Air Force announces 13th athletics hall of fame class; Induction ceremony Friday, Oct. 16
5/20/2026 9:11:00 AM | General
Mike Benza (Boxing), Shannon Buck (Men’s Tennis), Hannah Everson (Women’s Cross Country/Track), Kevin Hoy (Wrestling), Barb Martin (Volleyball), Eddie Weichers (Boxing) to be honored
Air Force athletics announced its 13th class for induction into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame. The class of four-time boxing national champion Mike Benza, tennis All-American Shannon Buck, women's cross country and track All-American Hannah Everson, NCAA wrestling All-American and national runner-up Kevin Hoy, volleyball All-American and former coach Barb Martin and legendary boxing coach Eddie Weichers will be honored Friday, Oct. 16, at the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center. The class will also be recognized at the Air Force football game vs. UNLV the following day.
Benza was a four-time Wing Open champion and NCBA national champion at 139 pounds. He earned All-America honors all four years and was inducted into the program's ring of honor in 2025 in the inaugural class. Benza flew over 250 missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of special operations forces.
Buck is the only men's tennis player to participate in two NCAA tournaments, playing singles in 2003 and 2005. He earned the highest ITA national ranking of #11 in January of 2026. The only four-time most valuable player in program history, Buck is a two-time Mountain West player of the year (2003, 2006). He holds the program record with 83 career wins at No. 1 singles, posting a 92.2 winning percentage (83-7).
Everson is the first Falcon in program history to earn All-America honors in cross country, indoor and outdoor track in the same season, earning the triple in 2015-16. A three-time All-America selection, Everson finished third in the 10,000-meter run at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a three-time team cross country most valuable player and two-time track MVP. Everson also won the NCAA Mountain Region championship, a first in program history.
Hoy was a two-time All-America honoree and was the NCAA heavyweight runner-up in 2003. A four-time all-Academy champion, Hoy earned outstanding wrestler honors in 2003. He holds the Academy record in career victories with 160 and set a single season record with 46 wins in 2001-02. He earned male athlete of the year honors from the Academy in 2003. He retired from active duty in the Air Force in 2024.
Martin was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American and two-time team most valuable player. She was named the Continental Divide Conference player of the year in 1984 and was a three-time USVBA all-region selection. Martin won the 1986 Olympia Award for collegiate volleyball and was a three-time all-conference selection. She returned to the Academy to serve as head coach from 1993-95, accumulating a 61-47 record.
Weichers served as head boxing coach from 1976-2014, leading the Academy to 19 NCBA national championships. Air Force finished either first or second in 31 of the last 34 NCBA championships he coached in. His boxers earned 113 individual NCBA titles and 325 All-America honors. Weichers captured the Western Regional title in 34 of the last 35 years. He also served as an instructor in the physical education department at Air Force throughout his tenure. The boxing gym was named in his honor in 2026.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASSES
2007
Alonzo Babers, class of 1983, Track, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, All-American in 1983
Bob Beckel, class of 1959, Men's Basketball, 1959 Helms All-American
John Clune, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics, 1975-91
Chad Hennings, class of 1988, Football, 1987 consensus football All-American and Outland Trophy winner
Michelle Johnson, class of 1981, Women's Basketball, 1995 CoSIDA Academic All-American
Brock Strom, class of 1959, Football, 1958 consensus All-American
2009
Jim Bowman, Athletics Administration, former coach and administrator, 1958-2007
Callie Calhoun Molloy, class of 1991, Track/Cross Country, multi All-American and national champion
Dee Dowis, class of 1990, Football, 1989 Heisman Trophy finalist
Ernie Jennings, class of 1971, Football, 1970 consensus football All-American
Terry Isaacson, class of 1964, Wrestling/Football, three-time wrestling All-American
Ben Martin, Coach, head football coach, 1958-77
2011
Jim Conboy, Athletics Administration, head athletic trainer, 1955-98
Gail Conway Gray, class of 1984, Track, two-time national champion
Chuck Delich, class of 1977, Ice Hockey, school's all-time leading scorer
Bob Nieman, class of 1970, Swimming, two-time All-American
Scott Thomas, class of 1986, Football, consensus All-American in 1985
2013
Karen Burton Reeder, class of 1984, Women's Swimming, 16-time NCAA Division II All-American
Fisher DeBerry, Coach, Football, winningest in school history, College Football Hall of Fame inductee
Parker Hinman, class of 1964, Basketball/Football/Baseball/Track, first four-sport letterman at the Academy
Eric Mack, class of 1996, Men's Track, six-time conference champion and three-time All-American
Patty Martinez Gillette, class of 1983, Women's Swimming, six-time NCAA Division II individual national champion
Carlton McDonald, class of 1993, Football, consensus All-American in 1992 and Thorpe Award runner-up
2015
Maiya Anderson, class of 1997, Swimming, 12-time NCAA Division II All-American
Raymond Dudley, class of 1990, Men's Basketball, all-time leading scorer in program history
Gene Miranda, Coach, Men's Golf, all-time winningest coach in program history
Dana Pounds, class of 2004, Women's Track, two-time national champion in the javelin
Bob Spear, Coach, Men's Basketball, led program to two NCAA tournaments, most wins in program history
Bart Weiss, class of 1986, Football, conference offensive player of the year, runner up for Davey O'Brien award
1958 Football Team, posted only undefeated season at 9-0-2 in program history and earned Cotton Bowl berth
2017
Rich Gugat, Coach, Men's Tennis, the Academy's all-time winningest coach in all sports with 730 dual-match wins
Paul Arata, Coach, Men's and Women's Swimming, led programs to a combined 301-15-1 record
Mike Thiessen, class of 2001, Baseball/Football, two-time baseball All-American, football conference player of year
Jim Murphy, class of 1965, Men's Track, school's first NCAA champion, winning the 5,000-meters in 1964
Seth Kelsey, class of 2003, Fencing, three-time Olympic team member and 2003 NCAA champion in epee
Don Henderson, class of 1968, Wrestling, program's only NCAA champion, winning 145-pound title in 1967
Rick McAlister, class of 1975, Men's Diving, 1974 NCAA champ in 1-meter diving, four-time All-American
1995-96 Women's Swimming and Diving Team, Won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1994-95 and 1995-96
2019
Wayne Baughman, Coach, Wrestling, winningest coach in program history with 183 wins in 27 seasons
Delavane Diaz, class of 2004, Volleyball, Rhodes Scholar and USAFA female athlete of the year in 2004
Chris Gizzi, class of 1997, Football, All-American in 1997 and two-time WAC defensive player of the year
Eric Ehn, class of 2008, Hockey, the program's first All-American and a Hobey Hat Trick finalist
Gregg Popovich, class of 1970, Men's Basketball, five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs
1985 Football Team, school-record 12 wins, WAC champions, reached No. 4 in the national polls
2021
Otis Jones, class of 1995, Men's Basketball, first three-time first-team all-conference honoree, 2000-point scorer.
Terry Maki, class of 1987, Football, First-team All-American in football and two-time NCAA qualifier in wrestling.
Robin Orth, class of 1996, Rifle, Eight-time All-American and three-time team most valuable player.
Laura Simmons Bergstrom, class of 1994, Women's Tennis, 1991 NCAA National Singles Champion.
Randy Spetman, class of 1976, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics from 1996-2003.
2004 Men's Basketball Team, 2004 Mountain West champions, first NCAA tournament for program in 42 years.
2022
Casey Converse, Coach, Swimming, led Air Force to back-to-back NCAA titles in women's swimming in 1995-96
Ralph Lindeman, Coach, Track, 10-time MW champion, coached 178 MW individual champions.
Chris Knaute, class of 2007, Men's Swimming, two-time All-American and nine-time Mountain West champion.
Jacques Lamoureux, class of 2011, Hockey, first-team All-American, Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Beau Morgan, class of 1997, Football, first player in NCAA history with back-to-back 1,000-1,000 seasons.
Sara Neubauer, class of 2010, Women's Track, three-time All-American, four-time MW champion.
2023
Chad Hall, class of 2008, Football, All-American, MW offensive player of the year, multiple school rushing records
Tracy Healy class of 1996 , Women's Soccer, First-team All-American, 1995 Colorado Sports Woman of the Year
Marci McGlinn, class of 1985, Women's Gymnastics, Two-time NCAA champion, two-time All-American
Ben Phillips, class of 1975, Water Polo, Air Force career and single-season leader in goals and points
2009 Hockey team, First to win an NCAA tournament game, school-best 28-11-2 record, AHA champions
2024
Ben Garland, class of 2010, Football, all-MW, played in two super bowls, two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee
Len Salvemini, class of 1975, Men's Soccer, career scoring leader and two-time All-American
Melissa Standley James, class of 1990, Women's Basketball, program's career scoring and rebounding leader
Charlie Toth, class of 2021, Men's Swimming/Water Polo, program's first MW champion in swimming
Joe Vasta, class of 1986, Lacrosse, All-American and program record holder in points and assists
1998 Football team, only outright conference champion in program history, program-best-tying 12-1 record
2025
Tim Jefferson, class of 2012, Football, winningest quarterback in program history, started four bowl games
Dan Oosterhous, class of 1993, Coach/Player, Men's Tennis program-record 113 wins at No. 1 singles/doubles
Mike Ryan, class of 1970, Men's Track, 1968 NCAA cross country national champion, two more top three finishes
Jeff Heidmous, class of 1977, Coach/Player/Administrator, winningest coach in program history with 328 wins
2007 Men's Basketball team, school-record 26 wins, NIT Final Four appearance, record No. 11 national ranking
2026
Mike Benza, class of 2000, Boxing, four-time national champion; Wing Open champion
Shannon Buck, class of 2006, Men's Tennis, two-time MW player of the year, most singles win in program history
Hannah Everson, class of 2016, Women's Track, three-time All-American, multiple Academy record holder
Kevin Hoy, class of 2003, Wrestling, two-time All-American, NCAA heavyweight runner-up in 2003
Barb Martin, class of 1984, Volleyball, two-time All-American, Olympia Award in 1986, head coach from 1993-95
Eddie Weichers, Coach, Boxing, led program to 19 NCBA national titles, coached 325 All-Americans
Benza was a four-time Wing Open champion and NCBA national champion at 139 pounds. He earned All-America honors all four years and was inducted into the program's ring of honor in 2025 in the inaugural class. Benza flew over 250 missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of special operations forces.
Buck is the only men's tennis player to participate in two NCAA tournaments, playing singles in 2003 and 2005. He earned the highest ITA national ranking of #11 in January of 2026. The only four-time most valuable player in program history, Buck is a two-time Mountain West player of the year (2003, 2006). He holds the program record with 83 career wins at No. 1 singles, posting a 92.2 winning percentage (83-7).
Everson is the first Falcon in program history to earn All-America honors in cross country, indoor and outdoor track in the same season, earning the triple in 2015-16. A three-time All-America selection, Everson finished third in the 10,000-meter run at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a three-time team cross country most valuable player and two-time track MVP. Everson also won the NCAA Mountain Region championship, a first in program history.
Hoy was a two-time All-America honoree and was the NCAA heavyweight runner-up in 2003. A four-time all-Academy champion, Hoy earned outstanding wrestler honors in 2003. He holds the Academy record in career victories with 160 and set a single season record with 46 wins in 2001-02. He earned male athlete of the year honors from the Academy in 2003. He retired from active duty in the Air Force in 2024.
Martin was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American and two-time team most valuable player. She was named the Continental Divide Conference player of the year in 1984 and was a three-time USVBA all-region selection. Martin won the 1986 Olympia Award for collegiate volleyball and was a three-time all-conference selection. She returned to the Academy to serve as head coach from 1993-95, accumulating a 61-47 record.
Weichers served as head boxing coach from 1976-2014, leading the Academy to 19 NCBA national championships. Air Force finished either first or second in 31 of the last 34 NCBA championships he coached in. His boxers earned 113 individual NCBA titles and 325 All-America honors. Weichers captured the Western Regional title in 34 of the last 35 years. He also served as an instructor in the physical education department at Air Force throughout his tenure. The boxing gym was named in his honor in 2026.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASSES
2007
Alonzo Babers, class of 1983, Track, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, All-American in 1983
Bob Beckel, class of 1959, Men's Basketball, 1959 Helms All-American
John Clune, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics, 1975-91
Chad Hennings, class of 1988, Football, 1987 consensus football All-American and Outland Trophy winner
Michelle Johnson, class of 1981, Women's Basketball, 1995 CoSIDA Academic All-American
Brock Strom, class of 1959, Football, 1958 consensus All-American
2009
Jim Bowman, Athletics Administration, former coach and administrator, 1958-2007
Callie Calhoun Molloy, class of 1991, Track/Cross Country, multi All-American and national champion
Dee Dowis, class of 1990, Football, 1989 Heisman Trophy finalist
Ernie Jennings, class of 1971, Football, 1970 consensus football All-American
Terry Isaacson, class of 1964, Wrestling/Football, three-time wrestling All-American
Ben Martin, Coach, head football coach, 1958-77
2011
Jim Conboy, Athletics Administration, head athletic trainer, 1955-98
Gail Conway Gray, class of 1984, Track, two-time national champion
Chuck Delich, class of 1977, Ice Hockey, school's all-time leading scorer
Bob Nieman, class of 1970, Swimming, two-time All-American
Scott Thomas, class of 1986, Football, consensus All-American in 1985
2013
Karen Burton Reeder, class of 1984, Women's Swimming, 16-time NCAA Division II All-American
Fisher DeBerry, Coach, Football, winningest in school history, College Football Hall of Fame inductee
Parker Hinman, class of 1964, Basketball/Football/Baseball/Track, first four-sport letterman at the Academy
Eric Mack, class of 1996, Men's Track, six-time conference champion and three-time All-American
Patty Martinez Gillette, class of 1983, Women's Swimming, six-time NCAA Division II individual national champion
Carlton McDonald, class of 1993, Football, consensus All-American in 1992 and Thorpe Award runner-up
2015
Maiya Anderson, class of 1997, Swimming, 12-time NCAA Division II All-American
Raymond Dudley, class of 1990, Men's Basketball, all-time leading scorer in program history
Gene Miranda, Coach, Men's Golf, all-time winningest coach in program history
Dana Pounds, class of 2004, Women's Track, two-time national champion in the javelin
Bob Spear, Coach, Men's Basketball, led program to two NCAA tournaments, most wins in program history
Bart Weiss, class of 1986, Football, conference offensive player of the year, runner up for Davey O'Brien award
1958 Football Team, posted only undefeated season at 9-0-2 in program history and earned Cotton Bowl berth
2017
Rich Gugat, Coach, Men's Tennis, the Academy's all-time winningest coach in all sports with 730 dual-match wins
Paul Arata, Coach, Men's and Women's Swimming, led programs to a combined 301-15-1 record
Mike Thiessen, class of 2001, Baseball/Football, two-time baseball All-American, football conference player of year
Jim Murphy, class of 1965, Men's Track, school's first NCAA champion, winning the 5,000-meters in 1964
Seth Kelsey, class of 2003, Fencing, three-time Olympic team member and 2003 NCAA champion in epee
Don Henderson, class of 1968, Wrestling, program's only NCAA champion, winning 145-pound title in 1967
Rick McAlister, class of 1975, Men's Diving, 1974 NCAA champ in 1-meter diving, four-time All-American
1995-96 Women's Swimming and Diving Team, Won back-to-back NCAA championships in 1994-95 and 1995-96
2019
Wayne Baughman, Coach, Wrestling, winningest coach in program history with 183 wins in 27 seasons
Delavane Diaz, class of 2004, Volleyball, Rhodes Scholar and USAFA female athlete of the year in 2004
Chris Gizzi, class of 1997, Football, All-American in 1997 and two-time WAC defensive player of the year
Eric Ehn, class of 2008, Hockey, the program's first All-American and a Hobey Hat Trick finalist
Gregg Popovich, class of 1970, Men's Basketball, five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs
1985 Football Team, school-record 12 wins, WAC champions, reached No. 4 in the national polls
2021
Otis Jones, class of 1995, Men's Basketball, first three-time first-team all-conference honoree, 2000-point scorer.
Terry Maki, class of 1987, Football, First-team All-American in football and two-time NCAA qualifier in wrestling.
Robin Orth, class of 1996, Rifle, Eight-time All-American and three-time team most valuable player.
Laura Simmons Bergstrom, class of 1994, Women's Tennis, 1991 NCAA National Singles Champion.
Randy Spetman, class of 1976, Athletics Administration, Director of Athletics from 1996-2003.
2004 Men's Basketball Team, 2004 Mountain West champions, first NCAA tournament for program in 42 years.
2022
Casey Converse, Coach, Swimming, led Air Force to back-to-back NCAA titles in women's swimming in 1995-96
Ralph Lindeman, Coach, Track, 10-time MW champion, coached 178 MW individual champions.
Chris Knaute, class of 2007, Men's Swimming, two-time All-American and nine-time Mountain West champion.
Jacques Lamoureux, class of 2011, Hockey, first-team All-American, Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Beau Morgan, class of 1997, Football, first player in NCAA history with back-to-back 1,000-1,000 seasons.
Sara Neubauer, class of 2010, Women's Track, three-time All-American, four-time MW champion.
2023
Chad Hall, class of 2008, Football, All-American, MW offensive player of the year, multiple school rushing records
Tracy Healy class of 1996 , Women's Soccer, First-team All-American, 1995 Colorado Sports Woman of the Year
Marci McGlinn, class of 1985, Women's Gymnastics, Two-time NCAA champion, two-time All-American
Ben Phillips, class of 1975, Water Polo, Air Force career and single-season leader in goals and points
2009 Hockey team, First to win an NCAA tournament game, school-best 28-11-2 record, AHA champions
2024
Ben Garland, class of 2010, Football, all-MW, played in two super bowls, two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee
Len Salvemini, class of 1975, Men's Soccer, career scoring leader and two-time All-American
Melissa Standley James, class of 1990, Women's Basketball, program's career scoring and rebounding leader
Charlie Toth, class of 2021, Men's Swimming/Water Polo, program's first MW champion in swimming
Joe Vasta, class of 1986, Lacrosse, All-American and program record holder in points and assists
1998 Football team, only outright conference champion in program history, program-best-tying 12-1 record
2025
Tim Jefferson, class of 2012, Football, winningest quarterback in program history, started four bowl games
Dan Oosterhous, class of 1993, Coach/Player, Men's Tennis program-record 113 wins at No. 1 singles/doubles
Mike Ryan, class of 1970, Men's Track, 1968 NCAA cross country national champion, two more top three finishes
Jeff Heidmous, class of 1977, Coach/Player/Administrator, winningest coach in program history with 328 wins
2007 Men's Basketball team, school-record 26 wins, NIT Final Four appearance, record No. 11 national ranking
2026
Mike Benza, class of 2000, Boxing, four-time national champion; Wing Open champion
Shannon Buck, class of 2006, Men's Tennis, two-time MW player of the year, most singles win in program history
Hannah Everson, class of 2016, Women's Track, three-time All-American, multiple Academy record holder
Kevin Hoy, class of 2003, Wrestling, two-time All-American, NCAA heavyweight runner-up in 2003
Barb Martin, class of 1984, Volleyball, two-time All-American, Olympia Award in 1986, head coach from 1993-95
Eddie Weichers, Coach, Boxing, led program to 19 NCBA national titles, coached 325 All-Americans
Ryan Cole Interview May 12, 2026
Tuesday, May 12
Falcons close home season with a walk off win
Sunday, May 10
Falcons drop game two to Washington State
Saturday, May 09
Falcons drop the first game of the series against Washington State
Saturday, May 09
