TICKETS STILL ON SALE FOR ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME BANQUET

2008 Induction Banquet Set For Friday, September 26

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

This year's honorees are: Clarence Carlisle of Grand Rapids, men's basketball (1969-73); Stephanie (Chaffin) Cleland of Carleton, volleyball and softball (1989-93); coach Jill Hirschinger of Newmarket, N.H., volleyball (1984-95); coach Tom Ludwig of Clawson, men's basketball (1979-95); coach Keith Otterbein of Hillsdale, football (1984-94); and Mary (Gnatkowski) Yearham of Saginaw, softball (1982-85).

Otterbein, who's currently the head football coach at fellow Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) member institution Hillsdale, will not be able to attend the banquet due to his coaching commitments. However, his father, Kyle, will be present and give his Hall of Fame acceptance speech.

A 15-member Selection Committee of faculty, staff, alumni and community members chose the inductees from among 36 nominees. The class spans four decades and includes representation from four different sports.

This year’s inductees will bring membership in the Hall to 88 by joining previous inductees Scott Appledorn, Sharon (Sanders) Bade, Jim Baker, Steve Banonis, Kurt Barrett, Norm Bennett, Mike Bohnet, Corey Bouyer, Willie Bouyer, Mike Brooks, Art Carney, Mark Casler, Joe Charles, Paul Cochran, John Dawe, Kathy DeBoer, Dave DenBraber, John DePourcq, Dick Dolack, Ron English, Charley Evans, Carmen Fanzone, Ed Farhat, Patty (Theis) Feldpausch, Jim File, Tony Fleming, Judd Folske, Monica Folske, Walt Franczek, Dave Gagnon, Lewis Garner, Doug Gillard, Ott Gingrich, Christie (Duthie) Gionfriddo, John Gruden, 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, Karen (Volkers) Keller, Scott Kelly, 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, Danielle (Smith) Walker, Jarvis Walker, Gary Waters and Jim Wink.

The Ballroom opens at 6 p.m. (EDT) with a reception in honor of this year's inductees. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. (EDT) with the induction program set to follow.

Tickets are $50 each and checks should be made payable to the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame. Individual sponsorships are $200 and include two banquet tickets, recognition in the printed program in addition to verbal and signage recognition at the banquet. Corporate sponsorships are $750 and include 10 banquet tickets, a reserved table, recognition in the program, verbal and signage recognition at the banquet, an invitation for an individual and a guest to attend a exclusive brunch with the inductees along with watching Ferris' football game versus Northern Michigan the following day (Sept. 27) in the Wheeler Pavilion President’s Box with this year's inductees (includes parking pass). A portion of all tickets and sponsorships may also be tax-deductible.

This year's honorees will also be recognized the following day (Sept. 27) during halftime activities as the Bulldog football team takes on Northern Michigan in the ninth annual Hall of Fame Game with kickoff set for 2 p.m. (EDT) at Top Taggart Field.

For further information, please contact Tarrance Price at (231) 591-2862.

Click Here For More Information On This Year's Inductees