DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman University announced today (September 27, 2018) its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Class that will be honored during festivities on campus and in the community on Hall of Fame Weekend on October 19-20.
Thirteen great Wildcats make up this year's class.
The class will be honored in conjunction with the Hall of Fame Induction Celebration and Show on Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center and the Hall of Fame Football Game between Bethune-Cookman University and North Carolina A&T State University on Saturday, October 20 at 4 p.m.
"We are honored to recognize thirteen outstanding Wildcats whose lives and accomplishments have made a tremendous impact on our University, community and our conference," said Dr. Hubert L. Grimes, B-CU Interim President. "Their accomplishments are forever etched in the annals of this historic university," said Grimes.
B-CU Vice President of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson anchored the selection committee and was truly impressed with the class.
"These thirteen represent some of the greatest student-athletes, coaches, supporters and administrators to have ever been a part of the history of our University," Thompson said. "This is truly their moment of honor and recognition for the work they have done, and they deserve this and so much more."
The Hall of Fame includes former student-athletes, coaches, university administrators as well as special contributors, who have enriched the legacy of the institution through intercollegiate athletics. The honorees were selected by an 11-person committee made up from a cross section of campus constituencies, alumni and boosters.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted in 2000. Since its establishment, the Hall of Fame has enshrined 61 people, including the most recent Class of 2016.
The 2018 BCU Hall of Fame Inductees are as follows:
Inducted as Student-Athletes:
Maulty Moore (Football): An All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection in 1969 and 1970 and All-American defensive tackle (1970) for the Wildcat, Moore went on to play for three NFL teams and was a member of the famed 1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season and Super Bowl Champion squad.
Jonathan Bostic (Football): The 1984 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player Of The Year, Bostic was named all MEAC in 1981, 83 and 84 and was a sixth-round draft choice of the Detroit Lions, where he played three seasons.
John Osborne (Football): An All-SIAC performer in 1973 and 1974 and All-American in 1973, Osborne was one of the most dynamic returners in Wildcat history. After a pro career with the Jacksonville Sharks of the World Football League, he would become a legendary high school football coach in South Florida.
Jerome Hamler (Men's Basketball): Known as "Red," Hamler made two NCAA Division II appearances for the Wildcats in the 60s. He posted 1,332 points in an era prior to the 3-point shot and is currently 11th on the all-time scoring list. One of the best natural shooters in Wildcat Basketball history.
Maulana Dotch (Women's Golf): The 2002 Women's Medalist at the National Minority Golf Championship, Dotch spent two years on the Futures Tour before settling into a career in golf management. One of the most highly rated golf recruits in program history. Presently the head pro at Cedar Crest (Texas) Golf Club, Dotch became the first African-American Woman in Texas and second in the nation to earn PGA Class A Status.
Stan Jefferson (Baseball): The first modern Wildcat baseball player drafted, Jefferson was a 1st rounder, selected by the New York Mets and would play 296 games with six different teams. After baseball, Jefferson was a member of the New York Police Department and was among the first responder on September 11, 2001.
Nicole Carty (Women's Track): This distance runner helped formed the foundation of Lady Wildcat track, garnering the 1998 MEAC Outdoor Outstanding Women's Performer as part of her many MEAC indoor, outdoor and cross country awards. A multi-year All-Conference performer during her tenure, she also competed in the IAAF World Games
Kamilah Johnson (Softball): Johnson helped the Wildcats to their first-ever NCAA Regional appearance in 2000 and hit the program's first post-season home run. Known for her tremendous leadership skills as captain, she's still second on the all-time hits list. An All-MEAC performer, she is recognized as one of the most highly respected student-athletes in the history of BCU Softball.
Inducted as Coaches:
Dr. Gary Freeman (Men's Golf) (Posthumous): The architect of the B-CU golf program, Dr. Freeman led the Wildcats to a combined National Minority Golf Championship titles and established an international pipeline of great student-athletes at BCU while establishing a world-renowned program. He's also remember as a pioneering PGA club pro in Central Florida.
Terry Williams (Football): One of the most talented Wildcat defensive backs ever, he earned All MEAC status and was a star in the NFL combine and was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2nd round. Had a two year NFL career that was cut short because of a devastating knee injury, Williams has made his mark in a 20-year coaching career at his alma mater, mentoring the likes of All Pros Rashean Mathis and Nick Collins to name a few.
Inducted as Humanitarians-Supporters of Athletics
Donovan Wells: The Director of The Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats, Wells has become one of the University's greatest ambassadors overseeing a band whose phenomenal sound and energy is known and respectful worldwide. During his 20-year career as director, the Marching Wildcats have appeared in the NFL Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl and in the hit movie Drumline in addition to several national TV commercials and an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Larry Wesley: Raised on the campus of Bethune-Cookman, Wesley was a sports information intern, radio announcer and sports information director before the athletic department officially had one, serving in the role as a student. He would parlay that knowledge into becoming a living historian of all things Wildcat Athletic and an iconic voice as the color commentator on the CatEye Network. His unique style and delivery captures the true story of BCU athletics and no one tells it quite like Larry Wesley.
John Reeves: The university photographer for 38 years, Reeves is a fixture at every major Bethune-Cookman event and most of the little ones as we well. Though his lens, virtually every modern-day milestone and historical moment has been captured and chronicled through the eyes of this legend. He was the official sports photographer and pictorial documentarian of the athletics program for decades.
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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