The Varsity K Hall of Fame
The Varsity K Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1979 to pay tribute to former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who through the years have brought recognition to Kent State University Athletics, and who continued to demonstrate in their daily lives core values learned in intercollegiate athletics. Over the years, these individuals have been inducted for their outstanding contributions to Kent State University Athletics. The new Varsity K Hall of Fame is located on the walls near the entrances to the MAC Center floor near Lobbies A and C.
Hall of Fame Members | Team of Distinction | Honorary Varsity K Members | Distinguished Athletic Alumni | Rudy Bachna Award | Varsity K Person of the Year
Varsity K Awards and Hall of Fame Criteria
Kent State Athletics is looking forward to honoring its 46th Varsity K Hall of Fame Class at the induction ceremony Saturday, Feb. 28, at 9 a.m. at the Kent Student Center Ballroom. Join us as we recognize the achievements of the 2025 class of honorees and inductees during a special brunch and ceremony.
For more information and to RSVP, please go to: KentStateSports.com/2025HoF
2025 Varsity K Hall of Fame Inductees |
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Maddy Grimm ('17)
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Jimmy Hall
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Jenna Hellstrom ('17)
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Reggie Jagers III ('17)
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Larissa Lurken ('17)
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Wad Phaewchimplee ('17)
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Ted Rose
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Danniel Thomas-Dodd ('16, M.A. '17)
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Coach Terry Nesbitt ('78, M.ED. '88)
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2025 Varsity K Hall of Fame Team of Distinction |
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1999 Women's GolfThe 1999 Women's Golf team has been selected as the Team of Distinction and will be recognized during this year's ceremony. With a 25-stroke margin of victory at the inaugural MAC Women's Golf Championships, this team set the standard for a program that has won 26 consecutive conference titles. |
Honorary Varsity K Member |
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Larry Amar ('13)Larry Amar, ’13, was a standout in field hockey, serving as captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and earning USA Field Hockey Athlete of the Year honors in 1994 and 1995. After his playing career, he dedicated six years to the U.S. Army, rising to Staff Sergeant and receiving multiple commendation and achievement medals. After his service, Larry joined Kent State as the assistant field hockey coach from 2009-18, helping shape the next generation of student‑athletes. Larry passed away in January 2020, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, service and love for the game. He was posthumously inducted into the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. |
Distinguished Athletic Alumnus |
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Kristine Slam ('99)Dr. Kristine “Krissie” Slam, ’99, competed for Kent State Women’s Gymnastics from 1995-99. A zoology and pre‑med graduate, she credits her student‑athlete experience for the discipline and work ethic that shaped her career as a board‑certified breast cancer surgeon in Columbus at Central Ohio Surgical Associates. Recognized annually as a Castle Connoly Top Doctor of Surgery since 2016, and an Exceptional Woman in Medicine since 2019, she has held multiple leadership roles within the Mount Carmel Health System and the American College of Surgeons. Krissie founded two breast cancer support grants, CosaCares and Our Breast Intentions, and remains engaged with Kent State through philanthropy and gymnastics' annual Pink Meet. |
Rudy Bachna Memorial Award |
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Dave Segen ('04)Dave Segen, ’04, has spent more than 25 years in sports hospitality, managing food and beverage operations for major events including NBA Finals, NCAA tournaments and presidential debates. In 2017, he launched his own hospitality group, now operating multiple restaurant and event properties in Northeast Ohio. A committed Kent State alumnus, he and his staff are a fixture at Kent State Athletics events, serving the hospitality spaces, as well as supplying pre- and post-game meals for teams. He has also served on several university advisory boards and volunteered with Lambda Chi Alpha beyond his work with the athletic department. |
Varsity K Person of the Year |
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Mark Wise ('85)Mark Wise, ’85, captained the Kent State Men’s Golf team to the 1984 MAC Championship, the first conference title of Head Coach Herb Page’s storied tenure. After earning his business administration degree, Mark built a long and successful career with Titleist, representing Northern Ohio for nearly three decades. A loyal supporter of Kent State Golf, he has consistently backed both programs through his contributions to the Rango Invitational and The Chip‑In Club. A Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient and member of the 2019 Team of Distinction, Mark continues to champion the game through his professional work and community involvement. |
