Ferris State Officially Inducts 2017 Bulldog Athletics Hall Of Fame Class

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University officially inducted its 2017 Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame Class this past Friday (Sept. 15) evening during a memorable induction banquet held at the University Center on the FSU campus.

A sellout crowd of nearly 300 guests came to honor and recognize seven individuals along with the first-ever team, who were recognized and inducted as part of this year's class.

The Bulldogs inducted a group of seven individuals in the Class of 2017, including: Kathryn Bobbie (Women's Golf, 1999-03), Steve Fountain (Men's Track & Cross Country, 1974-79), Jody "Gifford" Markwart (Softball, 1996-99), Kathy O'Connor (Women's Volleyball & Basketball, 1990-93), Chris Pulliams (Football, 1993-96), Scott Schultz (Men's & Women's Tennis Coach & Administrator, 1982-89) and Monta Ware (Women's Basketball, 1979-83).

In addition, the school's first-ever unbeaten football team from 1968, which was guided by head coach Bob Leach, became the first-ever team to earn induction into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame.

A 14-member Selection Committee comprised of faculty, staff, alumni and community members selected the 2017 inductees in a voting process from more than 60 initial nominees. The seven individuals became the newest members of a current Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame member group that now presently includes 108 total inductees along with the 1968 team.

The Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame, which inducted its Charter Class in 2000, was established to honor those student-athletes and coaches who have distinguished themselves in their sport or honorary members who made truly exceptional contributions to athletics.

During the evening banquet, the Bulldogs also honored the 2016-17 Dean Davenport Bulldog of the Year Award recipients, which included men's basketball standout Zach Hankins and former Bulldog Volleyball All-American Stephanie Sikorski. The awards are presented annually to the top FSU male and female student-athletes as voted on by head coaches and senior staff in honor of former Athletic Director Dean Davenport and his wife, Joyce.

Inductees of the 2017 Hall of Fame class were also recognized the following day (Sept. 16) during halftime activities of the Bulldog football home opener versus Northern Michigan before a large crowd of more than 6,000 fans.

Visit the following links for highlights, photos & more from this year's induction banquet:

Hall of Fame Photo Gallery

Hall of Fame Video Highlights

Hall of Fame Photo Slideshow of Inductees

Bios On This Year's Hall of Fame Honorees