General | 9/16/2010 3:35:03 PM
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist University Department of Athletics will induct its 13th class into the Hall of Fame Oct. 22 as part of the annual Homecoming Festivities.
The Methodist University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics initiated the Methodist Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. The selection process is maintained and administered by a committee in conjunction with the Methodist University Athletic Booster Club. To be nominated, the inductees have to be athletes, coaches, or administrators who have compiled an outstanding career at Methodist and/or since leaving Methodist.
Inductees become eligible for the prestigious honor five years after completing their eligibility and must have been of good character. Coaches and administrators become eligible for nomination two years after leaving the department unless they have 15 years of service or more in which they would become eligible immediately upon their departure. Currently, the Methodist Athletic Hall of Fame has 12 classes with 50 members.
This fall, Methodist is pleased to induct women's soccer player Tricia Criswell '91, track and field runner Hamilton Cuthrell '99, volleyball player Theresa Dwenger Jenkins '03, Methodist president Dr. M. Elton Hendricks and women's tennis player Carla Simpson McKenzie '03.
Criswell was a four-year starter for the Monarchs' women's soccer team helping the team to three conference championships and four NCAA tournament appearances from 1987-90. She was a three-time All-Conference, All-Region and All-American selection. Criswell also earned Academic All-American recognition in 1989.
Cuthrell finished his career as a five-time All-American in the 55 meters, 100 meters and 4x100 meter relay. A former MU record holder in the 100 and 200 meters, Cuthrell earned Methodist's highest finish in a NCAA men's running event earning the silver medal in the 55 meters at the 1996 NCAA Indoor Championships. Cuthrell also competed for the football and cheerleading teams.
Dwenger was a three-time All-Conference volleyball selection while earning first team honors as a senior. She currently holds the records at Methodist for career assists and aces as well as season assists and aces. She also ranks in the top ten for a number of other categories finishing her career as one of the most decorated volleyball players in program history.
Dr. Hendricks has demonstrated 27 years of passionate and committed leadership to the quality and growth of the athletic program at Methodist University. He spearheaded a capital campaign to raise four million dollars to build the March F. Riddle Center amongst a number of other facility additions and upgrades. During his tenure, Methodist has added women's golf, football and women's lacrosse to bring the sport total to 19 varsity sports.
Simpson is a well decorated women's tennis player after earning the ITA Small College National Doubles Champion honors in 2000 and 2001. She was a three-time first team All-Conference selection and doubles champion while being named the 2001 Conference Rookie of the Year. A three-time All-American, Simpson is also ranked number one in school history for overall doubles winning percentage.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at the March F. Riddle Center Oct. 22, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information contact the athletics office at 910.630.7175.
