2007 FERRIS STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED

Bulldog Athletics Hall Of Fame To Induct Seven Former Athletes & One Coach This Fall

Seven athletes along with a veteran coach are included in the Ferris State University Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2007, which will be inducted this fall. The announcement was made today (May 31) by the FSU Athletics Department.

Chosen as the Class of 2007 are: Mike Brooks of Livonia, football (1992-95); Joe Charles of Naples, Fla., men's swimming (1987-90); Lewis Garner of Grand Rapids, men's basketball (1971-75); John Gruden of Rochester, men's ice hockey (1990-94); Karen (Volkers) Keller of Hudsonville, women's volleyball (1987-90); Scott Kelly of Charlevoix, baseball (1982-86); Danielle (Smith) Walker of Norton Shores, women's basketball (1987-91); and coach Ron English of Charlotte, men's and women's golf (1979-97).

A 15-member Selection Committee of faculty, staff, alumni and community members chose the inductees from among 34 nominees. The class spans three decades and includes representation from nine different sports.

The eight new inductees will join 74 honorees already enshrined during the eighth annual Induction Banquet on Sept. 28 at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Big Rapids. The Ballroom opens at 6 p.m. (EDT) with a reception in honor of this year's inductees. The dinner runs from 7-8 p.m. (EDT) and the induction program follows until approximately 10 p.m. (EDT).

"The Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee has done another outstanding job in assembling this year's class," said FSU Associate Athletics Director Brian Kegler. "They take their role very seriously considering how many of our former student-athletes in all the various sports are deserving of this highest honor.

"It is very gratifying to see nine different sports represented this year as it is an indication of the quality of the athletic programs that have spanned many decades at Ferris State University," he added.

The Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame, which inducted its Charter Class in 2000, was established to honor those student-athletes and coaches who have distinguished themselves in their sport or honorary members who made truly exceptional contributions to athletics.

This year’s inductees will bring membership in the Hall to 82 by joining previous inductees Scott Appledorn, Sharon (Sanders) Bade, Jim Baker, Steve Banonis, Kurt Barrett, Norm Bennett, Mike Bohnet, Corey Bouyer, Willie Bouyer, Art Carney, Mark Casler, Paul Cochran, John Dawe, Kathy DeBoer, Dave DenBraber, John DePourcq, Dick Dolack, Charley Evans, Carmen Fanzone, Ed Farhat, Patty (Theis) Feldpausch, Jim File, Tony Fleming, Judd Folske, Monica Folske, Walt Franczek, Dave Gagnon, Doug Gillard, Ott Gingrich, Christie (Duthie) Gionfriddo, Kurt Hammerschmidt, Lynn (Olson) Hayden, Ray Helsing, Ken Hicks, Russell Hildensperger, Grover Hinsdale, Andre Johnson, Dennis Johnson, Tanya Johnson, Sherri Jones, Paul Jungck, Frank Karas, Sam Ketchman, Bernie Kilpatrick, Terry Kirkpatrick, Babe Kleiman, Jim Knapp, Bob Leach, Dan Ley, Dr. Rhonda (Filius) Little, Bill Love, Paul Lowden, Peter Lowden, Jesse Mangham, Sharon (Wilbur) McCumber, Bill McElwain, Randy Merrifield, Jim Miller, Doug Mooney, Walt Piggott, Jim Place, Amy (Summers) Pollack, Jodi (Raab) Scovill, Patti Silye, John Sonntag, Dick Starkey, John Steinberg, Dave Surofchek, W.C. "Top" Taggart, Art Tetzlaff, Lloyd Tonkin, Jarvis Walker, Gary Waters and Jim Wink.

For ticket information, please contact the FSU Athletics Department at (231) 591-2860.