EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the selection of the 2010 USI Athletic Hall of Fame class that will be inducted during homecoming week in February. The class of seven individuals was selected by a 10-member USI Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Any Screaming 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 as well.
This year's class includes Deb Schutte (Women's Basketball 1975-78), DeJuan “Spider” Rowser (Men's Basketball 1974-77), Stewart Dowds (Men's Soccer 1980-84), Shelly Scott (Women's Basketball 1987-92), Kevin Brown (Baseball 1992-94), Jack Marr (Men's Tennis Coach 1974-95, Faculty Athletic Representative 1998-2001 ), and Bill Joergens (USI Varsity Club 1992-2006, Men's Basketball 1968-69)
“The class of 2010 continues to show the strong athletic history USI has established,” said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. “Each member of this class made significant impacts on their respective team and distinguished themselves as a student athlete or coach.”
Plans are underway for the induction ceremony on the evening of February 5.
2010 USI ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS
Deb Schutte, Women's Basketball: One of USI's first female student athletes and the first to receive an athletic scholarship, playing tennis, softball, and basketball. She was one of USI's top 20 scorers all-time for many years and remains ranked in the top 10 all-time in rebounding.
DeJuan “Spider” Rowser, Men's Basketball: Rowser was one of USI's first stars on the hardwood in the late 1970s. He was an outstanding athlete and still ranks in the top 10 all-time at USI in scoring and rebounding. His jersey was retired 1993 after he passed away due to cancer.
Shelly Scott, Women's Basketball: Scott is one of the foundations that the current USI women's basketball team is built upon. She was All-GLVC and Academic All-GLVC during her playing days and finished her career as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Scott still ranks fourth in rebounding and fifth in scoring.
Stewart Dowds, Men's Soccer: Dowds wasUSI's first All-American in men's soccer, earning the award in 1983 and 1984. He was one of the best defenders to ever put on the USI uniform and helped lead the Eagles to their only NCAA II Tournament appearance in 1982 and to four straight GLVC titles. He earned All-GLVC honors each season with the Eagles, along with three All-Mid East Region awards.
Kevin Brown, Baseball: Brown is one of five Eagles in the history of USI baseball program to be drafted in the Major League Baseball amateur draft. He was selected in the second round by the Texas Rangers and finished his professional career by playing for the Rangers, the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the St. Louis Cardinals. One of the best catchers to ever put on the gear for USI, Brown held opposing runners to a 42.1 percent success rate, throwing out 44 of 76 runners (22 of 38 during his last two years). Offensively, he was a terror for opposing pitchers with a .396 batting average. He set the USI single-season record for batting average in 1993 by hitting .442. Overall, Brown ranks second all-time in home runs and slugging percentage; third in batting average and total bases; and fourth in RBIs.
Dr. Jack Marr, Men's Tennis Head Coach and Faculty Athletic Representative: Dr. Marr was the first USI men's tennis coach, leading the Eagles to a 155-123-1 record over 21 years at the helm. He succeed the late Dr. Charles Bertram as the second USI FAR in 1999 and held that post until 2001. Dr. Marr also is best remembered for his mentoring of the many student athletes throughout the years.
Bill Joergens, Varsity Club and Men's Basketball: Joergens was a past Varsity Club member and chair, helping bring about the modern organization. He was treasurer form 1995-96; chair in 1997; and chaired various committees, including the Golf Scramble and the Steak Fry 'n Auction. Also was a member of the first ISUE basketball team between 1968 and 1969.
