By: By Al Barba
Hall of Fame Page |
Highlights
KENNESAW, Ga. – Four new members were inducted into the Kennesaw State Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony Friday evening at the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw.
The class of 2018 includes Jerome McKinzie (men's track and field; 2007-10), Patrina Hayes-Nicholson (women's cross country; 2004-05), Colby Tilley (women's basketball head coach; 1995-2012) and Laura Tucker (women's soccer; 2003-06).
With the addition of the new class plus 47 individuals who contributed to the success of Southern Polytechnic State University's Athletics, the Kennesaw State Athletics Hall of Fame now features 104 individuals and two teams.
Following are brief bios on the 2018 Hall of Fame class:
Jerome McKinzie (Men's Track and Field; 2007-10)
Jerome McKinzie set the standard during his Kennesaw State career, becoming the program's first athlete to advance to the NCAA Division I Indoor and Outdoor Championships where he was a two-time qualifier in the high jump. He was an eight-time (four indoor, four outdoor) ASUN Conference champion and first team all-conference honoree. McKinzie earned a bachelor's degree in communications.
Patrina Hayes-Nicholson (Women's Cross Country; 2004-05)
A 2004 NCAA Division II All-American, Patrina Hayes helped her teams to the 2004 Peach Belt Conference championship and 2005 ASUN Conference title. She earned All-Peach Belt Conference and All-Southeast Region honors in 2004 and garnered 2005 All-ASUN Conference recognition. Hayes remains the program's record holder in the 5K with a mark of 17:03.00. Hayes earned a bachelor's degree in exercise and health science.
Colby Tilley (Women's Basketball Head Coach; 1995-2012)
Colby Tilley led the Kennesaw State women's basketball program for 17 seasons (1995-2012), compiling a 290-207 (.584) career record. He guided the Owls to three NCAA Division II regional appearances and two Elite Eights (1997 and 1999). The 1997 team posted a 30-2 overall record and captured the Peach Belt Conference regular season and conference tournament titles. During 10 seasons in the Peach Belt, KSU recorded a 207-86 (.706) mark, capturing three conference crowns and one runner-up finish. Tilley led Kennesaw State to a 129-53 (.709) Peach Belt record and was named conference Coach of the Year in 1997. He coached seven Division II All-Americans, four Peach Belt Conference Players of the Year and 13 first team all-conference selections. Tilley guided Kennesaw State through the transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I and mentored the 2007-08 ASUN Conference Player of the Year, three all-conference performers, and five individuals who were named to the all-freshman team.
Laura Tucker (Women's Soccer; 2003-06)
Laura Tucker competed as a member of the Kennesaw State women's soccer team from 2003-06 and remains the program's all-time leading scorer with 137 points (54 goals, 29 assists). She is also first in career goals and game-winning goals (19). After being named 2004 NCAA Division I Independent Player of the Year, Tucker went on to earn 2006 ASUN Player of the Year, first team all-conference honors in 2005 and 2006, and was selected to the 2006 ASUN All-Tournament team. While a member of the Owls, Tucker helped Kennesaw State post a 26-6-3 overall record, including a 16-2-1 mark in ASUN Conference play. She made an immediate impact upon joining the program, helping the Owls to a 25-1 record and NCAA Division II national championship in 2003. Tucker was tabbed the NCAA Division II Championship Offensive Most Valuable Player, earned All-Southeast Region and Peach Belt All-Conference honors. Tucker earned a bachelor's degree in sports management.
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