By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – On Saturday morning the Kennesaw State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted its 7th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, as the Owls welcomed Larry Nelson, Dr. Nancy King, Israel Brown, Columbus Ballard and Tony Williams into the prestigious hall of stars.
A large crowd was on hand at the KSU Student Center as KSU Athletics Director Dr. Dave Waples hosted the three-hour event. Among the attendees on Saturday were KSU Hall of Famers Dr. Betty Siegel, James “Spec” Landrum, the family of former men’s golf coach Bill Hill and former Texas Ranger outfielder and KSU All-American Jason Jones.
“This is a tremendous class of individuals,” said Waples. “Not only are they excellent supporters of Kennesaw State, but they are individuals of character who have always represented KSU in the most positive light.”
Nelson, who was inducted by Kennesaw State President Dr. Dan Papp, is the most recognized KSU alumnus. The legendary professional golfer, who is a winner of three major championships, was humbled by his induction into the Hall of Fame.
The soft-spoken Nelson stated during his speech that he was thankful for the time he spent at Kennesaw State when it was a junior college and also mentioned the overwhelming support he received from his professors while he was transitioning from active duty in Vietnam to college life.
Dr. King was inducted by Dean Joe Head and was lauded for the groundbreaking work she has done at Kennesaw State, which includes spearheading the Division I transition committee. Also during the ceremony, Dr. Waples introduced Dr. King as the athletic department’s new Senior Woman Administrator.
The elegant Dr. King spoke of how proud she was to be “part of a team at Kennesaw State” and thanked her family as well as Dr. Siegel, Spec Landrum, Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Whitlock and Dr. Waples.
Clayton State University Athletics Director and former Kennesaw State assistant basketball coach Mason Barfield inducted Brown. The former men’s basketball star spoke modestly and became emotional when he mentioned his grandfather and mother. Brown’s brief speech included thanks to his teammates and his family.
Whitlock inducted Ballard with a humorous introduction in which he quipped about his teammates not wanting to pass the ball to him because they ”would never see it again.” Whitlock also praised the two-sport athlete and his father as top-caliber athletes.
Ballard delivered a modest speech, but couldn’t help but to deliver humorous remarks about Whitlock, his time with the Owls and his teammates, as well as a good-natured poke at Dr. Waples, whom he later applauded for building such a strong foundation at Kennesaw State.
Williams, who was presented by his teammate Alex Guilford, delivered a heartfelt, emotional speech in which he teared up on many occasions as he thanked his family for their support through the years. Williams also provided a deep thanks to Dr. Waples for “honoring his promise” and providing him the opportunity to finish his degree.
He concluded his speech, the final one of the afternoon, by stating how “proud I am to be a Fighting Owl” and how much he appreciates Kennesaw State drawing him back in to the program where he said, “we do it right.”
