Bethune-Cookman inducts 20 into Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame
John Chaney, Larry Little, "Cy'' McClairen among honorees

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman College enshrined 20 people into its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 13, 2000, in the President's Dining Hall on campus.

In an emotional, high-spirited ceremony attended by nine of the inductees, Dr. Jno. S. Frink, executive vice president, lauded each of the honorees in attendance for their outstanding contributions to Bethune-Cookman College and society in general.

Dr. Frink also announced that the next Hall of Fame induction will take place in the fall of 2001.

Among those inducted was current B-CC president, Dr. Oswald P. Bronson. He joined former B-CC presidents, including college founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. James Colston, and Dr. Richard V. Moore as members of the inaugural class. Coaches inducted include the school's first football coach, Preston Peterson (posthumous), B-CC's first competitive football coach, Rudolph "Bunky'' Matthews (posthumous), the school's first baseball coach, John Knight (posthumous), and women's basketball coach, current U.S. Congresswoman, Carrie Davis Meek (who was unable to attend).

Two humanitarians were inducted for their contributions to the Wildcat Athletic program: Harold V. Lucas and Maxwell Saxon (posthumous). Three of the most celebrated players inducted were NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little, Jack "Cy'' McClairen, the school's first player drafted into the National Football League, and John Chaney, current head basketball coach at Temple University (who was unable to attend).

Other players inducted include: Joseph "Sport'' Anderson, Eugenia Byrd, Charles "Toby'' Golden (posthumous), Charleston Holt, Evelyn Wong Hemsley, Andy Hinson, and Raymon Thornton.

Following are biographical sketches of the players honored:
Joseph "Sport'' Anderson was the first All-America football player at Bethune-Cookman College. The quarterback was picked for the All-Southeast Athletic Conference in 1948. In addition to football, he played basketball and ran track.

Eugenia Byrd was one of Bethune-Cookman College's best women's basketball players. A popular leader on campus, she was named Miss B-CC in 1951. This is Mrs. Byrd's second hall of fame induction. An educator for 32 years, she was inducted into the National Association of Floridian Clubs Hall of Fame in 1997 for distinguishing herself in teaching.

John Chaney is one of the most colorful players in the history of Bethune-Cookman College basketball. As a Wildcat standout from 1950-53, he led the team to the 1953 SIAC conference title, in addition to being named to the SIAC team all four years at Bethune-Cookman. He matriculated from Bethune-Cookman to become one of the nation's top Division I basketball coaches. He currently serves as the head coach at Temple University, where his winning percentage is over 80 percent, which is third-best among active coaches in Division I.

Evelyn Wong Hemsley, one of the best women's basketball players at Bethune-Cookman College, served as co-captain of the team while earning All-SIAC honors. She was the leading scorer in the 1953-54 season and was selected the "All-Around Woman of the Year.''

In 1952, Andy Hinson became the school's third All-America football player. A two-year team captain, he was also named to the SIAC All-Conference team as a sophomore and senior. He later returned to his alma mater to coach football, earning the distinction of one of the winningest coaches in school history, with an overall record of 24 wins, 9 losses and 1 tie from 1976 to 1978.

Charleston Holt played a key role B-CC's football and basketball teams that won conference championships between 1949 and 1952. In 1952, he was named Most Valuable Player for football. He later became a successful coach and administrator in Quincy, Fla.

While at Bethune-Cookman College, Larry Little earned All-American honors in 1967 at both offensive and defensive tackles. He was the first B-CC player inducted into the National Football League Professional Hall of Fame. With the Miami Dolphins, he earned five consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl. He then returned home to Bethune-Cookman College as head football coach to give the Wildcats their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in 1984.

Jack "Cy'' McClairen is the first B-CC player to be drafted into the pros. He earned 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track at Bethune-Cookman. After a successful career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he returned to his alma mater to become the winningest basketball coach in school history. During his 38-year affiliation, he coached football, basketball, golf and served as athletic director. He's now the Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Golf Coach. He's been inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, the Southern Intercollegiate Hall of Fame and the Bay County Hall of Fame.

Raymon Thornton was the college's second All-American football player. For his accomplishments, he was selected as the top quarterback in the SIAC in 1951. He went on to become a successful teacher and administrator in South Florida.

Among coaches who were inducted:
Rudolph "Bunky'' Matthews(represented by his daughter Tanya) is credited with establishing the modern-day competitive football program at B-CC. He was the first coach to defeat archrival Florida A&M, compiling an 80-42-6 record in 14 seasons.

Carrie Davis Meekcoached women's basketball from 1946-1956, and as one of the top administrators, she helped the women's physical education department flourish.

John Knight is credited with establishing the Wildcats' competitive baseball program. During his tenure, B-CC won four Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He posted 20 straight wins in 1971-72 season with the 20th victory archrival Florida A&M.

Preston Peterson was the first football coach, serving as a coach-player, while compiling a 12-3-3- record during his five-year tenure from 1925-1930.

Front Page

Newsroom Index