GALESBURG, Ill. — Knox College recently announced the 2024 Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame class: James Fennema '73, Paul Bennett '08, and Mike Hendrick '13, as well as the 1987-1988 women's basketball team. Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary athletic achievements of these athletes and teams, as well as the indelible impact they have had on Knox College Athletics. 

The ceremony will take place on Oct. 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Lincoln/Skylight rooms of Seymour Union. Registration is required to attend.

"This year's Hall of Fame class embodies the athletic excellence of the Prairie Fire and is a wonderful addition to our Hall of Fame," Brayden Bathgate '23, assistant director, athletics fundraising said. "I would like to give a special thanks to the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Tom Crabtree '72, Valerie Blevins '86, Paul Shimotake '85 and Alyssa Anderson '18."

James Fennema '73 - Baseball

James Fennema '73 cemented his legacy in Knox College baseball with a career marked by exceptional achievements. Fennema holds the records for most career wins, most career complete games and most career no-hitters by a Knox player. His remarkable skill and dedication on the mound have earned him a well-deserved place in the Knox-Lombard Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Paul Bennett '08 - Baseball, Football

Paul Bennett '08 made an indelible mark on both the baseball and football fields. As a baseball player, he was a three-time all-conference selection and the Midwest Conference Player of the Year. Bennett holds several records, including most games played and most walks in a career, and is among the school leaders in home runs and runs batted in. His leadership earned him the K-Club Award and the title of team captain.

In football, Bennett's versatility shone through as he started as a linebacker, moved to tight end, and concluded his career as a defensive end. He was named all-conference at both tight end and defensive end, showcasing his exceptional talent and adaptability.

Bennett's academic excellence was equally impressive, earning him ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honors on both 2007 and 2008.

Mike Hendrick '13 - Football

Mike Hendrick '13 stands out as one of Knox College's most accomplished football players. An All-American, Hendrick led the NCAA in tackles for a season and was a first-team all-conference selection in both 2011 and 2012. As captain of the 2012 Prairie Fire Football team, Hendrick set multiple records, including most total tackles in a game, most tackles in a season and most career tackles. 

Hendrick's defensive prowess is further evidenced by his top rankings in several categories: first in solo tackles, fifth in assisted tackles, first in total tackles, sixth in tackles for loss and fourth in sacks. 

Women's Basketball 1987-88

The 1987-88 Women's Basketball team made history with their exceptional performance, finishing first in the Midwest Conference (MWC) South Division. This remarkable squad went 8-2 in the MWC and achieved an impressive overall record of 18-4. Outscoring their opponents by an average of 7.8 points per game and out-rebounding them by a margin of 10.4 per game, the team demonstrated relentless prowess on the court.

Led by Head Coach Bill Hurckes, who boasts a four-year coaching record of 62-29 (.681 winning percentage) and a conference record of 28-12 (.700 winning percentage), the team played a tenacious full-court pressing, man-to-man defense that wore out opponents in the fourth quarter. The team's strength was bolstered by the recruiting efforts of Harley Knosher and the support of assistant coach Amy (Howley) Reifert.

Caroline Koch Young '90 emerged as the leading scorer and rebounder, with 270 points (12.3 points per game) and 186 rebounds (8.5 per game), earning her an honorable mention on the all-conference team. Debbie (Jack) Scanlon '90 was voted onto the all-conference first team.

A defining moment of the season was their comeback victory against Coe, against which they rallied from a nine-point deficit with just two-and-a-half minutes remaining to win, 64-62. This triumph sparked a 13-1 run to close out the season.