Marc Bishop | 1999 | Inducted 2011
Marc Bishop has been described as a basketball player with a natural shooting stroke. That stroke was on full display during four stellar seasons at The University of Findlay. Bishop’s name still appears liberally in the Findlay record book, including the most three-point field goals attempted (779) and made (313) during a career.
During his UF career which spanned from 1995 through 1999, Bishop scored 1,658 points which ranks ninth on the career list. The offensive-minded guard received many accolades while at Findlay. Bishop was selected for first-team Mid-Ohio as a sophomore, was an NAIA Great Lakes Region selection on three occasions, was named NAIA All-America third-team as a sophomore and senior, earned second-team Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference twice, and was NAIA Great Lakes Region Player-of-the-Year for 1998-1999. As a team, UF logged a 92-32 record during the Bishop years and made three appearances at the NAIA Division I National Tournament. The Oilers were GLIAC South Division champions during his junior season.
Jerry Buti | 1977 | Inducted 2011
Jerry Buti was a four-year member of the FC football team, serving as captain during his senior season. Buti honored his coaching and administrative talents, at three different Ohio high schools, serving first at Van Wert from 1977 to 1989, at Findlay in 189-90, and beginning in 1990 at Defiance, where he now serves dually as the head football coach and athletic director. At Van Wert, Buti led both the track and football teams to Western Buckeye League titles, and the football team made its first two appearances in the OHSAA playoffs in 1985 and 1986 while going 42-27-1 in seven seasons. That was followed by a one-year stint at Findlay High School and a 6-4 record. Defiance High School provided the venue for Buti to showcase his coaching talents. During 18 years as head track coach, Buti’s teams won seven Western Buckeye League championships and only lost two dual meets. Buti became best-known as a head football coach, however, winning four WBL titles, one OHSAA regional titles plus four runner-up finishes, and the Division II OHSAA Championship in 1997. As the winningest football coach in Defiance history, his teams have compiled a 21-year record of 149 wins and 77 losses. Buti’s composite football record is 197-108-1. Buti was honored in 1997 as the Ohio High School Coach of the Year in Division II. He also has been named WBL track coach of the year eight times and football coach of the year five times, and has received the Toledo Chapter National Football Foundation Outstanding Coach Award on three occasions. Buti and his wife, Beth, have two adult children, Brooke and Vince.
Araya (Brantley) Cantrell | 1995 | Inducted 2011
Arya (Brantley) Cantrell was named All-America on 13 occasions by the NAIA, 10 times as an outdoor performer and three times for her indoor accomplishments. The well-rounded Cantrell also served as president of the Black Student Union at Findlay. Cantrell’s name, however, still appears in the UF record book more than 15 years later. A relay specialist, Cantrell anchored the outdoor and indoor 4x200 meter relay teams that set records of 1:42.64 in 1994 and 1:44.71 in 1995 respectively. Only a couple of UF track and field records have stood longer.
During her career at UF, she was part of a team that won four consecutive NAIA District 22 and or Mid-Ohio Conference championships. Cantrell’s best season came during her junior year when she earned four All-America accolades in a single championship, placing in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay and 4x400 meter relay during the 1994 NAIA outdoor meet. In all, Cantrell was honored as an outdoor All-American in the 4x100 meter relay all four years, the 4x400 meter relay on three occasions, and in the 100 meter, 200 meter and sprint medley relay each once. She also earned All-America honors three times in the indoor mile relay.
Brian Taylor | 1998 | Inducted 2011
Brian Taylor lived for the postseason while wrestling at The University of Findlay. Most collegiate athletes dream about the chance of earning one national championship, but not so with Taylor. He set his sights on the top prize every season and amazingly became a three-time individual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Champion.
Taylor’s first national title came in 1995 when the UF Roughnecks captured the NAIA championship. He then earned individual titles in 1996 and 1997. Taylor had initially enrolled at The Ohio State University, but then transferred to Findlay and thrived under coach John Jeffire. “I am very competitive and always tried to give my best effort,” remarked Taylor. He indeed, gave his best effort; compiling an 86-16 record while at UF; including nine tournament titles. In March of 2011, Taylor will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. A tow-time team captain, Taylor displayed a solid work ethic and dedication to the UF wrestling program that earned him a sport on the Findlay coaching staff. Taylor is currently in his 12th year on the UF-staff, and has helped develop 28 All-Americans and six national champions. Taylor takes great pride in having the opportunity to help wrestlers achieve success as he did during his career. Taylor additionally serves as the assistant manager of the Cardio Center at UF. He and his wife, Charity, reside in Findlay with children Espyn and Jadyn.
Russ Wallace | 1974 | Induced 2011
Russ Wallace’s name still appears in the Oiler’s record books despite playing during a tiem when a modest 25-game schedule was customary. When Wallace started a game, he intended to finish it and he still ranks third at UF with 27 complete games. He also ranks third with 207 career strikeouts and second with four shutouts.
A three-time All-Hoosier Buckeye Collegiate Conference selection. Wallace was also named NAIA District 22 First Team in 1973. He was selected as an Outstanding College Athlete of America in both 1973 and 1974. Wallace concluded his Findlay career with a record of 18 wins, 11 losses, and an impressive 1.99 earned run average. Like so many other former Findlay athletes, Wallace transitioned into a successful high school teacher and coach. During his 35 years at Valley View in Germantown, Ohio. Wallace coached baseball boys’ and girls’ basketball, and golf. The one-time business and vocational teacher retired in 2009, and yet continues as the head golf coach after 32 years. Wallace’s perseverance reflects his philosophy that “through sacrifice, motivation, dedication and effort, a competitor works with team members toward the ultimate goal of success.” In 2010 Wallace was inducted into the Valley View Schools Hall of Fame. He is a past president and treasurer of Valley View Teachers Association, has served as a Germantown recreation volunteer and is a Twin Valley Heritage member. Wallace and his wife, Janice, continue to reside in Germantown. They have two adult children, Benjamin and David.
Mianda Watts | 2000 | Inducted 2011
Mianda Watts was an irrepressible force during an era of women’s basketball excellence at The University of Findlay. Her name appears in every meaningful category in the record book, 16 of those in the first position. Watts’ 1,898 points place her comfortably in first place on the UF career scoring list. Her career scoring average was 15.7 points per game, and her highest single-season average was 21.4 in 1999-2000 when Watts was a senior. She also had a game-high of 40 points that season, a record which she shares with another Oiler.
A wonderfully well-rounded player, Watts is also the career rebounding leader with 996 and single-season leader with 316 while a senior. She was selected All-GLIAC South Division first-team twice and second-team once, and while a senior, Watts was named both first-team NAIA All-America and first-team Kodak All-America. The UF women’s basketball team logged a record of 99-25 during Watts’ career, and made three appearances at the NAIA Division I National Tournament, winning three games during her senior year. Watts played in 126 games for Findlay, also a record. He philosophy of the value of sports mentions preparation, humility, dignity and the importance of self-discipline and teamwork. Watts clearly understood these principles. A resident of Encino, Calif., Watts is an underwriting assistant for Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group. She has also done professional modeling and acting, and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
James “Eddie” Jordan | 1961 | Inducted 2012
Eddie Jordan, a 1961 graduate, earned 12 athletic letters at Findlay while participating in football, baseball, wrestling and track. Jordan was best known as a football player, starting all four years. He was named First Team All-Mid-Ohio on three occasions and Second Team All-Mid-Ohio once. As a halfback, Jordan was the leading rusher and scorer for the Oilers for three seasons while also playing defensive safety for two seasons and performing the kickoff duties. He was selected as the team MVP while a sophomore.
The versatile Jordan was a top-10 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ground-gainer. As a baseball venter fielder and cater for Findlay. Jordan started all four years and earned First Team All-Mid-Ohio honors three times. During his freshman and sophomore years and during the same spring season as baseball, Jordan participated in track and was the team’s high-point man. He ran the 100 and 220-yard dashes, the 220-yard hurdles, the 880-yard relay and was the long jumper. Jordan even wrestled for the Oilers in 167 pounds during his freshman and sophomore years, adding a fourth sort to his collection of 12 varsity letters. Jordan, initially a case worker and a juvenile parole and probation officer, is a retired educator, administrator and coach, and lives in East Cleveland, Ohio with his wife Gwendolyn. They have two children, Deborah Clark and James E. Jordan, Jr., and four grandchildren.
Violet “Vi” LeClair | Athletic Trainer | Inducted 2012
While serving as the director of the athletic training program at Findlay from 1990-2001, Vi LeClair provided the program with its initial boost toward the prominence that it currently enjoys. LeClair advised athletic training majors, taught athletic training courses and supervised students in practice. She also maintained a wonderful rapport with athletes and coaches at UF, and personally provided athletic training coverage for football, men’s basketball, and women’s tennis.
LeClair earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Lake Erie College, and did additional graduate work at Michigan State University, Bridgeport State College and Marietta College. She has served in various capacities at Heidelberg College, Western Reserve Academy, Marietta College, and The United States Sports Academy. After leaving Findlay, LeClair was an instructor at Lenoir-Rhyne College in the School of Health Science, Athletic Training Division. LeClair has been inducted into the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and the Marietta College Athletic Hall of Fame. An American Red Cross volunteer for 25 years, LeClair has served as an assistant athletic trainer for the NCAA III Women’s National Swimming and Diving Championships as well as numerous other venues including the United States Olympic Training Center. LeClair certainly fulfilled her philosophy that “sports participation provides opportunities to face physical and mental challenges and their outcomes in the process of knowing who you are.” LeClair retired in 2007 and lives in Hickory, NC. She has a daughter, Rachael and a son, Mark.
Ray Long | 1995 | Inducted 2012
Ray Long, a 1995 graduate, crafted a legacy that remains nearly two decades after playing linebacker at Findlay. He was a member of two NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). National Championship teams in 1992 and 1995, was named First-Team All-American in 1994 and 1995, and set the UF record for tackles in a season (184) and during a career (432). Only nine Findlay football players have been named All-America twice, including just two linebackers, which indicated how special Ray Long was.
Besides the two national titles, Long’s teams won 36 games during his career at UF. The heart Oilers defense at that time. Long declares that “the true value of sports is that it allows us to build young men and women into leaders who understand the importance of hard work and dedication toward a common goal.” Long played one season in Berlin, Germany where he was named defensive player of the week on three occasions, and participated in the Euro League playoffs. He has been employed for 14 years at H.J. Heinz in Fremont, Ohio, and serves as the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Clyde High School. Long has coached the Fliers during five state playoff appearances, including three regional finals and one state semifinal. In 2004 he founded and still runs a flag football league for first and second grade children through the Flier Football Foundation. Long lives in Clyde with his wife Jennifer, and children Kade, Conner and Kennedi. Another child, Colby, is decreased.
William R. Matthews | 1996 | Inducted 2012
William Matthews, a 1996 graduate, was an 11-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American honoree, four times for individual events and seven times as a relay team member. Matthews and his teammates were the first Oilers to earn All-America status in an outdoor relay event, the 4x400 meter and 4x100 meter relays in 1994 and 1995. To further demonstrate his talent, Matthews was also All-America both years in the 400-meter dash. Matthews earned All-America recognition indoors in 1994, 1995, and 1996 in the mile relay.
In 1996 at the NAIA Indoor Championships, Matthews’ relay finished fourth while individually he placed third in the 400-meter dash and fifth in the 200-meter dash. Matthews had a hand in 15 of the Oilers’ 30 points leading UF to a fifth-place team finish, their highest ever at a national championship event. A two-time Mid-Ohio Conference (MOC) Champion and All-District 22 Champion, Findlay won those meets all four years of Matthews’ career. He held the UF record in the 400-meter dash for 16 years and is currently third on the all-time list and fourth in the 200-meter day. Matthews certainly fulfiller his motto of “go hard or go home.” He was named Man of the Year by the Black Student Union and received the Mancuso Award in 1996 as the top UF male student-athlete that year. Matthews resides in Coconut Creek, Fla., and has one child, Evan William Matthews. He is the owner of The Career Consultant and serves as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
Ron Niekamp | Basketball Coach | Inducted 2012
During a 26-year career as a men’s basketball coach at The University of Findlay, Ron Niekamp became one of the handful of names which donate coaching excellence at UF. During his next-to-last season in 2008-2009, the Oilers won the men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) II National Championship while compiling a 36-0 record, placing a capstone on Niekamp’s brilliant run of 598 wins and 185 losses at Findlay. Niekamp was named the National Coach of the Year by both the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Division II Bulletin and Basketball Times publication in 2009. He has also earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coach of the Year on five occasions (2003, 2005-2007, 2009), NCAA Division II Midwest Coach of the Year three times (200, 2007, 2009) and Columbus Dispatch Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year twice (2005 and 2009).
The much-decorated Niekamp was inducted into the “Cradle of Coaches” at Miami University (Ohio) in 2004 and the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. The NCAA II championship coach while guided his teams to nine consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and two Elite Eight Appearances forged his craft at the lower ranks. Niekamp was the head boys’ basketball coach at three Ohio high schools; Lima Senior for six years, Ottawa-Glandorf for five years and Parkway for two years. At Findlay, he served dually as the director of athletics for 11 years. Presently, Niekamp serves as an instructor at UF. Niekamp resides in Findlay with his wife, Doris, and has four children – Arnie, Julie, Sherry, and Allie, as well as three grandchildren.
Susan (Deeds) Rossman | 1988 | Inducted 2012
Susan (Deeds) Rossman, a 1988 graduate, was the first female recipient of the Mancuso Award in 1988, recognizing the top student-athlete at Findlay each year. Rossman demonstrated a successful balance of athletics and academics, and excelled in both volleyball and basketball for the Oilers.
Rossman was a middle blocker and hitter in volleyball, and during her three years as a starter, Findlay posted a 86-18 win-loss record, making three National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 22 playoff appearances. She was named NAIA Academic All-America as a senior and was a Second Team selection in the Western Buckeye Collegiate Conference (WBCC). In basketball, Rossman earned First Team All-WBCC and First Team All-District 22 honors as a senior while Findlay finished 21-3. She was named Second Team All-HBCC and Honorable Mention All-District 22 as a junior. The Oilers won 68 games and lost 20 during Rossman’s career. She currently ranks 13th on the UF career scoring list with 1.099 points, 11th for both the most points in a season (412) and in a game (31), and 11th for career rebounding (531) including a single-game high of 17 while a sophomore. Rossman was inducted into the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Rossman is currently the varsity volleyball coach at Cory – Rawson High School and is the director of the Gold Diggers Volleyball Club. She resides in Jenera, Ohio with her husband, Todd, and has two children, Kayla and Kyle.
Craig Aukerman | 1999 | Inducted 2013
Craig Aukerman has become accustomed to football at a high level as both a player and as a coach. While at Findlay, Aukerman was a member of both the 1995 and 1997 NAIA National Championship teams. His skill as a defensive back earned him NAIA All-America honors in both 1997 and 1998, as well as being named to the All GLIAC First Team Defense in 1998. The Oilers compiled a record of 41-7-2 during Aukerman’s career, and were Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League champions in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He even played a season of baseball for the Oilers while a junior.
Aukerman states, “Sports have played a vital role in instilling discipline and hard work, and to persevere through adversity.” This highly disciplined championship football player has since been the one instilling the disciplined championship football played has been the one instilling the discipline as a coach. Aukerman became an assistant football coach for the Oilers after graduation, and one season later he joined the staff at Miami University of Ohio. He joined the football staff at Western Kentucky University for one season and then returned to Miami for three season. After a year with the Kent State staff, Aukerman joined the Denver Broncos as an assistant for the 2010 season. For the past two seasons, he has been as assistant special teams coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
John “Johnny” Dee | 1988 | Inducted 2013
Johnny Dee has been described as a baseball pitcher who possessed a “rubber arm,” which is a tribute to his physical durability. He was able to pitch every time that he was called upon. Nearly 25 years later, Dee still holds the Findlay records for wins in a season (8) and in a career (24), along with the number of games started (47). The four-year starter was named NAIA All-District 22 in 1987. Dee was diminutive in stature but was able to consistently summon every inch of his pitching talent over the span of his Oilers career.
Dee was esteemed as a teammate with his positive demeanor, humble attitude, energy and fierce competitiveness. He has stated with typical humility, “Sports teaches us lessons from when we are young until old. It never stops.” The talented Dee was often utilized as a courtesy base runner when not pitching, and he even played two season of varsity soccer for the Oilers. Dee also served as a sports reporter for the Pulse campus newspaper and as an announcer for UF football and basketball.
Dee is the Human Resources Manager at The Findlay Publishing Company, where he has been employed for 24 years. He resides in McComb, Ohio with his wife, Carla, and has a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Brenna. Dee has served on the McComb School Board and with the McComb Athletic Boosters.
Deanna (Behnfeldt) McCabe | 2002 | Inducted 2013
Deanna McCabe was an impact player for Findlay volleyball, both offensively and defensively. Her name is still sprinkled across the UF record book more than a decade after her stellar career was completed. More importantly, McCabe helped the Oilers earn an NAIA National Tournament berth in 1999 where they finished fifth, and two NCAA Regional Tournament appearances. UF was also a GLIAC South Division champion and a co-champion during her tenure.
McCabe is still the leader for kills in a season (701) and career (2,437) at Findlay. She also ranks first in kills per game for a season (4.97) and for a career (4.58). The durable performer is third in games played for a career (542) and third in career hitting percentage (.383) for the Oilers. McCabe also appears in the fourth position in hitting percentage for a season (.338), total blocks for a career (392) and career solo blocks (104). At the time that McCabe closed her career, she was the holder of seven UF game, season and career records.
An Armful of honors were earned by McCabe, including three All-GLIAC First Team Awards and one Second Team Award, two NAIA Independent All Sectional First Team Awards, an NAIA Region IX First Team and Plyer of the Year Award, three AVCA Great Lakes All Region First Team Awards, two Daktronics Midwest Region First Team Awards, and an NAIA Third Team All-America Player of the Year as a junior. She earned All-GLIAC Academic First Team honor’s twice and was a Verizon (GTF) Academic First Team All-District and All-America selection as a junior.
McCabe graduated summa cum laude and received the Sharon Milligan Award, the President’s Senior Scholar Athlete Award and the Mancuso Award, and was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She is a surgical nurse at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio, and lives in Grand Rapids, Ohio, with husband, Brian and children Kayla and Leah.
Scott McLaughlin | 1995 | Inducted 2013
Scott McLaughlin was a prime example of two sports star at Findlay. His name can be found in the UF record books in both football and baseball. A speedy received, McLaughlin is the career leader in pass receiving yardage with 2,483 yards on 119 catches, including 32 touchdowns, which is second all-time for the Oilers. The four-year NAIA All-District 22 selection and was once named NAIA All-America Honorable Mention. McLaughlin received the team’s Most Valuable Player Award as both a junior and a senior, and was a member of the 1992 NAIA National Championship team.
The talented McLaughlin easily transitioned to baseball in the spring, starting for four years and being selected NAIA All-District 22 on two occasions. He remains Findlay’s career stolen base leader with 57. McLaughlin’s two sport excellence is reflected in his statement, “Athletics are an excellent way for young people to learn commitment, discipline, teamwork, trust, competitiveness, accountability, passion to win, and how to lose graciously.”
As with so many dedicated athletes, McLaughlin has excelled professionally, having worked as a manager on several levels with Coca Cola in six states over a period of nearly 20 years. He has volunteered in leadership and mentorship programs, has coached youth soccer and football, and has worked with church and youth ministries, Junior Achievement and Relay for Life. McLaughlin currently resides in Lithia, Fla., with his wife Rhonda and children: Mikayla, Jacob, Emma, Daniel, Laura, Luke, and Timothy.
Willis “Willie” Tuggle | 1964 | Inducted 2013
Willie Tuggle earned four letters in basketball while scoring 1,387 points during his career at Findlay, ranking 23rd on the UF career scoring list. He also earned an All Mid-Ohio First Team award and a Second Team award, and was named to the NAIA District 22 Second Team as a senior. Tuggle was twice named as the team’s Most Valuable Player and twice served as a team captain. According to a Republican Courier account from that time, “When people talk of Findlay College basketball, talk of a smooth 5’11” guard with a deadly jump shot from the top of the key pops into the conversation. By name he is this year’s captain, Willie Tuggle.”
Tuggle also earned four letters as a baseball pitcher and posted a 4-1 record when the Oilers were Mid-Ohio Co-Champions in 1962. Tuggle has remarked, “There is nothing more valuable in preparing for one’s life than being a member of an athletic team composed of so many diversified individuals and personalities.”
Besides being gifted athletically, Tuggle was honored with the first Founder’s Day Son Award in 1964, and he was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta fraternity.
Tuggle resides in Ravenna, Ohio, with his wife of nearly 50 years, Judith and his daughter Kelly and son Scott. He is a retired English teacher, having first taught for two years in his home state of Indiana and another 35 years with the Akron Public Schools.
Beth (Baldridge) Williams | 2002 | Inducted 2013
Beth Williams was known as a winner during her time at Findlay. Not only did she qualify for every indoor and outdoor track and field national championship, she finished as an All-American in her specialty, the high jump. The eight time All-American – four times in the NAIA and four times in NCAA II – punctuated her career with a national championship at the 2000 NAIA outdoor meet. Williams also became the first athlete in UF history to earn NCAA II All-America honors, which she did at the 2001 indoor championships, as well as runner-up honors at the 2002 meet.
Williams was also perfect at the GLIAC championships, winning every high jump competition in which she competed. She was a seven time GLIAC champion, three time indoors and four times outdoors. Williams was named by the United States Track Coaches Association (USTCA) as a Scholar Athlete outdoor in 2001 and was a member of the GLIAC All-Academic Team in 2002. She was also selected as the UF Female Athlete-of-the-Year in 2002. Williams certainly fulfilled her belief that “sports challenge us to be out best and show us that we can achieve great things if we believe in ourselves and give great effort.” She still holds the UF high jump records for both indoors (5’8”) and outdoors (5’8.5”).
Currently a K-12 physical education teacher at Upper Scioto Valley High School, Williams lives in Findlay with her husband, Bob, and son, Brayden.
Charles “Chuck” Daniels | 1997 | Inducted 2014
Chuck Daniels was the type of player who provided stability and leadership rather than compiled statistics. He was a tenacious basketball defender and rebounder, inspiring his teammates to a higher emotional level. Daniels also was versatile, helping the Oilers basketball team to accumulate 88 wins during his career, while recording nine saves as a baseball pitcher, third on the career list at Findlay. He earned four varsity letters in each sport. While a student-athlete and until the present time, Daniels has earned much respect as one of the great ambassadors for Oilers basketball.
The Oilers made National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I national tournament appearances during Daniels’ junior and senior seasons, winning their first game each time. For his efforts in his final season, Daniels was named All-Mid-Ohio Conference (MOC). NAIA Greats Lakes Region First Team and NAIA All-America Honorable Mention. The consummate team player fulfilled his philosophy, “Team sports teach you many values you use throughout your life, but most importantly it has taught me that the sacrifices you make for the greater good for surpass any individual achievement.”
Daniels currently serves as vice president of business and human resources management for the Miller Contracting Group, Inc. in Ottoville, Ohio. He has volunteered with the Fredericktown Community Foundation, Ottoville High School, Ottawa-Glandorf Rotary Club, Glandorf Lions Club and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ottawa, Ohio as a youth basketball coach. Daniels and his wife, Dr. Darla Lammers Daniels, reside in Ottawa.
Tenea Green | 2003 | Inducted 2014
Tanea Green left a mark on the Findlay track program that endures to this day in the form of five school records. She also earned All-America honors nine times, was a seven-time Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) champion, and a GLIAC Indoor Most Valuable Player.
Green’s career spanned Findlay’s transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Hence, she earned NAIA All-America honors in four events in 2000 (55m, 200m indoor, 100m, 200m outdoor), and NCAA All-America honors in five events (2001 – 55m, 100m; 2002 – 60m, 200m; 2003 – 60m). green secured seven GLIAC titles (2001 – 55m, 100m indoor, 100m; 2002 – 55m, 200m indoor, 100m, 200m outdoor) as well as GLIAC MVP Running Events at the 2002 indoor meet.
Five school records posted by Green have remained uneclipsed for a decade, including the 55m, 60m, 200m, outdoor 100m and 200m. while recording these time-tested standards, Green certainly personified her philosophy that, “Sports give you vital tools needed to handle life’s obstacles.” The Findlay track program greatly benefited from the tools that this ferocious competitor displayed at every practice and meet. Green demonstrated a depth of talent by winning the shorter and the longer sprint events, both indoor and outdoor. She was a key factor in assuring that Findlay would be successful during the transition from NAIA to NCAA>
Green resides in Cincinnati, Ohio and is employed by Express Scripts as a prior authorization representative. She has three young children, William, Mikael, and Tacari.
Joe Moore | 1974 | Inducted 2014
Joe Moore was known by his Findlay College baseball teammates as a talented second baseman who humbly and quietly went about his business. Moore didn’t seek recognition, but he received plenty during his four seasons, especially during his final two as a starter.
During his senior year, Moore was named Findlay’s Most Valuable Player, All-Hoosier Buckeye Conference (HBC), All-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 22, All-NAIA Area IV, and was selected to the American Association of College Baseball Coaches (AABC) Collegiate All-American Team. In 1974, Moore recorded a .677 slugging percentage while collecting 25 runs batted in and four triples, with 42 total bases. For a career, he recorded 45 runs batted-in, a .500 slugging percentage and five triples.
A well-rounded student-athlete, in 1974 Moore received the Outstanding College Athletic of America Award. During Findlay’s spring sports banquet he also received the President’s Scholar Athlete Award. Moor graduated cum laude and was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honorary Fraternity. Moore personified his philosophy, “In sports, as in life, if your perform the task in front of you no matter what it is, to the best of your ability and with the hand you were dealt, you may not win but you will never lose.”
Moore has been employed at Spartan Chemical Company, Inc. for the past 37 years in both production and distribution. He and his wife of 34 years, Donna, live in Oregon, Ohio, and have adult children Robert Moore, Melissa Moore and Megan Moore.
Bob Sutyak | 1993 | Inducted 2014
Bob Sutyak was a football defensive back who was reliable and instinctive. He started in 41 consecutive games for the Oilers – including six at quarterback – and intercepted 16 passes which ranks fifth in program history. Sutyak crafted his best season that included 9 interceptions in 1992, when Findlay won a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship. Sutyak earned NAIA All-District accolades during both his junior and senior seasons, and was named NAIA Academic All-America in 1992. The Oilers went 35-9-1 during his career, including 5-1 playoff record.
As a player and also after graduation, Sutyak has demonstrated his philosophy, “Sports teaches teamwork, discipline and hard work, the attributes that will also make a person successful in their persona life and in business.” He has served with the Lincoln Electric Company for 18 years, the last five as manager of Global Environmental, Health and Safety. Sutyak has stayed active in football as an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) official for the past 20 years, and has officiated in two state championships. Also a member of the Intercollegiate Officials Association, Sutyak has officiated for eight years, including the 2006 Stagg Bowl to determine the NCAA II national championship. He currently serves on the executive board for the Northeast Ohio Officials Association.
The father of three girls, Sutyak has volunteered as a youth baseball and soccer coach. He is also a board member of Perry Community Fitness Center. Sutyak and his wife, Heather, reside in Perry, Ohio, with daughters Gabrielle, Brooke and Lauren.
Kyle Weisenburger | 2003 | Inducted 2014
Kyle Weisenburger is one the most venerated names in the history of golf at Findlay. He recorded the lowest season average of 73.28, the lowest career average of 74.33, and the lowest 72-holw score of 285 (-3). Weisenburger was named First Team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) on four occasions (2000 through 2003), earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) First Team All-America honors (2000), was earned GLIAC Golfer-of-the-Year in both 2002 and 2003, and was selected National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-Great Lakes Region also in 2002 and 2003.
Weisenburger was selected as Male Athlete-of-the-Year at The University of Findlay for 2000-01, the same year that he placed fifth at the NAIA national championship. His belief that, “Sports allows athletes to develop successful work habits that can be carried over into anything you do in life,” was exemplified by graduating cum laude in 2003, as well as being named Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) All-America Scholar Athlete in 2002 and 2003. Weisenburger’s stellar career includes 10 tournament wins, the most by any Oilers golfer. He additionally played mini tour golf for five years where he was named Great Lakes Tour “Rookie-of-the-Year” in 2007, and claimed two professional wins.
An intervention specialist with the Riverdale Local Schools for the past two years, Weisenburger previously served in the same role with the Hardin County ESC for three years. He and his wife, Kari, who was also a student athlete at Findlay, reside in Ottawa, Ohio, with their young daughter, Karlee.
Clayton Westerbeck | 1996 | Inducted 2014
Clayton Westerbeck employed a double-leg takedown that his opponents knew was coming, but few could avoid. His performance at the 1995 National Association of Collegiate Athletics (NAIA) national wrestling championships helped spark the “Roughnecks” to a team title. Entering the tournament as a the 8th seed at 190 pounds, Westerbeck defeated the top seed in the quarterfinals and battled his way to the finals, finishing second. During the 1996 NAIA championships, Westerbeck steamrolled to the 190-pound title with two pins, a major decision and a six-point victory in the finals. He earned All-America status both years.
Westerbeck is the only Roughneck to place in the prestigious Midlands Championships which included many National Association of Collegiate Athletics (NCAA) Division I wrestlers, placing 7th in 1995. When The University of Findlay hosted NCAA Division I powerhouse Minnesota later that season, Westerbeck defeated the Gophers’ Time Hartung, who later became a two-time national champion. After graduating, he was the Folkstyle Champion of Ohio.
During his 15 years as a high school teacher and head wrestling coach, Westerbeck personified his philosophy that, “Sports teach you the value of hard work, loyalty, respect, character and integrity.” Westerbeck was twice named wrestling coach of the year in two different athletic conferences, and he was selected to coach the Western Buckeye League all-star team on four occasions while coaching at Lima Bath High School.
Westerbeck is currently a principal at Sidney Alternative School in Sidney, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Lisa, and young children, Nora and Cale.
Doug Coate | 1983 | Inducted 2015
Doug Coate began his athletic career at Findlay as a baseball third baseman and football quarterback. He earned four baseball letters, and was a member of the 1979 National Association of Intercollegiate (NAIA) Division II national championship football team. As a quarterback, Coate was 18-2 and led the Oilers to a Hoosier-Buckeye Conference title in 1982. Elected a team captain while a senior, he was named NAIA All-District 22 in 1981 and ’82. Coate then received the Founders’ Son Award in 1983.
Coate Continued to contribute to both programs, serving as an assistant football coach for 14 seasons and head coach for one. When the Oilers claimed the NAIA title in 1997, Coate had participated in all four championships, three while a coach. He also has been on the sideline for three other national title games, plus one at Findlay and one at The University of Saint Francis, Indiana. Coate served as head baseball coach at Findlay from 1986 to ’97, posting a record of 198-182. In 1996, Findlay finished 25-11, including a berth in the NAIA playoffs. The broad experience of this player and coach is reflected in his belief that, “Sports and athletics bring together more people from diverse backgrounds than any other activity in our country.”
Currently serving as the recruiting coordinator and assistant football coach at St. Francis, Coate and his wife, Julie, reside in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. They have two adult children, Kylene and Seth.
Tim Hamen | 1999 | Inducted 2015
Time Hamen earned four letters in basketball at Findlay while twice serving as team captain. Hamen’s leadership is evidenced by his balance of 1.420 career points, 18th all-time at UF, and his 471 assists, third all-time for the Oilers. He was named Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Conference and honorable mention All-Great Lakes Region in 1994-95. In 1995-96, Hamen was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I honorable mention All-America, First Team All-Mid-Ohio Conference, and First Team All-Great Lakes Region. He earned honorable mention All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) honors in 1998-99.
Hamen was an accomplished student-athlete, receiving the Dana Scholar Award for Business in 1998 and earning national Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Academic All-America honors for 1998-99. The talented left handed point guard lost a season to injury, but returned to complete four banner seasons. The Oilers posted an 85-36 record during Hamen’s career, including two appearances in the NAIA Division I national tournament, going 2-2. While he was a junior, the Oilers won the South Division during their inaugural season in the GLIAC. Hamen can attribute his fine career to his philosophy. “It’s not the success that an athlete experiences but rather the challenges, the failures and the adversity that makes participating in sport so valuable.”
A technology project manager for Fidelity Information Systems in Indianapolis, Indiana, Hamen has also served as an independent consultant on technology initiatives in the financial service industry. He and his wife of eight years, Mishawna, reside in Indianapolis.
Kati (Stedcke) Hunt | 2001 | Inducted 2015
Kati (Stedcke) Hunt experienced great success in the gym and on the track at Findlay. She participated in a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) basketball Final Four (1998 and 2000) and was an NAIA National champion in the outdoor 4x800m relay (2000). Hunt earned NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete honors in 2000 and received the Mancuso Trophy as the outstanding female student athlete at Findlay in 2001.
A member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC) South Division champions in basketball in 1998. Hunt scored over 1,000 points and holds the Oilers’ record for most assists in a game with 16. She was named both First Team All-GLIAC and First Team All-GLIAC South Defensive in 2000 and 2001. She is ranked second in career steals and eighth in career rebounding at Findlay. On the track, Hunt was a GLIAC champion in the outdoor 4x400m and the outdoor 4x800m relays in 2000, in addition to earning a national title in the outdoor 4x800m.
Hunt offers her philosophy, “Sports provided an avenue to develop commitment, a will to win, perseverance, teamwork, passion and leadership. All of these qualities are essential in every area of life.”
The third-grade teacher lives in Perrysburg, Ohio, with her husband of 12 years, Kyle, and children, Kasey, Kamryn, and Kali.
Damien Spates | 1999 | Inducted 2015
Damien Spates competed in cross country for three seasons, and seasons each in indoor and outdoor track and field, serving as team captain while a senior. Spates was a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national champion in the outdoor 4x800m relay in 1998. He was a Mid-Ohio Conference champion in the 4x400m relay in 1996 and ’97, and a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) champion in the indoor 800m (1999) and outdoor 4x400m relay (1998 and ’99).
Spates was named All-GLIAC in the indoor 400m (1998), indoor 800m (1999), outdoor 800m (1998 and ’99), indoor 4x400m relay (1999) and outdoor 4x400m relay (1998 and ’99). He earned NAIA All-America honors five times; indoor 600m (1999), indoor 4x400m relay (1996, ’97 and ’98), outdoor 4x400m relay (1996), indoor 4x800m relay (1998 and ’99) and outdoor 4x800m ( (1998). Spates was named an NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete for cross country in 1998, and for track and field in both 1998 and 1999. He remains a record-holder at Findlay in both the indoor 4x800m relay (7:42.70, 1999) and the outdoor 4x800m relay (7:34.05, 1999).
An accomplished student, Spates served as vice president and then president of the Black Student Union, received the UF African-American Student Leadership Award, was named Aristos Eklektos Outstanding Senior, was selected as the Outstanding Senior in Marketing and received the Mancuso Trophy as the outstanding male student-athlete at Findlay. Spates is a certified internal auditor for PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and resides in University Heights, Ohio, with his wife of three years, Lecia.
Nate Weihrauch | 1997 | Inducted 2015
Nate Weihrauch was twice named a First Team National Association of Intercollegiate (NAIA) All-America defensive back at Findlay and helped the Oilers win the NAIA National Championship in 1995, the following season he was voted the top NAIA defensive back in the nation.
The Liberty Benton graduate was a three-year starter at free safety for UF. He intercepted 15 passes during his career, during which the Oilers compiled a record of 36-9-2. Weihrauch was named NAIA Player of the Week on three occasions, was a two time First Team All-Mid States Football Association (MSFA) selection (1995 and 1996), a GTE Academic All-American in 1996, and was named to the All-Time MSFA team in 2013.
Weihrauch holds UF records for the most touchdowns on interception returns in a game (two), season (three) and during a career (five). His 476 interception return yards include UF records for the longest return in a game (100 yards) and return yardage during a season (219 yards). Weihrauch’s humble approach is reflected in his belief that, “It is amazing how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”
For the past eight years, Weihrauch has served as the director of athletics at Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio. He also has served as a teacher and as assistant principal. He was inducted into the Hancock Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Weihrauch and his wife of 12 years, Sarah, have three young children, Sam, Luke and Joselyn. They reside in Findlay.
Michelle (Biclawski) Williams | 1996 | Inducted 2015
Michelle (Biclawski) Williams earned National Association of the Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Second Team All-American honors in 1995, NAIA honorable mention, plus First Team Great Lakes Region and Region and Region Most Valuable Player in 1996, and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Second Team All-America, also in 1996. She still holds records at Findlay for the most goals (28), most points in a season (64), most hat tricks in a career (7), and is second in career goals with 69. Oilers soccer posted a record of 70-15-5 during Williams’ career, and appeared in three NAIA tournaments.
Williams was recognized at the 1996 NSCAA Convention for her outstanding career, and was invited to participate in the NSCAA Umbro Invitational Tournament in 1997, which was attended by scouts from the professional soccer leagues. Williams, remembered as an aggressive and tireless player, states her philosophy that, “Teamwork is essential to achieving the task; it takes individual dedication and heart to win!” she and her teammates demonstrated this dedication to winning in 1996 when the Oilers posted a school record 20 victories, and concluded the season ranked seventh in the nation. Currently the director of the American Red Cross of Putnam County, Ohio, Williams received the Presidential Award of Excellence in 2014. She and her husband of six years, John, live in Ottawa, Ohio with young children, Jocelyn and Jacquelyn.
Brad Algiere | 1999 | Inducted 2016
Brad Algiere was the first national champion in the Findlay swimming program, winning the 200-yard butterfly in 1996 and again in 1997 at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championships.
Algiere earned NAIA All-American honors on 19 occasions, including 13 top five finishes, and his name still appears in the Findlay swimming archive as a member of the record holding teams in the 400-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay. At one time, Algiere was also the UF record holder in the 500-yard freestyle as well as both the 100-yard and 200-yard butterfly.
While swimming competitively, Algiere was inhibited by poor eyesight. During his first national championship experience, while swimming in the 200-yard butterfly finals, Algiere finished the race strongly but was unable to read the distant scoreboard. The two young ladies keeping time behind the starting block were puzzled that Algiere was not celebrating and informed him that he had won the event and Findlay’s first national championship in swimming.
The decorated Findlay swimmer offers the observation, “Sports foster dedication and discipline that can be used for the remainder of your life.” Algiere has practiced this philosophy while currently serving as the Director of Management Accounting for DPT Labs. Algiere and his wife 14 years, Stephanie, live in San Antonio, Texas with daughters Kristi and Samantha.
Quantres Bates | 2000 | Inducted 2016
Quantres Bates won 93 matches during his three seasons of wrestling at Findlay and amassed a number of impressive accolades. He is one of a handful of “Roughnecks” who earned multiple national titles and All-America honors for the Oilers.
Competing in the 118-pound class, Bates finished 5th at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championships in 1997, and returned the next year to capture a national title. During his third season in 1999, Bates competed in the 133-pound class and repeated as a national champion while Findlay finished as runner-up in the NAIA. In each of his three seasons on the Oilers Roughneck, Bates earned NAIA All-America honors. His name appears in the UF record book in the fourth position with 116 single-season takedowns and fifth with 296 career takedowns.
After transferring to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Oklahoma for his final season of eligibility, Bates posted a 34-3 record and was named Big 12 Player of the Week on two occasions for the Big 12 Conference champions. During his four seasons as a collegiate wrestler, Bates accumulated an overall record of 127-25.
Bates has served as a youth wrestling coach where he has demonstrated his philosophy, “Sports is a great tool for young kids to help them learn how to set goals, make plans to achieve their goals and foster the team atmosphere.”
A Region Manager for Speedway, Bates and his wife, Sara, live in Fishers, Indiana with their children, Trey and Alyssa.
Alan Baumlein | 1987 | Inducted 2016
Alan Baumlein was named Ohio Class A Lineman of the Year, as well as a first-team All-Ohio linebacker while playing for McComb High School. He was a cornerstone of an emerging football powerhouse at the school. Baumlein continued to earn accolades while performing at linebackers for the Oilers.
At Findlay, Baumlein was named a two time all district and three-time all-conference player. During his sophomore and junior seasons, the Oilers’ defense was ranked second in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) when he led the team in tackles and a combined five interceptions. While a senior, Baumlein recorded a school record 128 tackles to go along with six sacks, 10 tackles for loss, a blocked punt and five more interceptions. The punishing defender was also a three-time defensive captain. During Baumlein’s career, the Oilers forged a record of 29 wins and 10 losses, won a Hoosier Buckeye Conference championship in 1984-85 and made three appearances in the NAIA Playoffs.
Baumlein offers the following reflection, “There is rarely a day that goes by even yet today that I don’t come across at least one situation or decision that isn’t affected by the influence that football had on my life. Being a part of a team, a band or brothers, and leaving it all out there for each other is one of my greatest appreciations of football.”
Baumlein serves as the Executive Pastor of Christ’s Church in Mason, Ohio where he resides with his wife, Tina and children Nikolaus and Rebekah.
Kyle Hunt | 2002 | Inducted 2016
Kyle Hunt ranks sixth amongst a group of very talented scorers in Findlay basketball history with a total of 1,840 points. A well-rounded player, Hunt’s scoring average of 16.3 points per game is nicely balanced by his 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He scored 42 points in a game during his junior season, and netted a total of 540 points while a senior.
Hunt was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-America in 2000 as a sophomore. He was a First-Team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) selection in both 2001 and 2002, and was named Daktronics Midwest Region First Team in 2001, and Second Team in 2002. The Oilers posted a record of 78-36 during Hunt’s career, and earned a berth at both the NAIA Division I Tournament and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) II Tournament, winning one game in each.
During a team trip to Phoenix, Arizona during Hunt’s junior year, he was reminded of the value of participating in team sports. “We were a close-knit group and to be able to get away and just play some teams from out west while building team camaraderie really cemented our trust in one another,” he recalls. Hunt certainly demonstrated the traits of a trusted and reliable teammate.
Hunt serves as a Business Development Representative for the digital marketing company, Hibu. He and his wife, Kati live in Perrysburg, Ohio with their children Kasey, Kamryn, Kali and Krosby.
David Grove | 1995 | Inducted 2016
David Grove helped anchor the men’s golf program at Findlay during a period where the team competed independently without a conference affiliation. Despite the lack of opportunity to compete for conference titles and awards, Grove played like a champion and was an accomplished academic.
Grove finished in the top 10 in half of the 26 tournaments in which he represented the Oilers. He was a medalist on seven occasions, which ranks second all-time at Findlay. Grove’s career scoring average of 78.51 places him in the 18th position all-time for UF men’s golf. A model student athlete, Grove earned the program’s first National Association of Collegiate Athletics (NAIA) Academic All-America award for the 1993-1994 season. That same year, he was named Aristos Eklcktos junior of the year at Findlay. Grove graduated in three and one half years with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and completed his MBA in 2005. He had certainly demonstrated his belief, “Sports allow one the opportunity to learn how to handle success, failure and adversity, all of which help and individual in life.”
An employee of the Ohio Mutual Insurance Group for 15 years, Grove currently serves as Vice President of Product Management. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Galion Country Club, completed the executive educating program at the Darden School of Business, and was selected to serve on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) 2015 Actuarial Panel. Grove and his wife of 21 years, Missi, live in Bucyrus, Ohio and have two adult daughters, Hannah Woods and Chloe Grove.
Andrea (Morgan) Zechella | 2003 | Inducted 2016
Andrea (Morgan) Zechella was a decorated indoor and outdoor runner at Findlay, and her name still appears in the UF record book in four events. She also earned All-America honors on four occasions, twice each in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).
The Pinnacle achievement for Zechella was as a member of the NAIA National Champion 4x800 m outdoor relay team in 200. Individually, she was runner-up in the NCAA II 800m outdoor race in 2003 and recorded what remains the fifth-ranked time in the event.
Zechella still holds UF records in the indoor 400m, 600m and 1000m events, as well as the outdoor 800m run. She credits the Oilers coaching staff for helping her to formulate and then fulfill her philosophy of “Go hard or go home!” Zechella distinctly recalls the sound of Coach Marc Arce’s voice encouraging her during the final 300m of the half-mile race. Coach Lisa Klingshirn motivated Zechella to move beyond her fears and doubts about her abilities. Because of this encouragement, upon graduation from The University of Findlay, Zechella was invited to train with the Nike Farm Team where she met the B Standard for the 2004 Olympic Trials in the 800m race.
Zechella currently serves as an Application Analyst for the University of Cincinnati in the Information Systems and Technology Department. She live is Cincinnati, Ohio with her son, Vinny and daughter, Madison.
Carri (Campbell) Seaman | 1999 | Inducted 2017
Carri (Campbell) Seaman was a standout women's soccer player for the Oilers from 1995-99. When her tenure at Findlay ended, Campbell established school records for most goals scored (76) and most points scored (181) in a career. She was also a part of the most successful run in program history as she helped the Oilers record 64 wins in the 89 games in which she played.
Along with her record-setting goal-scoring ability, Seaman also became one of the Oilers most decorated players. She was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) First Team All-American during her sophomore season in 1996 after leading the Oilers to their best season in school history with a 20-2-2 overall record. She also garnered Second Team All-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American honors and First Team All-Great Lakes Region accolades in addition to earning a spot on the NAIA All-Tournament Team.
After a knee injury wiped out her junior season in 1997, Seaman came back to earn Second Team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and Second Team All-Great Lakes Region honors in 1998. She then capped her career by being awarded First Team All-GLIAC accolades during her senior season in 1999.
Dustin Pfeifer | 2006 | Inducted 2017
Dustin Pfeifer was a thrilling and electric men’s basketball player for the Oilers from 2003-06. A flashy point guard who impacted the game on both ends of the floor, Pfeifer set six school records during his tenure with the program and ranks 11th all-time in scoring with 1,590 career points.
Pfeifer began his career at Findlay with a bang and was named the 2003 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Freshman of the Year. After being named Second Team All-GLIAC in 2004, Pfeifer garnered First Team All-GLIAC accolades in 2005 and 2006. He also earned All-Midwest Region honors during his final two seasons and became the Oilers first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II All-American in 2006. The 2006 GLIAC Player of the Year, Pfeifer also earned All-American honors from Daktronics and the NCAA DII Basketball Times during his final year of competition and was selected to compete in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) DII East/West All-Star Game. Pfeifer was also named to the GLIAC All-Defensive Team three times (2004, 2005, 2006) and was selected to the GLIAC All-Tournament Team four times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) during his illustrious career.
Often referred to as the “Great” Dustin Pfeifer by coach Ron Niekamp, Pfeifer set school records for career assists (561), assists in a season (171), career steals (328), steals in a season (92), career steals per game average (2.6) and steals per game in a season (3.0). His 328 career steals also ranks 12th all-time in NCAA Division II men’s basketball history.
Mike Pohlman | 2000 | Inducted 2017
Mike Pohlman was a standout men’s basketball player for the Oilers from 1996-99. An efficient scorer in the post, Pohlman finished his career with 1,465 points, the 16th-best total in school history. Known for his powerful dunking prowess, Pohlman also shot 58.4 percent (563-of-964) from the floor and hauled in 461 rebounds in 123 career games at Findlay.
Pohlman helped lead the Oilers to a 92-32 record during his tenure with the team. The Oilers reached the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament three times in his career and he was a part of the Oilers 1997-98 squad that won a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) South Division title, the first in school history. He was also a Second Team All-Mid-Ohio (MOC) Conference selection in 1997 and was tabbed First Team All-GLIAC in 1998 and 1999. The standout post player also collected Second Team All-Great Lakes Region honors for his performances during the 1998 and 1999 campaigns.
Tim Russ | 1991 | Inducted 2017
Tim Russ was a stout offensive lineman for the Oilers football team from 1989-90. Widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in Oilers football history, Russ helped lead the Oilers to a 14-5-1 record during his tenure with the team.
Russ arrived on campus and immediately made an impact on the Oilers offensive unit. In 1988, the year before Russ joined the squad, the Oilers went 3-6 and scored 16.7 points per contest. In 1989, his first season at Findlay, the Oilers record improved to 7-3 and the offense exploded for 33.6 points per game.
After leading the Oilers to a 7-2-1 record during his senior season in 1991, Russ earned First Team All-American honors from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). He was also selected as a Kodak All-American and an Associated Press Little All-American, which recognizes the best football players from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, Division III and NAIA schools. He was later selected to participate in the All-Star Classic Football Game, which featured some of the most talented players from around the nation.
1979 National Championship Football Team | Inducted 2018
The Oilers 1979 football team captured the school's first national championship under the guidance of head coach Dick Strahm, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. The Oilers, who fell 7-0 to Concordia in the 1978 title game, out-scored their opponents by a 102-21 margin in the 1979 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoffs en route to their championship and finished the season with a 10-1-1 record.
Strahm, who would later lead the Oilers to national championship wins in 1992, 1995 and 1997, was tabbed the NAIA National Coach of the Year during the 1979 season. He also earned NAIA District 22 Coach of the Year accolades and led a team that featured 12 all-Hoosier Buckeye selections, ten NAIA all-District 22 picks and five NAIA all-Americans.
After finishing the regular season with a 7-1-1 record, the Oilers began their playoff run with a 41-15 win over Jamestown in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs at Donnell Stadium. The Oilers piled it on early, jumping out to a 20-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back as they rolled up 436 yards of total offense.
Fullback Nelson Bolden led the Oilers offensive attack with 136 rushing yards on 31 carries while quarterback Paul Trina completed 7-of-10 passing attempts for 156. Defensively, end Jerry Campbell and linebacker Jim Ryan led the way with 11 and ten tackles, respectively.
In the second round of the playoffs at a frozen Donnell Stadium, the Oilers scored a 9-0 win over Pacific Lutheran to reach the national championship game. The Oilers defense came up big as they forced nine turnovers in the game. Defensive back Denny Maag led the way with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in the victory.
The Oilers won convincingly in the title game, spanking Northwestern (Iowa) by a score of 51-6 in Donnell Stadium for the school's first national championship. The Oilers defense once again was dominant in forcing nine turnovers and held Northwestern to just 171 yards of total offense. Findlay built a 41-0 lead at the half and were led offensively by Trina, who finished with 124 passing yards and 59 rushing yards.
The Oilers offensive attack during the 1979 season was unstoppable. They gained 4,534 yards of total offense and averaged 246.4 rushing yards per game. Bolden led the charge with 1,324 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns while Trina threw for 1,171 yards and 18 scores. Rick Hatfield was the Oilers top receiver, hauling in 55 catches for 839 yards and 14 touchdowns.
On defense, the Oilers were experts at forcing turnovers, totaling 51 on the year, and held their opponents to a mere 11.0 points per game. Maag recorded nine interceptions while defensive back Tim Tagliapietra had seven.
Pat Gibson, the Oilers leader on the offensive line, earned second team all-Little All-American honors and was also voted a NAIA All-American. Bolden and Hatfield each earned NAIA All-American honors while Tagliapietra and offensive lineman Dave Berger each earned honorable mention All-American accolades.
Kirby (Blackley) Overton | 2006 | Inducted 2019
Kirby (Blackley) Overton is one of the most decorated athletes to ever wear the orange and black, competing for the Oilers track and field team from 2005-08, and was voted the NCAA Division II Female Athlete of the Year in 2008.
Overton capped her career with a pair of national titles at the 2008 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championship. Overton won the long jump and 100-meter hurdles at the event and later went on to receive the NCAA Top VIII Award, one of the highest honors an athlete can receive. The award is given to eight student-athletes across all divisions based on athletic ability and achievement, academic achievement and character, leadership and extra-curricular activity involvement. Overton was also a finalist for the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
Among her many accomplishments on the track, Overton was named the 2008 Indoor and Outdoor Midwest Region Athlete of the Year, the 2008 Indoor and Outdoor Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Athlete of the Year and the 2005 GLIAC Field Athlete of the Year. Overton was also an Academic All-American during the 2007-08 season and won 14 GLIAC championships during her tenure with the Oilers. She was also named All-American ten times while being voted Academic All-GLIAC three times.
Following her collegiate career she went on to qualify for the USA Indoor Championships in the 60-meter hurdles in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and in the pentathlon in 2009 and 2010. A member of the NCAA Division II Track and Field Hall of Fame, Overton currently serves as an assistant professor of business and coordinator of leadership and development programs at the University of Findlay.
Bridgett (Hamilton) Bunn | 2001 | Inducted 2019
Bridgett (Hamilton) Bunn was an offensive and defensive standout for the Oilers volleyball team from 1998-01. She is one of only two players in the storied history of the program to have achieved over 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career and was the first Oilers player to achieve that mark.
A first team all-region pick in 2001 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), Bunn ranks first all-time at Findlay in career sets played (575) and career blocks (600). Her 1,127 career kills is the ninth best total in school history while her 1,173 career digs is the sixth-best total in program history. She also ranks first all-time in block assists (515), second all-time in service aces (223) and sixth in solo blocks (85).
Bunn was voted all-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in 2000 and again in 2001. She also earned first team all-Midwest Region honors from Daktronics in 2001 as well.
Antonio Guerra | 2008 | Inducted 2019
Antonio Guerra will go down in history as one of the most consistent wrestlers to ever compete for the University of Findlay Roughnecks.
Guerra began his tenure at Findlay in 2005, securing All-American honors after taking fifth in the 149-pound weight bracket. During his sophomore year, the Roughnecks hosted the NCAA Division II National Championship in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex and Guerra did not disappoint the home fans as he claimed gold in the 149-pound weight class and earned All-American accolades as well.
As a junior in 2007, Guerra jumped up a weight class to 157 and when the season ended, he had added another national championship and All-American honor. Guerra was also voted the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 for his outstanding junior season.
A national runner-up finish in the 157-pound weight class put a cap on his incredible career in 2008 as he finished his run by being named All-American four times while capturing a pair of national championships. An Academic All-American in 2005, Guerra wrapped up his career with 123 wins, which is tied for the most in school history. His 316 takedowns rank third while his 35 wins during his senior season is the sixth-highest total in program history.
Bill Kotterman | 1981 | Inducted 2019
Bill Kotterman was a standout men's basketball for the Oilers, earning first team all-Hoosier Buckeye Conference accolades in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Kotterman ranks 29th all-time at Findlay with 1,303 points in his career and was named all-District 22 by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) three times. He earned the honor in 1979, 1980 and again in 1981.
A member of the Wyandot County and Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame, Kotterman played professionally in Iceland from 1982-83.