Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) inducted its fifth class into the Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming weekend. The three individuals and one team were honored Saturday at a brunch, sponsored by The Hometown Savings Bank.
“Athletics has played a role in many of our lives,” said Kevin Lanke, SMWC associate vice president for athletics, before handing out the first award at the Oct. 3 event in Le Fer Hall’s McMahon Ballroom. “Some of our greatest memories have come from our own personal athletic experiences. Helping a team win a championship, making memories on the bus rides and building bonds with teammates that last a lifetime.”
The newest members of the SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame are:
- 1997 Softball team
- Sarah Burnham Haltom ’16 – Softball
- Brittney Shaner Rehs ’13 – Women’s Basketball
- Ben Myers ’20 – Men’s Golf (posthumously)
Created in 2017, the Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches, teams and contributors who made exceptional athletic contributions during their careers and exemplified integrity, sportsmanship and citizenship, bringing honor and prestige to SMWC during and after graduation.
“SMWC Athletics has certainly grown since each of our past inductees were students at The Woods, but their dedication and contributions to their academics and athletic teams have left an incredible mark that is truly inspiring,” said Brennan J. Randolph, president of SMWC. “Our student-athletes are a big part of this institution, and we see our mission statement living out through them. We are proud of their performances in the classroom as well as their performances in their arenas of competition.”
1997 Softball Team
Coached by Dennis Leek, the 1997 softball team posted a remarkable 43-5 record and became the program’s first championship team.
The Pomeroys recorded several signature victories during their historic campaign, including a 2-0 fall-season win over NCAA Division I opponent Indiana State. The team also earned victories over the University of Indianapolis and IUPUI. Leek was assisted by Bill Carter, Eileen Murdock and Carl Heck (manager).
Members of the team included: Julie Carter Compton ’00, Erica Hoffman Holman ’99, Jamie Hubble Tucker ’99, Shari Sturm Elder ’98, Lynn Theising Bristol ’98, Christina White Fledderman ’99, Kimberly White Bessler ’99, Amber Huff ’00, Linsey Rash Yeryar ’00, Sally Frank Poppe ’99, Jaimie Reid Quane ’00 and Misti Allen Karas ’01.
“As a second-year coach at the time and pioneering the second sport on campus, this was the farthest thing from any of our minds. We were thankful that the NSCAA allowed us to resurrect a national softball tournament, and we were even more fortunate to win it,” Leek said. “On behalf of myself and the team, I can honestly say we are in ‘awe’ and honored to be selected for this prestigious event. Forever etched in the history of SMWC Athletics is an amazing accomplishment for all of us – coaches, staff and players.”
Sarah Burnham Haltom ’16 – Softball
Burnham Haltom, of Rosedale, Ind., was one of the most accomplished student-athletes in SMWC softball history during her career from 2013-16.
She earned United States Collegiate Athletic Association First-Team All-American honors three times from 2014-16 and was named the USCAA Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.
A dominant two-way player, Burnham Haltom remains the program’s career leader with 25 home runs and holds the single-season record with 12. She finished her career with a .381 batting average and 120 RBIs.
In the circle, Burnham Haltom posted a 16-1 record with a 1.24 ERA and 114 strikeouts during her senior season. She ranks among the top five in program history in several major statistical categories, including home runs, RBIs, pitching victories and strikeouts.
Burnham Haltom also led the Pomeroys to the 2016 USCAA National Championship and was named the USCAA World Series Most Valuable Player.
“I faced many battles through my softball career, and all those challenges led me to The Woods. After graduating and reminiscing on the success of the softball program and the experiences I had, I now know God had a greater plan for me all along,” she said. “I thank Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for accepting me as a student, and I am forever grateful to Coach Mark Feller for accepting me as an athlete. So being inducted into the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Hall of Fame is an absolute honor and blessing.”
Brittney Shaner Rehs ’13 – Women’s Basketball
Shaner Rehs, of Greenwood, Ind., was one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the SMWC women’s basketball program.
She earned USCAA All-American honors in 2011 and concluded her career with a school-record 1,767 points. Her scoring ability, consistency and impact on the court established a standard of excellence for future generations of Pomeroy women’s basketball players.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an incredible honor and something I’m truly grateful for,” she said. “Basketball was such a meaningful part of my life, and the relationships, lessons and memories I gained through the game have stayed with me long after my playing days. I’m thankful for the coaches, teammates, family and friends who supported me throughout my journey. To have my time as a college athlete recognized in this way is incredibly special, and I’m honored to be a part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”
Ben Myers ’20 – Men’s Golf
Myers, who was inducted posthumously, was a key member of the SMWC men’s golf program and helped the Pomeroys achieve national success.
A USCAA All-American and USCAA All-Academic honoree, Myers was on the 2018 USCAA National Championship team and consistently ranked among the Pomeroys’ top five performers.
Among his career highlights was a third-place finish at the USCAA National Championships with a two-round score of 139. He also tied for sixth at the Mount St. Joseph Invitational after recording a score of 151. Myers helped SMWC earn multiple top finishes in national competition.
“Thank you to everyone who was a part of Ben’s life through golf,” said Ben’s brother, Christopher, who addressed the attendees. “Thank you to his teammates. If it hadn’t been for you guys, I don’t think he would have honed his skills as he did. I don’t think he would have been as passionate about golf as he was.”
Myers’ mother, Denise Titzer, her husband, Andy Titzer, along with Myer’s father, Mike Myers, and sister, Jessica Michael, who were also in attendance for the induction, along with other family and friends of Ben’s.
“It is a tremendous honor to see Ben recognized by the school that meant so much to him. He was so proud to be a part of the SMWC family,” said Denise Titzer, Myers’ mom. “This honor brings both pride and sadness. We miss him every day, and there is a part of me that wishes he could stand here and experience this moment himself.”
Past SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame inductees:
Inducted 2017:
- Mary Joseph Pomeroy, SP, 1921
- Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53, Ph.D., 13th President of SMWC
- Deanna Bradley, head women’s basketball coach, 1991-2002, 2004-2018
- Brooke Griffith-Langford ’20, women’s basketball
- Tammy Smelcer Welborn ’02, softball
Inducted 2018:
- Stephanie Martoccio-Hughes ’02, women’s basketball
- Erin Pugh Lucas ’11, women’s soccer
- Jamie Christopher Thomas ’02, softball
Inducted 2019:
- Sara Goelz ’12, softball
- Ginger Griffin ’00, women’s basketball
- Stephanie Runyon-Thomas ’13, women’s cross country
Inducted 2021:
- SMWC Board of Trustees, 1992-93 and 1993-94