Central State celebrates the 2017 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class
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WILBERFORCE, Ohio. – The Central State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics inducted six individuals and two teams into the Marauder Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday.
The athletes, teams and administrators inducted this year represent different eras of Marauder athletics dating back to the 1950s through the early 2000s.
This year's Hall of Fame class includes:Â
"We are proud of the inductees and appreciate all they have done for Central State University," Vice President of Athletics & Institutional Advancement Jahan Culbreath said. "This year's class reflects excellence and serves as motivation for our current and future Marauder student-athletes."
Jim Cleamons served as the events keynote speaker. Cleamons, who has been part of ten NBA championships as a player and coach, talked about the importance of preparing for success and the key role of mentors throughout life.Â
Following Cleamons' speech, each inductee delivered powerful acceptance speeches to a sold out crowd at the Country Club of the North in Xenia, Ohio.Â
Photos from the 2017 Central State Hall of Fame Luncheon are available on the CSU Athletic Department's Official Facebook Page.
Detailed information and video of each inductee's acceptance speech is as follows:
David Dunham Jr. I Offensive Lineman I Class of 1986Â
Prior to his arrival on the campus of Central State University, Dave Dunham was considered a blue chip recruit playing as an offensive tackle at Toledo Catholic Central High School. His high school honors included being named to the All-City, All-Division and All-Ohio teams.
As a freshman, the 6'6, 285 pound Dunham quickly earned a starting position for the Marauders in the fall of 1981.
Dunham was the only offensive tackle to start all four seasons during the tenure of legendary Head Coach Billy Joe. From 1981 to 1984, Dunham was a model of consistency while playing in 97% of the plays on offense.
Dunham helped create running lanes for CSU Hall of Fame running back Mark Corbin while providing pass protection for Hall of Fame quarterback James Woody.
"Dave was a very determined and powerful anchor for our offensive line," Corbin said. "Quite frankly, I would not have achieved the level of success without Dave's presence upfront. He was and continues to be a character guy. As a player, we all knew we could count on Dave to get the job done on the field."
With Dunham paving the way for the offense, the Marauders concluded the 1983 season with a perfect 12-0 record and finished the post-season as the NCAA Div. II Runner-Up. The Marauders followed up the 1983 campaign with a 9-2 mark in 1984 and another NCAA Div. II playoff appearance.
"We relied heavily on Dave to protect the quarterback's blindside. He was equally as impressive paving the way for our tremendous running attack. Whenever I needed a big play or a big block, I could always rely on Dave to step up and execute," said Coach Joe. "Dave's tremendous talent on the field was unmatched while his integrity and character are beyond reproach."
Dunham is one of the most decorated offensive lineman in the history of Central State University football. His accolades include Kodak First Team All-American, NAIA All-American, Bannister Sports Network All-American, Sheridan Black College First Team All-American, Independent College Offensive Player of the Year and Black College Sports First-Team All-American.
Ivan Seahorn I Linebacker I Class of 1979
A 6'5, 225 pound linebacker from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Ivan Seahorn led a talented Central State University Marauder defense from 1975 to 1978.
He earned the nickname "Ivan the Terrible" for his consistent play and the ability to deliver the big hit on opposing ball carriers. Seahorn possessed the speed to patrol sideline to sideline. His speed also allowed him to be tremendous in pass coverage.
Seahorn recorded three straight seasons of 100+ tackles. He finished his collegiate career with 373 tackles, 14 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 6 interceptions, 1 interception touchdown return and 34 pass deflections.. His accolades include being a Two-Time NAIA All-American, a Black College All-American, a three time All-NAIA District 22 selection and JET Magazine National Player of the Week.
Upon graduation in 1979, Seahorn coached football on the collegiate level for 5 years as an assistant at CSU as well as Texas Southern University.
In 1987, Seahorn began what would become a highly decorated career in law enforcement when hired by Houston Independent School District, the first High School Campus Police Department in the United States.
In 1993, Seahorn's work was featured in an NBC Nightly News segment with Tom Brokaw.
In 1999, Seahorn was selected to serve as a Board Member for the Texas Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, an organization responsible for awarding 35 million dollars to eligible applicants each year. Seahorn was appointed to the position by Former President George W. Bush, then Governor of Texas.
In 2003, Seahorn became the first African-American male to travel as a member of the Texas Mentor Trainers program after being selected by by Governor Rick Perry.
In 2008, the Harris County Youth Advocate Program named Seahorn the "Youth Advocate of the Year" award recipient.
Retiring from law enforcement in 2013, Seahorn remained heavily involved in the community as a minister, entrepreneur and community activist.
Seahorn currently resides in in Sugar Land, Texas with his wife, Gladys. The couple has four sons - Melvin, Ivan Jr., Keenan, Jarrod and three grandchildren - Myt'ee, Keelan, Noah.
Ed Chamness I Contributor
Ed Chamness has been affiliated with Marauder athletics since joining the Central State University family in 1970. He was first hired to teach English and journalism while also advising student publications in the Department of English. In addition, he served in the Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Affairs as a writer and photographer which included taking pictures of athletics teams and individuals while documenting athletic events.
During his time on the faculty, Chamness organized existing journalism courses within the Department of English and courses from other departments into an interdisciplinary major in Communications which was approved by the University Senate and has grown to be one of the University's most prolific programs.
President Lewis Jackson appointed Chamness to the position of Director of Information Services in 1972. At the beginning of this new role, a vacancy in Department of Intercollegiate Athletics added a new dimension to his duties and started an affiliation which continued throughout his Central State career.
Prior to the 1972 football season, Chamness was called upon to take on the responsibilities of Sports Information Director on a temporary basis. That appointment afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the legendary figures and future Hall of Famers in Marauder athletic history. Dr. Vivian Lewis was Director of Athletics and her husband, Gaston F. (Country) Lewis was a member of the faculty after retiring from coaching. James Walker was the head football coach and William C. Lucas was head basketball coach.
While continuing to support the athletic program with photographic services and working with the Sports Information Office, Chamness was called upon at various times to take on the sports information responsibilities over the ensuing years.
The whole Chamness family became involved in the athletic program as Chamness' wife, Janice, filmed football games for the coaches and for 18 years, beginning in 1972. She also was the athletic department secretary for several years. His sons, Jon Eric and Ramon, came along to road trips and served as ball boys at home and away games.
Following his retirement in 2007, Chamness has continued to work with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily on a volunteer basis, as it has continued to grow and develop. He is a regular fixture at all athletic home events and continues to assist the Sports Information Office when called upon.
Chamness said he has been privileged to work directly with many great coaches including James Walker and Billy Joe in football; Lu Wims and Norman Ward, Sr., in men's basketball; Josh Culbreath in track; and Theresa Check in women's basketball. In addition, he has seen the development of student-athletes like Rosie Turner, Pat Tramble, Al West, Donte Jackson, Sheba Harris and James Rollins who have returned to Central State over the years to carry on the great Marauder athletic tradition as coaches and teachers.
Chamness is a graduate of Kansas State University and worked and taught at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before coming to Central State. He and his wife, Janice (a 1979 graduate and Central State retiree) live in Wilberforce. Their sons have been blessed them with thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Richard Armour I Linebacker I Class of 1981
Richard Armour was a standout high school player at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Detroit, Michigan.
While recruited by schools like Michigan and Michigan State, Armour choose to attend Central State University where he valued the smaller classes and the teacher-student rapport.
Playing for CSU head coach Joe Redmond, the 6'1, 225 pound linebacker earned the nickname "Hammer" while becoming one of the finest defensive players in the nation.
"If he had played at Alabama, Texas or someplace like that, he still would have been a consensus All-American," Redmond once said. "I have seen a lot of great players over my career and Richard is as good as any of them."
Armour led the nation his senior season with 180 tackles. His numbers were even more impressive considering he missed the final game due to injury. Armour's 180 tackles in a single season along with his 20 tackles per game mark remain on top of the school record books. At the conclusion of the 1979 season, Armour was named to the NAIA All-American Team and the Black College Football All-American Team. He also gained interest from the NFL and spent time in training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 1982, Armour married his college sweetheart, Linda. Later that year, he joined the U.S. Military and served his country for twenty-three years of active duty before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. Armour earned numerous awards of distinction during his military career which include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. One of his proudest moments was receiving the U.S. Army Recruiting Command's highest award and the Recruiter Ring. In addition, he was one of the last soldiers to guard Rudolf Hess at Spando Prison. After retiring from the military, Richard started a new career in teaching and devoted his time after school being a football coach and a constant mentor.
Armour passed away in February of 2014 with his spirit living on through his family, friends, teammates and former players. Armour will be inducted posthumously into the Central State Athletic Hall of Fame His son Michael will speak on his father's behalf.
Sherlock Knight I Offensive & Defensive Lineman/ThrowerÂ
Sherlock Knight, who earned the nickname "Bopper" during his playing days, was a four year starter on both sides of the ball for the Marauders as an offensive and defensive tackle.
Standing at 6'1 and weighing 250 pounds, Knight possessed the type of footwork and agility rarely seen in players at his position. Knight was named to the All-Midwestern Athletic Conference Team on three occasions. In the spring, he was a thrower on the Marauder track & field team and set the school record on both the shot put and discus throw. His throws helped CSU earned the 1961 Midwestern Athletic Conference Track & Field Championship.
He became one of the first Marauder football players to be drafted when the Detroit Lions selected him the 1962 NFL Draft. He would later go on to play in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes and the Grand Rapids Blazers.
Following his playing career, Knight coached the Grand Rapids Cobras Track Team and later founded the Grand Rapids Sherlock's Track Team. In addition to his love for sports, Knight enjoyed a distinguished career as an architect, draftsman and urban planner. He was one of the first African-Americans to work at Lockhead Martin in California as a missile and drone designer. He later served as an architect at Daverman & Associates in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Knight was also active in his community, serving as a voice for social justice and equality. Knight was an organizer of numerous African-American cultural festivals.
Knight was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame on October 6th. Knight's CSU classmates Tony Blaine, Robert Caldwell and Harold Martin accepted on his behalf.
Patricia Tramble I Guard/Coach I Class of 1986Â
A standout basketball player at East High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Patricia Tramble went on to play two seasons at Cuyahoga Community College before transferring to Central State University to play for coach Theresa Check. While wearing the maroon and gold, Tramble averaged 10 points per game while solidifying herself as one of the best rebounding guards on the team averaging 3 rebounds per game.
Tramble earned her degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from CSU in 1986. For her academic prowess, Tramble was honored as the Outstanding Special Education Student in the State of Ohio.
After graduating, Tramble joined the Lady Marauder basketball program as Check's full-time assistant coach. Tramble would be on Check's side for thirteen straight NAIA District 22 titles and multiple trips to the NAIA National Tournament. When Check stepped down from coaching to devote her full-time efforts to her duties as the Director of Athletics in 2001, Tramble took over the helm of the Lady Marauders. In her first year as head coach, her team averaged 100 points per game and reached the NAIA National Semi-Finals. CSU finished the year with a 30-2 overall record. At the conclusion of the season, Tramble was named the NAIA Independent Region Co-Coach of the Year.
Tramble continued to lead the Lady Marauders throughout the 2000s as the program made its transition to NCAA Div. II status. In addition to coaching, Tramble was named the Senior Woman Administrator in 2004. In her seven seasons as a head coach, Tramble's teams compiled an overall record of 152-68.
Tramble's players were both a force on the court and in the community. Tramble and her team would spend most Saturday's performing community service projects at local churches, nursing homes and recreation centers.
1992 Central State University Football Team I NAIA National Champions
The 1992 NAIA collegiate football season was a historic year for the Marauders of Central State University.
Led by legendary coach William "Billy" Joe, the Marauders marched all the way to the NAIA Div. I National Championship game where they came out on top with a dramatic 19-16 victory over Gardner-Webb College.
The 1992 season began in dominating fashion as CSU steamrolled through Fort Valley State, 33-0, in week 1. CSU came out on top, 7-3, in defensive battle at St. Francis (IL) in week 2 followed by a 24-10 victory over Elizabeth City State at home. After suffering a 30-17 loss to Texas Southern at the Capital City Classic, CSU responded by winning its next seven games by an average margin of 40.2 points which included an 83-0 blowout of rival Kentucky State and a 34-0 win over Harding (AR) in the first round of the NAIA Playoffs.
In the NAIA Semifinal, the Marauders topped Central Arkansas, 30-23. In the championship game held in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, CSU erased a 16-6 deficit in the fourth quarter. Playing on a severely sprained ankle, quarterback Henderson Mosley threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Charles Thompson with 7:51 left. Leroy Perkins scored the game winning touchdown on a 8-yard touchdown run to put CSU up, 19-6, with 36 seconds left on the clock. CSU's defense stifled any chance of a Gardner-Webb scoring drive and CSU celebrated its second NAIA National title.
The Marauders finished the season with a 12-1 overall record and had a final ranking of No. 1 in the NAIA National Poll and Black College Sports Reports Poll.
The Marauders had a variety of players earn All-American status which included electrifying kick returner and defensive back Marvin Coleman, quarterback Henderson Mosley, defensive end and future NFL Pro-Bowler Hugh Douglas and receiver Rozie McFadden.
As a team, CSU outscored opponents by an average margin of 24.92. The offense totaled 4,845 total yards and averaged 372.69 yards per game. The defense gave up just 10.6 points per game while forcing opponents into 48 turnovers.
1992 Central State Women's Track & Field Team I NAIA National Champions
Competing in Abbotford, British Columbia, the Central State University women's track & field team claimed their second consecutive NAIA Outdoor National Championship in 1992.
Coached by Olympian and CSU Hall of Famer Joshua Culbreath, the 1992 team set a record with nine individuals winning national titles– a mark that still stands twenty-five years later.
Carolin Sterling, who would end up becoming one of the most decorated female athletes in NAIA history, won the 100 meter hurdles (13.58), 200 meter dash (23.62) and long jump (20-7 ¾). At the conclusion of the championships, Sterling was named the Herbert B. Marett Outstanding Performer.
Deon Hemmings, who later went on to win the Olympic Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics, won the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 56.56. Audrea Sterling claimed the top spot in the 400 meter dash crossing the line at 53.37. Layphane Carnagie won the 100 meter dash with a pace of 11.54.
The Lady Marauders sealed the championship thanks to dominant performances in the relay events.
The Sterling sisters, Carnagie and Alwen Wallace finished with a top time of 45.52 in the 4 x 100 meter relays. The same group teamed up to win the spring medley with a pace of 1:40.35. CSU's 4 x 400 relay team consisting of Hemmings, Audrea Sterling, Ingrid Gordon and Sherdon Smith claimed first place with a final time of 3:38.39.
With a total team point total of 140, the Lady Marauders won the event by 14.5 points over championship host Simon Fraser University. CSU's 140 points would end up being the most accumulated by the team during their run of five NAIA outdoor titles throughout the 1990s.
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