Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Athletics Announces Inaugural Ring Of Honor Class
8/4/2026 11:10:00 AM | General
With Marshall’s ‘75’ at its center, these distinguished honorees will receive Herd’s highest honor during 1st ever Legends Weekend Jan. 15-17, 2027
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – On Tuesday, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison announced the inaugural class of Marshall's new Ring of Honor, which highlights Marshall Athletics' new Legacy Initiative.
The purpose of the Legacy Initiative is to preserve Marshall's storied past, honor the legends who serve as Marshall's foundation and reconnect generations of Thundering Herd student-athletes to serve as inspiration for greatness for the future of Marshall Athletics.
"Marshall Athletics has one of the most remarkable stories in all of college athletics," Harrison said. "The Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative is our commitment to preserving that story — not simply by remembering our past, but by ensuring it continues to inspire every student-athlete, coach, alumnus, and fan who proudly wears the Green and White. Championships define seasons, but traditions define institutions. This initiative is about building traditions that will strengthen Marshall Athletics for generations to come."
The newly-approved Legacy Initiative includes the annual Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame inductions while also establishing the Legends Weekend, which will serve as an annual keynote celebration of new inductees through the Legacy Initiative.
The first Legends Weekend, scheduled for Jan. 15-17, 2027, will celebrate the inauguration of Marshall's first-ever Ring of Honor class.
The Ring of Honor is distinguished as the highest honor bestowed by Marshall Athletics for individuals or groups whose accomplishments have brought Marshall University distinction while advancing the legacy and success of the Thundering Herd.
"The Ring of Honor is a powerful reminder that Marshall's story has always been shaped by the people whose impact reaches far beyond simply a season, a scoreboard or a single moment," Marshall President Brad D. Smith said. "At Marshall, legacy isn't something we simply look back on with pride; it's something we carry forward with purpose. The individuals being honored represent the very best of who we are – resilient, determined, and committed to something bigger than themselves."
Those chosen to the Ring of Honor will have permanent and visible tributes displayed in their honor within the venues of Marshall Athletics, commemorating their greatness and showcasing Marshall's history for patrons to edify and inspire all for bigger things.
"The Ring of Honor represents the highest distinction our department can bestow," Harrison said. "It recognizes individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and impact helped shape Marshall Athletics into what it is today. More importantly, it ensures that every person who walks into our athletics venues understands they are part of something much bigger than themselves. These are the men and women whose shoulders we all stand upon."
For Marshall University and Marshall Athletics, there is no group more central or important to that legacy than 'Marshall's 75' – those lost on Nov. 14, 1970, when Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed upon re-entry at Tri-State Airport after bringing Marshall's Football team home from a game at East Carolina.
Their recognition as the initial honorees and the center of Marshall Athletics' Ring of Honor commemorates their place in history and establishes a foundation that encompasses all facets of Marshall's greatness: remembrance, resilience, unity and excellence.
"Everything we celebrate through the Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative begins with the Marshall '75'," Harrison said. "Their courage, sacrifice, resilience, and enduring spirit define who we are as a university and as an athletics department. Rather than simply becoming members of the Ring of Honor, they will forever serve as the Foundational Honorees of the Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative. Every tradition we establish, every legend we celebrate, and every future generation we inspire will do so upon the foundation they created."
While the '75' serve as the foundation on which Marshall Athletics stands, there are many great figures from Marshall's proud athletics history whose impacts have helped transform their sport and build for a bigger future.
Many have already been enshrined in the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame and now, these listed individuals will further cement their legacy and permanence as Marshall legends in the inaugural Ring of Honor class:
"Selecting an inaugural class is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility because this group will forever establish the standard for the Marshall Athletics Ring of Honor," Harrison said. "These individuals represent excellence across generations, sports, and eras. They are champions, pioneers, leaders, and ambassadors who have proudly represented Marshall University on the conference, national, and international stages. Their achievements have elevated Marshall Athletics, and it is only fitting that their legacies now become a permanent part of our story."
Ring of Honor inductees are chosen by the Selection Committee, which is comprised of athletics administrators, former student-athletes, former coaches, university representatives, alumni representatives and community members.
Committee members review nominations and make recommendations for induction based on several criterium, including athletic achievement, leadership, character and sportsmanship, historical significance, impact on Marshall Athletics and contributions to society and the community.
About The Legacy Initiative
The Legacy Initiative was created in 2026 by Vice President/Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison to execute three pillars that can transform the next generation of Marshall Athletics. Those three pillars are as follows: Preserve The Past, Honor The Legends and Celebrate The Future.
The preservation of the past is done so through the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame, which is the department's historic record of excellence for distinguished careers and lifetime achievement.
The ability to honor legends is executed through the Marshall Athletics Ring of Honor, which is the highest distinction bestowed for anyone to represent the Thundering Herd. This permanent recognition displayed proudly within Marshall Athletic venues serves as a living reminder of the standard established by those past greats within Marshall Athletics.
The celebration of the future happens with the Legends Weekend, which is the premier annual celebration for Marshall Athletics. This year's Legends Weekend is set for Jan. 15-17, 2027.
This keynote annual weekend not only honors excellence of Marshall's past but reconnects generations of Thundering Herd student-athletes for a weekend that reflects on the past, inspires the future and creates bonds, friendships and mentorships that further galvanize Marshall Athletics' legacy.
"The Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative is ultimately about stewardship," Harrison said. "We inherited an extraordinary legacy from those who came before us, and it is our responsibility to preserve it, celebrate it, and leave it even stronger for those who will follow. That is what this initiative represents, and I cannot think of a better way to honor the Marshall family."
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – On Tuesday, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison announced the inaugural class of Marshall's new Ring of Honor, which highlights Marshall Athletics' new Legacy Initiative.
The purpose of the Legacy Initiative is to preserve Marshall's storied past, honor the legends who serve as Marshall's foundation and reconnect generations of Thundering Herd student-athletes to serve as inspiration for greatness for the future of Marshall Athletics.
"Marshall Athletics has one of the most remarkable stories in all of college athletics," Harrison said. "The Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative is our commitment to preserving that story — not simply by remembering our past, but by ensuring it continues to inspire every student-athlete, coach, alumnus, and fan who proudly wears the Green and White. Championships define seasons, but traditions define institutions. This initiative is about building traditions that will strengthen Marshall Athletics for generations to come."
The newly-approved Legacy Initiative includes the annual Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame inductions while also establishing the Legends Weekend, which will serve as an annual keynote celebration of new inductees through the Legacy Initiative.
The first Legends Weekend, scheduled for Jan. 15-17, 2027, will celebrate the inauguration of Marshall's first-ever Ring of Honor class.
The Ring of Honor is distinguished as the highest honor bestowed by Marshall Athletics for individuals or groups whose accomplishments have brought Marshall University distinction while advancing the legacy and success of the Thundering Herd.
"The Ring of Honor is a powerful reminder that Marshall's story has always been shaped by the people whose impact reaches far beyond simply a season, a scoreboard or a single moment," Marshall President Brad D. Smith said. "At Marshall, legacy isn't something we simply look back on with pride; it's something we carry forward with purpose. The individuals being honored represent the very best of who we are – resilient, determined, and committed to something bigger than themselves."
Those chosen to the Ring of Honor will have permanent and visible tributes displayed in their honor within the venues of Marshall Athletics, commemorating their greatness and showcasing Marshall's history for patrons to edify and inspire all for bigger things.
"The Ring of Honor represents the highest distinction our department can bestow," Harrison said. "It recognizes individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and impact helped shape Marshall Athletics into what it is today. More importantly, it ensures that every person who walks into our athletics venues understands they are part of something much bigger than themselves. These are the men and women whose shoulders we all stand upon."
For Marshall University and Marshall Athletics, there is no group more central or important to that legacy than 'Marshall's 75' – those lost on Nov. 14, 1970, when Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed upon re-entry at Tri-State Airport after bringing Marshall's Football team home from a game at East Carolina.
Their recognition as the initial honorees and the center of Marshall Athletics' Ring of Honor commemorates their place in history and establishes a foundation that encompasses all facets of Marshall's greatness: remembrance, resilience, unity and excellence.
"Everything we celebrate through the Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative begins with the Marshall '75'," Harrison said. "Their courage, sacrifice, resilience, and enduring spirit define who we are as a university and as an athletics department. Rather than simply becoming members of the Ring of Honor, they will forever serve as the Foundational Honorees of the Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative. Every tradition we establish, every legend we celebrate, and every future generation we inspire will do so upon the foundation they created."
While the '75' serve as the foundation on which Marshall Athletics stands, there are many great figures from Marshall's proud athletics history whose impacts have helped transform their sport and build for a bigger future.
Many have already been enshrined in the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame and now, these listed individuals will further cement their legacy and permanence as Marshall legends in the inaugural Ring of Honor class:
- Special contributors (1): Dorothy "Dot" Hicks
- Football (7): Chad Pennington, Randy Moss, Bob Pruett, Byron Leftwich, Vinny Curry, Troy Brown, Frank Gatski
- Men's Basketball (8): Hal Greer, Mike D'Antoni, Dan D'Antoni, Leo Byrd, Walt Walowac, Charlie Slack, Russell Lee, John Taft
- Women's Basketball (2): Karen Pelphrey, Kristina Behnfeldt
- Volleyball (1): Kelly-Anne Billingy
- Baseball (3): Jeff Montgomery, Rick Reed, Jack Cook
- Softball (3): Rachel Folden, Shonda Stanton, Morgan Zerkle
- Men's Soccer (2): Pedro Dolabella, Jamil Roberts
- Women's Soccer (1): Amanda McMahon
- Women's Tennis (2): Ashley Kroh, Jessica Johnson
- Women's Golf (1): Tammie Green
- Men's Golf (1): Joe Feaganes
- Men's Swimming & Diving (1): Bill Noe
- Women's Swimming & Diving (1): Milla Kuurto
- Men's Track & Field (1): Joe Johns
- Women's Track & Field (1): Lea Ann Parsley
- Men's Cross Country (1): Dave Tabor
- Women's Cross Country (1): Tina Maynard
- Wrestling (1): Bill Cyrus
"Selecting an inaugural class is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility because this group will forever establish the standard for the Marshall Athletics Ring of Honor," Harrison said. "These individuals represent excellence across generations, sports, and eras. They are champions, pioneers, leaders, and ambassadors who have proudly represented Marshall University on the conference, national, and international stages. Their achievements have elevated Marshall Athletics, and it is only fitting that their legacies now become a permanent part of our story."
Ring of Honor inductees are chosen by the Selection Committee, which is comprised of athletics administrators, former student-athletes, former coaches, university representatives, alumni representatives and community members.
Committee members review nominations and make recommendations for induction based on several criterium, including athletic achievement, leadership, character and sportsmanship, historical significance, impact on Marshall Athletics and contributions to society and the community.
About The Legacy Initiative
The Legacy Initiative was created in 2026 by Vice President/Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison to execute three pillars that can transform the next generation of Marshall Athletics. Those three pillars are as follows: Preserve The Past, Honor The Legends and Celebrate The Future.
The preservation of the past is done so through the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame, which is the department's historic record of excellence for distinguished careers and lifetime achievement.
The ability to honor legends is executed through the Marshall Athletics Ring of Honor, which is the highest distinction bestowed for anyone to represent the Thundering Herd. This permanent recognition displayed proudly within Marshall Athletic venues serves as a living reminder of the standard established by those past greats within Marshall Athletics.
The celebration of the future happens with the Legends Weekend, which is the premier annual celebration for Marshall Athletics. This year's Legends Weekend is set for Jan. 15-17, 2027.
This keynote annual weekend not only honors excellence of Marshall's past but reconnects generations of Thundering Herd student-athletes for a weekend that reflects on the past, inspires the future and creates bonds, friendships and mentorships that further galvanize Marshall Athletics' legacy.
"The Marshall Athletics Legacy Initiative is ultimately about stewardship," Harrison said. "We inherited an extraordinary legacy from those who came before us, and it is our responsibility to preserve it, celebrate it, and leave it even stronger for those who will follow. That is what this initiative represents, and I cannot think of a better way to honor the Marshall family."
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
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