EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the selection of the inaugural class of the USI Athletic Hall of Fame that was inducted during homecoming week in February. The class of seven individuals was selected from 90 nominations by a nine-member USI Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.

Any Eagles fan was eligible to nominate student athletes or teams on the 10th anniversary of their last season of competition or a coach/administrator who has been separated from the Department of Athletics for two years. Special individuals (e.g., Varsity Club members) were eligible for nominations.

The inaugural class includes Mike Fetscher (Baseball 1992-95), Stan Gouard (Men's Basketball 1993-96), Amber Huse Tooley (Softball 1993-96), Kathy Lauck Schreiber (Women's Basketball 1990-94), Todd Reller (Men's Cross Country/Track 1980-84), Bill Stegemoller (Men's/Women's Cross Country Head Coach 1979-98), and Dr. Charles Bertram (Faculty Athletic Representative 1979-99).

"The inaugural class is a good representation of the strong athletic history USI has established," said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. "In a way each member of this class represents significant points in the development of the USI athletics programs."


INAUGURAL CLASS OF USI ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Mike Fetscher, Baseball: USI's only three-time All-American in baseball, he exploded onto the scene as a freshman throwing two no-hitters, one a perfect game. Fetscher settled into the closer role as his career went along and still holds the career record for saves and strike outs. He also is tied for second all-time in wins and is tied for most wins in a season. Fetscher also holds the record for strikeouts in a game with 14. He was member of USI's NCAA II Tournament team in 1992, 1993, and 1994; the GLVC title team in 1993; and the back-to-back 40 win seasons.

Stan Gouard, Men's Basketball: Gouard was the first USI athlete to be named the national player of the year twice, earning the honors in 1995 and 1996. He was an integral part of the 1995 national championship team. In addition to those honors, he was a two-time All-American, GLVC Player of the Year, GLVC Newcomer of the Year, the 1994 NCAA II Elite Eight Most Outstanding Player, and the CBS/Chevrolet Player of the Game during the 1994 tournament finals. In the 1994 NCAA II Tournament championship game he had 30 points and almost single handedly brought USI back to win the title. During his three seasons at USI, he climbed the all-time charts and still ranks third all-time in scoring and fifth all-time in rebounding. While the "Superman" was known for his offense, his defense was overlooked. He set the single season record and tops the chart all-time in steals. Following his career, he played extensively in Europe and South America before becoming a coach at USI. He currently is an assistant basketball coach at Indiana State University.

Amber Huse Tooley, Softball: Huse was a four-year starter for the softball team. She was a first team Academic All-American in 1994 and 1995 and first team All-American in 1994 as well as second team All-American in 1995. She was a three-time All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC performer and was the recipient of the Richard F. Scharf Paragon Award (the GLVC's highest student athlete award) in 1996. Huse ranks first all-time in career doubles and triples; third in career home runs and RBIs; fourth in hits; and fifth in batting average and runs scored. She also holds the record for the longest hitting streak and the season record for triples.

Kathy Lauck Schreiber, Women's Basketball: Lauck may be one of two players that the current success of the women's basketball team is built upon. She was the program's first All-American, being named by the WBCA, Division II Bulletin, and USA Today. The 1994 GLVC Player of the Year was a three-time All-GLVC player. She also ranks third in scoring, rebounding, field goals made; and fourth in free throws made all-time at USI. She also holds the record by hitting 31 consecutive free throws.

Todd Reller, Cross Country/Track: Reller was USI's first All-American in cross country, finishing sixth in the 1982 NCAA Division II National Championship meet. He also is a two-time All-GLVC and All-Region runner.

Bill Stegemoller, Cross Country/Track: Stegemoller created the USI men's cross country program in 1979 and proceeded to win nine straight GLVC crowns (1979-88). During his career at USI, the Eagles won 12 conference titles. He also directed the Eagles into the national spotlight with a third-place finish at the 1983 NCAA II National Championships and to 12 appearances in the championship meet. The Eagles advanced to the national meet by winning the regional championship three times. He coached 16 All-Americans, including Elly Rono '99  who won three national championships in 1997-98 and was the NCAA II Runner of the Year in cross country.

Dr. Charles Bertram, Faculty Athletic Representative: Dr. Bertram served Athletics from its humble beginnings until his death in 1999. He was instrumental in the beginning of the athletics program at USI, serving as faculty athletic representative and compliance officer. He also was one of the founders of the GLVC, serving both as treasurer and president. His influence on the department in the areas of honesty and integrity can still be felt today.