Ken Barnhart ‘29
Athlete 1925-29
Inducted 1982
Ken Barnhart was a superior Dakota Wesleyan University three-sport athlete. Barhart’s athletic career began his freshman year when he won a starting position at halfback and was the only first-year player to win a varsity letter. Barnhart was an explosive runner noted for his long gains. His shiftiness and speed enabled him to be the team’s leading rusher all four years. Barnhart helped lead the team to a 5-0 record and the South Dakota Intercollegiate championship in 1926. Barnhart was selected for the All-Conference team his junior and senior years. He also was a four-year starting guard on the basketball team. Barnhart’s speed and deceptive dribbling enabled him to be one of the best playmakers in the SDIC, and he was named All-Conference his senior year. Barnhart also was an exceptional hitter in baseball and played many years of semi-pro ball after graduating from DWU.
Darrell Barth ‘64
Athlete 1960-64
Inducted 1988
Darrell Barth excelled in basketball and track while attending Dakota Wesleyan University. He was a four-year starter on the Tiger basketball team, playing a vital role on two South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship teams in 1963 and 1964. Barth helped lead the team to a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics District 12 championship and a national NAIA tournament berth. In track Barth was one of the Tiger’s most talented middle distance runners. He set school records in the 440 and 880-yard runs, and he won two conference titles in each. Barth was particularly respected by his coaches and teammates for his excellent leadership ability and tireless work ethic.
Doug Barth ‘68
Athlete 1964-68
Inducted 1983
Doug Barth, considered one of Mitchell’s greatest athletes, climaxed his high school career by winning the 1964 South Dakota High School Athlete of the Year Award. Enrolling at Dakota Wesleyan University that fall, Barth continued to display his athletic talents in football and basketball. He was a four-year starter in each sport and received South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference selections in both sports. Barth was a member of the famed 1965 backfield and the first one of the four to be inducted into the DWU Athletic Hall of Fame. Barth also excelled on the basketball court with his ability to score, rebound, pass and make the big plays. Barth set the school record for assists his senior year. He was a major factor in helping the Tigers win conference championships in 1967 and 1968. The 1968 team finished the season with a 20-3 record, becoming the fifth team in school history to win 20 or more games. During his career, the Tigers compiled 64 victories. Barth is considered one of DWU’s greatest two-sport athletes and is one of 11 DWU athletes in the SDIC Hall of Fame.
Fred “Jake” Beier ‘34
Athlete 1930-34
Inducted 1980
Fred “Jake” Beier is considered one of the greatest basketball players in Dakota Wesleyan University history. Beier, a four-year starter who led the team in just about every statistical category was the first player in school history to score 1,000 points, and his 1,096 career points was a school record for 16 years. Beier’s career 15.0 points per game average was also a school record until 1957. Beier led the 1931, 1932, and 1933 teams to conference championships and to the Amateur Athletic Union national basketball tournaments. The 1931 and 1932 teams were undefeated in conference play. During his four years, the Tigers chalked up 61 victories and 12 defeats. The 1932 team is considered one of DWU’s best, ending the season with 19 consecutive victories before losing the last game of the season in the third round of the national tournament. Beier was DWU’s first four-time All-Conference athlete, as well as the first to gain All-American status, a feat he accomplished his junior and senior seasons.
Vern “Stretch” Belcher ‘50
Athlete 1946-50
Inducted 1985
Vern “Stretch” Belcher was one of many talented Ohio athletes to attend Dakota Wesleyan University during the 1940’s. Belcher was a four-year starter in basketball who demonstrated superb scoring abilities and excellent rebounding skills. He was a two-time All-Conference performer. Belcher was instrumental in helping the Tigers win the 1947 Dakota-Iowa Conference championship and qualify for the 1947 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournament. The 1947 team also went undefeated in conference play and won a history-making 25 games overall, a school record until 1979.
Don Bentien ‘61
Athlete 1953-54, 1958-61
Inducted 1996
Don Bentien came to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1953 and became an instant regular on the basketball team. After leaving school at the completion of his freshman year, Bentien returned four years later and again became an immediate starter on the basketball team. During his next three years, Bentien became one of the leading conference scorers and was one of the top five rebounders. Bentien finished his career with an All-Conference honor and a 1,427 career point total, the third best in school history at that time. At 6’4” Bentien was one of the shortest centers in the conference, but he was one of the most respected player because of his great strength and agility.
Tom Billars ‘68
Athlete 1964-68
Inducted 1984
Tom Billars was one of the first great basketball players to attend Dakota Wesleyan University from Stickney, South Dakota. Billars was a superior shooter and an equally talented rebounder. He was a four-year starter and helped lead the Tigers to 64 victories and conference championships in 1967 and 1968. At the conclusion of his career, Billars had scored 1,436 points, the third best in school history at that time. Billars’ school records for season and career field goal accuracy have remained for over 37 years. Billars’ most memorable game came during his senior year when he scored 53 points, breaking a school, South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference and South Dakota College record. He was a three-time All-Conference performer and a two-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 selection. In 1997 Billars was inducted into the SDIC Hall of Fame. Billars was runner up in the balloting for the NAIA National Emile S. Liston Award, which is an award given each year to the NAIA student athlete of the year.
Don Blumenberg ‘57
Contributor/Athlete 1953-57
Inducted 2013
Don Blumenberg had a successful four-year career on the basketball court at Dakota Wesleyan University and has shown support for his alma mater since graduating from the university in 1957. He was a four-year letter winner for the Tiger men’s basketball program, and started in every single game all four years with the team. The Fulton, S.D., native was also president of the “W” Club at Dakota Wesleyan. He served on the Board of Trustees for 12 years and has been an active member of the Dakota Wesleyan TeamMakers booster club both as an organizer and recruiter. In 1998, he was given the Outstanding Service to Alma Mater Award from Dakota Wesleyan. As Chairman of the Board for the Fulton State Bank, he is a sponsor of the DWU Fulton State Bank Basketball Classic each year, which benefits the Dakota Wesleyan basketball programs.
Charles Bobb ‘36
Athlete 1932-36
Inducted 1992
Charles Bobb, an outstanding basketball player for Dakota Wesleyan University, was a top scorer and primarily noted for his leadership ability and great rebounding skills. Bobb led the 1933, 10-1 team to a conference championship. That same year the Tigers qualified for the national Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournament. Bobb was a four-year starter and was voted team captain his senior year. He led the Tigers to 50 wins and 18 losses during his basketball career. For his superior play and team leadership, Bobb was selected a three-time South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference performer.
Elton Byre ‘60
Athlete 1956-60
Inducted 1978
Elton Byre began his outstanding basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1956. Byre was the team’s leading scorer for three years and ended his career with 1,489 points, placing him second on DWU’s scoring list at that time. Byre was the fifth basketball player in school history to reach the 1,000-point plateau. His four-year 17.3 points per game average was also the second best in school history and still ranks in him in the top 10. Byre’s 161 free throws during his senior year remained a school record for 25 years. During Byre’s four years at DWU, he never finished lower than 15th in the conference-scoring race, and his 313 points and 19.6 points per game average in 1959 gave him the conference scoring championship. Byre led the conference in free throws his junior and senior years. For his excellent basketball talent, Byre was named to the South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference team for three years and is one of 11 former DWU athletes in the SDIC Hall of Fame.
Bruce Canatsy ‘50
Athlete 1946-50
Inducted 1995
Bruce Canatsy played basketball for Dakota Wesleyan University during post World War II period and was one of the main forces in bringing back DWU’s winning tradition. Canatsy was a four-year starter and ended his career as only the second basketball player in school history to score over a thousand career points. Canatsy’s 1,203 points gave him the university’s scoring leadership that remained until 1957. Canatsy helped lead the 1947 team to a Dakota-Iowa Conference championship, which was the last DWU championship for the team until 1963. The 1947 team qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournament and won one game before losing in the quarterfinals. Canatsy ended his career in 1950 as the third leading career conference scorer and as a four-year All-Conference performer.
Craig Cheeseman ‘92
Athlete 1987-92
Inducted 2005
Craig Cheeseman launched his Dakota Wesleyan University athletic career the fall of 1987 and then climaxing in 1992 by becoming the only athlete in school history to receive 15 letter awards. Craig’s distinguished career covered four sports that included football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a three year starting quarterback for the Tiger football team, winning offensive most valuable player honors in 1990 as well as being selected Honorable Mention All-Conference. He was a two years starter in basketball and was elected co-captain of the team his senior year. Winning the team’s most valuable player honors twice and a 1991 NAIA District 12 Honorable Mention selection highlighted Craig’s four year baseball career. His track competition was capped by winning All-Conference honors in 1990 and 1991 by placing in the triple jump in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference meets. Craig not only excelled with his athletic ability but also as a team leader. He was instrumental in leading the Tigers to six conference championships spanning over three sports. Craig spent a three year period (1995-98) as the DWU head baseball coach and assistant football coach.
Bruce Crockett ‘50
Athlete 1945-49
Inducted 1978
Bruce Crockett, one of many out-of-state athletes to attend Dakota Wesleyan University after World War II, became one of the most talented basketball guards in school history because of his scoring and passing abilities. Crockett was consistently a top team and conference scorer but will be best remembered for his numerous unselfish assists. Crockett was a major factor in the Tiger’s two conference championships in 1946 and 1947 and their qualifications into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournaments. The Tigers won two games in 1946 and one game in 1947, and Crockett was chosen for the All-Tournament team in 1947. The 1947 team also set a 32-year record of 25 victories. As a reward for his many basketball skills, Crockett was a three-time All-Conference selection.
Glenn “Slick” Draisey ‘46
Athlete 1937-40, 1945-46
Inducted 1977
Glenn “Slick” Draisey began his collegiate basketball career at the University of Idaho before transferring to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1937. Draisey made an immediate impact as a starting center, leading DWU to conference championship titles in 1939 and 1940. Draisey was named to the All-Conference team each of his first three years and was the conference scoring champion in 1940 before being called into the armed services. Upon his return in 1945, Draisey finished his final season as the conference scoring champion, earning All-Conference honors a fourth time and leading the Tigers to another conference championship. DWU participated in four National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournaments during Draisey’s outstanding career. Draisey is a member of the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Jay Drake ‘99
Athlete 1996-1999
Inducted 2012
Jay Drake transferred to Dakota Wesleyan from Northern State University prior to his sophomore season, and found immediate success on the court with the Tiger men’s basketball team. The Winner, S.D., native and 1999 DWU graduate helped the Tigers to three top-three finishes in the SDIC, including a share of the league title as a sophomore in 1997. The Tigers also took third in the conference his junior year and second when he was a senior. In his three years at Dakota Wesleyan, Drake scored 1,087 points and averaged 12.9 points per game. He still holds the school record for free-throw accuracy in a game (100 percent, 15-15) as well as the record for consecutive free throws in a season (33). After graduating from Dakota Wesleyan, he spent several years as an assistant college basketball coach-including four season as an assistant at Dakota Wesleyan- and he is currently coaching high school boys basketball, track and football in Vermillion, S.D.
Dan Duffy ‘83
Athlete 1979-83
Inducted 1999
Dan Duffy displayed great skill on the basketball court, but fans most likely remember Duffy best for his shooting ability. This was certainly proven by the time Duffy ended his basketball career with a 15.9 scoring average and with 1,746 career points, placing him eighth on Dakota Wesleyan University’s all-time scoring list. Duffy also set five school scoring records: 10 three-point field goals in a game, 130 three-point field goals in a season, 50.2 percent three-point field goal accuracy in a season, 50.2 percent three-point field goal accuracy in a career and 86.5 percent free throw accuracy in a career. Amazingly, all of Duffy’s three-point records were set in just one season since the three-point basket was not established until 1982, Duffy’s senior year. Duffy was a four-year starter and a three-time South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference selection. He received national recognition twice by being selected an Academic All-American. In 1983, Duffy was the recipient of the Emile S. Liston Award, an award given each year to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Student Athlete of the Year. Duffy was only the second DWU athlete in history to receive this honor.
Art Fishbeck ‘32
Athlete 1928-32
Inducted 1980
Art Fishbeck came to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1928 and quickly began to prove his athletic ability on the football field and basketball court. Playing the halfback position in football Fishbeck had exceptional speed and became one of DWU’s most talented broken field runners. His skills help give the 1929 team a conference championship and a five-game undefeated winning streak. Fishbeck was named South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference his junior and senior years. Fishbeck also was an equally talented basketball player His speed and shooting ability guided the Tigers to three conference championships and two appearances in the Amateur Athletic Union national basketball tournament, reaching the quarterfinals in 1932. Fishbeck was selected a two-time All-Conference performer. Fishbeck is the fifth member from the 1932 starting five included into the athletic hall of fame, which is considered one of the greatest basketball teams in DWU history.
Randy Fletcher ‘69
Athlete 1965-69
Inducted 1988
Randy Fletcher’s arrival on Dakota Wesleyan University’s campus in 1965 became another testimony of how well South Dakota small town athletes excel at DWU. Fletcher was a starter on the Tiger basketball team all four years, and, by the time he graduated, he amassed a total of 1,829 career points to become the leading scorer in school history. His 18.1 points per game average placed him at number two on the books for points per game average. Fletcher’s patented jump shot helped lead the Tiger’s to three consecutive South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships, winning 35 conference games and losing 5 games. In 1968 and 1969, the team put together a 39-12 record, and Fletcher averaged over 20 points per game and his 86 percent of his free throws. Fletcher was named to the SDIC All-Conference team three times and was selected National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics honorable mention All-American his senior year. Also a championship golfer, Fletcher was the 1969 NAIA District runner-up.
Lynn Frederick ‘77
Athlete 1973-77
Inducted 1996
Lynn Frederick, a four-year starting guard on Dakota Wesleyan University’s basketball team, was an excellent shooter and a great passer. He became a valuable team leader as evidenced by being voted a two-time team captain by his teammates and leading the Tigers to three South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships. Frederick ended his four-year career with 1,123 points and three school records: most assists for a game (19), most assists in a season (227), and most assists for a career (618). For his basketball accomplishments, Frederick was twice selected All-Conference in 1976 and 1977. Also in 1977, Frederick was named to the National Association intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 team and was the runner-up for the SDIC Most Valuable Player.
Maurice “Moe” Gardner ‘38
Athlete 1934-38
Inducted 1992
Maurice “Moe” Gardner was considered one of Dakota Wesleyan University’s and the conference’s most talented guards in basketball during his four years of participation. Gardner was a four-year starter and letterman and received All-Conference honors in 1936, 1937, and 1938. However, during Gardner’s playing career, DWU never won a conference championship. The 1938 team won the conference’s first post-season tournament and qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament. The win gave DWU its second consecutive birth in the national tournament and that continued for three more years, setting a school record.
Hallie Gregory ‘62
Athlete 1958-62
Inducted 1991
Hallie Gregory, along with other athletes from Rockford, Illinois, came to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1958. Gregory played basketball for two years but found that his greatest talent was playing football. Gregory was a starting halfback for the Tigers and became one of DWU’s fastest runners. Gregory was particularly noted for his fast starts that led to long gains. Gregory became one of DWU’s best halfbacks during the 1960’s and was selected South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference in 1960 and 1961. Following his graduation, Gregory entered the coaching profession, and, during his college coaching career, he was twice named Basketball Coach of the Year. As a track coach, Gregory developed two national champions and six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III All-Americans. Gregory later became the athletic director at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Riley Goza ‘73
Athlete 1960-64
Inducted 1989
Riley Goza was a four-year standout basketball player for Dakota Wesleyan University. Goza was a great scorer and had tremendous leaping ability in spite of the fact that he stood only 5’10”. Goza was the ninth DWU basketball player to score over 1,000 points with a four-year total of 1,229 points. Goza’s scoring and rebounding abilities helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships in 1963 and 1964. His 15.7 points per game average in 1964 was a major factor in the team reaching the NAIA national tournament. Every year Goza was one of the top scorers in the conference, contributing to him being named a SDIC All-Conference performer three times. Goza also participated in track and excelled in long jump and sprints, placing in many conference track meets.
Greg Hansen ‘74
Athlete 1970-74
Inducted 1989
Greg Hansen was one of the most sought after high school basketball players in South Dakota in 1970. He continued to prove his scoring and overall playing ability at Dakota Wesleyan University and was a four-year starter who never missed a game. By the time he finished his career, Hansen had set eight school records, had been named South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference for our years and had been a three-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 selection. Hansen, also was a two-time honorable mention NAIA All-American and the first basketball player in DWU’s history to reach the 2,000-point plateau by scoring 2,146 points. Hansen was the tenth DWU athlete to be inducted into the SDIC Hall of Fame. Hansen’s accurate shooting enabled him to have a four year 23.3 points per game average while shooting 52 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free throw line. The Tigers won 63 games and two conference championships during Hansen’s career. To honor his basketball legacy, Hansen’s jersey was retired in 1974.
Ken Harkness ‘20
Athlete 1916-20
Inducted 1977
Ken Harkness, perhaps the finest Tiger athlete of the pre 1920’s era, excelled in football and basketball at Dakota Wesleyan University, and, at the time of his graduation, his coach praised him as one of DWU’s and the conference’s best athletes. Harkness played various backfield positions in football; however, his best talent was at quarterback. Harkness was captain of the team his senior year and led the 1919 team to a conference championship and an undefeated record. Harkness was first played on the intercollegiate level at DWU in 1917, and Harkness took advantage of the new sport and became the Tiger’s first All-Conference basketball player, winning the award his junior and senior years. Harkness led DWU to its first conference basketball championship in 1919.
Earl Hilton ‘51
Athlete 1947-51
Inducted 1980
Earl Hilton was an outstanding South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference football and basketball player for Dakota Wesleyan University. Hilton was a four-year starter in football and received the team’s Most Valuable Player Award in 1950. Hilton was a starter on the basketball team, never placing below fifth in the conference standing during his athletic career, and led the team to 47 victories. In his junior and senior years, the Tigers finished as runners-up in the conference race. Hilton continued his love of athletics after graduation by becoming a successful coach for various schools throughout South Dakota before returning to Mitchell as a football coach, a track coach and an athletic director. Hilton and his son Don are the first father and son combination to be inducted into the DWU Athletic Hall of Fame.
M.A. “Babe” Hoellwarth ‘35
Athlete 1931-35
Inducted 1977
M.A. “Babe” Hoellwarth came to Dakota Wesleyan University as a highly sought after high school basketball player. His superior shooting and rebounding talent was only overshadowed by his leadership ability. Hoellwarth was a four-year starter and helped lead the Tiger’s to South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships in 1932 and 1933. The 1932 team went undefeated in the conference and lost one game all season. The team’s 19 game consecutive winning streak was a school record until 1979. Hoellwarth’s also helped the team qualify for the 1932 Amateur Athletic Union national basketball tournament, and they won two games and placed eighth. Hoellwarth was named to the SDIC All-Conference team in 1933, 1934, and 1935. Hoellwarth is one of the five 1932 starters in the DWU’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Clare “CY” Holgate ‘28
Athlete 1924-28
Inducted 1983
Clare “Cy” Holgate was a standout football and basketball player at Dakota Wesleyan University. Noted for his extreme downfield speed in football, Holgate was placed at the halfback position his freshman and sophomore years. Holgate also was a talented passer; consequently, many plays were designed for him to pass as a halfback. Holgate was shifted to quarterback his junior and senior years because of his passing ability and his leadership qualities. In 1926 he led the team to the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship with a perfect 5-0 record. Holgate was named to the All-Conference team in 1926 and 1927. He played forward for the basketball team and was the leading scorer all four years. Although he never experienced a conference championship in basketball, the team finished second in 1926 and 1928. Holgate received All-Conference selections his junior and senior years.
Sid Horman ‘33
Athlete 1929-33
Inducted 1985
Sid Horman excelled in football and basketball during his Dakota Wesleyan University athletic career. Horman played guard on the basketball team and was instrumental in the Tiger’s four conference championships and three appearances in the Amateur Athletic Union national basketball tournament. Nevertheless, Horman’s greatest talent was his superior defensive tackling ability. Horman led the football team in tackles all four years, and his superior quickness allowed him on numerous occasions to stop the quarterback from handing off the ball and to catch runners behind the line of scrimmage. Horman played a major role in helping the 1929 conference championship team go undefeated in five games. For his outstanding ability, Horman was named to the South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference team his junior and senior years.
Dale Jacobs
Athlete 1975-79
Inducted 2003
Dale Jacobs enrolled at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1975 after an outstanding basketball career at Avon, South Dakota. At 6’8” he soon developed into one of the outstanding centers in school history. He was a three—year starter and by the time he completed his basketball career he had scored 1,258 points ranking him 14th on the college’s all-time scoring list. Dale was a driving force in helping the Tigers win South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships in 1977 and 1979. The 1979 team will be remembered as one of the finest basketball teams in school history ending the season with a 26-3 record and qualifying for the NAIA National Basketball Tournament on a 24 game winning streak. Dale was one of the leading scorers and rebounders on the team enabling him to be selected SDIC All-Conference for a second time and named to the NAIA All-District 12 team. That same year, he won a SDIC All-Tournament team selection and won Most Valuable Player honors.
Davis Johnson ‘42
Athlete 1938-42
Inducted 1988
Davis Johnson was a four-year starter and letterman for the Dakota Wesleyan University basketball team. Johnson was consistently one of the Tiger’s top shooters and rebounders in each game, and he helped lead the team to two South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships and three consecutive berths in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals his freshman year. Following graduation, Johnson became one of the most respected basketball officials in South Dakota, and he worked nine state high school basketball tournaments and numerous college games.
Stuart Landersman ‘53
Athlete 1951-53
Inducted 1984
Stuart Landersman transferred to Dakota Wesleyan University from New York in 1951 and became one of DWU’s most outstanding basketball centers. Landersman led the team in scoring for two years and also was the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference scoring champion in 1952 and 1953. Landersman’s 336 points in 1952 was one of DWU’s best single-season performances, as was his 17.1 points per game average. Landersman’s game high 39 points in 1953 was a school record at that time. Landersman was named to the SDIC All-Conference team in 1952-53.
Rodney Link ‘67
Athlete 1963-67
Inducted 1991
Rodney Link, another example of a small town South Dakota athlete to make good at Dakota Wesleyan University, was an outstanding basketball player. Link was a four-year starter at the forward position and one of the team’s leading scorers. Link played on two South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship teams and played an important role on the 1964 team that participated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament. Link finished his career with 1,297 points, the twelfth DWU basketball player to score over 1,000 points. Link was aptly named “The Missing Link” by his teammates early in his career, as he became known for his ability to make the big play.
Chris Long ‘98
Athlete 1993-98
Inducted 2008
For four years in the late 1990’s, Chris Long treated Dakota Wesleyan University fans to great performances on the basketball court and on the football field. Long was an NAIA Men’s Basketball All-American Honorable Mention selection in 1996-97, and his 1,541 career points total was the 11th highest in school history at that time of his induction. Long helped Dakota Wesleyan win SDIC Championships in 1994-95 and 1996-97, and advance to the NAIA Division II National Championships in 1995. Long also crammed a career’s worth of accomplishments in two-years with the DWU football team. The two-time All-SDIC First-Team selection is still second all-time with 1,780 career receiving yards, fourth all-time with 108 career receptions and fifth all-time in scoring with 24 career touchdowns and 148 points. At the time of his induction, Long’s 902 receiving yards in 1997 is still tops in school history, and his 875 yards in 1998 is the second-highest single season total. Long’s single-game record of 199 receiving yards also still stands. In another testament to his versatility, Long was also a one-year member of the Tiger baseball team.
Cliff Mackey ‘35
Athlete 1931-35
Inducted 1981
Cliff Mackey, a three-sport athlete at Dakota Wesleyan University, excelled in football, basketball, and track. In football Mackey was considered one of the best triple threat halfbacks in the conference and was selected South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference three years. He also was voted team captain by his teammates in 1932. Mackey’s basketball career was very successful at the guard position, and he was a consistent scorer and great playmaker, which helped him gain All-Conference selections his sophomore, junior and senior years. With a combined conference record of 21 victories and 1 defeat, Mackey helped lead the team to SDIC conference championships in 1932 and 1933. Those same years the team also participated in the Amateur Athletic Union national basketball tournament, winning two games in the 1932 tournament. Mackey also was an excellent track performer and won numerous times in the dashes and field events.
Jim Martin ‘73
Athlete 1968-72
Inducted 1990
Jim Martin was an outstanding three-sport athlete during his four years at Dakota Wesleyan University and won a total of 12 varsity letters. He was a four-year starting halfback in football and was selected South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference-Honorable-Mention twice. Martin also was a four-year starter for the Tiger basketball team and was an excellent shooter and one of DWU’s most outstanding floor leaders. Martin scored 1,097 career points while leading the Tigers to SDIC conference championships in 1969 and 1970. He was an All-Conference and NAIA All-District 12 selection his junior and senior years. On the track Martin excelled in the sprints and set three school records. His time of 49.04 seconds in the 400-meter dash held for 19 years. After Martin’s graduation in 1973, he returned to campus in 1975 as the assistant basketball coach. He became the head coach in 1983 and won the conference championship in 1984 and 1985.
Alan Miller ‘85
Athlete 1981-85
Inducted 1995
Alan Miller began his college basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1981. Miller became another member of a long list of great athletes to attend DWU from Stickney, South Dakota. Miller immediately displayed his basketball skills during his freshman year, beginning a career as one of the greatest basketball layers ever to wear a Tiger uniform. After completing his four years at DWU, Miller had set nine school records and had become the university’s and state’s all-time leading scorer with 2,920 career points. Miller was selected First-Team South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference all four years, and he led the conference in career points, field goals, free throws and scoring average. Miller was voted the SDIC Most Valuable Player in 1984 and 1985, and he helped lead the Tigers to two conference championships. Miller was named to the South Dakota All-College team three times and won also a three-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American, leading the nation with 32.5 points per game scoring average in 1985. Miller joined his two brothers in DWU’s Athletic Hall of Fame, becoming the final brother trio in the hall of fame. To honor Miller’s outstanding contribution to DWU basketball, his jersey has been retired.
Chris Miller ‘75
Athlete 1971-75
Inducted 1991
Chris Miller was the second of three Miller brothers to reach basketball stardom at Dakota Wesleyan University. He was a four-year starter for the Tigers and helped lead the team to back-to-back South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships in 1974 and 1975. At the conclusion of his senior year, Miller had scored a total of 1,863 points, the second best in school history at that time. His 19.6 points per game scoring average ranked him at number three. The 54 points he scored in one game during his junior year was a South Dakota College record until broken by his brother Alan in 1985. Miller set a combination of six field goal and rebound school records, all of which have remained for over 25 years. Miller’s 1,363 career rebounds and 25 field goals in one game are also South Dakota College records. Miller was a three-time SDIC All-Conference selection and received NAIA All-District 12 honors for two years. In 1975 he was named NAIA Honorable-Mention-All-American, All-South-Dakota-College-First-Team and selected the South Dakota College Athlete of the Year.
Kamden Miller ‘98
Athlete 1994-98
Inducted 2009-10
Kamden Miller’s outstanding career as a four-year starter for the Dakota Wesleyan University men’s basketball team was filled with individual honors and milestones and team success. At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Miller remained just one of nine Tiger players to earn multiple NAIA All-American honors during his career. He was an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection in 1997 and 1998 and a three-time All-Conference selection (1996-98). Miller averaged 14.9 points per game throughout his career and his 1,710 career points rank in the top 10 in school history. Miller led Dakota Wesleyan to SDIC Championships in 1995 and 1997 and the 1995 team received a bid to the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Tournament. It was the school’s first National Tournament appearance since the NAIA split into two division for basketball. He was the conference nominee for the NAIA’s prestigious Emil S. Linston Award in 1996 and was a Tiger co-captain and the Team MVP in 1998. Additionally, Miller is just one of three DWU men’s basketball players to receive NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors three times. Miller was also a member of the Tiger football team, and he was named the DWU Special Teams MVP in 194.
Tom Miller ‘71
Athlete 1967-71
Inducted 1990
Tom Miller was the first of three brothers from Stickney, South Dakota to make his mark as an outstanding basketball player at Dakota Wesleyan University. Miller was a four-year starter and letterman for the Tigers and a top scorer and leader for three South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship teams. Miller ended his career with 1,405 career points, the seventh leading scorer in school history at that time. Miller was selected SDIC All-Conference, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 his junior and senior years and NAIA honorable mention All-American in 1971. Miller also participated in track and held DWU’s discus record for nine years. However, the best tribute to Miller’s athletic and scholastic abilities was being named the 1970 recipient of the coveted Emil Liston Award, an award given annually to the national NAIA student-athlete of the year. This was the first time a DWU athlete had ever received this honor.
Scott Morgan ‘93
Athlete 1989-93
Inducted 2000
Scott Morgan came to play basketball for Dakota Wesleyan University in 1989, and, by the time his career came to an end in 1993, he compiled a host of records. In 1992 Morgan set two school scoring records: 887 points in a season and 57 points in a game, which was also a South Dakota college record. Morgan ended his career with 2,810 career points and a 25.8 career scoring average; both are number two records on DWU’s all-time scoring list. Morgan was also the third leading career scorer in South Dakota college history. Named to the South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference team four years and selected the SDIC conference player of the year three times. Morgan was the SDIC scoring champion twice. He was named to the South Dakota All-College Team three times, and in 1993 he was selected as the South Dakota College Male Athlete of the Year. Morgan received national recognition, being selected National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 and NAIA Most Valuable Player twice. Morgan is a two-time NAIA All-American, and in 1992 he was the NAIA national scoring champion with an average of 30.6 points per game. Morgan was named NAIA National Basketball Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. As a tribute to Morgan’s brilliant basketball career at DWU, his jersey has been retired.
Wes Morgan ‘92
Athlete 1988-91
Inducted 2005
Wes Morgan enrolled at Dakota Wesleyan University the fall of 1987 after an outstanding basketball career at Mitchell High School. He also had an excellent basketball career at DWU that helped pave the way for his brother and sisters, who eventually became the greatest basketball family in school history. Wes was a four year starter for the Tiger men’s basketball team and by the time he completed his senior year he had scored 1,429 points, 15th best among all Dakota Wesleyan basketball players. He was also a two-time All-Conference selection. During his tenure as a basketball standout, Wes helped guide the Tigers to a South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Championship in 1990 with a 10-0 record. This was only the fifth time for a DWU undefeated conference championship and the first since 1979. Wes has continued his ties to Dakota Wesleyan by being the assistant coach for the women’s basketball team for twelve years.
Larry Myers ‘66
Athlete 1962-66
Inducted 1993
Larry Myers came to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1962 after completing an outstanding high school basketball career. He immediately became an impact player for the Tigers with his excellent shooting and rebounding skills. Myers led the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference in free throws in 1966 and was always a top 10 rebounder throughout his career. Myers led the team in free throw percentage all four years and was one of the highest ranked free throw shooters in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Myers was the 11th DWU basketball players to score over 1,000 points, and, at the close of the 1966 season, his 1,313 total career points was the fifth best in school history. Myers’ 36 points in a game during his senior year is one of the DWU’s highest. Myers was a major player in two conference championships and one birth in the 1964 NAIA national basketball tournament. Myers was a two-time SDIC All-Conference selection and was named NAIA honorable mention All-American in 1965.
Ralph Nauman ‘38
Athlete 1934-38
Inducted 1993
Ralph Nauman, a four-year letterman and starting center for Dakota Wesleyan University’s basketball team, filled the vacancy created by DWU’s first All-American Jake Beier and the previous teams who had for four years consecutively participated in national tournaments. Nauman proved qualified to complete the task with his great shooting and rebounding abilities. Although the Tiger’s never won a conference championship under Nauman’s leadership, they did qualify for the 1937 team had the distinction of playing the first tournament game in the newly formed NAIA. Nauman was one of the team’s leading scorers all four years and helped to secure three straight second place finishes and four-year record of 54 victories and 25 defeats. For his outstanding play Nauman twice received All-Conference honors.
Jim Nolt ‘63
Athlete 1959-63
Inducted 1983
Jim Nolt arrived on Dakota Wesleyan University’s campus in 1959 after a great basketball career at Mitchell High School and a tour in the United States Army; he became a talented guard for the Tigers. In 1961 Nolt became one of the starting guards under first-year coach Gordon Fosness, beginning a new era in DWU basketball. Nolt is noted for his superior playmaking skills and leadership ability, which were major factors in the team winning the 1963 South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship. This marked the first DWU conference basketball championship since 1947, and Nolt was named to the 1963 SDIC All-Conference team.
Glenn Phillips ‘35
Athlete 1932-35
Inducted 1978
Glen Phillips transferred to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1932 and became one of DWU’s outstanding basketball players during the 1930’s. Playing the forward position, Phillips was a great shooter and of the team’s leading rebounders and floor generals. He helped lead the 1933 team to the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championship with at 10-1 record. This team also was invited to participate in the Amateur Athletes Union national basketball tournament for a third year in a row. For the three years, Phillips started for the Tigers, the team recorded 40 victories and 14 defeats, and Phillips was selected All-Conference in 1934 and 1935. Phillips also participated in track and was a conference champion in hurdles, high jump, and long jump. Phillips held the high jump and long jump school records for a number of years.
Lloyd Piggee ‘70
Athlete 1966-70
Inducted 1997
Lloyd Piggee arrived at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1966 and there was little evidence that he would ever be a basketball standout; however, Piggee progressed so fast that half way through his freshman year he became the starting center, a position he never relinquished. Piggee was in the top five of conference rebounders for three years, claiming the conference rebound championship in 1967. He was also in the top 10 of conference scorers for three years, winning the conference scoring title in 1970. Piggee helped lead the Tigers to three South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships, and he was named to the All-Conference team three times. In 1970, Piggee was selected for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12 team and named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. At the completion of four years, Piggee had set three school rebound records and had finished fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,443 points.
Mike Rogers ‘90
Athlete 1987-90
Inducted 2007
Mike Rogers transferred to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1987 and made an immediate impact on the Tiger basketball program. Mike’s two-year career in a Tiger uniform was extremely productive, as he quickly became the leader of the team. He scored 1,050 career points in two seasons, averaging 18.7 points per game, which ranks in the DWU top 10 for career scoring averages. He was selected to the SDIC All-Conference Team as a junior and as a senior in 1989. His senior season was his most memorable at DWU, as he was chosen All-SDIC and named to the SDIC All-Tournament Team. Mike was a member of the All-District 12 Team and was also named to the All-South Dakota Team. At the conclusion of the season, he was honored by being named the DWU team MVP. He also received MVP honors at the All-South Dakota All-Star game. While Mike was a standout on the basketball court, he also had great success in track and field. He was an All-SDIC performer in 1989 and 1990 in track and field. Mike set the school record in the javelin and still holds the school record for the high jump. He was also selected as an Academic All-American for his efforts on the track and in the classroom.
Don Rose ‘61
Athlete 1946-50
Inducted 1979
Don Rose was one of many Ohio athletes who followed their coach to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1946. Rose was a four-year starter in football and basketball. After starting on the Tiger football line, Rose was invited to try out with the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Rose was named to the All-Conference team in 1949. Rose also had an outstanding career as the basketball team’s center. He helped lead the 1947 team to a 25-3 season record, the conference championship and a berth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournament. The team’s 25 victories was a school record that held until 1979. Rose was the third DWU basketball to score over 1,000 career points, and his 1,174 points was second best in school history at that time. Rose was the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference scoring champion in 1950 with 375 points, earning him All-Conference selection.
Harvey Schaefer ‘61
Athlete 1957-61
Inducted 1980
Harvey Schaefer came to Dakota Wesleyan University to play basketball after completing an outstanding basketball career at Hayti, South Dakota. During his four years at DWU, Schaefer was a four-year starter and an outstanding scorer at the guard position, and the Tigers never placed lower than fifth in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference, finishing second in 1961. Schaefer ended his career with 1,244 career points and an over 14 points per game average. Schaefer’s point total was the fourth highest in school history at that time. Schaefer was a three-year All-Conference selection and is considered one of DWU’s best shooting and playmaking guards of the 1960’s.
Don Screes ‘60
Athlete 1957-60
Inducted 1985
Don Screes arrived on Dakota Wesleyan University’s campus in the fall of 1957, transferring from Butler University. For the next three years, Screes was a starting forward on the Tiger basketball team and became one of the school’s leading scorers. At the conclusion of his basketball career in 1960, Screes had scored 1,008 points, making him the sixth leading scorer in DWU history at the time. Screes was the team’s second leading scorer and third leading rebounder. His career 15.8 points per game average was ranked third in school history at that time. His 31 points in a game in 1960 was one of DWU’s highest for many years. Screes set a school record in career free throw percentage, and his record of consecutive free throw percentage, and his record of consecutive free throws made in a game held for 39 years. In 1960 Screes was listed in Who’s Who in Small College Basketball and was ranked 20th in the nation among National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics colleges and universities in free throw percentage.
Mike Slaughter ‘86
Athlete 1982-86
Inducted 2014
Mike Slaughter, a 1986 Dakota Wesleyan graduate, was a four-year member of the Tiger men’s basketball team. The center from Columbus, Ohio, earned All-SDIC Honorable Mention as a senior and first-team honors as a freshman. Slaughter scored 1,361 career points, and he averaged 12.4 points per game throughout his four years. He was part of the 1984 SDIC co-championship team and helped the Tigers win 15 or more games in each of his first three seasons. Slaughter lives in Sioux Falls, S.D., and works at the Volunteers of America of the Dakotas. He is also a deacon at the Apostolic House of Deliverance.
George Smith ‘57
Athlete 1953-57
Inducted 1978
George Smith followed his brother Russ to Dakota Wesleyan University in 1957. Smith soon proved his athletic talents and skills by excelling in football, basketball, and track. He was a four-year starting end in football and was considered one of DWU’s best during the 1950’s. Smith was twice named South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference. Smith also was an excellent basketball player and was one of the team’s leading scorers for three years. Although never realizing a conference championship, Smith helped lead the Tigers to 46 victories and second place conference finishes in 1956 and 1957. During his career the team never ended a season below fifth in the conference standings. As in football, Smith was an All-Conference performer. In track Smith was the conference high hurdle champion and placed in numerous meets as a pole-vaulter.
Jim Stoebner ‘80
Athlete 1976-80
Inducted 1998
Jim Stoebner a superior basketball player for Dakota Wesleyan University, excelled both the forward and center positions. He was a good scorer but is probably best remembered for his rebounding skills. Stoebner led the Tigers and the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference in rebounds during his junior and senior years. For the 1978 and 1979 SDIC conference tournaments, Stoebner was MVP and was named to the All-Conference teams those same two seasons. Stoebner was one of the team’s leaders who helped the Tigers win two conference championships during his four-year career. The 1979-80 championship team established two school records: 25 victories and 24 consecutive wins. Stoebner’s hall of fame induction created special memories for the Stoebner family, as he and his wife Roxie became the first husband and wife duo in the hall of fame.
Wayne Stone ‘49
Athlete 1941-42, 1945-49
Inducted 1994
Wayne Stone began his basketball career at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1941 but left after his freshman year to serve in World War II. He returned to DWU in 1945 to finish his career. Stone was a starter all four years and helped lead the team to a 66-23 record and two Dakota-Iowa Conference championships. The 1947 team was only the third DWU basketball team at that time to finish with an undefeated conference season. The 1946 and 1947 teams participated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament and the 1946 team made it to the national semi-finals. Stone was a two-time All-Conference performer and was team captain his senior year. The same year Stone was selected as DWU’s Athlete of the Year.
Charles Summers ‘46
Athlete 1937-41
Inducted 1984
Charles Summers, an outstanding high school athlete from Mitchell, South Dakota, played football and basketball for Dakota Wesleyan University. A powerful runner who was talented on defense and as an offensive down field blocker, Summers was twice named South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference. Summers played guard for the basketball team and was known for his playmaking skills. He helped lead the 1939 and 1940 teams to consecutive conference championships. Summers also played a major role in the Tigers’ participation in four National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournaments. The 1939 team had a 20-3 record and was one of the most successful teams up to that time, making it to the quarterfinals in the national tournament.
Bill Talich ‘64
Athlete 1960-64
Inducted 1993
Bill Talich participated in football and basketball during his four years at Dakota Wesleyan University. He was a four-year starting end in football and was a skilled pass receiver, excellent blocker and defensive standout Talich’s all-around ability led his coaches to rate him as one of the best ends during the 1960’s. Talich was named to the South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference team in 1962 and 1963. Talich also was a four-year letterman for the basketball team. He was a valuable contributor to the team’s 1963 and 1964 conference championship seasons, and the 1964 team qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national basketball tournament. Following graduation, Talich had several successful seasons coaching high school basketball in Denver, Colorado, before entering private business.
Wayne Thue ‘66
Athlete 1960-61, 1962-65
Inducted 1981
Wayne Thue, an outstanding high school basketball player from Hayti, South Dakota, continued his career as a Dakota Wesleyan University starter his freshman year in 1960. After dropping out of school the next year, Thue returned to DWU in 1962. Thue was a great scorer all four years, but he also had superb defensive skills and was always assigned to guard the opposing team’s best scorer. Thue’s 1.404 career points ranked him fourth highest all-time scorer in DWU history at that time. His 36 points in a game in 1963 is one of the highest in school history. Thue helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference championships in 1963 and 1963. The 1964 team qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament for the first time since 1947. Thue was named SDIC All-Conference three times and NAIA All-District 12 twice. In 2000 Thue was the 11th DWU athlete inducted into the SDIC Hall of Fame.
Lloyd “Lefty” Turnwall ‘43
Athlete 1939-43
Inducted 1988
Lloyd “Lefty” Turnwall was a three-sport letterman during his athletic career at Dakota Wesleyan University. Turnwall excelled in football, basketball, and track; however, he was probably best known for his leadership ability and his knowledge of the sports in which he participated. Turnwall was regularly selected as the team captain for football and basketball. In 1943 he was named DWU’s Outstanding Athlete and Scholar. Turnwall’s talent and leadership on the basketball court helped the Tigers win two conference championships in 1939 and 1943. The 1943 team won a total of 21 games, the most of any basketball team in DWU’s history up to that time. During Turnwall’s four years, the team also participated in three National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals in 1939.
Ron Wiblemo ‘53
Athlete/Contributor 1949-53
Inducted 1983
Ron Wiblemo, a South Dakota All-State basketball player who enrolled in Dakota Wesleyan University in 1949, continued to display his basketball talents as a member of the Tiger basketball team. For the next three years, Wiblemo’s shooting ability helped lead the team to three consecutive second place finishes in the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. Unfortunately, Wiblemo was forced to give up his senior season because of an eye disease. However, Wiblemo did not forget his alma mater after graduation. He became a high school counselor for many years at Wagner, South Dakota, and during his counseling tenure he was instrumental in sending many students, including some great athletes, to DWU. Wiblemo will long be remembered as one of DWU’s greatest supporters.
Steve Withorne ‘75
Athlete 1971-75
Inducted 1997
Steve Withorne came to Dakota Wesleyan University to play basketball; however, he will always be remembered for his basketball and football prowess. Withorne, a four-year basketball letterman, a 1973 tri-captain and a 1973 honorable mention All-Conference player, was instrumental in two conference championships. In the fall of 1973, Withorne decided to play football, and he became an instant starter, playing various positions and mastering them all. Withorne played on the offensive and defensive line and handled the punting and place kicking duties. He won several games with his field goal accuracy. Withorne’s football success with recognized at the conclusion of his senior year, being chosen for the South Dakota Intercollegiate All-Conference team and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District 12. Withorne’s play as an offensive guard drew attention from the National Football League scouts, and he was granted a free agent tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in 1975.