Induction Ceremony - April 18, 2015

Dean Jackson | Men's Basketball (1965-1967)

During an era when hometown products dominated athletic rosters, this 5-foot-8 sharpshooter from Wayne City was Big Man on Campus for the Mt. Vernon Community College Warriors in both Basketball and Baseball.

⭐ A difficult-to-guard Guard, No. 24 penetrated opposing defenses frequently enough to set career records which stood for several years – 228 free throws in 317 attempts (.715) – thanks in large part to 78.2% accuracy as a sophomore (122-156).

⭐ When the ’65-66 quintet lost three starters at mid-season, he was forced into a role which required him to produce 27.2% of team’s scoring. Finished with 366 points and 18.3 ppg, reaching double-figures in all but three of 20 games, six with 20 or more. Crescendo came in post-season, a 40-point explosion vs. Olney Knights in a 57-48 loss. There were four other games between 26-29 points.

⭐ Sharing the backcourt as a sophomore with another prolific scorer, Bill Kirk, he still managed to record 26 points in season-opener, reach double-digits in 18 of 21 outings and notch 20 or more a total of seven times. Included were three consecutive 23-point efforts and later a 33-point gem vs. Belleville. Averaged 17.3 ppg (364 points, 23.6% of total) and Coach Jim Waugh’s first Warrior team finished 8-12.

⭐ Hardwood career: 730 points, behind only Lee Yearwood and Larry Burkett; 17.9 ppg.

⭐ Ace of Warrior pitching staff. As freshman, 3-4 on hill and played shortstop for best-ever 7-9 team.

⭐ Continued careers in both sports at McKendree College.

Jerry Wilson | Men's Basketball (1977-1979)

Today he is known by his Fouts Christian Church congregation as “Pastor.” For many years, he was widely recognized in prep basketball circles as “Coach” for successful boys teams in Wayne City and Woodlawn, as well as Lady Cardinals. And before that, as an All-Conference standout (and NAIA Academic All-America) for Missouri Southern State U. in Joplin, then as one of premier independent league players in Midwest for many years.

⭐ But in just one full season – his freshman year cut short by an injury after eight games – the 6-foot-5, 200-pound center established himself as one of best big men ever to play for Warriors. Saluted as “MVP” for a ’78-79 squad that started 12-2, with a championship at the eight-team Land of Lincoln Holiday Classic, and averaged 80.4 ppg with five players scoring in double-figures, including Freshman Doug Creel, eventual Hall of Fame charter member.

⭐ Coach Jim Waugh & Co. counted on the Mt. Vernon veteran for team-leading highs of 511 points (fourth-highest at time / 223-380 FG, .587), 17.6 ppg, and 343 rebounds (24 shy of team record), 11.8 rpg. The All-SICC / All-Region IV selection netted 69% FT (65-94) and added 71 assists (2.4), 37 recoveries. Parkland will remember him for a 39-point outburst, in Top 10 all-time. RLC finished 18-11, tied for second in SICC at 5-3.

⭐ Modest freshman stats – 55 pts, 6.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.1 apg – but team that began 5-3 with him finished 12-14.

⭐ As MSSU senior, helped Lions to 23-10 record, league crown and NAIA Finals.

Michael Ayers | Men's Basketball (1984-1986)

Described by his coach as a “natural leader,” the versatile 6-foot-4, 190-pound swingman realized the importance of making a good first impression.

⭐ A mid-season addition after transferring from Alabama-Huntsville, he debuted with 19 and 21 points (10 rebounds) as RLC won twice and was runner-up in Land of Lincoln Holiday Classic and he was named Most Valuable “Big Player.” Warriors 5-7 without him, 11-7 with the teammate voted “Rookie of Year” at season’s end.

⭐ Year Two began with 42-point bang (17-28 FG, 8-9 FT, 7 reb) vs. Dyersburg (TN) State in opener . . . highest total in 17 years, second-most points ever by a player representing the RLC Warriors and still fifth-best to date among all Warriors.

⭐ Later signed with NCAA D-I Western Illinois U. and “Mike” became first Leatherneck voted Summit League “Newcomer of Year.”

⭐ RLC sophomore total of 709 points (21.4 ppg / .508 FG, .765 FT) ranks No. 3 all-time and rated All-GRAC and All-Region XXIV First Team. Double-figures in all 33 games, 20 or more in 19. No. 24 tallied 37 in post-season upset of top-seeded foe, including all nine of team’s points in O.T. Led team with 7.4 rpg and tied for GRAC lead with 645 points.

⭐ Fifth, behind four other Hall-of-Famers, on Career Scoring list with 996 points in just 51 games. Other totals: 19.5 ppg (402-784 FG, .513 / 192-252 FT, .762); 351 rebounds, 151 assists.

⭐ “The example Michael has set as a person is unparalleled,” said Coach Mitch Haskins. “. . . He has worked hard to epitomize the student-athlete.”

Jennifer Wren | Softball (1997-1999)

Pitching prevails, and “JenWren” certainly did that as a Freshman coming in with Prep All-America and All-State credentials.

⭐ After her first Fall / Spring composite, the Paducah, KY (Reidland H.S.) product owned Lady Warrior Season records in six of seven categories – Wins, 32 (including a 14-5 Fall); Games Pitched, 56; Complete Games, 46 (all but one start); Innings Pitched, 321 1/3; Shutouts, 13, and Strikeouts, 162.

⭐ A 2.13 ERA helped No. 1 on scorecard to GRAC “Freshman of Year,” All-Region XXIV, Region All-Tourney and team “MVP” honors.

⭐ An 18-14 Spring mark is deceptive. In last nine outings – seven in post-season – she was unscored-upon in all but four innings; RLC was held to one or no runs in nine of her losses; Illinois Central needed nine innings to push across a run and eke out advancement in Region Semis en route to 1998 NJCAA National Fast-Pitch Championship.

⭐ Did we mention she also hit .320 that Spring?

⭐ Tough-luck and even tougher assignments following year resulted in drop-off in stats – 4-5 Fall mark despite 1.80 ERA – yet she still departed with Career standards for GP (86), CG (66), IP (477 1/3), second in Shutouts (15) and third all-time in K’s (257) and Wins (41-34), thanks to a 2.26 ERA. Batted .300 (67-223).

⭐ Joins classmate Jennifer Calandrilla and two mound predecessors in RLC Sports Hall.

⭐ Teams third in league (10-4) both seasons, 43-31 and 36-29 overall.

⭐ NJCAA Academic All-America, too.

⭐ Mid-Continent University (KY) signee.