Hall of Fame 2015 events to begin Friday, Jan. 30

Newman University will host events Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 in celebration of the Newman University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015. Check below for a list of the 2015 Hall of Fame inductees as well as the full schedule of events.

To make a reservation for Hall of Fame events go to http://2015hall-of-fame.eventbrite.com. For more information about the Hall of Fame contact Mo Rohleder at 316-942-4291, ext. 2118 or [email protected]. For alumni events contact Sarah Cundiff at 316-942-4291, ext. 2166 or [email protected].

2015 Hall of Fame Inductees

Bill Powers – Kansas Newman College – Men’s Basketball ’78
Bill was inducted in 2008 as part of the 1977-78 Men’s Basketball Team that went to Nationals. He had an outstanding career at KNC in all aspects of his college tenure. He was not only a great basketball player, but also an excellent student and a great ambassador for the college. The basketball success at KNC in the mid-late ‘70s was due in large part to Powers, and the team would not have achieved District #10 championship without his presence. He is the 2nd leading scorer for the school, behind Mike Bayer (2007 HOF inductee).

Cory Simmons – Newman University, Bowling ’06
Cory was the 2004 National Collegiate Singles Champion, and in 2005 led his team to a national championship runner up, was the national championship MVP, and was 1st team All-American. He graduated in 2005 with a degree in criminal justice. While at NU, Cory earned a spot on the U.S. National Team and won six medals (four gold and two silver) and since graduating has been the Great Plains USBC Player of the Year five times with 63 “300” games and 45 “800 series” and a high of 879. Cory also has one PBA regional title.

Kelly Gaul, Kansas Newman College, Baseball 1989
As KNC’s catcher, Kelly earned first team All-American, first team All- District, first team All-Area and Player of the Year. He played under Coach Paul Sanagorski and currently holds many records, including #1 in career batting average at .462, #1 in career on-base percentage at .577, and the most hits and most singles in 1989.

Dave Skinner, Kansas Newman College, Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director 1972-80
Coach Skinner encountered tremendous success with the basketball program. His 1977-78 team was inducted into the NU Hall of Fame in 2008. Dave also started the baseball program as athletic director, hiring Paul Sanagorski as the coach, which gained consistent national prominence.

Bianca Montagnino-Simmons – Newman University, Bowling ’06
Bianca won the 2005 National Collegiate Singles Championship, in addition to helping lead her team to three national championship appearances, highlighted by a 5th place finish in her senior season. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in communications and was a three-time academic All- American. Following Newman she was the assistant women’s bowling coach for 8 years and helped lead them to 7 national championship appearances.

Dondlinger Construction, Founded by N.L. Dondlinger in 1898
Dondlinger Construction, now in its fourth generation, has been a major supporter of the Newman University community. The founder’s son, Ray, was heavily involved in the Jet Open Golf Tournament from its inception. Tom (Class of ’72), Nick (Class of ’73), both Hall of Fame inductees, and Raymond (Class of ’05) have continued their father’s and grandfather’s legacy of strong support for Newman University athletics. The company has financed several projects such as the locker room renovations, scoreboard, and soccer dugouts. The Dondlinger family, a major supporter of the Jet Open since its beginning, continues to be active participants, provide auction items, and sponsor the annual kick-off party. The Dondlingers have also been donors for the Wichita Gladiator Dash.

Full event schedule

Friday, Jan. 30

8 – 12 p.m. – Winter Sports Alumni and Hall of Fame Social
Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center
Free Beer, Wine, and Snacks

Saturday, Jan. 31

1 p.m. – Tip-off for NU Women’s Basketball vs. TAMIU
3 p.m. – Tip-Off for NU Men’s Basketball vs. TAMIU
Half Time of game – 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees are introduced
Ticket prices – $8 adults, $5 students, 8 and under free (tickets at gate)
5 p.m. – Cocktail Hour and Reception – Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, Dugan Library and Campus Center
6 p.m. – Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony – Dugan-Gorges Conference Center
$50 per person for open seating
$350 for a reserved table for eight
9 p.m. to midnight – “After Party” Alumni/Hall of Fame- Alumni Center