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 45th Varsity K Hall of Fame Class at the induction ceremony Saturday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. at the Kent Student Center Ballroom. Join us as we recognize the achievements of the 2024 class of honorees and inductees during a special brunch and ceremony.
For more information and to RSVP, please go to: KentStateSports.com/HoF
2024 Varsity Hall of Fame Inductees |
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Chris Baker ('86)
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Jessica Carmichael ('11)
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Dior Delophont ('16)
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Josée Doyon (B.A.'15, B.A.'16)
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Kyle Hallock ('11)
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Eugene Jarvis ('10)
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Eric Lauer ('16)
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Ian Miller ('16)
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2024 Varsity K Hall of Fame Teams of Distinction |
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1998-99 Men's BasketballThe 1998-99 Kent State men's basketball team made history as the first in program history to reach the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Led by head coach Gary Waters, the team had a remarkable season, finishing second in the MAC East regular season standings. They showcased their resilience in the MAC Tournament, defeating Marshall in a thrilling 79-76 quarterfinal victory, followed by a strong 68-57 win over Ohio in the semifinals. In the MAC Tournament final, Kent State secured a 49-43 victory over Miami, earning the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Playing as the No. 11 seed in the East region, Kent State concluded their historic season with a 23-7 record, including an 11-5 mark in conference play. |
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2008 SoftballThe 2008 Kent State softball team made history, advancing to the NCAA Regional finals and setting a new standard for excellence in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). With 46 victories, the Golden Flashes achieved the most wins by any MAC team since league play began in 1983. They tied school records with 40 regular-season victories and 20 conference wins, and became the first team in Kent State history to record three consecutive 30-win seasons and three straight MAC East Division titles. The 2008 senior class went out in style, accumulating 135 career wins, more than any other class in the program's history. Under the leadership of head coach Karen Linder, who surpassed 600 career victories and notched her 350th win at Kent State, the team also made history on the mound. Pitchers Kylie Reynolds and Gabe Burns became the first duo in school history to each win 20 games and strike out more than 200 batters in a single season. The team shattered records, including 74 stolen bases, 529 strikeouts, and holding opponents to a .163 batting average. Individually, Jamie Fitzpatrick extended her career-leading home run total to 36 and became Kent State’s all-time leader in RBIs with 120. Kim Hamilton set the school’s career record for runs scored with 140, while Jessica Toocheck tied the school’s single-season RBI record with 48. |
Honorary Varsity K Member |
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Mindy AlemanMindy Aleman devoted more than 22 years to the world of philanthropy at Kent State, fundraising for athletics and various university causes. Together with her husband, Gary, they established an endowed baseball scholarship at Kent State through their estate plan. Their contributions also extend to the facilities fund, with the Gary & Mindy Aleman Field House Office bearing their names. They stay connected to Kent State Athletics, supporting football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, cheer and dance through generous gifts and season tickets. |
Distinguished Athletic Alumnus |
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Dr. Barry A. Franklin ('70)Dr. Barry Franklin, ’70, competed in men’s gymnastics at Kent State and is now the Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at William Beaumont Hospital and a professor at Wayne State University. He serves as chair of the American Heart Association's Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism. He has held prominent presidencies in both the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the American College of Sports Medicine and penned more than 500 publications. |
Rudy Bachna Memorial Award |
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Dr. William Pakan (’79)Dr. William Pakan, ’79, served as the team physician for the Kent State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for 32 years. A former football player, he lettered in 1976 and 1978 but suffered an ACL injury. This setback fueled his passion for helping injured athletes recover and return to their sports. His unwavering commitment to student-athletes, combined with his medical expertise, has had a profound impact on the success of Kent State Athletics. He also has received the Summa Teach and Leadership award and was recognized in Akron Children’s Hospital Legends of Sports Medicine. He was also recognized as the Varsity K Person of the Year in 2010. |
Varsity K Person of the Year |
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Nicole and Michael AwadNicole and Michael Awad have been a cornerstone of the Kent State Athletics community for years, exemplifying unwavering support, generosity and a genuine passion for student-athletes’ success. Providing countless catered meals for all the athletic programs, as well as philanthropic support, they both have become an integral part of the athletic community. They have always taken joy in interacting with the student-athletes, watching them grow and supporting their journeys. |
