Elgin, IL, September 5, 2024 – Judson University is proud to announce the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This year’s inductees will be honored at a special ceremony during Homecoming Weekend, on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Reed Room on campus, as part of the Homecoming & Family Weekend festivities.

We are delighted to induct Josh Edwards, Class of 2012, whose outstanding achievements on the basketball court have left a lasting legacy at Judson University. A native of Mapleton, Illinois, and a graduate of Illini Bluffs High School, Edwards earned four All-Conference selections and is a prominent figure in Judson’s record books. He leads several statistical categories, including single-season free throw percentage (90.7%), career 3-pointers made (304), and career 3-pointers attempted (766). Additionally, Edwards ranks 8th all-time in career points, with 1,577 points to his name. He played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to the CCAC regular season conference championship during the 2008-2009 season.

In addition to Edwards, Judson University will honor the 1998-1999 Women’s Basketball Team, one of the most celebrated teams in the university’s history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tory Gum, this outstanding team made a historic run to the NAIA Division 2 National Tournament Elite Eight, finishing the season with an impressive 25-9 record. That season, the Eagles won the CCAC regular season conference championship. The Elite Eight appearance remains the deepest tournament run in program history. With five team members already in the Hall of Fame, it is fitting to recognize the entire team on the 25th anniversary of their remarkable season.”

The 1998-1999 Women’s Basketball Team members include:

  • Sheryl Bianchin (Jedd)
  • Samantha Collins
  • Dawn Gomilla (Waldron)
  • Krista Heartwell
  • Heather Johnson (Kusch)
  • Meghan Johnson (McCarty)
  • Leah Mills (Sertich)
  • Rachael Patterson (Damschroder)
  • Shawna Sipes (Jensen)
  • Jodie Sutton (Baker)
  • Meghan Watson (Dunn)
  • Danny Wingate – Assistant Coach
  • The late Tom Kendall – Assistant Coach
  • Lisa Pickle – Assistant Coach
  • Tory Gum – Head Coach

The Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 5th, at 11:30 a.m., during Homecoming & Family Weekend. We invite alumni, family, and friends to join us in celebrating these exceptional individuals and their contributions to Judson University athletics.

To register for Homecoming & Family Weekend events, please visit: www.judsonu.edu/homecoming. For more information about the Athletic Hall of Fame, please contact the Kristen Egan at [email protected].