Varsity K Hall of Fame Home
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
The Award was established to honor and recognize long-time coach Rudy Bachna, who founded the men's and women's gymnastics programs in 1959. In addition to serving as gymnastics coach from 1959 to 1991, he also served as the head coach of the men's soccer program from 1963-72. The goal is to honor someone with this award who lends their talents, time, and services to help make an impact on the Athletic Department.
2024: Dr. William Pakan (M.A. ’69, Ph.D. ’74)
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.
2023: Larry Slaughter
Larry Slaughter had an interest in Kent State Athletics since the early 1970s and has been a staple at home events working for Landmark Security for the past several years. In addition to helping provide a safe environment, Slaughter’s friendly smile and bubbly personality have contributed to ensuring a good fan experience. His favorite Kent State moment was the men’s basketball team beating Akron on Senior Day this past season to keep the Golden Flashes undefeated at home and help propel them to a NCAA March Madness berth.
2022: Scott Imhoff
Recently transitioned from university vendor to a full-time Kent State University employee, Scott Imhoff became a leader in the transition from Dining Services to a university-run Culinary Services and catering program. As Assistant Director of University Catering, he is dedicated to ensuring that all special events put on by the Department of Athletics are successful, offering high-quality service to attendees and guests. Imhoff created a plan for catering that included scaling up staffing and elevating the department’s quality of service. Imhoff has shown his commitment to the “Flashes Take Care of Flashes” philosophy through his tireless around the clock dedication.
2020-2021: Fred Jermyn
Fred Jermyn played men's soccer at Kent State from 1970-73, earning All-Conference honors as a senior. Jermyn also worked to organize the Men's Soccer Alumni Group, allowing for past coaches, players and staff to reconnect. After being informed about the lack of information on the Kent State men's soccer program, Jermyn worked diligently to reconstruct the history of the men's soccer program. After two years, his men's soccer record is now published online.
