October 9, 2012

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – Marian University Athletics welcomed its Inaugural Hall of Fame induction class over the weekend and began a tradition that is sure to instill the long tradition of Sabre athletics. Seven individuals and one team were honored Saturday night in what became an event where many stories were shared and many laughs were had.

The Sabre Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions as athletes, coaches and administrators to the tradition of Marian athletics and/or have enhanced the image and reputation of Marian University.

The 2012 Sabre Hall of Fame inductees are: Coach Brian Gillogly (Baseball – 1987-99), Kerri (Holz) Huebel ’01 (Volleyball/Women’s Basketball), Casey Jackson ’90 (Men’s Basketball), Tanya (Leonhard) Wiesner ’97 (Women’s Basketball), Bruce Prall (Administrator – 1972-Present), Paul Sanchez ’94 (Men’s Soccer), Mike Schaible ’94 (Baseball) and the 1993 baseball team.

Every induction speech included many thank you’s to people that helped them along the way. Some highlights included Brian Gillogly speaking about the incredible growth of the program from the time he got there three months prior to the 1987 season without any players, budget, field, etc. and then leaving 12 years later having established a dynasty that won 11 Lake Michigan Conference titles and made a 1993 NAIA World Series appearance.

Casey Jackson thanked everyone, including his 98-year-old grandfather, who he described to be the most influential figure in his life and proceeded to place a phone call at the podium. It was a very touching moment as his grandfather was unable to make the trip from Louisiana.

Bruce Prall, Marian’s first athletic director who spent several seasons coaching men’s and women’s basketball, spoke about the time he arrived home one night in 1974 and the entire men’s basketball team was waiting for him in his living room to ask him to be their next head coach.

Tanya (Leonhard) Wiesner remembered long-time Sports Information Director (SID) Craig Hoffman – who was in attendance – and admitted for as long as she was a student-athlete at Marian, she thought his name was Sid.

Many more heart-felt memories and humorous stories were told as Marian celebrated a brand new tradition that will be shared with many others for years to come.

Marian University will induct its next hall of fame class during next year’s homecoming weekend, scheduled for Sept. 27-28, 2013.