Five former UT Martin athletes and chancellor emeritus Nick Dunagan were inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame, Oct. 4, at the annual Letter Winners and Hall of Fame Breakfast at the Student Life Center.
Among the athletes in the 25th induction class were Romel “Zeek” Andrews (football), Deslonde Collins (football), Randy Horn (baseball) Eric Kugler (rifle), Angela Olsen (tennis).
Dr. Nick Dunagan led the university to several significant athletics milestones. As acting chancellor in 1986, he initiated efforts to secure UT Martin’s membership in the Ohio Valley Conference, and continued, in his executive vice chancellor role, to work with Chancellor Margaret Perry on both the OVC membership application and the movement from NCAA Division II to Division I. After becoming chancellor in April 2001, he supported athletics facilities improvements, including construction of the Bob Carroll Football Building, new seating in Skyhawk Arena and the installation of a new artificial playing surface in Hardy M. Graham Stadium. OVC championships in volleyball, women’s tennis and football marked high points in the athletics program during his administration. He officially retired in July 2007, leaving a lasting legacy for UT Martin athletics.
Andrews played football from 1982-85. He played linebacker and defensive line. The Ripley native recorded 108 total tackles as a sophomore and junior. Andrews signed a free agent contract with the Hamilton Tigercats in 1986. He spent nine years in the Canadian Football League and played for two Grey Cup championship teams. He also played for the Winnipeg Bluebommers and resigned from the Tigercats in 1994.
“I enjoyed 100 percent of my time at UT Martin,” Andrews said.
Collins, from Milan, played football from 1962-64. He played center and linebacker and served as the team captain of the 1964 team. He has been active in the Ghosts of the Gridiron Club and attends most UT Martin home games.
“I am proud that I attended UT Martin, and I am proud that I played football at UT Martin,” Collins said. “I am even more proud of this honor.”
Horn, from Cordova, played baseball from 1968-71. He was an outfielder and he sported a .320 career batting average. He played on the 1968 and 1971 Volunteer Scholastic Athletic Conference championship teams and earned All-VSAC honors in 1970. He was also a member of the 1971 team that advanced to the NCAA Mideast Regional Tournament.
“This is an honor that is so overwhelming to me,” Horn said.
Kugler, who now lives in Spain, was a member of the UT Martin rifle team from 1982-86 and was the first UT Martin athlete to qualify for the NCAA Rifle Championship. He led the former Pacers to their first top-20 finish in 1984. He was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection and a three-time qualifier for the NCAA championship.
“The people in Martin make you feel at home. It was special to be a part of the rifle team.”
Olsen, from London, England, played tennis from 1994-97. She sported a 35-3 Ohio Valley Conference singles record and a 36-2 OVC doubles worksheet. She was a four-time All-OVC selection, and she led her team to a pair of conference championships. She was named the OVC’s Player of the Year and Scholar Athlete in 1996.
“It’s an honor and privilege to receive this honor,” Olsen said.
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