Wheeling, W. Va. - In just over a week, the Wheeling University Athletics Department will be honoring some of the best players to ever put on the red & black. On Saturday, September 5, the department will induct nine new members into the Wheeling Athletics Hall of Fame inside Troy Theater beginning at 10 AM. Tickets for this year's event are on sale now for $20 a ticket, with kids 12 and under getting in free, and you can purchase your tickets by clicking HERE.
The 2026 class of the Hall of Fame features eight individuals, representing seven different sports programs, and the third-ever team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the 2015 National Championship Volleyball team. The 2026 induction ceremony will be the 33rd anniversary of the Wheeling Athletics Hall of Fame, which has enshrined 110 athletes during that time. Deserving members are nominated based on the following criteria: 1.) An athlete becomes eligible ten (10) years after their athletic eligibility has been exhausted. 2.) A coach must have been a member of the coaching staff at the university of five years. 3.) A special contributor recognizes individuals who have greatly contributed to Wheeling University athletics as a member of faculty, staff, or an administrator. 4.) Life time achievement nominations must have made outstanding athletic, professional, or civic accomplishments after leaving Wheeling University.
Inductees for the 2026 class include Amber Ellison (Women's Basketball), Ricky Yahn (Men's Basketball), LaKisha Jones (Softball), Kasey Frazier (Women's Golf), Pete Malcolm (Men's Rugby), Carmen Blissit (Women's XC/TF), Chris Spencer (Men's XC/TF), and Denny Grimm (Special Contributors). Each bring with them a plethora of accolades, with 17 All-Conference honors, four All-American honors, and national team picks among the honors. It will be the third class inducted since the re-establishment of the Hall of Fame back in 2024, following a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's induction will bring the total Wheeling Athletic Hall of Famers to 119, representing 17 different programs, seven coaches, and five special contributors.
The 2026 Wheeling Athletics Hall of Fame Induction ceremony begins with a brunch at 9 AM inside Troy Theater, located in Swint Hall on campus. Doors open at 9 AM with a brunch buffet available from 9 AM - 10 AM where honorees, guests, and ticket holders can mingle before the ceremony. Then, at 10 AM the official ceremony kicks off with Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Engagement Zack Zeigler. After opening addresses from Athletic Director Carrie Hanna, Wheeling University President Dr. Dianna Vargo, and Director of Campus Ministry Fr. David Griffin, each of the Hall of Fame honorees will be introduced by a speaker of there choosing and will deliver their Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Following speeches, each inductee will receive an official copy of their Hall of Fame plaque that will hang on the wall inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
The 2026 Wheeling Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, beginning at 10 AM. You can purchase your tickets now by clicking HERE.
