ECU Athletics Inducts Seven Into Class of 2024 Hall of Fame
ADA, Okla. – On Friday night, East Central University Athletics proudly inducted its 2024 Hall of Fame Class during a captivating ceremony inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
The esteemed class comprises of six outstanding individuals and one remarkable national championship team. Included in this group are Teresa Jones Ingram (Student-Athlete – Women's Basketball), Scott Linn (Distinguished Coach - Tennis), Robert Dudley (Distinguished Athletic Alumni - Baseball), Calvin Prince (Distinguished Athletic Alumni - Football), Mike and Karen Smith (Distinguished Service), and the 1993 National Championship Football Team.
With these additions, ECU's Hall of Fame Class expands to 157 former student-athletes, alumni, coaches, administrators, and teams who have made significant impacts and contributions to ECU Athletics.
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The evening commenced with a warm welcome from ECU Athletic Director Matt Cole, followed by opening remarks from ECU President Wendell Godwin.
After a compelling induction video showcasing a montage of close friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones highlighting the achievements and greatness of the inductees, each member of the Class of 2024 took the stage and shared a heartfelt reflection on their time at ECU and the profound impact the university has had on their lives.
Teresa Jones Ingram had a record-setting career with the Tigers' women's basketball program from 1997-99. After a three-year hiatus upon leaving Trinity Valley where she helped the Lady Cardinals to a 61-5 record and their first National Title in 1994, Jones returned to the game in 1997 when she chose to continue her career at East Central University. Despite her relatively brief stint at ECU, Jones made an impressive impact, amassing 1,469 career points to sit as women's basketball's third all-time leading scorer. Not only did she make an impressive impact on the University, but within the Lone Star Conference. She set conference records with 310 field goals made in a season in her junior year while also leading the NAIA with an average of 27.0 points per game and earning the title of Lone Star North Division Player of the Year. As a senior, Jones continued her impressive contributions by leading the Lone Star Conference in both points per game (22.6) and rebounds per game (11.3) while nationally she ranked sixth and 11
th in the respective categories. Jones's many accolades include NAIA First Team All-American as a junior and a Daktronics NCAA Division II Second Team All-American, NCAA Division II South Central All-Region Team selection, and an LSC First Team member as a senior.
Scott Linn has left an incredible mark on student-athletes through his successful 29-year coaching career. A 1995 graduate of ECU, Linn was a four-year letterwinner and two-year captain for the Tigers. After receiving his bachelor's degree in mass communications, he also pursued a master's degree in human resource administration while serving as a graduate assistant coach for the ECU tennis program until 1997. After beginning his coaching career with the Tigers, Linn's journey continued with his first head coaching job at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma for two seasons before moving on to several other coaching stints including Embry-Riddle, Florida Southern, and Indiana before settling in Wichita Falls, Texas where Linn has served as Midwestern State University's head coach since 2010. Linn is a decorated leader having combined 21 NCAA Tournament appearances between the men's and women's tennis programs during his 13 seasons at MSU. Under his guidance, he has been able to achieve numerous milestones and produced a plethora of All-Americans, Conference Selections, Players, Rookies, and Newcomers of the Year. Overall, Linn has amassed a 317-167 record in 20 seasons as a women's collegiate head coach, while notching a 342-213 mark in 23 years at the helm of men's collegiate programs. Linn's collegiate accolades include four ITA Regional Coach of the Year, one United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Coach of the Year, seven Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year, and two Florida Sun Conference Coach of the Year.
Robert Dudley, a distinguished member of the ECU Class of 1979 and former baseball player under the esteemed guidance of legendary head coach Ken Turner, has consistently stood out as a reliable contributor to ECU. According to Gerald Williamson, a former professor turned friend, Dudley is celebrated for his unwavering dependability. Dudley has been a generous benefactor to Tiger baseball, providing significant financial support while also extending his commitments to fostering a sense of community by actively engaging in various ECU events. He even plays a role in bringing prospective students to campus, leaving a lasting impression on the institution. Dudley's leadership and loyalty have transcended his college years and manifested in an impressive professional career within the banking industry, where he has held roles as President and Senior Vice President. Despite his successes, Dudley has never wavered in his dedication to ECU, maintaining a deep connection to his alma mater. His continued allegiance embodies the spirit of "Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger," making him a deserving recipient of the recognition as a Distinguished Athletic Alumni.
The ECU Athletics Hall of Fame consists of a distinguished roster of Tiger greats, with inductees spanning a spectrum of achievements encompassing athletic talent, coaching excellence, team triumphs, and more. Yet, what unites them all is the profound impact they have had on the lives of others.
Calvin Prince, a class of 1989 ECU football player, exemplifies this shared trait in his post-graduate professional journey. In January of 2023, Prince earned the prestigious appointment to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board by Governor Kevin Stitt, a testament to his dedication to justice and public service. Before this role, Prince served on the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Board of Directors since 2019. His dedication to community welfare extends further, having assumed the position of administrator for the Pontotoc County Specialty Courts in 2012. Prince's illustrious career showcases his role as a devoted steward of justice which is apparent in his active involvement with various boards and associations, including the Pontotoc County Drug-Free Coalition, Pontotoc County Mental Health Drug Court, City of Ada Multicultural Committee, and the City of Ada Citizens Advisory Board. Calvin Prince's induction as a Distinguished Athletic Alumni is a fitting recognition of his enduring impact on the lives of Oklahomans and his exceptional service to the community.
Mike & Karen Smith, cherished members of the ECU Athletics community, receive a well-deserved honor for their Distinguished Service. Renowned as two of the most passionate Tiger fans, the Smiths have dedicated nearly 25 years to leading an athlete's bible study, leaving an incredible mark on the lives of countless student-athletes. The Smiths' unwavering commitment to ECU is clear in their deep love for the university and their genuine concern for the well-being of their extensive network, which includes students, athletes, coaches, staff, and community members. Their selfless dedication, spanning countless hours, has not gone unnoticed, earning the sincere appreciation of all who benefited from their support. Despite their remarkable contributions, Mike and Karen remain remarkably humble and service-oriented, deeply caring about everyone they encounter. They have stood as a steadfast beacon for others to emulate, making them truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
The 1993 ECU Football Team holds a unique position in ECU history as the sole team to secure a national championship. After 30 decades of reverence and recollection, the historic team is finally being honored with an official induction into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. During the 1993 season, the Tigers posted an impressive 10-3 overall record and a 3-2 standing in the OIC, achieving a flawless 7-0 record at Norris Field. Despite facing uncertainties about playoff eligibility following a final-regular loss at Southeastern, the Tigers, who were ranked No. 7, seized a second chance with determination. ECU began their journey on the road, triumphing over Western New Mexico 24-22 before dominating Arkansas-Monticello 27-0 to grant them the opportunity to host the national championship game against Glenville State. In an electrifying atmosphere, 5,750 fans witnessed an offensive battle, with the Tigers emerging victorious with a 49-35 score to clinch the coveted title. For their efforts, 12 players claimed All-OIC Honorable Mention honors, seven were named to the Second Team, and Lance Harjo and Tyler Jack earned First Team honors. Jack further solidified his achievements as an NAIA Division I Football All-America First Team selection, Harjo and Rodney Kendricks were named to the Second Team, and Carlos Lynn and Cory Bennett received Honorable Mention. The impact of this championship resonated beyond the football program, reaching students, the campus community, and the entire university, instilling a lasting pride that endures to this day.
