - Wrestling Coach
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Wrestling National Championships, Sioux City, Iowa
Daniel Payne was instrumental in the initiation and the expansion of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) wrestling program. Payne's consistent attention to recruiting and supporting students of character impresses his peers as he develops student-athletes who are accountable for their actions on the mat, in the classroom and in the community. Payne works locally, regionally and nationally to further the sport of wrestling and as a result ERAU has garnered national attention for its wrestling program. Payne has served the NAIA as President of the Wrestling Coaches Association and was host to an NAIA Wrestling National Championship. Under Payne's leadership ERAU has graduated six NAIA National Champions, over 44 All Americans and two scholar athletes, ensuring the "student" portion of his student-athletes remained a top priority. Payne continues to serve as a mentor for young coaches and student-athletes.
Denney Crabaugh, Oklahoma City University - Baseball Coach
to be inducted at the 2007 ABCA National Convention, Orlando, Fla.
Denney Crabaugh has consistently produced teams that excel athletically and academically. In 17 years as head coach Crabaugh has built the Oklahoma City University baseball program into a national power house. His accolades include seven Sooner Athletic Conference championships, seven trips to the NAIA World Series and a remarkable run of four straight years in the National Championship game.
Others focus on Crabaugh's accomplishments as a role model for his players and his insistence on high academic performance, these traits have made the Stars baseball program successful beyond the wins and losses. His teams have won nearly 75 percent of their games and frequently lead the department in graduation rate and grade point average. Crabaugh embraces the NAIA Champions of Character initiative and is a model for sportsmanship and servant leadership. Crabaugh continues to show great dedication to his sport, players, fellow coaches and the university.
Lew Ford, Dallas Baptist University (Texas) - Baseball Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 ABCA National Convention, Orlando, Fla.
Lew Ford was one of the finest student-athletes at Dallas Baptist University and continues to prove his outstanding baseball ability in his position and his personal character with the Minnesota Twins. Ford broke many team records while at Dallas Baptist and most remain today. Currently Ford holds the record for batting average, runs in a season, doubles in a season and stolen bases in a season. Ford's collegiate and professional baseball success is a direct result of his hard work and determination. He continues to serve the university and school community as a mentor to current student-athletes. Many would say Ford is even a better person than he is a baseball player, his character has allowed him to overcome adversity when he went undrafted after his junior season, on his climb to becoming a major league player.
Ronald "Woody" Hunt, Cumberland University (Tenn.) - Baseball Coach
to be inducted at the 2007 ABCA National Convention, Orlando, Fla.
Ronald "Woody" Hunt spent his life involved in the game of baseball. Hunt was a scout, coach, manager and general manager in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league organization. Hunt came to Cumberland University in 1979 as the assistant baseball coach and returned in 1981 to begin his career as the skipper of the Bulldog Baseball program. His service to the university has always been selfless in nature, having served as athletic director, head coach in men's basketball, women's basketball, in addition to his current role as head baseball coach and assistant professor. Throughout his career, Hunt has spent a lifetime promoting the high standards of character development emphasized by the NAIA. Hunt has earned the respect of Cumberland faculty and staff members and has positively influenced hundreds of students throughout the years. He has devoted his entire life to helping make young people successful. He is often considered a role model and an inspiring leader.
Clyde Miller, Gardner-Webb University (N.C.) - Meritorious Service
to be inducted at the 2007 ABCA National Convention, Orland, Fla.
Clyde Miller is being inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for his untiring effort and love for the game of baseball. There may not have been a greater ambassador for the game of baseball from 1970 until his death in the Southeast Region of the United States. His love for the game carried him all over the continental United States as well as to other countries. Miller was modeling the five core values of the NAIA's Champions of Character program well before the initiative's inception. Miller's efforts to be fair and first class in his many leadership roles at the conference, district, regional and national levels were above reproach. Miller competed as an NAIA baseball student-athlete and positively impacted many young men's lives through his coaching years at NAIA schools.
John Baumann, Doane College (Neb.) - Track & Field Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, Fresno, Calif.
John Baumann was a two-sport competitor, most prominently a thrower for the track and field team, who helped to initiate a renewed competitive spirit at Doane College. Baumann was a multiple Nebraska-Iowa Conference and NAIA District XI champion in the shot put and discus and earned NAIA All-American honors ten times in those events, including eight top three finishes. People know Baumann as an outstanding example of what the NAIA is all about - student first, athlete second and gentleman always. Baumann developed into a real team leader and continues to impact the lives of young people as a successful track and field coach.
Greg Ray, Doane College (Neb.) - Track & Field Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, Fresno, Calif.
Greg Ray sprinted for the Doane College track team and competed for the football team. He finished his collegiate career with 11 first place honors at both the indoor and outdoor Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference meets over the seasons and captured numerous fist-place finishes in other major competitions. His performances generated a "buzz" around Doane, which may never again be equaled. Ray accumulated many sprinting personal victories and the stories of his performances still perfuse the hallways of the athletic department. Ray continues to operate in a graceful style as he works as a mentor, teacher and coach in the central Nebraska area.
Andrew Rinn, Midland Lutheran College (Neb.) - Track & Field Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, Fresno, Calif.
Rinn participated in cross country and track at Midland Lutheran College and was successful at the conference, district and national levels. Rinn also was a four-time All America Scholar Athlete, one-time Cross Country All-American and five-time Track and Field All-American. In addition Rinn currently holds nine Midland Lutheran College records in indoor and outdoor track & field. While at Midland he made the Dean's list six times and graduated with honors. As a student Rinn demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service both in the classroom and in the many organizations he led. Rinn married fellow NAIA Hall of Fame inductee Mary Rinn.
Mary Rinn (Beaumont), Midland Lutheran College (Neb.) - Track & Field Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, Fresno, Calif.
During Mary Rinn's time at Midland Lutheran College she achieved a great deal in the classroom and on the athletic field. She graduated with honors in 1990, with a degree in Computer Science. Rinn was a four- time Scholar Athlete, one-time Cross Country All-American and four-time Track and Field All-American. She also ran on the National Championship Two Mile Relay and Distance Medley Relay teams in 1986 leading Midland Lutheran to the indoor team championship in 1989. Rinn currently holds four Midland Lutheran College records in indoor and outdoor track & field. Rinn is married to Hall of Fame inductee Andrew Rinn, also of Midland Lutheran College.
David Symonsbergen, Doane College (Neb.) - Track & Field Athlete
to be inducted at the 2007 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, Fresno, Calif.
David Symonsbergen won many awards during his four years participating in athletics at Doane College. He qualified for seven indoor and outdoor NAIA national championships in track and field and finished in the top five all but one-time. Symonsbergen finished his collegiate career as national champion twice, earned six first-place honors at both the indoor and outdoor Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference meets and had 12 first-place finishes at the district level. He is often admired for his ability to lead races from start to finish and to put it all on the line in every race. The ordinary result was never enough for Symonsbergen, so the extraordinary became commonplace.
