Hall of Fame Class of 2015
2015 Hall of Fame Class
KARA HELLMANN
Kara Hellmann graduated from Georgetown College in 2006 after eradicating volleyball records and still stands as one of the best setters in the NAIA and NCAA. Hellmann finished Georgetown with 7,582 assists, taking the Tigers to three straight NAIA national tournament appearances from 2003-05.
To put Kara's setting stats into perspective, the NCAA record is 6,650 set by Tammy Robertson at University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Kara helped the Tigers to a 146-40 mark from 2002-05 and three straight 40 or more win seasons.
"Kara was a fierce competitor, a game-changer of a player, one who could motivate others and bring her teammates to a higher level in their own play," said volleyball coach Donna Hawkins. "Kara was an awesome setter, an offensive threat who could hit the ball a ton on second contact."
Kara was two-time NAIA second-team All-American, three-time MSC Player of the Year and AVCA NAIA Region XI Player of the Year in 2005.
She continued her passion for volleyball by coaching at Niagara University where she helped Michelle James to be Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Co-Rookie of the Year, two-time Setter of the Year and the 2011 Preseason MAAC Player of the Year. James graduated as Niagara's career assists leader and single-season assists record as a junior. Niagara was three-time MAAC tournament champions and two-time regular season champions during Kara's time as an assistant.
Kara is currently the associate head volleyball coach for Wright State University.
• Two-time NAIA second-team All-American
• Three-time Mid-South Conference Player of the Year
• 2005 AVCA NAIA Region XI Player of the Year
• 7,582 career assists – NAIA and NCAA record
• All-time career and single-season assist leader at Georgetown
• 2005 Georgetown College Female Athlete of the Year
• Three straight NAIA national tournament appearances
• 2005 Region XI Championship
• Four straight Mid-South Conference Championships
BETSY EVANS LASKI
Betsy Laski blazed the trail for women's cross country at Georgetown College. The future Boston Marathoner started her career on the paths for the Tigers in 2001 and became the first student-athlete in recent history to compete at the NAIA cross country national meet.
Since her three appearances in the championship meet, the Tigers have sent several racers including Britney Chesser, Elisha Overpeck and Tayler Godar – all three coached by Betsy at one point in their careers at Georgetown.
Betsy was three-time MSC All-Conference and NAIA All-Region. She was the top Georgetown finisher in every race she competed. She was NAIA honorable mention All-American in 2003, 2004 MSC and NAIA Region XI Champion, 2004 MSC Runner of the Year, and three-time MSC All-Academic and two-time NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete.
"Betsy is easily the most humble runner I've been around," said former teammate and coach Todd McDaniel. "She doesn't even know how good she truly is and is by far one of the easiest athletes to coach. I'm really excited to see that Betsy is one of the first representatives for cross country in the hall of fame."
She graduated summa cum laude in 2005 with a double major in economics and political science. Betsy continued at Georgetown, helping coach cross country and the newly formed track and field teams. She was head coach for both from 2010-12 and was named MSC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2011.
She received her master's degree in public policy from University of Kentucky Martin School in 2007. The same year she married husband Ryan and they have two daughters – Olivia and Ryleigh. She works for Bluegrass Area Development District in Lexington and continues to run competitively – completing her sixth full marathon the morning of her hall of fame induction on May 16, 2015.
• Three-time MSC All-Conference
• Three-time NAIA All-Region
• 2003 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American
• 2004 Mid-South Conference Champion
• 2004 NAIA Region XI Champion
• 2004 MSC Runner of the Yea
• 2004 NAIA A.O. Duer Award
• 2004 Georgetown College Sorority Athlete of the Year
• 11-time Mid-South Conference Runner of the Week
• Three-time MSC Academic All-Conferenc
• Two-time NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete
JIM MCLAUGHLIN
Jim McLaughlin is most noted for his love and passion for athletics. At Georgetown College, Jim was a dominate running back for the Tigers in the mid-to-late 1930s.
Jim's athletic talents were recognized everywhere he played no matter the outcome of the games. In an article from the Lexington Herald-Leader the following was said:
"...although beaten, Georgetown presented the most brilliant individual of the afternoon in Jim McLaughlin, 190 pound junior halfback, a product of Georgetown High."
Jim was an All-American and two-time All-KIAC in football during his time at Georgetown.
The Scott County native enjoyed and excelled at most anything he tried, all the while being humble and quiet about his passions. If he wasn't playing football, he might be found playing baseball, softball, basketball or track and field.
Upon graduating from Georgetown College, Jim signed with the 1939 Cincinnati Bengals.
After serving in World War II, Jim returned to Scott County for over 25 years as teacher, coach and athletic director.
After his passing, a scrapbook documenting his love for athletics was discovered. It's pages revealed that Jim was a local and regional hero, versatile athlete and well-rounded individual. However, what it displayed the most was his humility and passion for those around them as noted by Ralph G. Maurer's 1972 article in Georgetown News-Graphic:
"Most of all he loved people, remembered them...and that years after his days of glory...he tried to hold on to memories of the 20s and 30s in a 'hidden' scrapbook..."
He was quiet in his ways, larger than life on the football field for Georgetown High School and Georgetown College, and passionate about people.
ALAN RHINE
Alan Rhine graduated from Georgetown College in 1978 as a four-year letterman for the football Tigers. The fullback from Riviera Beach, Fla. played under Coach Tom Dowling for his first three seasons and Coach Tom Mullins his senior year.
Alan was named Most Valuable Freshman in 1974. He was the L.E. "Brad" Jones MVP winner as well as NAIA All-District in 1975. The fullback led the team in scoring that season with 82 points with 868 yards rushing.
He was once again named NAIA All-District in 1977 and was a two-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-American
Alan finished his career with 2,450 rushing yards and returned to the Tiger sidelines as a graduate assistant in 1978.
"He was an outstanding player and an even better person," Dowling said. "As a fullback he set the school scoring record as a sophomore. That he was a fullback speaks highly of his ability as he was able to flourish and do what he did in our system which was set more for a tailback. He was an excellent leader and very quality person."
Following graduation, Alan began a 35 year career with Coca-Cola Company while holding a variety of positions in West Palm Beach, Atlanta and Orlando before retiring in 2015.
He married his high school sweetheart, Grace Cawley-Rhine, and they have three children – Justin, Josh and Jenna. Alan currently serves as executive board member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of central Florida.
• Two-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-American
• 1974 Most Valuable Freshman
• 1975 L.E. Brad Jones MVP Award Winner
• 1975 NAIA All-District
• 1975 GC leading scoring with 82 points
• 1975 GC leading rusher with 868 yards
• 1977 Team Captain
• 1977 NAIA All-District
• 2,450 career rushing yards
MIKE WARD
Mike Ward is a 1984 graduate of Georgetown College and a four-year starting offensive lineman for Tiger football. In his junior and senior seasons he was captain, earning NAIA second-team All-American Offensive Lineman in 1983.
Coach Cronin was Mike's position coach during the early 80s and recognizes he was fundamental in turning the Tiger program into national contenders.
"Mike was a tireless worker who was truly committed to what our staff was trying to accomplish in the early years. The dedication he displayed in the off-season led others to understand the importance of being "all in". I look at Mike's success as a coach, and I am not surprised that he continues to show a high level of success at all levels of our profession."
Mike graduated from Georgetown with a bachelors degree in physical education and minor in political science. After graduation, he continued as a coach for Georgetown while completing his masters in secondary education which he received in 1986.
He continued his coaching career at University of Findlay as assistant football coach from 1986-91, and head wrestling coach from 1986-89. While at Findlay, Mike served as strength and conditioning coach which led to a job at Bowling Green State University.
He coached the BGSU in this capacity from 1992-99 and was recognized in 1997 and 1998 as Mid-American Conference Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year. Mike then joined the BGSU football staff from 2000-08, where he was defensive coordinator from 2007-08.
In 2009, he was hired as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for University of Toledo where he stayed until he took his current job with NCAA DI University of Illinois in 2012.
• Four-year starter on offensive line
• Two-time captain
• 1983 NAIA second-team All-American Offensive Lineman
• 1997 MAC Strength & Conditioning Professional of the Year
• 1998 MAC Strength & Conditioning Professional of the Year
JOHNNY RAY WILLIAMS
Johnny Ray Williams was a member of the teams under Coach Jim Reid that helped Georgetown College men's basketball establish national prominence in the NAIA.
He played from 1992-96, including in four-straight NAIA national tournaments. This was the start of the Tigers' NAIA record setting 34-straight appearances and counting at the national tournament.
"Johnny came along when we were really formulating our team and when we recruited him out of Jenkins until he graduated, we really saw growth and development that made it possible for us as a team to grow and prosper," said then GC assistant coach Happy Osborne. "He was one of the better players and more importantly a solid man doing things right on and off the court. I'm proud of who he has become, the dad he is and the accomplishments in his career as a cop and now detective. I'm always hearing praises about him and am glad he is receiving this honor tonight as well."
Johnny Ray helped Georgetown to three-straight Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletics Conference regular season and tournament championships in 1994, 1995, 1996. He was team captain in his junior and senior seasons, scoring a career 1,637 points. His record is currently 14th all-time in the 1,000 Point Club at Georgetown. Johnny Ray had 194 steals in his four years, currently fifth all-time. In his senior season, he was named All-KIAC and Basketball Times All-American
Since 2001 he has worked for Lexington Division of Police assigned to the Bureau of Investigation. His wife Meghan and their two children, Carley and Kendric, reside in Lexington.
• 1,637 career points
• 194 career steals
• Two-time team captain
• 1996 KIAC All-Conference
• 1996 Basketball Times All-American
• Three-time KIAC regular season champion
• Three-time KIAC postseason champion
• Four-time NAIA national tournament appearances
BERT HAWKINS – DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Bert Hawkins is a proud Georgetown College alumnus as well as a dedicated servant. During his numerous years of employment at Georgetown College, he was instrumental in expanding the institution. The former Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Life graduated in 1967 and his imprint will forever remain in the fabric of rich history at Georgetown. One of his notable accomplishments is establishing the Athletic Hall of Fame, by developing and implementing the original by-laws and shepherding them through the Board of Trustees. He was also instrumental of the Bob Davis roast that funded the inaugural induction in 1998.
He was twice an assistant football coach while Vice President whose duties included oversight of the athletic department and was a strong advocate for athletics as a member of the President's Cabinet. He was responsible for hiring Bill Cronin, Happy Osborne, Kevin and Mary Donley, Stephen Bisese as well as others who have made great contributions to Georgetown College. During his time as vice president, Georgetown won two national titles, women's basketball and volleyball made their first national tournament appearances, baseball and softball went to the playoffs, cross country was re-established and men's and women's soccer were made intercollegiate sports.
"Bert loves Georgetown College and served the college in several capacities. In every role, his main focus and passion was to see our students succeed. He supported them in and out of the classroom," said administrative assistant to dean of students Charlene Lucas. "He is a person with great leadership ability as evident by his drive to establish several honorary and leadership programs here – the Harper Gatton Leadership Program, the Union of Black Leaders, the new by-laws and organizing of SGA, the college wide honor code as well as helping charter Omicron Delta Kappa. He was even inducted as a charter member of ODK in April of 1996. His role on campus was far reaching and his support for the students was constant, which is why his induction into the Georgetown College Athletic Hall of Fame is so deserving."
His accomplishments reach beyond Georgetown. He was a founding member of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and an instructor in law enforcement at Eastern Kentucky University. He served as Commissioner of Public Safety for Oak Ridge, Tenn. and Lexington, Ky. where he revised its ambulance service to full EMS status within the fire department and decreased the crime rate to a still unmatched level.
After leaving Georgetown, Bert serve as Executive Director of the Lexington Humane Society, raising $3 million dollars that build the new state-of-the-art animal shelter and renovated the L. Bert Hawkins Administrative Building.
Bert's wife, Donna, and children, Travis and Kellie, are also Georgetown alumni.
DAVE CAMPBELL – COACH INDUCTION
Dave Campbell is a Tiger through and through. He played football under coach Kevin Donley from 1983-86. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown College.
"Dave was an outstanding football coach because he had the ability to lead people to be at their best even when less would be acceptable," said GC coach Bill Cronin. "He had outstanding work ethic and was a master at motivating our players. Dave is a big reason that Tiger football has climbed to a national level."
As a player, Dave earned All-District honors in 1985 and 1986, was named the Most Valuable Offensive Back, earned the Leadership Award and served as team captain.
His accolades were not only reserved for the field. He was the Physical Education and Education Department Student of the Year while working on his degrees at Georgetown. Dave served his first stint as a Tiger assistant starting in 1987 as he completed his masters degree. In the same year, Georgetown made the team's first NAIA playoff appearance.
He continued coaching on at Georgetown College through 1990 when he left and joined fellow alumnus Sam Simpson at Marion County High School. His next coaching move came as he joined Bill Cronin at Madison County High School and in 1997 both returned to the Georgetown College sidelines.
Dave served as defensive coordinator from 1997-07. The Tigers were twice NAIA national champions, four time national finalists and nine time Mid-South Conference champions during that era. His defense was recognized six times as being the best in total defense in NAIA. Dave coached 19 NAIA All-Americans and was 2001 AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year.
• Physical Education Student of the Year
• Education Department Student of the Year
• Two-time All-District Honoree
• Most Valuable Offensive Back
• Leadership Award
• Team Captain
• Six-time NAIA Best Total Defense
• Coached 19 NAIA All-Americans
• 2001 AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year
1991-92 SOFTBALL TEAM
The 1991-92 softball team rarely tasted defeat. The lone loss the Tigers suffered was redeemed as Georgetown rallied out of a tournament consolation bracket and finished the season 29-1. The team was the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletics Conference and Kentucky Women's Intercollegiate Conference champions.
"Coaching would be a breeze if all teams were made up of outstanding athletes as this group was," said GC coach Donna Hawkins. "This was a fun group to be around. They did not like to lose. Of course great memories last when you have such a winning season. After they took the lone loss in a tournament, these ladies were bound to rally out and they did just that. I treasure the friendships made with all of these outstanding athletes."
Members of that team were: Julie Banta Gosney, Tina Carey, Pam Hamilton Smallwood, Kellie Hawkins Hasenbalg, Heather Higgins Cornett, Robyn Kulp, Elizabeth Nauert Rongen, Carol Ann Schmidt Logan, Melissa Songer, Kasey Tarter, Jennifer Walker Coutinho and Amy Arnold Dreisbach.
JIM REID MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
CONNOR DANIS – MEN'S GOLF
Connor Danis, a Mount Sterling, Ky. native, is not only a skilled golfer, but is also excels in the class room. Danis was named to All-Tournament teams at the Georgetown Invitational at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. and the Bluegrass Fall Classic. He boasts a 3.2 grade point average as a freshman and is involved in Campus Outreach and other mission-related activities.
REED-ALLEN CHARACTER IN SPORTS
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
AUSTIN COLLIVER – MEN'S TENNIS
Austin is one of the most selfless leaders on the men's tennis team. Although not immediately eligible after transferring from Campbellsville University, Austin attended every match during the 2012-13 season supporting and guiding his teammates. He stayed active by playing in adult leagues and was one of the team's top players this past season. Off the court, Austin works hard in the class room while managing his tennis schedule and a part-time job. His heart for Christ was made clear this past year as he organized the team for a work day with Habitat for Humanity. Austin is also the male tennis representative for the student-athlete advisory council.
ALYSSA KENNEDY – WOMEN'S TENNIS
Alyssa is a model student-athlete, leading by example of how to balance responsibilities and demonstrate excellence with the utmost character and integrity on and off the court. She played an integral role on the tennis team during the past three seasons, while also juggling a grueling academic schedule as an accounting major. Alyssa maintains a 3.2 grade point average, is active in supporting her fellow Tiger athletes and serves as the female tennis representative for the student-athlete advisory council.