On the wall of the Worthen Arena concourse hang the plaques of members of the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
At the induction ceremony Friday night, former Cardinal swimmer Joy Gallagher, one of the newest members of the Hall of Fame, said she dreamed of seeing her face on the wall when the team would run laps around the arena.
"I was truly inspired by the faces on the Worthen Arena concourse," Gallagher said. "I found myself dreaming of joining them up there."
Saturday afternoon the 2008-09 inductee class was honored before the men's basketball game including Gallagher, Cassy Herode, Paul Schudel and Kenny Stucker.
The four former Cardinals all competed during the same years at Ball State. Schudel was the football coach from 1985-94. Stucker was Schudel's kicker from 1988-91. Gallagher swam at Ball State from 1993-97, and Herode played volleyball from 1991-94.
Hall of Fame selection committee member Morry Mannies said the class' connection was unique.
"It just happened," Mannies said. "I never recall anybody mentioning it during the decision making."
Schudel said he remembered watching each of the other inductees compete during his time at Ball State.
"The swim team and football had a strong relationship," Schudel said. "The interaction with the other athletes and coaches is something I remember."
Schudel has the second most wins in school history with a record of 60-48-4 and led the Cardinals to their first Division IA bowl game in 1989.
Stucker was a part of the 1989 team and said going to the California Raisin Bowl was the highlight of his career.
Athletes and coaches must have left Ball State 10 years ago to become eligible for induction. Mannies said he knew Schudel and Stucker would someday make the hall.
"I knew coach Schudel would and Kenny's one of the greatest kickers ever at Ball State," he said.
Gallagher was named MAC Swimmer of the Year in 1996 and to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team in 1997. She completed her career as the winningest swimmer in Ball State history.
Herode was MAC Player of the Year in 1994 and was twice named to the All-MAC First team while leading the Cardinals to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Through all the induction speeches Friday, the importance of Ball State was a central theme.
"Ball State is special and will be special forever," Schudel said.
Newest members
- Joy Gallagher, swimmer (1993-97)
- Cassy Herode, women's volleyball (1991-94)
- Paul Schudel, football coach (1985-94)
- Kenny Stucker, football (1988-91)
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