Riverland Community College will induct six into the Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Oct. 29 at the Austin Campus. The 2011 class is the eighth class inducted to the Athletic Hall of Fame since 1997. They join 46 other former athletes and coaches. The day includes a luncheon, and women and men’s alumni games.
This year’s inductees include Greg Carlson, football (1976-78); Nancy (Clemens) Martinz, Softball (1981-83); Dennis Lebarron, tennis (1962-64); Don Miller, basketball (1951-54); Darrell Monson, baseball (1970-72); Kevin Wilder, football (1974-76).
Individuals eligible for induction include men golfers, basketball, baseball, football, wrestling, and track athletes and women golfers, basketball, softball, volleyball, and track athletes plus various coaches, athletic directors and others who have made a significant contribution to the athletic program.
Greg Carlson, football lineman (1976-78)
Carlson was a two-year starter at defensive tackle for Austin Community College (ACC). In his sophom*ore year, he led his team to many team defensive records and has seven defensive records he achieved individually during his career at ACC. He earned All-Conference, All State, All-Region in 1977 for the Blue Devils. He went on to play for Minnesota State University --Mankato for two seasons on defense and was Most Valuable Player (MVP) and team captain as a senior. Carlson was a graduate from Blooming Prairie High School and currently works at Ellis Middle School in Austin.
Nancy (Clemens) Martinz, softball (1981-83)
Martinz was a standout centerfielder and led her team to third place at the state tournament as a freshman. In her sophom*ore year, her team won the division title, won the regional championship and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for a 1-2 record. She played All-Conference both seasons and All-State as a sophom*ore. Martinz also played point guard for the Lady Blue Devils for two seasons in women’s basketball and her team to fifth place in the state tournament her freshman year then co-division champions and fourth place at state her sophom*ore season. Nancy went on to play center field at Minnesota State University --Mankato for two seasons. She is a graduate of Owatonna High School and now works for the U.S. Parks Service in Custer, S.D.
Dennis Lebarron, tennis (1962-64)
Lebarron led his team to consecutive Minnesota Junior College Conference (MJCC) and Region 13 championships. He qualified as a team for the NJCAA national tournament both seasons. Lebarron played as #1 singles and #1 doubles for ACC. He was runner-up in singles his sophom*ore year in the regional and lost at the NJCAA Division #1. (There was only one division then.)He won semi-finals in doubles with Bob Jensen. Lebarron is retired and lives in Austin.
Don Miller, basketball (1951-54)
Miller was a point guard standout for three years (The rules allowed for 3 years of eligibility) at Austin Junior College. He was All Conference in 1952-53 and 1953-54 and led his team to SMJCCC championships during his freshman and sophom*ore years. The New York Yankees drafted Miller in baseball after playing college basketball and playing minor league baseball. Blue Devils Basketball Coach Hal Cuff said he was the best guard he ever had in 15 years of coaching. Miller was a graduate of Austin High School. His induction into the Riverland Athletic Hall of Fame will be awarded posthumously.
Darrell Monson, baseball (1970-72)
Monson was a standout pitcher in baseball. He is the all-time leader in mound victories in the history of baseball at Riverland. His record was 7-2 with 71 strikeouts in 1970-71 and 8-1 with 66 strikeouts his sophom*ore year. Monson led his team to divisional and state championships his second season. Monson played his junior year at Winona State University, then entered the U.S. Army and continued baseball pitching for the Air Force in Frankfort, Germany. He is a graduate of Glenville High School and currently lives in Winona Minnesota.
Kevin Wilder, football (1974-76)
Wilder was an outstanding wide receiver in football. He holds records for most points in a season and career as well as most touchdowns in a season and career and most catches in a game (11). Wilder twice and led the country in receiving his sophom*ore year. He was All-Conference, All-State, All-Region his second year. He continued his education at the University of Idaho and graduated in 1979 but did not play football. He is married to Mari and has two children, Cole and Lauren. He is currently working as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly in Kirkland, Wash.
The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony occurs Oct. 29 during a day of athletic festivities. A luncheon honoring the inductees will be held at 12 p.m. followed by the Women's Alumni Game at 2 p.m. The events end with the Men's Alumni Game at approximately 4 p.m. In between the alumni games, there will be another brief ceremony recognizing the six new inductees. There also will be a hospitality room set up for all alumni and friends from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 that includes the luncheon and admission into the alumni games. Contact Athletic Director David Lillemon at 433-0543 for tickets. Luncheon tickets must be purchased by October 26.
Riverland Community College is a member of the Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XIII. Eligibility requirements are established by the NJCAA and the MCAC. The Riverland athletics program includes men's baseball, basketball, soccer and women's volleyball, basketball and softball. Academically, Riverland offers an Associates in Arts degree with a physical education/coaching emphasis and a 9-credit coaching certificate.
