NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State athletic department has unveiled its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class. The class includes 25 inductees representing 12 different sports. The inductees will be honored during a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt on April 12, 2024. Tickets for this event have been sold out.
Class of 2024
Carolyn Aldridge • Women's Basketball • 1992-1995
Carolyn Aldridge played for the Lady Tigers for three seasons from 1922-95. During the 1993-94 season, she scored a record-setting 51 points to help the Lady Tigers knock off Wake Forest, 73-54. Aldridge, who led TSU in scoring with 22.7 ppg as a senior, holds the TSU record for most points scored in a single game as well as the Ohio Valley Conference record for the same feat.
She helped lead the Lady Tigers to back-to-back OVC Tournament Championships in 1994 and 1995 as well as two NCAA tournament appearances. She was named to the All-OVC First Team three times and is TSU's second all-time leading scorer with 1,662 career points.
She has the most 30+ point games in TSU history with a total of 10 and ranks in the top 10 in six career categories: Scoring (2nd), Field goals attempted (2nd), field goals made (4th), three-point field goal percentage (2nd), assists (5th) and steals (4th). The TSU great also holds the record for most points scored in a single season after putting up 657 during the 1994-95 campaign.
Antionette Armstrong • Softball • 2001-02
Antionette A. Armstrong was a two-Year softball player at TSU. She was named OVC All Conference-1st team (2001), and was nationally ranked by NCCA with a batting average of .398 (28TH) and with triples 8 (2nd). She was the Team MVP in 2001, and a Co-Captain 2002.
In 2003, Armstrong made TSU and OVC history, becoming the first softball player to participate in the Women's Professional Softball League as she played for the Akron Racers. She was a TSU volunteer softball coach from 2003-2006. Leads school records: Single Season Records-Batting Average, Triples, and Runs scored & University Career Records - Batting Average, Triples, Slugging Percentage and On Base Percentage. Prior to arriving at TSU, Armstrong played softball at Columbia State Community where she achieved TICCAA ALL Conference- 1ST Team 2000 and Western division TICCAA-1st Team.
Robert Covington • Men's Basketball • 2009-13
Covington joined the Tennessee State men's basketball team as a freshman in 2009 after graduating from Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois, where he averaged 18.1 ppg, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks during his senior year, was named the West Suburban Conference Player of the Year, named to the Chicago Classic All-Star North Team, was an All-Area selection for the Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper, led Proviso West to the West Suburban Championship and was named to the All-Area/All-Conference First Team.
The accolades didn't stop after his high school career, as Covington went on to become an All-American, CollegeInsider.com OVC Co-MVP, and helped the Tigers to four OVC Tournament appearances and two CIT berths. In his junior season, Covington earned first-team All-OVC and first-team NABC Division I All-District 19 honors and was named the 2011–12 CollegeInsider.com OVC co-MVP. He also earned OVC All-Tournament team and Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational All-Tournament team honors. At the season's end, he had 1,358 points and 693 rebounds, ranking for 16th and 13th in school history respectively. In 33 games (32 starts), he averaged 17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks in 31.2 minutes per game.
In his freshman season at TSU, Covington was named to the OVC All-Newcomer team and earned Mid-Major Freshman All-America honors from Collegeinsider.com. In 32 games (28 starts), he averaged 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game.
In his sophomore season, Covington recorded eight double-doubles. He led the team in rebounds (7.5 rpg), field goal percentage (.500), and three-point field goal percentage (.460). He also led the OVC with his 46% three-point shooting as he earned second-team All-OVC and second-team NABC Division I All-District 19 honors. In 30 games (all starts), he averaged 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in 30.8 minutes per game.
In his final season, Covington started 22 games for the Tigers, missing 10 due to a knee injury. He still made the Second-Team All OVC Team after averaging 17 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. Covington was also second on the squad with 16 steals. He left TSU as the seventh leading scorer (1,749 career points) and rebounder (876) in school history.
In 2013, Covington signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. He went on to play for the Rio Grande Vipers of the G-League (formerly D-League) before joining the Houston Rockets for seven games in 2013-14. During the 2014 season with the Vipers, Covington was named Rookie of the Year, All-NBA G-League First Team, All-Star and All-Star Game MVP. The rest was history as he went on to play seven games for the Rockets that season and his NBA dreams were realized. He is currently in his 11th NBA season and is a current member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Covington has played in 588 career games and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018.
Darlene Crawley-Morrow • Volleyball • 1991-94
As a two-sport student-athlete (basketball and volleyball), Darlene has the distinction of being the first female athlete to compete in two Division I contests in different sports on the same day.
In her Volleyball career, Darlene was able to set several school records including - the highest hitting percentage, most career kills and digs, and most digs in a season. She led the nation in digs during the 1991 season. In 1994, she again made history as a starter on the first women's basketball team to win an OVC Championship and compete in the NCAA tournament. She will be inducted into the HOF as a volleyball player.
Kelly Davis • Volleyball • 2004-07
Kelly Davis came to Tennessee State University from Farrell High School located in Pennsylvania. She attended TSU from 2004-2007. As a four-year player, Kelly received multiple honors, culminating with an OVC Tournament MVP award while helping her team reach a first berth in the NCAA Tournament during her final year of play. She finished her career placing in the top 10 of several single-season and career school record categories including attacks in a season. Davis recorded 382 career blocks which is first all-time at TSU, 3,532 attacks which ranks second, and 1,237 kills which also ranks second. She set single-season records of 366 kills in 2005 which is 11th all-time, 1,046 attacks in 2006 which is also ranked 11th all-time, and 119 blocks in 2007 which is good for sixth all-time.
Robert Dinwiddie • Men's Golf • 2001-05
Robert Dinwiddie led the TSU golf team as captain for three consecutive years from 2002 to 2005. He clinched 11 tournament victories and was named OVC Player of the Year in both 2002 and 2005. In 2005-2006, Dinwiddie achieved the distinction of being the only individual to simultaneously hold the English, Scottish, and Welsh Amateur championship titles. He represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup against the USA at Chicago Golf Club in 2005.
Dinwiddie represented England from 2004-06 before turning professional in 2006. During his tenure on the European Tour (DP World Tour) from 2007 to 2018, he amassed approximately 20 top-ten finishes, with notable performances including 2nd and 3rd place finishes at the BMW Asian Open and the Austrian Open respectively. Dinwiddie competed in five major championships, achieving his best major finish of T33 at the US Open in 2008.
King Dunlap IV • Football • 1965-69 (Posthumous)
King David Dunlap, IV, distinguished himself as a co-valedictorian of the Class of 1965 while excelling in football, basketball, and marching band at Central High School in Paris, TN. His collegiate career at Tennessee A&I State University (now Tennessee State University) was marked by triumphs on the gridiron, earning him recognition as an All-American football player. At TSU, Dunlap earned NCAA Little All-America honors as a defensive tackle on Tigers teams that won Black College National Championships in 1965 and 1966. Under the mentorship of Coach 'Big John' Merritt, Dunlap's leadership propelled the Tennessee State Tigers to numerous championships, including the 5th Black National Football Championship. His prowess extended to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and later played for the Los Angeles Rams.
Onzy Elam • Football • 1982-86
Onzy Elam's football career began at Tennessee State University in the summer of 1982 under the coaching of John Merritt. Transitioning seamlessly from Strong Safety to Outside Linebacker after his redshirt season, Onzy's speed, strength, and aggressive play defined his play during his next four seasons at his newfound position.
His accolades further solidified his legacy, as Onzy received Kodak All-American, Sheridan Poll All-American, and AP All-American. Notably, he was named Ebony Magazine Black College Player of The Year and received numerous local awards including Nashville WVOL Player of The Year and Nashville Civitan Sportsman of The Year. He was also selected as the 75th overall player in the 1987 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
Sean Foley • Men's Golf • 1993-97
A native of Canada, Foley, played for TSU under then-head coach Catana Starks for four years, 1993-97. He is now one of the world's top swing coaches.
Foley has coached three professional players to the number-one ranking in the sport. Most notably, in 2010, Foley coached the great Tiger Woods. Foley's players have won a total of 56 professional events. These wins have included a major championship, an Olympic gold medal, the FedEx Cup Championship, many World Golf Championships, and two Player of the Year awards.
Kirk Forbes • Baseball • 1976-79
Kirk, a native of Oakland, California, embarked on his journey to Tennessee State University in Nashville in 1976. Under the leadership of Athletic Director Samuel Whitman and baseball coach Allen Robinson, Kirk began his collegiate baseball career.
Throughout his freshman year, he set records for consecutive games played, runs scored, and stolen bases, earning recognition as the top second baseman in the area by The Tennessean and a selection in the 1979 MLB Draft by the Montreal Expos. Committed to his alma mater, Tennessee State University, Kirk remains deeply rooted in his Tiger pride. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.
Mark Hickman • Men's Tennis • 1996-99
Mark transferred to TSU after three semesters at UT Martin. At TSU, he bolstered the tennis program's reputation in the OVC and Southeast, securing notable victories in national tournaments and defeating top-ranked players from various universities. Mark, appointed team captain for three consecutive years, demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion.
His journey took a unique turn when diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease during his third-semester break, leading to a semester-long chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Despite the setback, Mark returned stronger, clinching victories against formidable opponents post-recovery. He cherished team achievements against schools like Belmont and competing against renowned programs like MTSU and Vanderbilt.
Nicholas Horton • Men's Track & Field • 2000-04
Nicholas Horton, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduated from Tennessee State University in 2004, where he excelled in Track and Field. Specializing in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes, he also contributed to relay events. Horton served as team captain during his junior and senior years, securing 10 gold medals as OVC Champion and earning multiple accolades, such as 4-time OVC Athlete of the Week and 3-time OVC Male Track Athlete of the Year.
Notably, he still holds records at Eastern Illinois Lantz Fieldhouse set in 2004. In 2004, Horton represented TSU in the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships, ranking 7th nationally in the 400-meter dash and 21st in the 200-meter dash, qualifying for the Olympic trials. He made history that year as TSU's first Male Athlete of the Year. In 2021, he was inducted into the Dominican High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in Track and Field.
Veronica Hunter • Women's Basketball • 1983-86
Veronica Hunter established herself as an influential figure in Tennessee State Women's Basketball, setting a record as the all-time leading rebounder with an impressive 1,005 rebounds accumulated in just 98 games. She also secured a position among the top ten scorers in Tennessee State history. She is the only player in TSU WBB history to accumulate 1,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds.
Notably, during the 1984-85 season, she demonstrated her scoring ability by averaging an impressive 21.2 points per game, further cementing her reputation as a formidable presence in college basketball.
Kenneth Joyce • Baseball • 1975-79
Kenneth Joyce inked his commitment with Tennessee State University in the summer of 1975, joining the TSU baseball team. Guiding him through his collegiate journey were coaches Jacob Robinson, Allen Robinson, and Larry Cole. Throughout his tenure as a student-athlete at Tennessee State University, Kenneth Joyce amassed a string of accolades and honors.
Noteworthy among these achievements are his recognition as the most valuable freshman, his impressive 423 batting average during his junior year, his consecutive All-Nashville Honors in both junior and senior seasons, and his appointment as co-captain of the esteemed TSU baseball team in 1979.
Jerrold Mcrae Sr. • Football • 1973-77
After graduating high school in 1973, secured a scholarship to Tennessee State University in Nashville to advance both his academic and athletic pursuits. McRae's dedication and skill propelled him into a starting position in his junior and senior seasons. His prowess on the football field was evident as he led the team in receptions in 1976 and receptions/scoring in 1977.
McRae's remarkable talent earned him widespread recognition, being named team captain and receiving All-American honors from esteemed publications. Additionally, he was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Football Classic. Wrapping up his collegiate career with impressive statistics including 79 receptions, 1,233 total yards, and 12 touchdowns. After college, McRae was selected in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brenda Morehead-Campbell • Track & Field • 1975-79
Brenda, a recipient of a full scholarship to Tennessee State University upon graduating high school in 1975, soared into the limelight at the tender age of 19 when she represented the United States in the 1976 Olympics. As a member of the TSU Tigerbelles, under the guidance of Coach Edward Temple, Brenda helped secure numerous indoor and outdoor national titles.
Her athletic prowess extended beyond collegiate success, earning her spots on multiple Pan America Teams and various USA international teams. Her dedication and talent were recognized when she was awarded one of the 461 Congressional Gold Medals specially created for athletes impacted by the boycott. Brenda's journey is a testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit of athletes amidst the complexities of global politics and sports.
Tamara Perkins • Softball • 2006-10
Tamara Perkins made significant contributions to Tennessee State University's softball program from 2006 to 2010. She earned accolades including All-Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer in 2007 and was twice named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Academic All-American.
Perkins set records for single-season hits (61) and career hits (166), along with ranking among the top in career home runs, doubles, triples, RBI, runs scored, and slugging percentage. Her .947 career fielding percentage solidified her as one of the top players in program history.
Mamie Rallins • Track & Field • 1971-75 (Posthumous)
Mamie Rallins, a distinguished track athlete from Chicago, left a lasting impression as a member of the legendary Tennessee State University (TSU) Tigerbelles under the guidance of coach Ed Temple during the early 1970s. Rallins' athletic talent propelled her onto the international stage, where she represented the United States in the 100-meter hurdles at the 1968 Mexico City and 1972 Munich Olympics.
Her exceptional skill was further validated by her top-ranking status as the No. 1 100-meter hurdler globally in 1969. Rallins' remarkable achievements extended to her collegiate career, where she garnered All-American honors at TSU in 1972,1973, and 1974. In a pioneering move, Rallins transitioned from athlete to coach, breaking barriers as the first African-American female coach at Ohio State University in 1976.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie • Football • 2004-07
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the most heralded student-athletes to compete on the gridiron in Tennessee State history. Rodgers-Cromartie was a standout for the Tigers from 2004-2007, joining the program as an All-Area, All-Class 5A, and All-District 11 defensive back and wide receiver out of Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida. In 39 starts for Tennessee State, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown near Rodgers-Cromartie. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25, and held the opposition to a minuscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over his three seasons. He was a three-time First Team All-OVC selection while at Tennessee State and an FCS All-American his senior season.
Rodgers was also a standout on the Tigers' Track & Field team. Juggling football spring drills with the indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2007, he qualified for the NCAA Mid-East Regionals after he captured the Ohio Valley Conference long jump title, with a mark of 7.71 meters. In his second outdoor event, he was named OVC Male Athlete of the Week after finishing third at the Penn Relays with a conference-best long jump of 7.56 meters. At the OVC Indoor Track Championships, Rodgers-Cromartie was named the top male athlete. He won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.89 seconds, long jump with a mark of 7.71 meters and high jump with a mark of 2.07 meters and finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 14.83 meters.
Rodgers-Cromartie garnered the attention of many NFL franchises with his legendary performance at the 2008 Senior Bowl, where recorded four solo tackles, and interception, and a pass break up, which helped cement a 17-16 win for the South and earned Dominique the Under Armour New Prototype Defensive MVP Award. Following his performance in the Senior Bowl, Rodgers Cromartie was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He would go on his rookie season to record 38 solo tackles and four interceptions to help lead the Cardinals to what would be his first of two AFC Championships and Super Bowl Appearances. Dominique was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team following the 2008 season. Rodgers Cromartie finished his NFL career with two Pro-Bowl selections (2009, 2015), a Second Team All-Pro selection in 2016, 395 career solo tackles, seven career forced fumbles, 30 career interceptions, and six career defensive touchdowns. In 2023, Rodgers-Cromartie became the first major former NFL star to sign with the American 7's Football League, helping lead the Tampa Nightcrawlers to capture the Florida Division Title.
Malcolm Taylor • Football • 1978-81
Malcolm Taylor, a commanding presence on the football field, emerged from Crystal Springs, Mississippi, as a standout talent in college football. Excelling as a defensive end for TSU, Taylor earned recognition on prestigious platforms such as the Kodak All-American Team, the Associated Press, and the Sheridan Broadcasting All-American Team. His exceptional skills and dedication to the game caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection by the Houston Oilers in the 1982 NFL Draft. Taylor's journey from the small town of Crystal Springs to the national stage of American football serves as a testament to his perseverance, talent, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Jessee Thomas • Swim & Dive • 1973-77
Former Tennessee State Tigershark Jesse Thomas had a remarkable swimming career marked by significant achievements. Choosing TSU over multiple D-2 college offers, Thomas was influenced by family ties and mentorship from former Tigersharks coaches, including Mr. John Swindle, pivotal in his early exposure to the team. At 12, he trained with the TSU college team during a Homecoming event, a highlight of his career. Thomas was named the TSU Big Blue Club Champion of the Year for the TSU swim team for the 1975-76 season.
Thomas's coaching career included serving as an Olympic Swimming Coach in Nigeria in 1991 and guiding Tom Malchow to victory in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2000 Olympics. He led his teams to six Minnesota USA Swimming titles and coached wins at prestigious national events. Through his accomplishments, Thomas left a lasting impact on Tennessee State Tigersharks and the swimming world.
JoAnn Terry-Grissom • Track & Field • 1956-60
JoAnn Terry was a multi-event athlete for Tennessee State University, who ran track and played on the basketball team. She competed at two Olympic Games, and won a gold medal in the 80-meter hurdles at the 1963 Pan-American Games. In 1960, Terry won AAU titles in both the high hurdles and the pentathlon. She later became a physical education teacher and coach in the Indianapolis Public School System, and also continued to compete in masters' track and field.
Dwight Wheeler • Football • 1974-77
Dwight Wheeler, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, transitioned from Manassas High School to Tennessee State University. Throughout his tenure as a student-athlete at TSU, Wheeler earned recognition as a 1977 All-American and secured a spot as a long snapper in the Senior Bowl. His abilities on the field led to his selection by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1978 NFL Draft.
Dawn Gates-Hill • Women's Tennis • 1997-00
Dr. Dawn Marie Gates Hill, a native of Kankakee, Illinois, was raised by her parents, Robert E. Gates Sr. and Lossie M. Gates, both educators and former athletes. Under their guidance, Dawn and her four siblings began playing tennis at the age of two, each eventually earning full tennis scholarships to Division I programs.
Inspired by her parents' dedication to education, Dawn pursued a career in teaching to carry on their legacy. She attended TSU from 1997 to 2000, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. During her sophomore season, Dawn compiled an impressive 13-4 record, highlighted by a five-game winning streak on the tennis court. Additionally, she earned All-OVC honors in 1998 for her outstanding performance on the court.
Monty Wilson • Men's Basketball • 1992-97
Monty Wilson played at Tennessee State University from 1992-1997 under Head Coach Frankie Allen. Wilson helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Regular Season Conference Championships in 1992-93 and 1993-94 along with two NCAA Tournament berths.
Wilson was the first TSU men's basketball student-athlete to be selected as the OVC Freshman of the Year and MVP of the OVC Tournament his 92-93 campaign. He earned this award despite breaking his hand midway through the season. During his freshman year, Wilson averaged 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game and was a key piece for the Tigers' OVC-winning team. Wilson was also selected as a two-time OVC First Team selection his junior and senior year and a was member of the 1993 OVC All-Freshman Team in his career at TSU.
