WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University athletics department is set to induct four new members as part of its Hall of Fame class of 2023, VP of Athletics & Strategic Expansion Dr. Rob Ramseyer has announced.
"We congratulate each person getting inducted," said Ramseyer. "Every year seems to be competitive to get into the Hall of Fame but this year was especially so. We are looking forward to celebrating these deserving inductees at Homecoming."
The four new inductees for 2023 are Khadijah Bland, Marcus Carter, Addie Petersen and the 2013 Softball team.
Khadijah Bland (Softball)
Bland was a two-time NAIA All-America performer, earning second-team honors in 2015 after being an honorable-mention selection for the 2014 season.
A two-time first-team All-KCAC pick, Bland batted .392 and slugged 10 home runs with 57 runs driven in as a sophomore before launching 14 homers and hitting a robust .426 with 48 RBIs and an .881 slugging percentage to be named KCAC Player of the Year during her junior season in 2015. Her home run total tied for 18th in the NAIA that year and she was tied for 13th in slugging.
An on-base machine, Bland drew 47 walks as a junior, currently the seventh-highest single-season total in NAIA history.
"Wow I am so shocked but very thankful," said Bland. "I know that this award is only possible with the support of my family and teammates. They all played a big part in setting me up for success. Forever grateful."
Marcus Carter (Football)
The leading tackler in Friends University single-game (23), single-season (149) and career (337) history, Carter is a two-time first-team All-KCAC performer and earned KCAC Player of the Year honors and first-team AFCA/NAIA All-America recognition in 2013.
In addition to being a second-team all-conference choice in 2011, Carter also succeeded in the classroom and earned multiple All-KCAC Academic awards.
Following his stellar career at Friends, Carter competed for the Wichita Force, a professional indoor football team. For the Force, Carter received a Defensive Player of the Week honor during the 2019 season.
"Not only have I accomplished becoming a Hall of Fame player in the sport that means so much to me, but I am in pursuit of being a Hall of Fame father, son, brother, friend, teacher and coach to those closest to my heart," said Carter.
Addie Petersen (Volleyball)
After earning All-KCAC second-team honors in both the 2008 & 2009 seasons, Petersen broke out in a massive way during her senior campaign and was named both the KCAC Player of the Year and Setter of the Year along with a first-team all-conference nod.
Petersen's massive contributions powered the Falcons to a perfect 18-0 KCAC record and a 32-9 overall mark that resulted in an NAIA National Tournament appearance for the program.
"I'm not sure there are words to describe how honored I feel to be selected in to the Hall of Fame for Friends University," said Petersen. "It's probably one of the most meaningful awards I have ever received and one I could have never been considered for had it not been for the best and most talented teammates one could ever have. I want to give a special thank you to Coach Ayin for giving me the opportunity to play the sport I love and for your support and dedication to our team and always pushing us to be better. It was truly an honor to play for you."
2013 Softball Team
The 2013 Friends University Softball Falcons blitzed through the KCAC season with a perfect 18-0 record and won both the regular season and postseason tournament titles before also winning their first game in the NAIA Opening Round tournament.
The class of the conference, the 2013 squad featured the KCAC Coach of the Year (Tony Segovia), Player of the Year (Cheyenne Stewart), Pitcher of the Year (Kelsey Garner), Newcomer of the Year (Kelli Nicholson) and Freshman of the Year (Courtney Kifer).
The Falcons finished 43-8 overall that season, their most wins in the modern-era and wound up as the No. 23-ranked team nationally in the NAIA Final Top 25 Coaches' poll.
"I'm so happy for all the student athletes that were a part of this team," said Segovia. "Things didn't come easy for them. This group worked very hard to accomplish what they did that year. I've been blessed to do this for a long time and I don't know that I coached a team that put in more time on their own to be successful on and off the field. I'm glad they get to call themselves Hall of Famers and tell their children about this wonderful achievement. I'm very thankful for all of them and both Coach Jorge Martinez and Coach Ray Aguirre for all they did! Thank you Friends University and the Hall of Fame committee for honoring these young ladies for a great season! Very grateful!"
The honorees will be inducted during an award ceremony on the evening of Sept. 22 at the Crown Uptown Theatre to coincide with homecoming weekend. The class will also be recognized during the homecoming football game vs. Tabor College the following day at Adair-Austin Stadium.
