by Trey Perry
Apr 11, 2018
Almost every athlete’s dream is to end up in the Hall of Fame.
This Friday, this dream will come true for several Doane alumni as they will be recognized for their athletic achievements during their time at Doane and be inducted into the university’s athletic hall of fame.
Individuals inducted into Doane’s 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame class will include Curtis L. Hawkins ‘97, Jarrod R. Olson ‘97, and Wendy Wortmann ‘03.
Three full teams will also be commemorated as the Doane women’s basketball teams spanning from the years of 1995-1998 will also be inducted. Each team made it to the Final Four in the NAIA National Tournament during each of their respective years, with the ‘95-’96 team winning a national championship.
Wortmann will be inducted for her accomplishments during her time on Doane’s track and field team, as she was a part of two different NAIA National Championship teams. Her anchor leg run in the 2001 4x400 meter relay helped Doane come back from a deficit to capture the national title. Wortmann has been recognized as an NAIA All-American 11 times and helped her team win a conference title each year she was at Doane.
Wortmann said her induction will be more personal than anything as she had a strong friendship with late legendary Doane track coach, Fred Beile. She said that Beile was actually the one who nominated her for the induction.
“I’m very grateful for the recognition,” Wortmann said.
She said that while she is happy to be recognized for her achievements, Wortmann loves being a part of the long legacy of successful Doane track programs.
Olson will be recognized for his success as a member of Doane’s men’s basketball and tennis teams. For tennis, Olson played on the team for four years, making it to the semifinals of of singles in the NIAC National Tournament on two separate occasions. However, he made his biggest mark in basketball, where Olson played for four years as well and helped lead Doane to the 1996 NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals. Olson tallied a total of 2,018 career points while at Doane, setting him at sixth all-time in Doane’s history. He still holds the team’s all-time assist record with 637 and was selected for the NAIA All-American Third Team in 1997.
Olson said he was honored that he was being inducted but can’t believe that his playing years occurred over two decades ago.
“(It) Makes me feel pretty old,” Olson said.
Nevertheless, Olson said he greatly enjoyed his time at Doane and was excited to come back to his alma mater and see old friends.
Hawkins will be commemorated for his achievements on Doane’s track and football teams. He was a three year starter on the football team and won national championships in both the 55 meter hurdles and the 110 meter hurdles for the track team. During his senior year of track, Hawkins won 27 out of the 30 races that he ran, earning him the 1997 Omaha World Herald Athlete of the Year Award. Hawkins left Doane as a six-time NAIA All-American in track and field.
Cody Vance, assistant athletic director for athletic outreach, said being inducted into Doane’s Athletic Hall of Fame is not a light ordeal, but rather is reserved those how have made a historic mark in Doane athletics.
“(It’s) For the best athletes, teams and coaches at Doane,” Vance said.
He said that former Doane president, Fred Brown will be attending the induction to give his remarks. Brown served as Doane’s president during the playing years of all the inductees.
The induction is scheduled for April 6 with the banquet starting at 6:30 p.m. and the induction ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m.