Athletic Hall of Fame “Class of 2016” To Be Recognized

(Bluefield)—Four former student-athletes will be saluted during Bluefield State College Athletic Hall of Fame “Class of 2016” induction ceremony and Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon October 8 (1 p.m.) in the Harris-Jefferson Student Center on the College campus.

This year’s inductees include basketball standout Ed Seward, women’s basketball All-American Lola Jones Baker, multisport star Sammy Stuart, and the late Perry Hairston, a key player on BSC’s football teams in the early 1950s.

Jones earned All-American first team selection during her two seasons, 1992-93 and ’93-’94 at BSC, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage both years. The 1992-93 Lady Blues won the WVIAC conference championship, compiling a 25-4 record. The following year, BSC posted a 21-8 mark.

Hairston was a three sport letterman at BSC in the 1950s, following a standout scholastic career at Gary District High School, where was an All-County and All-State honoree in three sports for two seasons. At BSC he earned All-CIAA honors in football for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee State University, where he was selected to the All-Conference team for two years in football. Following graduation, he entered coaching and ton two state basketball titles and one state football championship.

Seward was an outstanding basketball player and was a cornerstone of BSC’s great teams in the early 1970s. A relentless rebounder, Seward averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) during his collegiate career, scoring at a 14.8 points per game clip throughout his career at BSC, where he started every game for four consecutive seasons. Following graduation, the two-time WVIAC honoree was an assistant coach on the 1972-73 Big Blues basketball team, which posted a school record 31 wins.

Stuart was the epitome of the versatile athlete. At BSC, he earned All-Conference honors in both football and basketball as a four-year letterman in both sports. He handled the kicking duties for the Big Blues football team and was a steady double figure scorer throughout his basketball career on some of BSC’s most successful teams in the late 1960s and early ’70s.

“Congratulations to all four inductees for their hard work and dedication to Bluefield State College. I am truly excited in meeting them on October 8,” added John Lewis, BSC Athletic Director. “This will be a special day for all who are in attendance.”

The Hall of Fame program is a highlight of BSC’s 2016 Homecoming Week. Tickets for the luncheon and program ($25/each) may be purchased in advance by contacting Deirdre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs (304-327-4569) by September 30. The Hall of Fame, formerly known as the National “B” Club, has now inducted 44 members and one team (BSC’s 1927-28 football team, winners of the 1927 and ’28 national Black collegiate football championship) since its first induction ceremony eight years ago.

Orlando Henderson, who served as National “B” Club President, noted, “It has been a pleasure to watch the Hall of Fame gain momentum since its establishment,” Henderson said. “This year’s class includes four individuals whose athletic careers touched four separate decades, and most important, each of the honorees went on to enjoy an outstanding career that featured service to their communities.”