2014 troy university sports hall of fame banquet program

Dear Trojans,

It is my honor to welcome you to the induction ceremony for our third class of our Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame is a source of great pride for our University and I am pleased to offer a special welcome to our inductees and their families. This is another outstanding class and it consists of our first golf inductee, two basketball greats, a former Major League baseball pitcher, and four football legends.

This induction ceremony is an annual reminder of the rich history of Trojan athletics and the outstanding competitors who made their marks at our great University. Our inductees tonight honor us by allowing us to honor them.

On behalf of each honoree from each class and his or her family, I thank you for supporting our Department of Athletics and this Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Ph.D.Chancellor

Dear Trojan Family:

On behalf of Troy Athletics I would like to welcome you all to the 2014 Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. The eight outstanding individuals who are being inducted represent the best of the best in the rich history and tradition of Troy Athletics.

Spanning the 127 years of Troy University’s participation in athletics, there have been many remarkable team and individual achievements accomplished by the thousands of student-athletes and coaches who have represented the Trojans on the fields of play. This 2014 Class joins the nineteen previous inductees as those who have achieved the highest

honor awarded by Troy Athletics.

We hope all of the attendees at tonight’s event have a terrific time. I want to thank the Hall of Fame Committee, along with the many Trojans who have a hand in making this event so successful.

Congratulations to our inductees and their families on this special night. The Trojan Family is appreciative of all they have done and continue to do for Troy University.

GO TROJANS!

John HartwellDirector of Athletics

2 TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

2014 INDUCTEES

Danny CoxBaseball

Mike GriffinMen’s Golf

Perry GriggsFootball

Anthony ReedMen’s Basketball

Rick RhoadesFootball

Ted HorsteadFootball

Paul WordMen’s Basketball

Osi UmenyioraFootball

32014 INDUCTION CEREMONY AND BANQUET


ORDER OF PROGRAMTroy University Sports Hall of FameThird Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet

Trojan Arena • Troy, Ala.March 29, 2014 • 7:00 p.m.

Music ........................................................................Troy University Jazz Ensemble

Call to Order/Master of Ceremonies ..........................................Barry McKnightWelcome .................................................................................................John HartwellParade of Inductees .........................................................................Barry McKnightNational Anthem ................................................................................Shelia JacksonInvocation .......................................................................................... Lonnie Cochran

Dinner Dinner Music ..................................................Troy University Jazz Ensemble

Introductions Corporate Sponsors .................................................................Barry McKnight Board of Advisors ............................................................. Mayor Earl Johnson Special Guests ............................................................................Barry McKnightSpecial Remarks .............................................................Honorable Gerald O. DialMessage from the Chancellor ............................................. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Induction Ceremony ................................................................Video PresentationVideo Tribute to Inductees

Closing Remarks ...............................................................................Barry McKnight


Troy UniversityBoard of Trustees

Robert Bentley Governor of Alabama, President, ex-officioGerald O. Dial Area 5, President pro temporeJohn D. Harrison Area 2, Vice President pro temporeKaren E. Carter Area 6Edward F. Crowell At-LargeRoy H. Drinkard Area 7R. Douglas Hawkins, D.V.M. Area 2, President pro tempore emeritusLamar P. Higgins Area 4Forrest S. Latta Area 1C. Gibson Vance Area 4C. Charles Nailen At-LargeAllen E. Owen III Area 3Cody Farrill Student Member - SGA President, Non-votingJack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Secretary

TROY UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES



BOARD OF ADVISORS

ALLEN OWENChairman of Board of Trustees

Athletics Committee (Ex-Officio)

WILLIAM THIGPENFourth District - Fayette

RICK MAXEYAt-Large - Tallahassee, Fla.

STACY FAISONCity of Phenix City

RON DAVISFirst District - Pritchard

BOB BUTTERWORTHSixth District - Montevallo

JEFF COLEMANCity of DothanVice Chairman

BARRY McKNIGHTAlabama Electronic

Media

JOHN HARTWELLDirector of Athletics (Ex-Officio)

Secretary

G. KEITH BLACKFifth District - Florence

MELANIE GARNERAt-Large - Geneva

TOMMY HICKSAlabama Sports Writers

Association

DR. KEN BLANKENSHIPThird District - Montgomery

BEN BEARDAt-Large - Troy

SIM BYRDCity of Montgomery

DOUG MIMSAlumni Board

MAYOR EARL JOHNSONSecond District - Andalusia

Chairman

ROY CRAWFORDSeventh District - Birmingham

SUSAN MURPHREECity of Troy

ANDY BRITTONSports Official

DR. JACK HAWKINS, JRChancellor (Ex-Officio)

The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Board of Advisors is made up of 21 members who serve to encourage, receive and evaluate nominations of persons who shall be considered for induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, then to select from among the nominees those persons who will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.


Danny Cox put together one of the most magical seasons ever by a Troy pitcher during the 1981 campaign. His dominance on the mound led to first team All-America honors and statistics that still hold true in Troy’s record book today. Cox won a school-record 13 games during the 1981 season behind the strength of six shutouts, a number that is both the single-season and career record for the Trojans. In his two seasons (1980-81), Cox and the Trojans dominated the Gulf South Conference posting a 24-2 conference record and advancing to the NCAA Division II World Series each season. “He was a guy that had a great work ethic,” said Troy assistant coach and 1987 graduate Mark Smartt. “He practiced mastering the slider and once he picked it up, his career took off. I often heard Coach (Chase) Riddle say that he worked and worked until he became the pitcher everyone knew he could be.” A product of Warner Robbins (Ga.) High School, Cox was a member of the inaugural class into the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992. He set an NCAA record with 43 consecutive scoreless innings as he posted a 1.30 ERA and led the country in wins. His ERA still ranks as the third best in a season in Troy history while his 110.2 innings pitched rank as the 10th best total. Cox finished his Trojan career with a 17-7 overall record and a 2.31 ERA, which still ranks as the third best mark by a Troy player. Cox was a member of two Gulf South Conference championship teams that advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series and combined to win 67 games to just 22 losses. “Those teams winning and playing in the World Series laid the groundwork for what our teams were able to do a few years later,” Smartt said. “There was a direct correlation between Cox and those players and how they played the game and the teams that had success down the road.” As a team, Cox’s 1981 squad set a school record with 11 shutouts in a season. The staff posted a 2.72 ERA and struck out 261 batters in 280 innings. A 13th round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981, Cox played 11 major league seasons with the Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Cox made his major league debut on Aug. 6, 1983, at age 23 in a start against the Philadelphia Phillies. He faced a star-studded lineup featuring players like Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt and Joe Morgan. On the mound for the Phillies that day was Steve Carlton, who was signed in 1963 by Cox’s college coach, Chase Riddle. Cox pitched 10 innings without allowing a run and surrendered seven hits in a no-decision. Cox started 174 games before being converted to a reliever in 1992. He posted a career 74-75 record with a 3.64 ERA. In 1985 while with the Cardinals, Cox finished fourth in the National League with 10 complete games. He would turn in a career season that year finishing 18-9 with a 2.88 ERA and four shutouts. Cox pitched 241 innings that season striking out 131 batters.

2014 Inductee

DANNY COX

“He was a guy that had a great work ethic. I often heard Coach (Chase) Riddle say that he worked and worked until he became the pitcher everyone knew he could be.”

- Mark Smartt -Troy State baseball athlete (1986-87)

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Walk into a clubhouse at any golf course in the Southeast and start talking about “Griff” and there will be no doubt the conversation is about former Troy golfer and national championship coach Mike Griffin. The numbers that tell the story of Griffin’s coaching career are staggering. He led Troy State to national championships in 1976, 1977 and 1984, he amassed a 1,581-642-22 record during his 11-year career leading the Trojans and he totaled 4,571 wins over his 36 years at Troy and Auburn. As a show of how dominant the Trojans were, Troy won its first national championship by 31 strokes over second-place UC Irvine. “He was really advanced and ahead of his time as a golf coach in the mid-70s,” former Troy golfer Collin McCrary said. “He wanted us to be in top physical condition and was really advanced when it came to offseason and winter workouts. A lot of the football, basketball and baseball players, who were close friends of mine, would remark about how the golf team was in the weight room as much, if not more, than they were. It really made a difference on the course when we had to play 36 holes in one day.” In addition to winning three NCAA Division II National Championships, Griffin’s teams claimed one national runner-up and finished no worse than fourth in eight of their nine NCAA Championship Tournament appearances. “One of the best things I can say about Coach Griffin is we always knew what his expectations were,” McCrary said, who named his son Griff after Mike Griffin. “He didn’t want to hear any excuses from us, he just wanted to see results. Also, school was very important to him, there were no excuses for not doing well in class.” Griffin was famous for saying, “Success requires no explanations, failure demands no alibis.” Not many explanations were needed during his career as 32 of his former golfers at Troy earned All-America honors and seven of his 11 teams won Gulf South Conference titles. Griffin was named Coach of the Year in all but two of his years at the helm of the Trojans. “We are extremely proud of him and he is very much deserving,” McCrary said. “He has had such an incredible career in golf not only as a coach, but also as a player. Not that many people realize how great of a golfer he was before taking over as the head coach at Troy.” Griffin played as Troy’s No. 1 player in three of his four years as a student-athlete and won the 1968 and 1969 Alabama Collegiate Conference individual championship. Following his collegiate playing career, Griffin won more than 30 major amateur titles before joining the professional mini-tour for two seasons. Immediately following his professional career, Griffin returned to Troy to take over as head coach and his impact was immediate. Griffin coached 15 All-Americans, two Gulf South Conference championship teams, won two NCAA National Championships and a national runner-up all before his 30th birthday. Following his 11 seasons at Troy, Griffin made the short trip to Auburn to take over the head coaching duties for the Tigers. Griffin led Auburn to 18 NCAA Regional appearances over his final 20 seasons on the Plains and was named the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year on four separate occasions. Already inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame (2000), Griffin’s name will always be synonymous with collegiate golf not only in the state of Alabama, but also throughout the nation.

2014 Inductee

MIKE GRIFFIN

“We always knew what his expectations were. He didn’t want to hear any excuses from us, he just wanted to see results. Also, school was very important to him, there were

no excuses for not doing well in class.”

- Collin McCrary -Troy State men’s golf student-athlete (1980-83)

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Described as one of the most exciting players in the nation by a rival coach, Perry Griggs was a true threat to score from anywhere on the field, whether he was catching passes or returning kicks. Griggs, a native of Lanett, Ala., was so electric and so versatile on the football field that an opposing coach said, “Troy State gets more mileage out of Perry Griggs than you can get out of a steel belted radial tire.” The three-time All-American held Troy’s all-purpose yardage record for over 30 years following his storied career, and while his athletic abilities are what carry him into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame, it is his persona and attitude that is remembered by those at Troy. “I will always remember he had a smile on his face,” Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member and former Troy athletic trainer Doc Anderson said. “There was never a bad day for Perry. He did everything right and was the kind of player that you wanted to have 22 of on both sides of the ball.” Griggs had plenty to be happy about on the football field as a three-time All-American, the Birmingham News Alabama Player of the Year, a four-time all-district honoree and the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year. Additionally, Griggs was a premier athlete on the track for the Trojans. It didn’t take long for Griggs to make an impact as he totaled 681 all-purpose yards and scored seven touchdowns during his rookie campaign for the Trojans; a season that led to NAIA All-District 27 honors. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg for Griggs as the rest of his career was one for the record books. “He was such a superlative athlete during that particular time, and because of the nature of our offense, he could accomplish what no other receivers could,” Anderson said. “It’s hard to compare him to another player because the game is so different, but if he played in the system that we run now there is no telling what kind of numbers he could have put up.” The amazing thing about Griggs’ career is the fact that you can debate which of his final three seasons was his best. It wouldn’t matter which side you took, as all three could be the correct answer. Measuring just 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Griggs accumulated 1,585 all-purpose yards during his sophomore season as he tallied 611 receiving yards, 163 rushing yards, 531 kickoff return yards and 280 punt return yards. The all-purpose total still ranks as the fifth most in a single-season in Troy history, and was the school’s all-time mark for 13 seasons. The Birmingham Post-Herald thought so highly of his play that they named him the Alabama Player of the Year and the Gulf South Conference followed suit with conference player of the year honors. Griggs was tabbed to the Associated Press and NAIA All-America teams as an honorable mention selection in addition to NAIA all-district distinction. Griggs followed his record-breaking sophomore season with 949 all-purpose yards in 1975 and 864 all-purpose yards in 1976 to set the then school record with 4,079 yards for his career. To prove how far ahead of his time he was, the record stood until 2010 when future NFL receiver Jerrel Jernigan finally bested the number that was set over 30 years prior. Griggs’ record was bullet proof for so many years as the closest anyone got to breaking the mark before the late 90s was 800 yards in 1983 and 400 yards in 1988. He was named to the Associated Press All-America Third Team following his junior season in addition to honorable mention honors on the NAIA All-America Team. Griggs’ senior season earned him Kodak First Team All-America distinction and NAIA Second Team All-America honors. Griggs went on to play in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game following his senior year and was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He played professionally for the Baltimore Colts in the NFL and for two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.

2014 Inductee

PERRY GRIGGS

“I will always remember he had a smile on his face. There was never a bad day for Perry. He did everything right and was the kind of player that you wanted to have 22 of on both sides of the

ball.”

- John “Doc” Anderson -Troy State athletic trainer (1967-80)

Troy University Sports Hall of Fame (2013)

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One of the all-time great running backs in Troy history, Ted Horstead becomes the second player from Troy’s 1984 NCAA Division II National Championship team to be inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. He joins Mike Turk, as well as the team’s head coach, Chan Gailey. The Elba, Ala., native turned in his best season during Troy’s 1984 National Championship season. A sophomore, Horstead rushed for 1,123 yards on 238 carries as the Trojans went 12-1 and won the NCAA Division II title. He was the first player in Troy history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. At the time, the 238 carries and 1,123 yards were both single-season school records. Now, they rank as the third and fifth best marks, respectively. A fullback, Horsted was the centerpiece of Troy’s wishbone offense, and nobody knew that better than Turk, the team’s quarterback that made sure Horstead got the ball. “He was a workhorse,” Turk said. “Our objective was always to establish the fullback. We were going to hand him the ball and make sure he got his yards. When you have a guy like Ted that is that hard to bring down, it made what we did offensively really go. “Defenses always tried to make sure Ted didn’t get the ball, because he was going to damage them. He was going to get chunks of yards right up the middle, and for a defense that is demoralizing.” Horstead earned All-Gulf South Conference honors in 1984 and 1985 and helped the Trojans to Gulf South Conference Championships in 1984 and 1986. “He was just physically and mentally tougher than the people we played against,” Turk said. “He was a weapon for his entire career.” Horstead was a leader for the Trojans, but didn’t need to be very vocal to do it. “His presence on the field was so different than his presence off of it,” Turk said. “He wasn’t a rah-rah guy and wasn’t real vocal. But, you could always count on him to do what he was supposed to do. “He was always leading by example. He was such a solid football player on the field that his presence was noticeable, and you knew you wanted him on your team on Saturday.” Horstead’s career was cut short due to an injury during his senior season. Despite that, he finished his playing career as Troy’s all-time leading rusher with 2,926 career yards, a mark that stood for 17 years and is now second in Troy’s history. Horstead’s 638 career carries also rank second all-time. Horstead is tied for second all-time in Troy history with eight 100-yard rushing games for his career. He ranks sixth, seventh and ninth on the Troy single-season rushing yards per game list and third all-time with a 75.0 yards per game average for his career. “Teammates like Ted are the reason I’m in the Hall of Fame,” Turk said. “He obviously deserves to be in, but we’re both in because of the teammates that we had. “It’s really cool to look at the big picture and see all of the other people that are in the Hall of Fame and to know what they meant to Troy. But, to see one of my teammates go in is even more special.” Horstead has worked professionally in Mississippi and Alabama and has been actively involved in coaching youth football. He also served on the board for the Holcut Foundation, which created after-school programs for disadvantaged youth.

2014 Inductee

TED HORSTEAD

“He was just physically and mentally tougher than the people that we played against. He was a weapon

for his entire career.”

- Mike Turk -Troy State football student-athlete (1984-87)


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Troy’s all-time leading scorer by more than 100 points, Anthony Reed made an immediate impact on the Trojan basketball program and the University as a whole. A native of Hayneville, Ala., Reed joined the Trojans in 1986 and became an instant success. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign, earning Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Reed continued to progress throughout his time in Cardinal and Black, increasing his scoring and rebounding output every season. Reed would go on to average a double-double during his senior season including 24.4 points per game, setting a Troy University record that still stands to this day. A true competitor in all facets of the game, Reed finished his playing career with 1,875 points, 124 more than the next closest player. He became the 13th player to score at least 1,000 points with Troy, breaking the plateau during his third season. A three-time All-Gulf South Conference honoree, Reed and the Trojans were very successful, winning 77 games during his tenure. Troy’s most successful season during Reed’s career came in 1987-88, with the Trojans winning 24 games. Troy would advance to the NCAA Division II semifinal with wins over Virginia Union, North Carolina Central and Gannon, but eventually fell in a tightly contested game against Alaska-Anchorage. Reed played his entire career for legendary head coach Don Maestri. Maestri, who was a member of the inaugural Troy University Sports Hall of Fame class, joined the exclusive 500-win club during the 2012-13 season. Maestri coached his entire career at Troy and remembers Reed for more reasons than just his scoring. “He is probably one of the most competitive basketball players in the history of Troy University,” said Maestri, the winningest coach in Troy basketball history. “He got more offensive rebounds than anybody. He rebounded more off the floor than most people rebound in the air. He went after every ball and when he got his hands on it he scored.” Playing alongside a GSC Player of the Year in Darryl Thomas, Reed made the most of his opportunities early in his career by working the glass and using his basketball savvy to get his points. He grabbed 913 boards during his career, averaging 8.1 per game. “They would have pick-up games in the spring and in the fall,” said Maestri. “He told me one time, before he graduated, that the proudest thing he had ever done was that he had never lost one pick-up game in four years.” The Trojans went 22-6 during Reed’s senior season, including 11-5 in GSC play. Reed would go on to earn All-America honors following an incredible senior season where he scored 683 points and averaged 24.4 points per game, all while shooting 59 percent from the field. Reed still holds several records with the Trojans. He holds the Troy career record for free throws made at 363 and free throws attempted at 671. He also holds the single-game record of 21 free throws attempted. Reed scored over 30 points six times during his career, including a career-best 37 points against Valdosta State. “When he played, whether it was a pick-up game, a real game, or in the backyard, it made no difference,” Maestri said. “He played for one reason and that was to win. He was a super competitor. He got his degree. He’s raised a great family. He’s just a great overall, all-around good person. Just an outstanding basketball player.”

2014 Inductee

ANTHONY REED

“He is probably one of the most competitive basketball players in the history of Troy University. He rebounded more off the floor than most people rebound in the air. He went after every ball and when he got his hands on it

he scored.”

- Don Maestri -Troy men’s basketball head coach (1982-2013)


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2014 Inductee

RICK RHOADES

“He always pushed you to become a better player and play the game the right way. Sometimes it got really hard, but the reason we were successful is that he expected the best

from us.”

- Kenny Edenfield -Troy State football student-athlete (1985-88)

Rick Rhoades has a distinct place in Troy’s football history as one of three coaches in school history to win a national championship. Rhoades three seasons as the Trojans’ head coach led to a pair of Gulf South Conference titles and the 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship; he also won a national title as Troy’s defensive coordinator in 1984. “Rick Rhoades was a very good, very tough coach,” said Kenny Edenfield, who played for Rhoades and is currently Troy’s offensive coordinator. “He expected a lot out of you, but he always knew when to pat you on the back. He gave me my first college coaching job and I am very grateful for that opportunity. I learned a lot from Coach Rhoades and am glad I got the chance to play for him and learn from him.” The Trojans rolled off 12 straight wins to close out the 1987 season including a 31-17 victory over Portland State in the title game, for which Rhoades was named the National Coach of the Year. The run to the title featured several thrilling games as the Trojans forced eight turnovers in a 31-10 semifinal victory over Central Florida. Against UT-Martin in Week 10, the Trojans broke the school record for the second time during the season, rolling up 633 yards in the win. Troy scored 40 points or more in five games that season and 30 or more points 10 times. The Trojans would not be denied in the national title game, rallying form a 10-3 halftime deficit to pull out a 31-17 win over Portland State and their second national title in four years. Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Mike Turk was the quarterback of the 1987 championship team. Turk led an offense that averaged 430.4 yards per game. In Rhoades’ offensive system, Turk set a championship game record with 190 rushing yards on 25 carries. He was named to the All-America team following his senior season and was runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy. Rhoades complied a 28-7-1 record in his three seasons at Troy and won all six of his games against in-state rivals Jacksonville State and West Alabama. The Trojans posted a 22-2 Gulf South Conference record during his tenure and won 19 of their final 20 league games. “He always pushed you to become a better player and play the game the right way. Sometimes it got really hard, but the reason we were successful is that he expected the best from us,” Edenfield said. “He was an excellent coach, he really taught us a lot. There were some tough lessons learned, but he was always the first to pat you on the back when you needed it.” A graduate of Central Missouri State, Rhoades went on to serve as the head coach at Southern Illinois for one season before taking over as the offensive line coach at Alabama for one season and the offensive coordinator at Kentucky for two seasons. He later went on to serve as the head coach at Nicholls State and Delta State. Rhoades has spent the last seven seasons coaching in Austria, Sweden and France. As head coach of the Graz Giants in the Austrian Football League, Rhoades led the team to Austrian Bowl every year from 2007-2011 winning it in 2008. Under Rhoades, the Giants reached the EuroBowl semifinals four times. He is currently the head coach for the La Courneuve Flash in France.

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One of many former Trojans to turn into wildly successful professional players, Osi Umenyiora was a key piece of Troy teams that started the Trojans’ Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history. An All-American following his senior season in 2002, Umenyiora first rewrote the Troy defensive record books, and then did the same in the National Football League. What’s incredible is the young age at which he did it all. “Osi Umenyiora was a 16-year-old high school senior at Auburn High School,” Troy head coach and fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member Larry Blakeney said. “An assistant coach there said we needed to take a second look at Osi. We signed him and redshirted him after watching his tape again. “He did well in school, was very bright and very eloquent. He came in here, worked hard and had a great career.” Umenyiora recorded 20.5 tackles for loss during that 2002 season to establish a new single-season school record. The record held true for eight seasons until now Atlanta Falcons teammate Jonathan Massaquoi, finished the 2010 campaign with 21.5 tackles for loss. The London, England, native’s senior year at Troy was one of the best in school history as he finished second in the country with 15 sacks, a total which is tied for fifth best in a season in Troy history. Also that season, Umenyiora helped form one of the most feared defensive end combinations in the country. In just it’s second season as an FBS member, Troy’s front featured a senior end in Umenyiora and sophomore end DeMarcus Ware. Each went on to a Pro-Bowl NFL career and each is now enshrined in the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. An All-Southland Football League selection in 2000 and All-NCAA DI Independent selection in 2002, Umenyiora ranks second all-time in Troy history with 38.5 tackles for loss behind only Ware. Umenyiora also ranks eighth in sacks and 16th in tackles. He holds the Troy single-game record after picking up four sacks against Florida A&M in 2002. Umenyiora was a part of two Southland Football League Championship teams, helping the Trojans win titles in their final two seasons in the league in 1999 and 2000. He was then a part of a 2001 team that went 7-4 in its inaugural season as an FBS member. Umenyiora joins teammates in Ware and Lawrence Tynes, and his coach in Blakeney in the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. Now one of the most feared defensive lineman in the National Football League, Osi Umenyiora wasn’t invited to the NFL Draft Combine, but Umenyiora was selected by the New York Giants in the second round (56th overall pick) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He went on to win a pair of Super Bowl titles with the Giants and has twice been selected to the NFL Pro Bowl. His professional career has been just as successful as his Troy career. He led the NFC in sacks in 2005, was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month in Oct. 2010, set the New York Giants record with six sacks in a game and holds the NFL record after forcing 10 fumbles in 2010. “He was fun to coach, fun to watch and a really great kid and student,” Blakeney said. “He has represented Troy University really well.”

2014 Inductee

OSI UMENYIORA

“He was fun to coach, fun to watch and a really great kid and student. He has represented Troy University

really well.”

- Larry Blakeney -Troy football head coach (1991-present)


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Troy men’s basketball has seen a number of great coaches and players come through the system since the program’s inception in 1950. Three-year letterwinner Paul Word may have been one of the very first. Word came to Troy prior to the 1958-59 season and, after sitting out a season as a redshirt, made an immediate impact on the program. Under the tutelage of head coach John Archer, a fellow Troy University Sports Hall of Fame member, Word and Troy made it to three straight NAIA National Tournaments and posted a remarkable 41-2 record at home. “We started together for the last three years,” said former teammate and fellow 1,000-point scorer Frank Miller. “He was an outstanding basketball player, one of the best I ever played with. If anybody deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, Paul Word does.” Word, a Eufala, Ala., native helped lead the Trojans to a pair of Alabama Collegiate Conference regular season championships, as well as the 1962 Alabama Collegiate Conference Tournament Championship. Troy won more than 75 percent of its games with Word, and won at least 20 games twice. Troy finished the 1961-62 season 25-6 overall and 8-4 in the ACC. The Trojans did not lose a game at home, going 19-0. A top contributor for his entire career with Troy, Word averaged 14.3 points per game and finished with 1,113 career points, which is currently the 15th most in program history. Now a group that includes 22, at the time Word was just the second player to reach the 1,000-point plateau with Troy, after Miller did so earlier in the season. Word played with a solid group of athletes at Troy. Four players from the 1960-61 team would go on to score at least 1,000 points during their careers, helping to lay the foundation for what the Troy basketball program has become. Miller and Word were the first, followed by Jud Dye in 1963 and Ron Hayes in 1964. A polished player in many facets of the game, Word led the Trojans in scoring and rebounding in his final two seasons. He averaged 17.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game during the 1960-61 season and averaged 17.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during his final campaign, the 1961-62 season. He received several individual accolades during his playing career, including being named a Small College All-American following the 1961-62 season. Word also earned a pair of All-Alabama Collegiate Conference honors, during his final two seasons. “We were together all four years at Troy,” Miller said. “He had to redshirt because he had been at the University of Alabama before he came to Troy. He could do it all. He could jump, he could shoot, he could rebound. He could play defense. At Troy, if you didn’t play defense, you didn’t play.” A strong student, Word graduated from Troy with honors in 1962. After his playing days were over, he went on to be an extremely successful coach, winning 614 games in 38 years. He helped guide two state champions in Alabama, in New Brockton High School in 1968 and Abbeville Christian Academy in 2002, earning Alabama Coach of the Year honors along the way. A large group of players from the John Archer era gather in Troy every year to catch up and remember the playing days. Of course, among the yearly activities includes the thing that brought them all together in the first place, Troy basketball.

2014 Inductee

PAUL WORD

“He was an outstanding basketball player, one of the best I ever played with. If anybody deserves to be in

the Hall of Fame, Paul Word does.”

- Frank Miller -Troy State men’s basketball student-athlete (1958-62)

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TROY ATHLETICSCongratulates

2014 ClassTroy University

Sports Hall of Fame


TROY ATHLETICSCongratulates

2014 ClassTroy University

Sports Hall of Fame

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912B Brundidge StreetTroy, AL 36081

Bus: 334-566-5433

Holley Insurance Agcy IncNick Holley, Agent

108 W Commerce StreetHartford, AL 36344Bus: 334-588-2402

Jenna Mack, Agent1234 Andrews Avenue

Ozark, AL 36360Bus: 334-774-2020

[email protected]

Tim Bryan, Agent300 E Three Notch

Andalusia, AL 36420Bus: 334-222-1460

[email protected]

Roni Holley, Agent2643 Montgomery Hwy

Dothan, AL 36303Bus: 334-793-6666

[email protected]

Mike Shelton, Agent1009 Hwy 231 South

Troy, AL 36081Bus: 334-566-3486

[email protected]

Melanie Garner, Agent112 South Commerce Street

Geneva, AL 36340Bus: 334-684-3627

[email protected]

Scott Holley, Agent440 North Dean RoadAuburn, AL 36830Bus: 334-887-5876

[email protected]

Congratulations to the 2014 ClassTroy University Sports Hall of Fame



2013 INDUCTION CEREMONYThe second class of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was inducted on April 20, 2013 inside state-of-the-art Trojan Arena. Eight of the greatest men and women in Troy history were part of the inaugural class. The class included John “Doc” Anderson, John Archer, Bobby Enslen, Chan Gailey, Danny Grant, Joyce Sorrell, Willie Tullis and Lawrence Tynes. A sold out gathering of over 600 people enjoyed a ceremony that featured comments from Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and President pro tempore of the Troy University Board of Trustees Gerald O. Dial.

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Jimmy Gardner, Agent840 Fort Dale Road

Greenville, AL 36037Bus: 334-382-6561

[email protected]

Danny Graham, Agent125 S Main Street

Brundidge, AL 36010Bus: 334-735-3688

[email protected]

Beckett Insurance Agcy IncJerry Beckett, Agent

912B Brundidge StreetTroy, AL 36081

Bus: 334-566-5433

Holley Insurance Agcy IncNick Holley, Agent

108 W Commerce StreetHartford, AL 36344Bus: 334-588-2402

Jenna Mack, Agent1234 Andrews Avenue

Ozark, AL 36360Bus: 334-774-2020

[email protected]

Tim Bryan, Agent300 E Three Notch

Andalusia, AL 36420Bus: 334-222-1460

[email protected]

Roni Holley, Agent2643 Montgomery Hwy

Dothan, AL 36303Bus: 334-793-6666

[email protected]

Mike Shelton, Agent1009 Hwy 231 South

Troy, AL 36081Bus: 334-566-3486

[email protected]

Melanie Garner, Agent112 South Commerce Street

Geneva, AL 36340Bus: 334-684-3627

[email protected]

Scott Holley, Agent440 North Dean RoadAuburn, AL 36830Bus: 334-887-5876

[email protected]

Congratulations to the 2014 ClassTroy University Sports Hall of Fame

CLASS OF 2013Second Induction Class

RALPH ADAMS Administration

Ralph Adams became President of Troy State University in 1964 and remained in that role for 25 years. Under his administration, Troy State achieved university stature and more than doubled its enrollment. Athletically, the Trojans won three national championships in football, two in baseball numerous national titles in golf and track & field. (Deceased)

BILLY ATKINS Football

Billy Atkins coached the Troy State football team for six seasons from 1966 to 1971 and led the Trojans to the 1968 NAIA national championship. Atkins also led TSU to three Alabama Collegiate Conference championships (1967-68-69). He was a two-time NAIA District 27 Coach of the Year and was the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1968. He served in the dual role of football coach and athletic director from 1969 to 1971. (Deceased)

LARRY BLAKENEY Football

Larry Blakeney has led the Troy University football program from Division II, through Division I-AA and into Division I-A. Blakeney has led Troy to eight conference championships, including five straight Sun Belt titles (2006-10). He has guided the Trojans to 15 winning seasons, including six seasons of 10 wins or more and has led the Trojans to five bowl game appearances at the FBS level. He is the second longest tenured coach in the FBS.

SIM BYRD Football

Sim Byrd owned many of the Troy football program’s all-time passing records for our four decades. During his three seasons at quarterback (1966-68), he guided the Trojans to a 24-8 record and the school’s first national championship (1968). He was named a first team All-American as a senior, setting then single-season records for passing yards, completions and pass attempts.

DON MAESTRI Men’s Basketball

Don Maestri led the Troy men’s basketball program from Division II to conference championships in three different Division I leagues. He retired in 2013 with 501 victories, nine 20-win seasons and seven conference championships. Troy led the nation in scoring three times and in 3-pointers seven times. Troy also set numerous records in a 258-141 win over DeVry in 1992, hitting 51 three-pointers while becoming the first team in NCAA history to score 200 points.

MIKE TURK Football

Mike Turk led the Troy football program to a pair of NCAA Division II national championships (1984, 1987) as a four-year starting quarterback. He earned all-conference honors three times and first team All-America honors in 1987. During his career the Trojans posted a 40-8-1 record and captured three conference titles. Turk finished his career second in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in Troy history. Turk was also an assistant coach at Troy for 12 years.

CHASE RIDDLE Baseball

Chase Riddle is the all-time winningest coach in Troy baseball history with 434 victories in his 12 seasons (1979-90). Riddle led the Trojans to back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships (1986-87) and guided Troy State to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams won five conference championships and played in six NCAA Division II World Series. He coached 30 All-Americans and Troy’s home baseball field now bears his name. (Deceased)

CHARLES OLIVER Track and Field

Charles Oliver made an impression on Troy State track and field as both a student-athlete and as a coach. Oliver, who is still Troy’s 400-meter record holder, was the NAIA 400-meter national champion in 1976 as an athlete. He became the head coach at Troy State in 1981, and in his nine seasons won seven conference championships while coaching 26 athletes to All-America honors. Oliver still sponsors two Coach O Invitationals in Troy every year.

DENISE MONROE Women’s Basketball

Denise Monroe is all-time leading scorer in Troy women’s basketball history with 2,024 points in her four year career (1977-81). Monroe also ranks second in Troy history with 1,312 career rebounds and holds the Troy career records for field goal attempts, field goals made, free throws attempted and free throws made. A 1981 All-American, Monroe’s No. 30 uniform was retired on Nov. 14, 1998 and is still the only retired jersey in Troy women’s basketball history.

VERGIL PARKS McKINLEY Football

Vergil Parks McKinley, a professor at Troy Normal School, was charged with the task of fielding the school’s first football team in 1909. McKinley, who never played football, had 14 players try out for the first team, but kept just 11. He guided that squad to a 1-0-2 record in his only year as the head coach. Both Troy University and the University of Alabama now award a Virgil Parks McKinley Employee Award on a regular basis. (Deceased)

CLASS OF 2012Inaugural Induction Class


MEMBERS

DeMARCUS WARE Football

DeMarcus Ware, a four-year defensive lineman (2001-04) had a great career for the Troy football program and has turned in a wildly successful NFL career. He is Troy’s career leader in tackles for loss and helped Troy to its first bowl game in 2004, earning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Since being drafted 11th overall in 2005, Ware has been named to the Sun Belt’s All-Decade Team, been an NFL All-Pro seven times and was the 2008 NFC Defensive Player of the Year.

JOHN “DOC” ANDERSON AdministrationTrack and Field/Cross Country

John “Doc” Anderson first made his name at Troy State when he served as the track and field/cross country head coach (1969-80) and head athletic trainer (1965-80). Anderson was twice named the NAIA Track Coach of the Yea while his track and field teams won three conference championships and his cross country teams won 10 conference titles. Anderson is currently an associate professor and clinical director in Troy University’s Athletic Training Education Program.

JOHN ARCHER Men’s Basketball

John Archer coached the Troy State men’s basketball team for 17 seasons (1956-73), posting a 303-185 career record. He led the program to three NAIA National Tournament appearances in his first three seasons. He helped the team to three conference championships while also serving as the head tennis coach and football line coach. After his coaching days, Archer remained on the Troy State staff as a physical education instructor. (Deceased)

BOBBY ENSLEN Football

Bobby Enslen finished his football career at Troy State as one of the most dangerous all-purpose players in the country. He had 61 catches for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns during Troy State’s 1968 NAIA National Championship season. An all-conference and all-district selection, Enslen’s 12 touchdown receptions still rank as the third most in a season in Troy history. The Red Wave went a combined 19-3 in Enslen’s two season with a pair of conference championships.

CHAN GAILEY Football

Chan Gailer spent just two seasons (1983-84) as the head coach of the Troy State football team, but his impact was felt for many years. Gailey turned around a program that won just five games over the two years prior to his arrival (1981-82) into the 1984 NCAA Division II National Champions. Gailey went 19-5 in his two seasons at Troy State. Since then, Gailey has served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Georgia Tech.

DANNY GRANT Football

Danny Grant was one of the most dominant receivers in the country when he played for the Trojans from 1966 to 1968. An NAIA All-America selection, Grant finished his three-year career with 44 career touchdown receptions, still 15 more than anybody in school history. Grant’s All-America season came during Troy State’s 1968 NAIA National Championship run when he caught 72 passes for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns.

LAWRENCE TYNES Football

Lawrence Tynes transformed his successful career as a Trojan into a pair of Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants. A three-time All-Southland Conference selection, Tynes helped Troy State to a pair of NCAA Division I-AA Playoff berths. Tynes still holds Troy’s career record for extra point percentage and ranks second in field goal percentage. He has since kicked game-winning field goals in the 2007 and 2011 NFC Championship Games on his two way to two titles.

WILLIE TULLIS Football

Willie Tullis still ranks among the Troy football all-time greats. An dual-threat quarterback from 1978 to 1980, Tullis was a Kodak All-American in 1980 when he rushed for 450 yards and threw for 1,880 yards with 20 total touchdowns. A two-time All-Gulf South selection, Tullis went a combined 21-7 in his three seasons. Tullis was selected by the Houston Oilers in 1981 NFL Draft returned a kick 95 yards for a touchdown in his first career game.

JOYCE SORRELL AdministrationWomen’s Basketball

Joyce Sorrell, the mother of women’s athletics at Troy Unversity, was the first ever Coordinator for Women’s Sports at Troy State. She also made a name leading the women’s basketball program for 20 years (1975-95). Sorrell recorded 274 wins along the way, still the most in program history. Her 1980-81 team won an Alabama AIAW State Championship. Sorrell retired from the University in 2006 after 39 years as a physical education instructor.

CLASS OF 2013Second Induction Class


MEMBERS


The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame was established in 2010 and inducted its inaugural class of 11 members on August 10, 2012. The Hall of Fame is located in the main rotunda of Trojan Arena, which opened in 2012. The Hall of Fame, now with 19 members, features two interactive video monitors that display pictures and induction acceptance videos of all members. Between the two monitors is a wall displaying permanently the names of all members. The Hall of Fame area of Trojan Arena also features numerous artifacts from throughout the history of Troy University Athletics.

TROY UNIVERSITY SPORTS

HALL OF FAME


Acknowledges the following for their special contributions:

Troy University Athletics would like to thank Troy University and its leadership, including the Chancellor and Senior Vice Chancellors, for their continued support and commitment to athletics.

Banquet Program - Board of Advisors Event Coordination - Andrew Dickinson, Sandy Atkins, Tony Ferrante Music - Troy University Jazz Ensemble Video Presentations - Broadcast and Digital Network, Kyle Bozeman, Jeff Herring Inductee Liaison and Awards - Andrew Dickinson Banquet Production - Mike Frigge, Jamaal Smith Photographer - Kevin Glackmeyer Printed Program - Adam Prendergast, Matt Mays Inductee Reception - Andrew Dickinson Ticketing and Seating - Helen Shirey Parking - Troy Equipment Room Staff Guest Relations - Ambassadors, Jennifer Gardner Banquet Meal - Sodexho Dining, Ibrahim Yildirim, James Quinn Stage, Table and Chair Set Up - Student Services, Herb Reeves, Derrick Brewster Maintenance and Housekeeping - Physical Plant, Mark Salmon Security - Chief John McCall


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

2014 troy university sports hall of fame banquet program

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