There are some pretty big names among this year’s class.
There are few more impressive accolades than being placed into the Hall of Fame for your particular field. I can’t say that I’ll ever have that honor as I don’t think there’s a blogger hall of fame, but man if there was I would love to see my bust. Well this week, Purdue announced the lucky group that will be inducted into the newest class. There are eight Boilermakers who have received the highest honor from their alma mater. Let’s take a look at them.
Devynne Charlton (Track and Field 2013-2018)
Charlton was a sprinter/hurdler for the Boilermakers during his career. She earned seven First Team All-American honors and two Second Team All-American honors. She was the 2017 Purdue Female Athlete of the Year. She represented the Bahamas in the 2024 100 meter hurdles.
Annie Drews (Volleyball 2012-2015)
Drews was a second-team All-American for the Boilermakers. She is currently playing for Team USA as they seek an Olympic Gold medal in Paris. She also already has a gold medal as a member of the 2020(ne) Olympic team from Tokyo. There are hardly any better honors than that. If you’ve been watching any of these Olympics you know that Drews has been a key player for the USA.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men’s Track & Field, 2013-16)
Enekwechi is another Olympian currently competing in Paris. Well, he did compete in Paris. He competed in the shot put for the second time representing Nigeria. He competed in the hammer throw and is the only three time winner in Big Ten history. He was an incredible 13 time All-American.
Bob Ford (Men’s Basketball, 1970-72)
Ford is no stranger to Halls of Fame as he is already a member of the Indiana Basketball HOF (class of 1997). Ford scored over 1,000 points in his career during a time in which freshman weren’t eligible to play. He still ranks in the top 10 in Purdue history in scoring average and rebounding average.
Katie Gearlds (Women’s Basketball, 2004-07)
The current women’s basketball head coach also had an impressive career during her time as a player for Purdue. She started 100 games during her four year career. She earned four Big Ten All-Conference selections. In 2007 she was named to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament team. She sits at fourth in the all time scoring list.
Laura Gonzalez-Escallon (Women’s Golf, 2010-13)
Gonzalez-Escallon attained both team and individual success during her time with the Boilermakers. In 2010, the Purdue women’s golf team won the National title and she was an important part of the team. The next season the team finished runner-up and third in 2013. In 2011 and 2012 she finished third as an individual.
Kevin Plawecki (Baseball, 2010-12)
The former Purdue baseball catcher, and current San Diego Padre, was the 2012 Big Ten player of the year. He was also Purdue’s 2012 male athlete of the year. Plawecki ranks in the top 10 of hits, runs, doubles, total bases. He was the co-captain of the 2012 team that won the Big Ten.
Tim Stratton (Football, 1998-2001)
Stratton, a great tight end for Purdue during the early years of Joe Tiller, is perhaps most known for the infamous helmet story. However, he was a menace on the field. Stratton was the first player to win the John Mackey award in 2000 for the nation’s best tight end. He was named all conference three times. He was a three time all-conference selection. He was part of the Big Ten conference winning squad that went to the Rose Bowl. He played in four bowl games during his career.
Congrats to everyone who has earned this incredible honor. From the Purdue release:
This year’s Hall of Fame event will culminate with a Friday-night Ross-Ade Stadium crowd cheering for and welcoming home the group during the Purdue-Oregon football game (Oct. 18). A private induction ceremony for inductees and guests will take place earlier in the day.