Bluefield University honored several graduates for their achievements in sports, careers, and character by inducting them into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The inductees were recognized on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Alumni Awards Luncheon during Homecoming & Family Weekend.
University President Dr. Steve Peterson, Director of Alumni Relations Sherelle Morgan, and Vice President for Student Development and Athletics Corey Mullins presented the awards to three alumni and the university’s 2009 baseball team.
“It is always an honor to welcome former athletes into the Hall of Fame,” Mullins said. “We are proud of what our alumni accomplished here at Bluefield and for the impact they continue to make in their communities. This class is no exception.”
Robert Iden ’90, Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
The first honoree, men’s basketball player Robert Iden ’90, is remembered as a 3-point specialist. Throughout his time with the Rams, he played on three national Final Four teams and two national runner-up teams. Iden was part of three teams that won at least 24 games in a season and averaged over 101 points per game during the 1988 season, which finished 2nd nationally. He was also a member of the Rams team that achieved their first-ever NCAA Division I win over Liberty University with a final score of 100-97 and went on to defeat several nationally ranked opponents. His personal accolades include 1,097 points, 282 assists, 139 steals, making 201 of 446 total shots from the 3-point line, and making 97 of 130 total shots from the free-throw line.
Tracey Parker, Jr. ’18, Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
Football player Tracey Parker, Jr. ’18 became a staple for head coach Dewey Lusk’s defensive line. For three of his four seasons playing for the Rams, Parker made the all-conference team for the AAC. Two of those seasons, he was added to the Christian Colleges All American lists. His other accolades include First Team All-Mid-South Conference East Division, Second Team All-Mid-South Conference, All-NCCAA Second Team Defensive Line, Honorable Mention All-American (NCAA), leading the Rams in tackles for a loss in 2016, leading the Rams in sacks in 2016, and ranking third in the Bluefield University record book for career tackles for a loss.
Jimmy Stemple ’99, Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
Men’s basketball player Jimmy Stemple ’99 played a pivotal guard position for the Rams throughout his junior and senior seasons, most notably recording the second all-time most assists in a single game (24) against Covenant (GA) on February 13, 1998, which also stood as an NAIA record. Stemple shattered the previous Bluefield record in just two seasons and remains at the top of the list today. His other accolades include 380 assists during regular-season play, serving as a full-time starter and co-captain during his two seasons at Bluefield, being featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” section for his assist record, and being named to the All-TVAC athletic and academic teams both years. Stemple hit the game-winning 3-point shot at the buzzer to carry the 1998-99 team to a win over 3rd-ranked Southern Oregon in the first round of the NAIA Division II National Tournament. His team remains the only Bluefield team to win at the national tournament.
Coach Mike White of the 2009 Bluefield College Baseball Team, Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
The 2009 Bluefield College Baseball team was also inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame with Coach Mike White accepting the award on the players’ behalf. This team achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Baseball World Series. Under Coach White’s leadership, the 4th-ranked team made an impressive run through the tournament, culminating in a thrilling 5-3 victory over top-seeded Malone University in the championship game.
That season, the team finished 7th in Earned Runs Allowed with an impressive average of 3.132 and ranked 12th in Earned Run Average (ERA) at 3.950. Offensively, the team excelled with 23 total triples, placing them 11th nationally, and averaging 0.434 triples per game, ranking 14th. They boasted an overall batting average of .341 and an impressive slugging percentage of .528, racking up 357 total RBIs. Additionally, their fielding percentage of .961 demonstrated their defensive prowess. The team concluded the season with an overall record of 39-14 and a conference record of 18-9.
The Bluefield University Athletics Hall of Fame was established to pay tribute and give recognition to former athletes, coaches, trainers, athletic administrators, and others of meritorious service who have made exceptional contributions to the athletic programs of the university. Nominations are accepted on the institution’s website, and inductees are selected by a committee of alumni relations and athletic staff.