Photo Gallery | Inductee Capsules

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University Athletic Department and the HPU Panther Club held the first annual High Point University Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Sunday night inside the Millis Center.
 
More than 300 former High Point University student-athletes, coaches, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate a truly groundbreaking event and honor eight extraordinary individuals.
 
The inaugural Hall of Fame class included Andreia Blanchard ('81, basketball), Dick Culler ('36, baseball/basketball/soccer), Karen (Curtis) McConico ('98, basketball), Bob Davidson ('55, cross country/track head coach), Otis Foster ('75, baseball), Gene Littles ('69, basketball), Brian Payne ('93, track & field) and Jerry Steele (men's basketball head coach/HPU athletic director).
 
"We gather here tonight to honor men and women who have led a life of distinction and have played a major role in the evolution and development of this University," University President Dr. Nido Qubein said. "You are the best of the best. Thank you, congratulations and God bless you."
 
A number of High Point University head coaches attended the ceremony, as well as former student-athletes that included Tubby Smith ('73) and members of the 1978 High Point University women's basketball national championship team.
 
"When you do something that hasn't been done in the 90-year history of High Point University, it is historic," athletic director Dan Hauser said. "To our inductees - you laid the foundation for our athletic heritage and you ushered in our transition to the Division I era. Your lasting legacy is represented within this room and beyond with the family, friends and High Point University fans you touched forever."
 
The event was emceed by WGHP sports anchor Kevin Connolly '87. Connolly welcomed Blanchard up to the stage as the first ever inductee into the High Point University Athletics Hall of Fame. A member of HPU's 1978 AIAW National Championship Team, Blanchard is the No. 2 all-time leading scorer in program history.
 
"My journey has been compelling. I am all that I am because of all the people that have supported me along the way," Blanchard said. "This has been a beautiful weekend and I want to thank all of you for allowing my name to be etched in the foundation of this beautiful institution."
 
After Blanchard's induction, Connolly spoke about the late Dick Culler '36, a three-sport athlete at HPU that played Major League Baseball. A part of American history, Culler recorded the first-ever put out of the great Jackie Robinson. Culler's son, Dick, accepted the award on his behalf.
 
"I feel very fortunate to be standing here to celebrate this momentous occasion," Culler said. "We are so proud that the University selected him to be selected in the first class of the Hall of Fame. If he were alive today he would be truly humbled by this honor."
 
McConico followed Culler to the stage. HPU's all-time leading scorer, she was a two-time All-American and later served as a long-time assistant coach for the women's basketball program.
 
"I didn't play sports to end up on this podium; I played for the shear love of the game," McConico said. "The game has taught me so many lessons about life and I've met so many amazing people that have helped shaped me into the person I am today. For that I am forever grateful."
 
The first of two legendary coaches was inducted next, as long-time HPU track & field head coach Bob Davidson took the stage. Davidson also played basketball and baseball as a student at High Point.
 
"After 39 years, you look back and see what you accomplished and we won our share of championships here," Davidson said. "But just as important as championships are relationships you develop with student-athletes and I am thrilled to continue these relationships today. I have a real soft spot in my heart for High Point University."
 
High Point native Otis Foster followed Davidson. The only HPU student-athlete ever selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft, Foster still holds a slew of records in the all-time High Point annals.
 
"Today is a momentous occasion in my life. I am humbled and grateful to receive this honor today," Foster said. "If a small town boy from the south side of High Point can succeed beyond any imagination and dreams, you can too. Hold tight to your aspirations, develop your talents and make defendable decisions."
 
After Foster complete his remarks, men's basketball all-time leading scorer Gene Littles '69 became the next inductee. The first ever African American student-athlete to live on campus, Littles broke down racial barriers over the course of his career. He went on to play in the ABA and enjoy a 20-year coaching career in the college ranks and the NBA. Littles had the opportunity to work with both Pete Maravich and Michael Jordan during his NBA career.
 
"This is a wonderful occasion and it's an honor and a pleasure to be here," Littles said. "It's been a great run from Washington D.C. to North Carolina. One of my professors here told me it's not what you learn in class that will carry you for the rest of your life. The things you learn from the people that you meet in college will carry you forever. I believe that."
 
The second track & field inductee of the evening, Brian Payne '93 took to the stage after Littles. A three-time NAIA national champion, Payne still holds three High Point University records to this day.
 
"I never thought I would be a Hall of Fame inductee, a national champion or an All-American," Payne said. "I didn't think about it because all I wanted to do was work hard. I was all about trying to be a perfect and to be a perfect hurdler. I used my talents in track & field to help me be a good man, and I have tried to do that all my life."
 
The final inductee of the night was legendary High Point University men's basketball coach and athletic director Jerry Steele. Steele spoke at length about the former student-athletes, coaches, HPU administrators and others that touched his life during a four decade career.
 
Following the event, the inductees gathered for photos and to reflect back on a memorable evening. As the first ever HPU Athletics Hall of Fame Class, the eight individuals will forever be bonded by a truly special honor.
 
The 2016 High Point University Hall of Fame Class will be announced this fall.
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