By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Four of the greatest student-athletes ever to don the purple and gold for their respective sports, as well as the man who provided media coverage for each of them and thousands more, have been selected to the 44th class for induction into the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
Whether it was on the softball diamond, the football field or the basketball court, the four former student-athletes selection for induction proved themselves time and time again what it means to be a Golden Eagle. Along the way with each of them was a man who spent countless hours making sure their every achievement would receive the proper recognition and attention. Together they make up the Class of 2018.
This year's class includes Dana Bilyeu McWilliams (women's basketball), Beth Boden (softball), Stephanie Fischer (softball), Rob Schabert (sports information), and Larry Shipp (football).
"This is yet another incredible class and we are honored to welcome them into the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame," said Tech director of athletics Mark Wilson. "The honors, awards and records they each accumulated is just a testament to the every-day effort and hard work put forth throughout their careers. We thank them for that are pleased to induct them into our Hall of Fame."
The Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 44th induction during Homecoming weekend, Nov. 2-3. The event will be held at the Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday evening, and the group will be recognized at the Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon against Murray State.
The Class of 2018 includes:
Dana Bilyeu McWilliams – With dominant runs in the purple and gold and as a high school coach, McWilliams' impact both at Tennessee Tech University and Upperman High School have been undeniable. A two-time All-OVC selection and two-time OVC regular season and tournament champion in her time at TTU, she helped guide Tech to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. McWilliams has most recently led UHS to back-to-back TSSAA Division I, Class AA state titles.
Beth Boden – Easily one of the greatest hitters in Tech history, Boden spent the majority of her career smashing home runs and brining home hardware. The program's career record holder for home runs, at-bats, runs and total bases, she was named the 2007 OVC Player of the Year, led the NCAA in home runs in 2007 and earned NFCA All-South Region honors. She also was a three-time All-OVC First Team selection, leading Tech to two OVC regular season and three OVC tournament titles.
Stephanie Fischer – Also one of the greatest to wield a bat for the Golden Eagles, Fischer also made a career out of hammering dingers and filling the trophy case. The team's all-time career leader in doubles and RBI, she led the NCAA in home runs, home runs per game and slugging percentage in 2008, becoming the first Tech player ever to receive NFCA All-American honors. The 2008 OVC Player of the Year was a two-time All-OVC First Team honoree and led Tech to back-to-back OVC regular season titles and three OVC tournament championships.
Rob Schabert – Tennessee Tech's sports information director for nearly 34 years, Schabert made a lasting impact not only on the University, but also on the community and each of the more than 8,000 student-athletes he was tasked in promoting during his career. His creativity and vision led to the development of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, the President's Awards program, and most of the yearly honors bestowed upon Golden Eagle student-athletes by the Department of Athletics.
Larry Shipp – One of just three Golden Eagles ever to win the Robert Hill Johnson Award three times, Shipp left Tech as the program's all-time leader in receiving yards and receptions, still ranking second to this day. A two-time All-American and three-time All-OVC First Team selection, he led the OVC in receiving yards in 2006 and finished his career in the purple and gold with the most 100-yard receiving games.
