Otterbein announces 2025 Hall of Fame class

HALL OF FAME PAGE
WESTERVILLE – The 17th Otterbein University Athletics Hall of Fame class has been selected and will be welcomed in mid-October during an official ceremony. Six individuals and one team comprise the newest class, listed below in alphabetical order. New this year, Otterbein has added the Cardinal Achievement Citation with information below of the award.

Kristen Bennett Martin – Volleyball, Track and Field, class of 2013

Bennett excelled in two sports at Otterbein after transferring in from Xavier. The only athlete to earn Academic All-America honors three times in two sports, She immediately made an impact in both sports. Bennett was a National Qualifier in track and field, as she still holds the indoor and outdoor school records in both the long jump and triple jump. On the court, Bennett was named an Honorable Mention All-American in 2012 and earned All-Region and All-OAC accolades twice in her career. In 2012, she was a member of the first volleyball OAC Tournament Championship squad.

Tory Blatt Smyers – Women's Lacrosse, class of 2015

A pioneer of the inaugural Otterbein women's lacrosse team, Blatt left with program records that held for eight years, still ranking in the top five in plenty of statistical categories. Her 184 goals and 221 points both rank second in the program all-time, as she sits fourth in ground balls (123) and sixth in draw controls (161). Decorated with postseason accolades, she is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American (2013, 2015) and was the 2015 OAC Clyde Lamb Award winner. Additionally, Blatt was a two-time First Team All-OAC, Academic All-OAC and CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.

Jeff Harper – Baseball, class of 1982

Harper played one season at UNLV before transferring into Otterbein. While with the Runnin' Rebels, he pitched to a 6-1 overall record that was soon followed by a remarkable career with the Cardinals. In 1982, Harper was the OAC Player of the Year and later was named an All-American in a season where he turned in a 12-2 record with a 2.01 ERA. He twice was named to All-OAC teams, and never lost a decision in five games against national power, Marietta College. Harper graduated with a 25-7 record, tossing 256 innings of work and striking out 173 hitters. He passed away in 2007 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Micheaux Robinson – Football and Basketball, 2001-05

A two-sport athlete at Otterbein, Robinson was a two-time First Team All-OAC honoree during his tenure as a four-year starting defensive back. In 2003, Robinson claimed All-American honors and was Otterbein's career record holder in interceptions (13), a mark that stood for eight seasons. Being selected to the Aztec Bowl, Division III's All-Star Game, he was named the MVP where the United States defeated Mexico, 24-3. Robinson was also a member of the 2002 men's basketball National Championship team. Following his time at Otterbein, Robinson had a lengthy career in the Arena Football League where he set numerous defensive records in the organization.

Nate Van Wey – Track and Field, class of 1972

A three-time OAC Champion in the long jump, Van Wey contributed and scored in multiple events while with the Cardinals. He was chosen as the Otterbein Team MVP in 1970, 1971 and 1972. Upon graduation, Van Wey held four school records, coming in the indoor and outdoor long jump, indoor high jump and outdoor triple jump. His outdoor long jump record of 7.25m stood for over 50 years until recently broken in 2024.

Doug Welsh – Track and Field Coach, 1991-2009

Coaching 16 individuals to 26 All-American selections, Welsh spearheaded the Otterbein track and field programs for nearly 20 seasons. In 2004, the men's and women's teams captured the OAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships, coming as four of his 10 team championship squads.

2006 Baseball Team

Turning in a 34-16 record, the Cardinals were the kings of the OAC, winning both the league Regular Season and Tournament Championships. Going 16-2 in the conference, Otterbein advanced all the way to the NCAA Regional Final. As a pitching staff, the Cardinals held a season ERA of 3.76, a record that stood for 10 years. Heading into the next season, the Cardinals were the Preseason No. 1 national team.

Cardinal Achievement Citation, Bradley Overholt

Special Admittance will be made for those individuals who are former University students or employees that have provided truly exceptional contributions or services to the athletic department at Otterbein University. Special Admittance will be made in the case that former Otterbein University athletes have continued to make significant contributions in their chosen field, which brings credit and distinction to the University.

The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 17, via invitation. Honorees will be recognized at halftime of the football game the following day when the Cardinals host Wilmington.

Print Friendly Version