Hall of Fame
Alumni from six sports make up Central Michigan University's 2008 Athletics Hall of Fame class.
The 2008 class includes Ralph Darin (baseball, 1969-72), Laura (Farrell) Page (field hockey, 1988-91), Harry Richards (wrestling, 1984-87), Billy Smith (football, 1988-91), Jeff Tropf (men's basketball, 1977-79) and Karen Wongstrom (softball, 1984-87).
Richards is a two-time MAC title winner and is honored every year by wrestling coach Tom Borrelli when an award bearing his name is given to a current wrestler. The recipient is someone who overcomes adversity and has a positive impact on both team and individual accomplishments.
"I was kind of awestruck that they wanted to name an award after me," Richards said. "To be able to come back every year and give a speech at the banquet has been a great honor."
Richards has moved on to a successful career in the computer software industry and stays very involved in coaching wrestling.
He says he worked hard during his time at CMU and was thrilled to find out about the honor.
"It means my hard work, dedication and determination paid off," Richards said. "I had a great academic and athletic experience at CMU, and its great to be honored some 21 years later."
Tropf is the lone big-league draft pick in the class. He was a first team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 1978 and was selected by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1979 NBA Draft.
Wongstrom posted one of the best statistical careers in CMU softball history. She won 81.1 percent of her games, more than half of which were shutouts.
She also anchored the 1987 team that finished fifth at the NCAA Women's College World Series.
Wongstrom considered it a great honor to still be thought of long after leaving CMU.
"It's a great honor," Wongstrom said. "It's flattering - it's very flattering."
Richards, Tropf, Wongstrom and the other 2008 inductees had to meet strict eligibility requirements. An athlete becomes eligible 10 years after leaving school and must have earned at least two letters during their time at CMU. An outstanding athletic career must be continued in the individual's profession or occupation.
The six inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Comfort Inn and will be recognized at the CMU-Western Michigan football game on Saturday, Oct. 18.
sports@cm-life.com
