The 2026 induction class to Pittsburg State’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame will be the largest induction class since the inaugural class in 1988.

The names rattle off like a roll call of some of the greatest figures in PSU athletics history, just like every year’s induction class.

The 2016 NCAA Division II national championship women’s outdoor track and field team. Three-time national champion shot putter Garrett Appier (2013-16). All-American cornerback and eight-year NFL cornerback De’Vante Bausby (2011-14). Seven-time All-America thrower Cassie (Caswell) McCarthy (2013-16). Two-time All-American and record-setting power hitter in softball Amanda DeCastro (2009-12). All-America performer and record-setting middle blocker in volleyball Linda (Igbinigie) Ayoade (2005-08). Five-time All-American pole vaulter Jeff Piepenbrink (2013-15). Two-time national champion triple jumper Antqunita Reed (2014-15).

Plus, former PSU men’s basketball player (1976-77) and former St. Mary’s Colgan boys basketball coach for nearly 40 seasons Wayne Cichon and All-American and record-setting defensive lineman Phil McCoy (1990-91) in the “Legacy” category.

Then, five more in the newly created “In Memoriam” category to bring the total class to 14 individuals and one team: “Voice of the Gorillas” football public address Dr. Peter K. Hamilton, All-American offensive lineman Todd Mayhew (1985-86), former MLB pitcher Steve “Mingo” Mingori (1964), record-setting softball coach Mary Nutter (1980-86) and All-American men’s basketball player Brandon Pate (2000-01).

“What a truly inspiring group of individuals, along with one of our all-time great teams, that comprises this Hall of Fame Class of 2026,” Hall of Fame Committee chairman Dan Wilkes said in a media release. “We are extremely proud of this great group of Gorillas and we can’t wait to re-tell their stories and accolades on campus this fall.

“We also are grateful for the opportunity to expand the Hall of Fame with its largest induction class since the program’s inception in 1988. The PSU Athletics Hall of Fame is as elite as any of its kind with a wealth of equally deserving candidates still waiting in the wings. Creating a new trend of larger induction classes will help lessen our backlog of deserving candidates.”

The date has not been set yet for the induction ceremony.

This sports reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/fund/support-local-journalism-project-fund