2011-12 NAIA Hall of Fame Class Announced
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.
The 2011-12 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes: Ms. Melody (Robinson) Britt (Women’s Track & Field, Athlete), Mr. Bob Burchard (Men’s Basketball, Coach), Mr. Robert Cornett (Men’s Golf, Coach), Ms. Natalie (Steele) Crane (Volleyball, Athlete), Dr. Brian Crossman (Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service), Mr. Clarence “Bevo” Francis (Men’s Basketball, Meritorious Service), Mr. Peter Fuller (Men’s Soccer, Coach), Dr. Marion “Woody” Gibson (Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service), Mr. Ron Hall (Football, Athlete), Mr. Pete Hansen (Meritorious Service), Mr. Harold Hubbard (Meritorious Service), Mr. Steve Hulsey (Women’s Golf, Coach), Mr. E.L. Hutton (Meritorious Service), Mr. John Loftin (Women’s Basketball, Coach), Mr. Richard Panella (Women’s Basketball, Coach), Mr. Freddy Sanchez (Baseball, Meritorious Service), Dr. Darrell Saunders (Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service) and Mr. Earl Woudstra (Women’s Basketball, Coach).
2011-12 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees
Ms. Melody (Robinson) Britt, Midland University (Neb.) – Women’s Track & Field, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships (Marion, Ind., May 23, 2012)
Ms. Melody Britt was an exceptional student-athlete at Midland Lutheran College, now Midland University, from 1983 to 1987. During that time she earned the respect of both her professors and peers for her hard work in the classroom, her participation in extracurricular activities and her performance in outdoor and indoor track. She is a twelve-time NAIA All American in five different events and in 1987, capped off an incredible career with a national championship in the 60-yard hurdles. In addition to her All-American honors, Britt won a total of 24 conference championships and 21 district championships. She remains the current school record holder in nine different disciplines. Britt guided the women’s team to conference championships in Indoor Track & Field in 1984, 1985 and 1987 and in Outdoor Track & Field in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987. In 1986, the Midland women’s team finished third in the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships. Britt maintained the same intelligence, commitment, dedication and work ethics as she displayed in competition, completing majors in both Biology and National Science with a minor in Chemistry. In life, Britt continues to excel in her profession as Program Director for National Healing at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Maryland.
Mr. Bob Burchard, Columbia College (Mo.) – Men’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 13, 2012)
Since his arrival at Columbia College, Mr. Bob Burchard has turned the Cougar basketball program into a perennial powerhouse in the NAIA. Burchard has compiled a 570-218 (.723) record in 23 seasons at the helm, giving him the most wins in program history. The Cougars have averaged almost 25 victories per season under his guidance. With his leadership there have been 75 student-athletes that have earned academic all-conference honors and 17 that have received All-American athletic honors. The Cougars have advanced to the NAIA Men's National Basketball Championship 15 times in his tenure, including 14 of the past 17 seasons. Burchard has been named conference Coach of the Year seven times, most recently last season when the Cougars closed American Midwest Conference play in a tie for first with a 12-2 record. Among all active coaches in the NAIA, Burchard stands at 15th in most wins with 570 and third with highest winning percentage at 72 percent. Burchard brings positive attention to Columbia College through the athletic department and community activity. He creates and sustains an environment in which the dual demanding roles of scholar and athlete are synthesized for the greater good of both the student and institution.
Mr. Robert Cornett, Texas Wesleyan University – Men’s Golf, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship (Salem, Ore., May 21, 2012)
Mr. Robert Cornett is in his seventeenth season as the head coach at Texas Wesleyan University. Cornett led the Rams from 1985-99, then served ten seasons as an assistant coach while focusing on the National Senior Tour and Senior PGA Tour before returning to his role as head coach prior to the 2009-10 season. He is a member of both the Texas Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame and the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame. He has been named NAIA National Coach of the Year three times while leading the team to National Championships in 1990, 1995 and 1999. He is a tremendous mentor and motivator to the many young men who have passed through his program and have gone on to achieve success in business, teaching and coaching. The continued involvement with Texas Wesleyan of so many of his former players is evidence of how the golf program has positively affected their lives.
Ms. Natalie (Steele) Crane, Taylor University (Ind.) – Volleyball, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, November 28, 2011)
Ms. Natalie Crane is considered one of the most gifted and comprehensive female athletes to have competed at Taylor University. She helped launch an unnoticed Taylor volleyball program into a NAIA national prominence with her outstanding contributions. Crane led Taylor to a record of 176-40 (.815%) including two NAIA National Tournament appearances and helped her 1998 team reach the Elite Eight, the highest finish in school history. Crane is a three-time NAIA All-American and broke the record for the most kills for any collegiate women’s volleyball player with 3,062 career kills. She also has a record of 1,143 kills in a season and a single season record of 58 matches of double figure kills in 1995. As an outside hitter who also played defense, Crane earned multiple conference and regional honors and was selected all four years as Taylor University’s Lady Trojan, the highest award giving to any female student-athlete. Crane was inducted into the Taylor University Hall of Fame in 2003. Crane gracefully speaks of her time as a student-athlete, defining the NAIA Champions of Character core values well before they became a staple of the association.
Dr. Brian Crossman, – Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship (Orange Beach, Ala., November 27, 2011)
Dr. Brian Crossman simply defines everything that the NAIA promotes as important in a quality individual and has spent a career passing those ideals along to student-athletes at Berea College and Covenant College as both a soccer coach and educator. He has dedicated himself to promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct on a national scale. An outstanding coach with over 300 career victories, it is off the field where Crossman made his mark with the NAIA, serving nearly every committee of the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches Association and eventually serving as President from 1995-98. He was presented with the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Merit Award among all college coaches in 2002. His teams have been cited with numerous sportsmanship and team academic awards. He currently serves as the Chair of the Ethics Committee for the National Soccer Coaches Association, a 30,000 member organization of coaches at every level of the game from youth through professional. His reputation is beyond reproach. Along with his coaching, Crossman has served ably on the faculty of Covenant College, as the chair of the physical education department and on numerous faculty and campus committees.
Mr. Clarence “Bevo” Francis, University of Rio Grande (Ohio) – Men’s Basketball, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 13, 2012)
The stories about college basketball go on and on, but none meet the colorful and exciting story of the legendary 1952-1954 Rio Grande College, now the University of Rio Grande, teams. The offensive machine, Mr. Clarence “Bevo” Francis, is the greatest scorer in the history of college basketball and holds the all-time single game scoring record in the collegiate ranks with 113 points in regulation. Francis and the Rio Redmen captured the imagination of America and sold so many tickets that they saved their financially ailing college from bankruptcy. In doing so they preserved an education path out of poverty for thousands of young men and women who live in one of America’s most impoverished regions. Francis and his teammate played for the joy of competing and showed people everywhere what heights the human spirit, unencumbered by prejudice or fear, can reach and how the actions of one can inspire the lives of thousands of others.
Mr. Peter Fuller, University of Mobile (Ala.) – Men’s Soccer, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship (Orange Beach, Ala., November 27, 2011)
Mr. Peter Fuller just completed his 16th season at the University of Mobile and has played a major role in the development of not only the NAIA, but also countless players who used the skills they honed on the field to either continue their playing careers or move into a professional non-sport career. Coupled with a calm demeanor his firm determination and commitment to achieve the vision he holds for his life and work is alive and well. From 1995, when Fuller took the reins of the Rams he racked up a 219-97-17 record, 12 National Tournament appearances, four Round of Four appearances and the 2002 National Title. Under Fuller, his 1999 team won 23 games and in his tenure his teams have won 15 or more games, 11 times. His overall college record is 311-115-21, including leading Belhaven University to the 1992 National Title. Fuller is a tremendous ambassador for the University of Mobile and the NAIA and has served on many committees as well as been very involved with the Olympic Development Program. Competitive success, community involvement, alumni relationships and the consistent and constant promotion of the sport runs throughout Fuller’s career.
Dr. Marion “Woody” Gibson, – Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship (Orange Beach, Ala., November 27, 2011)
Dr. Marion “Woody” Gibson served in a variety of positions at High Point University during their longtime membership in the NAIA including sports information director, golf coach, chair of the department of physical education and director of athletics. It was his time as founder and coach of the soccer program at High Point where he made his mark with service to the NAIA and college soccer in general. Gibson’s commitment and service to the game is clearly evidenced in his 20 years of involvement on a variety of committees with the NAIA Coaches Association which culminated in his service as President in 1993-94. Far greater is the legacy he had on generations of young men whose lives have been changed forever because of his enduring and inspirational influence. His players recognized him as a man of great integrity, loyalty and compassion. He never lost sight of the fact, that first and foremost they were student-athletes. He knew and loved the game, taught it well and possessed a great gift for motivating players and integrating important life lessons in the field of play.
Mr. Ron Hall, Missouri Valley College – Football, Athlete
To be inducted at the AFCA Football Coaches Association Meeting (San Antonio, Texas, January 9, 2012)
Mr. Ron Hall’s accomplishments at Missouri Valley College (MVC) and in the NFL have become legend and a standard for MVC athletes to aspire and achieve. Hall graduated from MVC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He was a four-year letterman in football and played in four post-season bowl games including the Tangerine Bowl and Senior Bowl. While playing for the Vikings he earned MAAU All-Conference honors his junior and senior year and Little College All-American honors as a senior. Following graduation Hall continued his football career playing professionally for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1959-1960) and the Boston Patriots, now the New England Patriots, (1961-1967) and was selected to the All-AFL Team in 1963 and 1964. He held three of the Patriots interception records and was selected as a member of the Boston Patriots 1960 All-Decade Team. In 1971, Hall was inducted into the Boston Patriots Hall of Fame. Following his professional football career, Hall became a teacher and coach in the public school systems in Kansas City, Mo. and Liberty, Mo. In 1971, Hall was inducted into the MVC Hall of Fame and continues to be active to this day as an alumnus.
Mr. Pete Hansen, National Tournament Official – Baseball and Basketball, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship (Point Lookout, Mo., March 6, 2012)
Mr. Pete Hansen has served the NAIA for numerous years as the NAIA World Series Supervisor of Umpires in Lewiston, Idaho, and as the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship Director of Officials on site at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. Hansen also serves as the Great Plains Athletic Conference Supervisor of Football Officials and has served in the past as the conference Assigner of Baseball Umpires. In all roles Hansen maintains the highest standards in professional conduct and in promoting the core values of the NAIA. A consummate professional on and off the court, Hansen has the distinct ability to maintain control of any situation with a level head, poise and calming personality. He is not one to place the focus on himself and truly loves the game and carries himself with dignity and class.
Mr. Harold Hubbard, University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) – Eligibility Chair, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA National Convention (Newport Beach, Calif., April 14, 2012)
Mr. Harold Hubbard has been a great inspiration and leader to many throughout his years of involvement with collegiate athletics. He has served in many capacities as a leader and mentor at the University of the Cumberlands, including chair of the business administration and accounting departments. Hubbard has served on the Cumberlands Athletic Committee since 1966 and has also served as the chair and as Faculty Athletics Representative. He is undeniably become part of the foundation of the University of the Cumberlands, for the past 45 years. His dedication to the NAIA is unparalleled. He began working closely with the NAIA in 1974 and served as Eligibility Chair for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Mid South Conference, NAIA District 32, Region XI and the Association of Independent Institutions. Hubbard also served on the NAIA National Eligibility Committee and the Constitution and By-Laws Committee since its inception in 1996. Hubbard has been of service to the NAIA for 37 years and has been one of the association’s strongest boosters to date.
Mr. Steve Hulsey, Southern Nazarene University (Okla.) – Women’s Golf, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship (Greenville, Tenn., May 14, 2012)
A two-time NAIA Coach of the Year honoree, Mr. Steve Hulsey has managed to take both Southern Nazarene University (SNU) men’s and women’s golf programs to elite status among NAIA programs and has solidified himself as one of the top coaches in the country. Hulsey has served in leadership positions for the NAIA and the sport of golf on a local and national level for much of his career and led the Crimson Storm women’s golf program to the 1999 and 2002 NAIA National Championships. On the men’s side, Hulsey’s team made 12 NAIA National Tournament appearances. In addition to success on the course Hulsey has coached numerous NAIA All-Americans and Scholar-Athletes.
Mr. E.L. Hutton, TranSouth Athletic Conference – Commissioner, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA National Convention (Newport Beach, Calif., April 14, 2012)
Collectively for the past 40 years Mr. E.L. Hutton has served loyally, unselfishly and honorably to hundreds of coaches and thousands of student-athletes in the NAIA. As commissioner of the TranSouth Athletic Conference he has been the staple and the foundation for many initiatives to award and recognize talented coaches and student-athletes. With an undeniable love for college athletics Hutton’s TranSouth Conference continues to be one of the most recognized leagues in the NAIA when it comes to national postseason events. In the first fourteen years of the league's history, the TranSouth Conference has boasted twelve NAIA National Champions.
Mr. John Loftin, Southwestern Oklahoma State University – Women’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship (Frankfort, Ky., March 13, 2012)
Mr. John Loftin enjoyed an amazing run of success as a women’s basketball coach winning 861 times in a career that spanned 38 seasons, including 19 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Loftin won five NAIA National Championships as coach of the Bulldogs women’s basketball team. He won back-to-back titles in 1982 and again in 1983. He went on to win three more titles in 1985, 1987 and 1990. His teams won or shared 13 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference titles, one Lone Star Conference North title and eight District IX championships. As a five-time NAIA Coach of the Year honoree, Loftin also was named on 14 occasions Coach of the Year at the conference, regional and district levels. During his tenure, he coached 15 NAIA All-Americans (first team), including current NAIA Hall-of-Famer Kelli Litsch.
Mr. Richard Panella, Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) – Women’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, March 6, 2012)
Mr. Rich Panella has been a mainstay at the helm of the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves women’s basketball program. Entering his 25th season, the department’s longest tenured coach stepped onto the newly renamed “Panella Court” as Special Advisor to the Head Coach for the women’s basketball program prior to the start of the 2010-11 campaign. As a former head coach, Panella’s coaching record stands 548-139, good for an 80 percent career winning percentage. A 2010 inductee into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Panella achieved a career milestone during the 2009-10 season by tallying his 500th career win. He tallied his 100th career win back on Feb. 24, 1992 in a win over Maranantha and registered his 300th win on Jan. 16, 2001 in an 87-44 victory over Trinity International University. In his time at Stritch, Panella has led his program to many milestones. With this success, Stritch has been a regular part of the NAIA Top-25, reaching its highest end-of-the-season ranking of No. 4 back in 2003-04.
Mr. Freddy Sanchez, Oklahoma City University – Baseball, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the ABCA Rawlings-NAIA Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon (Anaheim, Calif., January 5, 2012)
Mr. Freddy Sanchez is a wonderful representative of Oklahoma City University (OCU) baseball and was named a first team NAIA All-American. Sanchez was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round and made it to the big leagues just two years later. Sanchez has had an exceptional career to this point. He won the 2006 National League batting championship, has been named a National League All-Star on three occasions and won a World Series Championship with the San Francisco Giants in 2010. In 2006, Sanchez was named the winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award, given annually to a MLB player who best overcomes obstacles and adversity through spirit, determination and courage. He is active in foundations and charities focused on children and was major contributor in the “Miracle League” field in Pa. A project designed for kids that just want to play baseball regardless of their handicap. With all the accomplishments, Sanchez remains humble and appreciative of the opportunities he had playing baseball in the NAIA.
Dr. Darrell Saunders – Men’s Soccer, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship (Orange Beach, Ala., November 27, 2011)
A living legacy of NAIA soccer, Dr. Darrell Saunders served in leadership roles and had a profound impact in the lives of student-athletes, coaches and administrators alike. An outstanding coach at four NAIA institutions from 1965-1981, with a career record of 130-46-18 (.716) in 17 seasons, Saunders is considered a pioneer in collegiate soccer and student of the game. Further, his contribution as an administrator was substantial and he acquitted himself very well in service to the NAIA including as President of the NAIA Soccer Coaches Association from 1977-79. He continues to impress with his history and knowledge of the sport and obvious passion for the NAIA and what it contributed to collegiate soccer in the United States in the early years. In 1975, Saunders authored “Soccer in the NAIA from 1959-74,” which became his dissertation for his Doctor of Education degree at the University of Alabama.
Mr. Earl Woudstra, Northwestern College (Iowa) – Women’s Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, March 6, 2012)
Mr. Earl Woudstra became head coach in 1994 at Northwestern College and led the Red Raiders women’s basketball team to a 403-139 record. The Raiders won the national title in 2001, 2008, 2010 and 2011, and he was named national coach of the year each of those seasons. Northwestern has recorded the most wins of any team in the NAIA Division II national tournament and qualified for 10 national tournaments under Woudstra’s tutelage. In addition to the national championships, the Raiders were runners-up in 2000. Under his direction, Northwestern won over 30 games in five seasons and amassed 20 or more wins 11 times. Woudstra had a 152-40 record in the very competitive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and guided the Raiders to four GPAC regular-season championships and three postseason conference championships. In addition, Woudstra coached 25 NAIA All-Americans, three national players of the year and 30 Scholar-Athletes.
