Photo Gallery

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University Athletic Department and the HPU Panther Club held the second annual High Point University Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday night inside the Millis Center.
 
More than 200 former High Point University student-athletes, coaches, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate and honor four extraordinary members of the HPU Athletics family.
 
The 2016 Hall of Fame class included Marie Riley ('80, women's basketball/volleyball/tennis), Orlando "Tubby" Smith ('73, basketball), Kitty Steele (field hockey/tennis head coach) and Roger Watson ('66, golf).
 
"We are privileged to honor the legacy and outstanding achievements of this 2016 class of inductees," athletic director Dan Hauser said. "The records, the success and the championship achievements that this group has created are amazing. Thank you for choosing to be a part of the High Point University family and sharing those moments with us."
 
The event was emceed by WFMY sports anchor Liz Crawford. Crawford welcomed Riley up to the stage as the first inductee into the High Point University Athletics Hall of Fame. A member of HPU's 1978 AIAW National Championship Team, Riley was a three-time All-American in women's basketball and also led the Panthers to conference and state championships in volleyball and tennis. She was one of the best all-around student-athletes to ever don the Purple & White.
 
"Woody Gibson, Jerry Steele and Mrs. Steele, they really helped me along," Riley said. "They guided me. I was skinny and shy and they did so much for me. I thank the Panther Club and I appreciate everything this university has done for me."
 
After Riley's induction, Crawford introduced HPU basketball's most prominent alumnus and one of the best college basketball coaches in the history of the sport. Orlando "Tubby" Smith starred for the Panthers from 1969-73 and still ranks as the No. 7 all-time scorer in program history.
 
 Since his graduation from HPU, Smith has amassed 557 career victories in a 26-season coaching career, including a run to the 1997 national title as the head coach at Kentucky. He is one of just two coaches ever to lead five Div. I schools to the NCAA Tournament (Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas Tech) and has commanded his teams to four Elite Eights, nine Sweet 16s and 18 NCAA Tournament berths. Smith was hired as the head coach at the University of Memphis in April.
 
"This is a tremendous honor. To be recognized by your alma mater, that's the pinnacle of what you can achieve in life," Smith said. "My coaches and teammates here have made such a huge difference in my life. My experiences at High Point have played a unique and important part in preparing me for the success I've achieved in my career. I don't think I've received an honor as significant as this in my life."
 
Following Smith, Crawford introduced HPU coaching legend Kitty Steele. Steele served as High Point's women's tennis and field hockey coach for 20 seasons while playing a prominent role in bringing women's athletics to the university. She guided her teams to 12 conference championships and was named conference and district coach of the year on 12 occasions. She made an impact on countless student-athletes during her time at HPU and High Point College.
 
"Any success I've had is because of the people I worked with here," Steele said. "The administration was so supportive in the early days of Title IX. I am honored and happy to be here. I truly appreciate this recognition."
 
The final inductee of the evening was former HPU golfer Roger Watson. Watson is the most prominent alumnus of the men's golf program. He was named an NAIA All-American during his time at High Point College and was Inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1981.  Watson's most iconic career moment came in 1974, when he defeated seven-time major champion and 82-time PGA Tour champion Sam Snead in a playoff to win the PGA Club Professionals Championship.
 
Watson could not make the ceremony, so Watson's daughter, brother-in-law and family accepted the award on his behalf.
 
"It is truly a humbling experience to be honored along side of these three outstanding athletes," Watson said in a speech read by his son-in-law Jamey. "I have been very fortunate in my life and have been able to accomplish some very amazing things.  None of these things could have been possible without the great sport of golf or the very special people who have been a part of my life along the way. I will always hold High Point University near and dear to my heart."

Following the event, the inductees gathered for photos and to reflect back on a memorable evening.
 
The 2017 High Point University Hall of Fame Class will be announced this fall.

#GoHPU