Bluefield State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Announced

Oct. 20—BLUEFIELD — The Bluefield State Athletics Department has announced the Hall of Fame Class for 2023.

The Class is made up of Barry Blizzard, David Clark, Mike Eades, Sheila (Huckleberry) Giles, Bennie Manion, Beverly Stepp Kruger, and the 1985 Women's Basketball team.

— Barry Blizzard was the Athletic Director of Bluefield State from 1974-1987. He also served as the commissioner of the WVIAC conference from 1987-2013. During his years as Athletic Director of Bluefield State, he chaired the WVIAC athletic committee on multiple occasions and served as president of the NAIA National Athletic Director's Association in 1986-87. During his time as Athletic Director, he served on a task force to rewrite the mission and purpose statement of the NAIA. During Barry's tenure as the WVIAC Commissioner, he managed the conference's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II in 1995. Barry has been a vital part of bringing football back to Bluefield State and getting into the CIAA.

—David Clark was a member of the 1996 WVIAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship team. David made the shot that was heard around the conference in the conference championship at Charleston Civic Center vs. Fairmont State, who was predicted to win the tournament that year. Bluefield State was down by two with three seconds on the clock, and David put Bluefield State on top with a half-court shot. David is an NCAA Division II All-American, 1996 Division II steals leader, All-WVIAC First Team (1996), and a part of the 1996 WVIAC All-Tournament team and Tournament MVP. David graduated with a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice in May of 1996 from Bluefield State and a Masters Degree in Education (Sports Management) from Wingate University.

— Mike Eades was at Bluefield State from 1984 to 1987 and was a member of the basketball team for two years. Mike has officiated thirteen NCAA Basketball Tournaments, including four final fours, and now oversees Southeastern Conference (SEC) officials. Mike was a part of two championship teams while at Princeton High School and was a two-time all-state basketball player. Mike worked closely with Bluefield State to supply basketball officials for home games up until 2022.

— Sheila (Huckleberry) Giles was a member of the 1985 WVIAC Women's Basketball Champion team. Sheila was First Team WVIAC and was a part of the 1985- and 1987-women's basketball team that advanced to the NAIA National Basketball Tournament. Sheila earned an AS Degree in Law Enforcement and Recreational Leadership from Bluefield State and later a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice. Her teammates spoke very highly of Sheila. Dee Dee Hill stated, "Sheila was a team player and an excellent outside shooter."

— Bennie Manion was first-team WVIAC All-Conference in 1993 and 1994 for men's cross country and qualified for NCAA Nationals both years. Bennie had four invitational victories and two course records while apart of the Cross-Country team at Bluefield State. Bennie graduated with a B.A. in Biology and an M.A. in Theology. Bennie currently owns his own business: HKY Station/Mi Logistics, LLC.

— Beverly (Stepp) Kruger was First Team WVIAC All-Conference in 1994, 1995, and 1996 for women's cross country and qualified for NCAA Nationals all three years. Beverly was a dual sport athlete at Bluefield State, also playing softball. Beverly graduated in 1998 with a B.S. in Business Administration and management/office systems.

—The 1985 Women's Basketball team won the 1985 WVIAC Women's Basketball Championship and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, they faced off against Saginaw Valley, who was #2 in the country. This team was the first team to win a conference championship in Bluefield State History.