NAIA Announces 2009-10 Hall of Fame Class
Aug. 26, 2009
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today its 2009-10 Hall of Fame class. 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 colleagues, coaches and athletes.
The 2009-10 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes: Elvin “Al” Papik (Football, Coach), Bob Young (Football, Coach), Brian Harvey (Soccer, Coach), Jim Davies (Meritorious Service), Funda Aliskan-Sinani (Volleyball, Athlete), Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison (Meritorious Service), Herman “Buddy” Meyer (Basketball, Coach), Randy Kortokrax (Basketball, Athlete), Susan Johnson (Basketball, Coach), Jim Boeve (Meritorious Service), Cheryl Schaefer (Softball, Athlete), Jeff Griebel (Golf, Coach), Bryan Clay (Track & Field, Athlete), and Dr. Mary Livengood Sutherland (Track & Field, Athlete).
“The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators and longtime NAIA supporters,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “The individuals that make up the 2009-10 class have made a considerable impact on intercollegiate athletics. I applaud their achievements and congratulate them on this tremendous honor.”
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. The NAIA Hall of Fame is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service. All inductees will be recognized and honored at various NAIA events held throughout the year. A brief bio on each honoree is listed below.
2009-10 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees:
Elvin “Al” Papik, Doane (Neb.) College – Football, Coach
To be inducted at the AFCA Convention (Orlando, Fla., January 10, 2010)
Elvin “Al” Papik, was born in Crete, Nebraska and was a three-sport athlete at Crete High School. After high school Papik served two years in the military before attending Doane College. Following college graduation Papik was a high school coach before taking over the football program at Doane in 1955, where he served for 16 seasons. During his tenure Papik served as head football coach, head track coach and admissions director. Over that period he accumulated a record of 80-52-9, including a 38 game winning streak in football. Papik also directed the longest winning streak in Doane football history, 19 games from 1968-1970. However his legacy goes far beyond the role as coach. One overriding principle Papik taught was that there is no room for discrimination of any kind in athletics or education. He practiced that principle by bringing together athletes of diverse backgrounds at a time when the nation as a whole was struggling with great racial tension. With Papik’s leadership and vision he was able to bring students together and produce great success stories both on and off the field. When Papik left Doane he went to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and was an associate athletic director and certification of athletic eligibility. He served in the era of Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne and helped make the University of Nebraska programs successful. Now in retirement, Papik remains an icon among college coaches and athletic administrators throughout the country.
Bob Young, University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) – Football, Coach
To be inducted at the AFCA Convention (Orlando, Fla., January 10, 2010)
In his 22 years (1983-2004) at the University of Sioux Falls (USF), Bob Young turned his team into a perennial powerhouse in NAIA football (172-69-3). During his tenure, the football program consistently competed on the national level with six undefeated regular seasons and numerous appearances in the NAIA Football Championship Series. In 1996, Young led the Cougars to a school first NAIA Football National Championship title and was recognized as NAIA Coach of the Year. For his success Young was inducted into the USF and South Dakota Sports Halls of Fame. Young’s accomplishments on the football field had an immeasurable effect on USF as an institution. In 2007, the University honored Young in naming the new football field the Bob Young Field. As a coach, Young has transformed the lives of young men in the USF football program through his ability to see the very best in them. Young’s legacy at USF is built on relationships, integrity, perseverance and a great work ethic. Without his vision and consistent leadership, the USF football program would never have experienced the success it has today.
Brian Harvey, Oklahoma City University – Soccer, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA National Soccer Championship (Harvey will be inducted at either the men’s (Fresno, Calif.) or women’s (Decatur, Ala.) soccer national championships, November 30 – December 5, 2009)
In his 24th year, Brian Harvey is the only head coach the Oklahoma City University (OCU) soccer program has ever had since the men’s program began in 1986 and the women’s program inception in 1994. The coaching veteran has led the Stars to unprecedented heights. He’s guided the OCU men’s program to two NAIA championship tournament appearances, including best finish in program history this past season, the semifinals. On the women’s side Harvey’s teams have made four national tournament appearances. Harvey is the only head coach in the NAIA to appear in the top ten for wins among men and women. Under Harvey’s direction OCU has won the Sooner Athletic Conference eight times in men’s play and seven times in women’s play. Harvey has coached numerous All-Americans and Scholar-Athletes and some have gone on to the professional ranks. Among his awards and accolades are Coach of the Year honors at the conference and regional level. Recognized as the face of soccer in the state of Oklahoma, Harvey has spent countless hours developing soccer players including youth in the community. Harvey’s service includes work with players involved in the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Olympic development program and club soccer. Many of his former players have gone on to be successful coaches. His coaching legacy continues to be built as he enters his 25th year as head coach of the Oklahoma City Stars.
Jim Davies, California Pacific Conference – Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA National Convention (Cincinnati, Ohio, April 9-13, 2010)
The commitment and leadership Jim Davies has given the NAIA has been exemplary. Much of his professional service in the past 15 years has been dedicated to ensuring the success of the California Pacific Conference and the NAIA. His integrity and character has been a constant acutely beyond question. Davies has served key roles in educational opportunities and seminars locally and nationally. He has chaired nearly every Eligibility body fundamentally responsible for eligibility standards and governance structures including: Eligibility, Faculty Representatives, Constitution and Bylaws, Awards, International Student Eligibility Task Force and Direct Qualification Task Force. He remains a constant supporter of character-driven intercollegiate athletics and is dedicated to the betterment of all student-athletes, his institution, his conference schools, colleagues and the NAIA. In 2003, Davies was selected as the Administrator of the Year for the California Pacific Conference and in 2005, was named the recipient of the NAIA Wally Schwartz Award. Davies remains committed to make a difference in the lives of others, in the profession of athletics and in the community.
Funda Aliskan-Sinani, Dickinson State (N.D.) University – Volleyball, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, November 30, 2009)
With academic success, an engaging personality and high-flying game at the net, Funda Aliskan-Sinani personified the phrase student-athlete. Success was evident in the way she carried herself on and off the court. During her four years at Dickinson State University, Aliskan-Sinani carried an “A” average as a Business Administration major and is the only volleyball player to earn All-American and Scholar-Athlete honors in the same year (1999). For her career on the volleyball court, Aliskan-Sinani finished with 2,394 kills, 1,680 digs (3.3 per game) and 295 blocks (.58 per game). Beyond the many match and career records she holds at Dickinson State, Aliskan-Sinani also appears in the NAIA record books on three occasions. Her presence at the institution, conference, region and national level was significant and her national and school records remain intact. Aliskan-Sinani was a player that performed well statistically while playing alongside NAIA Hall of Famer New Ylimaz. She gained her notoriety in a dominating, record setting senior campaign in 1999. Aliskan-Sinani led the team in kills (6.4 per game) and hitting (.351). Her kills average still ranks third all-time in NAIA volleyball while her record of 25 matches in a season with at least 20 kills places her fourth all-time in the NAIA record book. Aliskan-Sinani’s is a legend at Dickinson State and her passion for the game and relentless work ethic set the standard for DSU volleyball.
Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison, Division I Men’s Basketball Honorary Coaches – Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 16, 2010)
Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison are long-time supporters of the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. The 2009 tournament marked the Pattison’s 29th consecutive year as Honorary Coaches making them the longest continuous Honorary Coaches in the event’s 72 year history. For nearly 30 years they have been exceptional ambassadors of Kansas City and the celebrated tournament event. In addition to their contributions as Honorary Coaches, the Pattison’s dedication to the NAIA Champions of Character program is significant. In 2000, the Pattisons created the Pattison Champions of Character Scholarship Award and each year recognize select student-athletes, participating in the Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship, who excel both on and off the court with a $2,000 scholarship. The Pattisons created this award because they believe in supporting the recognition of student-athletes who make a difference in their homes, schools and communities. The Champions of Character program is the result of an idea from the Pattisons and has since blossomed into a flagship initiative of the NAIA. The Pattison’s work, generosity and spirit is felt throughout the Association and has touched the lives of numerous coaches and student-athletes across the country.
Herman “Buddy” Meyer, St. Mary’s University – Men’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 16, 2010)
Buddy Meyer is an exceptional example of an athlete and coach whose character and values have set him part as a professional and person. During his more than 40-year association with St. Mary’s University, four of them as an NAIA All-American guard and 37 as a coach, Meyer as been a model of integrity, success and sportsmanship. Winning the 1989 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship and being named NAIA Coach of the Year only scratch the surface of his commitment to his sport and, more importantly, to the success of his players. As a coach and athletics director, Meyer stressed the concept of student-athlete and the importance of academic excellence. During his 27 years as head coach of the St. Mary’s basketball program, Meyer amassed a record 530-252. During his tenure he won 17 conference championships, seven NAIA District IV championships and was named Coach of the Year at both the conference and district levels on numerous occasions. Meyer’s teams made 12 NAIA national tournament appearances, culminating in the 1989 NAIA National Championship. What is most impressive, during all this success, Meyer had nearly 80% graduation rate of his players. Meyer is respected by colleagues throughout the University, alumni and San Antonio community and continues to serve as a role model and inspiration to those in the coaching profession.
Randy Kortokrax, The University of Findlay – Men’s Basketball, Athlete
To be inducted at the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 16, 2010)
Randy Kortokrax played for The University of Findlay from 1983-1987. During that time, Kortokrax developed the motivation and work ethic that transformed him from being a good athlete to becoming a truly outstanding basketball player. He broke countless school records including most points scored (2,575) and most rebounds (1,242). Today, Kortokrax holds 20 current records for the Oilers basketball program. He possessed the internal drive to continually improve and perform exceptionally well under pressure while making those around him better. The Oilers record was 72-22 when he was in the starting line-up. During the 1985-86 campaign Kortokrax led the Oilers to a season record of 25-6 and a berth in the NAIA national tournament. As a student-athlete, Kortokrax successfully juggled the time commitments required of being both a student and an athlete at the collegiate level. Kortokrax has taken these traits with him and instills them everyday in his own basketball team at Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio. For his exceptional level of play and commitment on and off the court Kortokrax is also a member of The University of Findlay and Hancock County Halls of Fame.
Susan Johnson, Georgetown (Ky.) College – Women’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship (Jackson, Tenn., March 16, 2010)
Susan Johnson has been serving Georgetown College with dedication, loyalty and passion since 1978. During her tenure Johnson has accumulated a record of 554-339 and has a long list of highlights throughout her career including 11 NAIA national tournament appearances and three Elite Eight finishes. Her teams have won six Mid-South Conference Championships, three KIAC Championships and three NAIA District/Regional Championships. Johnson has been named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year four times, the KIAC Coach of the Year three times and was given the NAIA Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year Award in 1994. Johnson has always shown a strong commitment to the mission and ideals of the NAIA and has been an outstanding ambassador and proponent for women’s athletics at Georgetown College and within the KIAC and Mid-South Conferences. In addition to her coaching duties, Johnson teaches in Georgetown College’s Kinesiology and Heath Studies Department and serves as the president of the Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Consortium. She is also a member of the NAIA/WBCA Nominating Committee and is a former NAIA representative to the WBCA Board of Directors.
Jim Boeve, Hastings (Neb.) College – Baseball, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the Rawlings/NAIA Awards Luncheon at the ABCA Convention (Dallas, Texas, January 8, 2010)
Jim Boeve’s leadership and the professional manner that he demonstrates everyday have been instrumental in the growth of baseball at Hastings College. Since Boeve’s first season as head coach in 1989, the program has grown to incorporate both varsity and junior varsity programs. Boeve’s resume includes seven NIAC/GPAC Conference Championships and two NIAC/GPAC Tournament Championships. Several of his players have signed professional contracts and many have been inducted into the Hastings College Athletic Hall of Fame. Boeve is equally proud of the numerous players he has coached that have gone on to become doctors, teachers, lawyers, physicists and coaches. Boeve cares deeply about the players on his team and sees the ball field as an extension of the classroom. His athletes admire him and see him as a role model and mentor. Boeve embodies the concept of coaching – modeling personal and professional excellence.
Cheryl Schaefer, Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) University – Softball, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Softball National Championship (Decatur, Ala., May 19, 2010)
Cheryl Schaefer came to Point Loma Nazarene University in 2000, and developed into one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. As shortstop and leadoff hitter, she earned All-GSAC and NAIA All-Region II honors all four years. Schaefer was the conference MVP three times and a NAIA All-American on three occasions. She was selected NAIA Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Schaefer was a key member of the Sea Lions softball program that won a pair of GSAC championships, two NAIA Region II titles and appeared in three consecutive NAIA National Championship Tournaments. Point Loma reached the NAIA title game in 2002 and finished fifth in both 2001 and 2003. Schaefer holds school records for most career hits (318) and runs scored (196). She maintained a lifetime .395 batting average, including one season of .478. Her name is in the school record book in 17 places. When her collegiate career came to a close she had the most career stolen bases and hits in the NAIA and most hits in a single season. Following graduation, Schaefer jointed the Point Loma coaching staff as an assistant softball coach and played professionally with the Arizona Heat.
Jeff Griebel, St. Ambrose (Iowa) University – Men’s Golf, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA National Golf Championship (Davenport, Iowa, May 17, 2010)
Jeff Griebel was named head men’s golf coach at St. Ambrose University in 1982, and immediately made an impact in intercollegiate golf. Griebel’s teams have qualified for 21 NAIA Men’s Golf National Tournaments and have won 15 of 17 Midwest Collegiate Conference championships. With one of the top winning percentages in the nation, Griebel has been named the MCC Coach of the Year 14 times and the Midwest Region 7 Coach of the Year 19 times. He has coached seven NAIA First Team All-American selections and two Second-Team All-American selections. Griebel was instrumental in St. Ambrose’s efforts to host the 2009 and 2010 NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship events in the Quad Cities. In addition to his golf duties, Griebel is the director of athletic recruitment and the assistant bowling coach at St. Ambrose. Griebel holds a genuine concern for the total development of his athletes, both on the course and in their academic careers. Griebel is a proven leader and well respected by other golf professionals throughout the country. He has held leadership positions on the NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches Association and was the men’s golf chair for NAIA Region 7 and the Midwest Collegiate Conference.
Bryan Clay, Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University – Track & Field, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships (Marian, Ind., May 26, 2010)
Few athletes in NAIA history have achieved the athletic success of Bryan Clay. He is a 23-time NAIA All-American, a 7-time NAIA national champion and a 3-time Outstanding Male Performer of a championship meet. Clay led Azusa Pacific, often considered the greatest dynasty in NAIA track & field history, to three team national championships. Yet above those accomplishments, he is an Olympic Champion, a gold medalist in the decathlon, an event that is regarded as one of the most grueling athletic endeavors ever. His achievements on the national and world level are unmatched in NAIA history. Not only did he win Olympic Gold in the decathlon but he was also a silver medalist in the same event at the 2004 Games in Athens. He has been the world’s No. 1-ranked decathlete three different years. He has won multiple U.S. titles in the decathlon and has won international decathlon competitions that no other American has ever won. Clay remains to have deep roots in the NAIA and still trains at Azusa Pacific and offers his services to the university and the association. Clay established the Bryan Clay Foundation to assist high school students in the areas of athletics and academics. With all the awards and accolades Clay’s personal attributes are what distinguish him as a true competitor and Champion of Character.
Dr. Mary Livengood, Doane (Neb.) College – Track & Field, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships (Marian, Ind., May 26, 2010)
Dr. Mary Livengood is a 2001 graduate of Doane College and was an excellent example of the type of scholar-athlete that is a hallmark of both the NAIA and Doane. Livengood’s individual accomplishments are extensive in both cross country and track & field. From an institutional perspective, none of those accomplishments are more important than her performances at the 2001 National Outdoor Championships. In 2001, Livengood was National Champion at both 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. Those performances were instrumental in Doane winning the 2001 Women’s Outdoor Championship, a first in school history. Livengood’s athletic accomplishments reveal a person who persisted over her four years at Doane, placing virtually first in every major event during her senior year. In addition to her athletic success, Livengood was a model student, achieving Dean’s List recognition each of her eight semesters. Livengood’s collegiate career was a unique combination of academic brilliance, athletic success and an unyielding determination to improve.
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.
Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.