General | 9/22/2015 12:26:00 PM

Front row, l-r:  Roland H. Clough ('62, Wrestling), Mary Rotimi ('07, Basketball), Shanda Jackson ('07 Track and field), Cyrus Jones (Track and Field Coach, 1974-2010)
Back Row:  Victor Colter ('91, Track and field), David Hightower ('87, Track and Field), David Pendleton Gardner ('60, Football, Wrestling, Track and Field), Rob Knox (Class of '96, Sports Information Director 2004-2010)
 
 Lincoln University, PA – Lincoln University honored eight legendary Lions with induction to the 2015 Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday night, September 18^th . The event was held in the main gym of Manuel Rivero Hall.
 
This was the third class to be inducted into the hall of fame which now boosts 24 members who have made significant contributions to Lincoln University and enhanced its image and reputation. The 2015 incoming class represents more than five decades of service to Lincoln University and includes NCAA champions, All Americans, conference champions and legendary leadership. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of custom designed banners with images of the members of each class of hall of famers. The banners will hang permanently in the main gym.

The eight inductees include: Victor Colter '91 (track and field), Roland H. Clough '62 (wrestling), David Pendleton Gardner '60 (football, wrestling, track and field), David Hightower '87 (track and field), Shanda Jackson '07 (track and field), Cyrus Jones (head coach), Rob Knox '96 (administrator), and Mary Rotimi '07 (women's basketball).
 
Victor Colter (Track & Field '91)
Victor Colter competed as a high hurdler on the Lincoln University track and field team from 1987-1990. In the 55m high hurdles event he earned All-American honors in three consecutive seasons (1988-1990) while earning All-American honors in all four of his years in the 110m high hurdles event. During his sophomore year (1988), Victor was the runner-up at the NCAA Division III Championships in both the 55m high hurdles and the 110m high hurdles, while posting the same time as the winner.  His best season as a Lion was in 1989 (Co-Captain) when he won the 55m high hurdles and 110m hurdles events at the NCAA Division III Championships. Victor is also an active person in his community and he belongs to several organizations as a way of giving back.  He is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., serves on the Board of Directors for The Clark School in East Orange, NJ, Treasurer of the PTA at the East Orange STEM Academy, Board Member of the East Orange Jr. Jaguars Pop Warner Cheer & Football program, and is a member of the Association of Government Accountants. Currently, Victor resides in East Orange, NJ with his lovely wife Stacey of 19 years, and their four children, Victor Jr, Nigel, Miles and Milan, and one grandchild, Sariyah.  After graduating from Lincoln University in 1991, Victor accepted an Accountant position with the Department of Veterans Affairs where he is the current Supervisory Accountant. "In accepting this great honor, I would like to thank God, my parents (Lillie and the late Clemon Colter), my siblings (Berta, Jake, Lou, Anthony, Clem III & Tim), and other family member, all of my coaches, teammates and friends.  All of you have played a valuable part in my life, and I will be forever grateful to all of you," Colter says.
 
 
Roland H. Clough (Wrestling '62)
Roland Henry Clough attended Lincoln University from 1958-1962 competing on the Lions wrestling team. Clough wrestled blind during his time at Lincoln, but overcame adversity earning varsity letters in all four of his collegiate years. Picking up second and third place finishes at the CIAA Wrestling Tournaments back in 1960 and 1961 he also served as an athletic manager while competing on the wrestling team. Clough was named to the All-CIAA Wrestling Team in 1960-62 and was invited to NCAA Wrestling Championships. After his days as a Lion, Clough worked for the American Blind Workers Association, National Blind Bowling Association, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and as a Rehabilitation Counselor. He served as a Board Member on the National Blind Bowling Association from 1970-'75 and was a trophy winner at numerous tourneys and events, nationally and locally. One of his major accomplishments was becoming President of the Philadelphia PA Blind Bowlers League from 1970-1976. In addition to serving as President Clough made recommendations for a blind bowlers' course. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
 
David Pendleton Gardner (Football, Track & Field, & Wrestling '60)
 
David Gardner was a four-year letterman in three sports at Lincoln from 1955-1960. David was voted Best Athlete in his senior class and received the Class of 1916 Prize in Athletics. He was a first team member of the Lions football team in his final three seasons. In November 1960, Lincoln plays its last game for 40 years as it loses 34-13 to rival Howard. Gardner played in the final Lincoln-Howard Classic at Griffith Stadium in Philadelphia as a senior in 1960. On Homecoming in 1960 against St. Augustine's he was awarded the Most Valuable Back Trophy after rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown leading the Lions to victory. As a member of the wrestling team he competed in the 167lb weight class winning CIAA Championships as a sophomore and senior while earning runner-up honors as a junior. He concluded his senior year with a fourth place finish at the NAIA Championships.  On the track, he competed in the pole vault and ran as a half-miler. At the 1960 CIAA Championships he tied for third place in the pole vault competition as a senior. David was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Lemington Elementary School and Westinghouse High School, class of '55.  In elementary school he started on the violin, and then moved on to play cello and tuba in the respective high school orchestras and bands.  He played first-chair tuba in the Pittsburgh All-City Band and cello with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mr. William Steinberg, Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  The year-end concert was performing chair-for-chair with the members of the Pittsburgh Symphony.  His first professional union card was with the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union Local 471 playing tuba with their concert band. David graduated from Lincoln University, PA, class of '60, with a BA in General Science and a math minor.  He played football, wrestled at 167 lbs and 177 lbs, and ran track (pole vault and half-miler), lettering all 4 years at Lincoln (12 letters).  For a short time he played semi-pro football for the Harlem Ravens in New York City where he had relocated after graduation.  He attended City College, NY where he received a Masters Equivalency in Science in Education. He taught science and math in Jr. High/Middle School for 8 years in the NYC school system before entering into the theatrical profession in 1968.  He was forced to use his middle name "Pendleton" as his surname since the Unions already had a Dave Gardner.  Over the years he has performed in virtually every aspect of the performing arts, including Broadway (musical and drama), Off-Broadway, LORT Theatre, Television (soaps, TV films, sit-coms, etc.), and Film, as an actor and singer.  He also performed with the vocal group Tony Williams and The Platters in the early 1980's.
 
David Hightower (Track & Field '87)
David was a four-year letterman on the Lincoln University track and field team and served as team captain for two years.  David is a member of Lincoln University's first ever National Championship team in 1985. He qualified seven times for the NCAA championships becoming a six time All-American in the 55 meter and 110 meter high hurdle events. David achieved additional accomplishments on the track as a member of two record setting relay teams; (indoor 220 meter shuttle hurdle and outdoor 440 meter shuttle hurdle). In 1987, David achieved the distinction of being selected as Lincoln University's Male Athlete of the Year. While at Lincoln, David was a Dean's List student, a member of Who's Who Among Students in America's Colleges and Universities, Lincoln University's Academic Advisory Board's Award recipient, received the Jacque Isler Citation award, Most Outstanding Male Student Teacher, and earned a Graduate School Fellowship to attend the University of Delaware. David graduated from Lincoln University with a B.S. in Physical Education and Teaching Certificate. He later went on to earn a M.S. degree from the University of Delaware, a M.S of Education degree and Principals' Certificate from East Stroudsburg University, and a Superintendents' Letter of Eligibility from Marywood University. David has served as a teacher and principal for the last 26 years.  As a principal, he has received the distinction of having his school recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a Distinguished Title I School.  This is an award that is provided by the Federal and State branches of government to recognize high poverty schools for high academic achievement. He coached various sports including track and field at the community college, high school, and collegiate levels.  David also coached a Division III National Champion in the 55 meters high hurdles. David's community involvement includes serving on various committees; My Brothers' Keeper National Initiative within the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University's Public Education Consortium, Easton Area Community's Diversity Coalition, annual guest speaker for the Urban Education Practicum of Bloomsburg University and a member of the NAACP.
 
Shanda Jackson (Track & Field '07)
A nine-time All-American in women's track and field, Shanda Jackson became the first female student-athlete in Lincoln University's history to be featured in Sports Illustrated (July 24, 2006). She was also named the 2006-07 Association of Division III Independents Female Student-Athlete of the Year. Running in her first NCAA Division III Indoor national championship meet as a freshman in 2005, Jackson swooshed to victory in the 55-meter dash in a school record time of 7.08 seconds to claim the crown as the 55-meter dash queen. In her next season at Lincoln, Jackson finished a dominating outdoor season in style by being named the most outstanding female track athlete following the 2006 NCAA Division III Track and Field National Championship meet at Benedictine University. Jackson, the two-time reigning 55-meter dash indoor champion, won the 100-meter dash (11.66), finished third in the 200 (23.92) and helped the 4x100-meter relay team to a second place finish (46.42). Jackson's time of 11.66 seconds was a Division III season-best. Jackson went undefeated in the 100-meter dash in May 2006. She won the 100-meter dash at the University of Delaware Invitational (11.94) and won the 100-meter dash at the ECAC Championship meet (12.11). Jackson also was a member of the winning 4 x 100-meter relay team (48.66) at the ECAC Championships where she helped Lincoln finish second overall as a team. Those honors capped a phenomenal 2006 season for Jackson, who won the 55-meter dash championship during the indoor national meet for the second consecutive year. The United States Track and Field Cross-Country Coaches Association also named Jackson as the Mid-East Region track and field athlete of the year. In her final season at Lincoln, Jackson earned two more All-American honors raising her career total to nine. She also extended her unbeaten 100-meter dash streak in the month of May 2007 to 15 races after winning the 100-meter dash at the University of Delaware (May 5), Swarthmore Twilight meet (May 14), the College of New Jersey (May 17). Jackson also won the 200-meter dash at the University of Delaware, Swarthmore and TCNJ meets. Other awards and honors Jackson during a memorable 2007 outdoor season included being named the AD3I Player of the Week on May 7. Jackson was also named the May AD3I female student-athlete of the month for the second consecutive year. Jackson also earned All-American honors during the indoor track season by finishing seventh in the 55-meter dash at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in March 2007.
 
Cyrus Jones (Coach 1974-2010)
Cyrus Jones served as the head coach of the Lincoln University men's and women's track and field teams from 1974 to 2010. Jones led Lincoln to 15 NCAA Division III track & field championships. Lincoln's men won 11 national titles (six outdoor, five indoor), and Lincoln's women won four NCAA championships (three outdoor, one indoor) under his guidance. It took time to build the program and develop his knowledge of the sport, but the Lions reached the top in 1985, winning their NCAA Division III outdoor track title. Jones coached more than 300 All Americans at Lincoln, including Rhondale Jones (no relation). Rhondale Jones won 14 NCAA individual titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001, the most by an NCAA track athlete at any level. Rhondale Jones was named the outstanding Division III female track athlete of the first 25 years of NCAA women's competition. Jones also coached 800-meter runner Clive Terrelonge, who holds the Division III record in the 800-meter run (1:47.56), set at the 1991 outdoor championships. In recognition of Jones' accomplishments, he was a six-time recipient of the Division III National Coach of the Year award, as well as a recipient of the Mid East Region Track Coach of the Year. He also served as honorary official during the 2002 Penn Relays and was selected as one of the top 100 sports figures in the Philadelphia region of the past 100 years by the Philadelphia Tribune. Jones won the Linback Teaching Award (1982) and the Outstanding Men of America Award (1984). Jones received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. In addition to coaching track & field and cross country, Jones previously served as Lincoln's athletic director, and he is a tenured professor of Health and Physical Education at Lincoln. Jones also served as the president of Division III Track & Field Coaches Association (1991-94).
 
Robert Knox (Sports Information Director '96) 
A 1996 The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania graduate, Rob Knox is one of the most influential, passionate and accomplished athletic communications professionals in the country. With over 15 years of expertise in several sectors of the media including sports information, newspapers and ESPN, Knox, who currently works at Coppin State University, is the third vice president of the College Sports Information Directors Association of America (CoSIDA), which puts him in line to become the first African-American president since 1987 and just the second one in the 60-year history of the organization. This past summer, Knox participated in the distinguished NCAA Leadership Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Knox was named the 2011 CoSIDA Rising Star Award winner. He was the president of the Black College Sports Information Directors' Association (BC-SIDA) from 2008-2011. Knox, who also worked at Kutztown University, served as a member of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Atlantic Regional Advisory Committee. He was honored by hometown city of Chester, Pa. with a citation for being a positive role model in 2011. Knox's individual accolades while working at Lincoln included winning three CoSIDA Fred Stabley, Jr. Writing Contest awards and being the recipient of the "Raising the Bar" award from the Vice President for Student Affairs in 2008. Knox also had a major hand in assisting Lincoln with its transition from Division III to Division II. He was instrumental in having one of his student-athletes, Ashley Parker, named a finalist for the 2007 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. In addition, Knox's promotional successes included having five Lincoln University student-athletes featured in Sports Illustrated. He played a key role in the Lincoln football team being featured on the ESPN television series, NFL Films Presents in 2008, the men's basketball program being positively profiled on ESPN's Outside the Lines and Kyle Myrick being named the Division III national Men's Basketball Player of the Year Award in 2006. He is married to Trudell Knox and they are the parents of a 4-year old son, Robert, IV ('RJ").
 
Mary Rotimi (Women's Basketball '07)
Mary Rotimi was born in Brooklyn NY on June 29, 1985, she spent her first 11 years in New York until her family relocated to Philadelphia PA. She attended Frankford H.S and that's where she was first introduced to the game of basketball. While on the girls team at Frankford Mary quickly developed an excellent skill for rebounding the basketball as well as scoring in the low post, skills that she would carry with her during her college playing career at Lincoln University. While at Lincoln Mary was a starting center with career averages of 12.2 points per game along with 10.8 rebounds. In dominating fashion during the 2003-2007 she had a total of 37 double doubles (the most ever by a Lady Lion) and she also holds the record for most rebounds in a single game with 24, a feat she accomplished twice. During her senior year she was the number 2 leading rebounder in the nation (13.7), and won a total of four all-tournament team awards as well as being on the Association of Division 3 Independents 1^st team. She finished her career with totals of 921 points and 814 rebounds and capped of an excellent career by winning Lincoln University's 2007 Female Athlete of the Year. Mary graduated from Lincoln University in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Science. Upon graduating she went on to receive her master's in Public Administration and Sports Management and Athletics from West Chester University in 2011.  Since College Mary has served as an Assistant Athletic Director at Cedar Crest College. She also shared her vast knowledge of the game of basketball by acting as an Assistant Coach for the Wilmington University Women's basketball team as well as head coach of the Women's basketball team at Delaware Community College. Currently Mary is a Program Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.