Feb. 14, 2011

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. - Four decades of excellence will be honored with the 2011 induction class to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Athletics Hall of Fame.

This year's honorees are Nick Baltz (Baseball), Misi (Clark) Jones (Women's Basketball), Michele Cleeton (Softball), Ted Smith (Baseball/Men's Basketball), Steve Trittschuh (Men's Soccer), Dr. Emerson Carpenter (Team Physician), and the1983 Men's Golf team.

The six individuals and one team will be honored at an awards ceremony Sept. 24 at the Morris University Center.

Reservations for the event are available by calling SIUE Athletics at 618-650-2123. Tickets for the event are $30. There will be a social at 5:30 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Nik Baltz (Valmeyer, Ill.)
An All-American pitcher for the baseball Cougars in 1975, Nik Baltz was a part of four NCAA Tournament teams from 1972 to 1975. He ended his collegiate career with a record of 16-5 with four saves. With 203 innings pitched, Baltz was handed starting duties 20 times and had 18 complete games. His 1.27 earned run average in 1975 is the second best in school history and was not broken for more than 30 years. He also holds the second-lowest career earned run average at 2.00.

Misi (Clark) Jones (Paris, Ill.)
A three-time women's basketball All-American, Misi (Jones) Clark set the freshman scoring record with 551 points -- and she was only getting started. She holds SIUE career records for points (2,164), free throws made (647), field goals attempted (1,550), free throws attempted (920), games played (114) and steals (324). She ranks as a career leader in nearly every offensive category. The Cougar point guard would later be inducted into the Great Lakes Valley Conference Hall of Fame and be the first women's basketball player to have her jersey number "3" retired. She led SIUE to three NCAA Tournament appearances from 1997 to 2001.

Michele Cleeton (Elmhurst, Ill.)
An All-American in 1991, Michele Cleeton was clearly known as a double threat for the SIUE softball team from 1988 to 1991. An All-Region and team Most Valuable Player in 1990 and 1991, she became the first hitter in school history to pass the 200-hit mark and held the career hits record for eight years. In the pitcher's circle, Cleeton was equally as dominating with a school record 0.56 as a junior. With a career record of 72-32, she is fourth all-time in victories. As a hitter, she recorded 44 doubles, 22 triples and 10 home runs and finished her career with a .358 batting average. She is one of 11 players all time to hit better than .400 in a season with a .413 mark during the 1991 season. 

Ted Smith (Teutopolis, Ill.)
A two-sport standout for the Cougars, Ted Smith displayed his enthusiasm for basketball (1979-1981) and baseball (1980-1983). An All-American pitcher in 1983, Smith led his team to a fourth-place finish at the Division II College World Series (CWS) with a 6-2 record and three saves. He became the all-time leader in wins with his 21st in a CWS victory over Quinnipiac. As a basketball player, Smith averaged 14.1 points per game over two seasons. He led the 1980-81 team in scoring with a 16.6 average and rebounding with 7.4 per contest. His 747 career points continues to rank him among the top 30 all time at SIUE.

Steve Trittschuh (Granite City, Ill.)
A two-time All-American for the men's soccer team, Steve Trittschuh (1983-1986) was known for his high-flying head balls and aggressive style. A defender, Trittschuh completed his collegiate career with 12 goals and 11 assists. He recorded 161 shots and scored five game-winning goals. His accolades include third team All-American in 1985 and first team All-American in 1986. Trittschuh played on the U.S. National Team from 1987 to 1995 and scored two goals in 38 appearances. His professional career began with the St. Louis Steamers in 1987 and continued through several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Colorado Rapids.

Dr. Emerson Carpenter
A staunch supporter of Cougar Athletics, Dr. Emerson Carpenter served as a team physician for the Cougars in the 1970s. He travelled with the baseball program and worked numerous men's soccer games for the nationally-ranked Cougars. Carpenter worked in private practice for more than 20 years before joining SIUE as a physician in Health Services. An associate professor of diagnostic specialties in the School of Dental Medicine, Carpenter would be named Director of Health Services. His work for the athletic department never went unnoticed.

1983 Men's Golf Team
Led by a pair of All-Americans, the 1983 men's golf team finished the season with a ninth-place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships after enjoying one of its most successful seasons ever under Head Coach Harry Gallatin. Bob Gaus was named first team All-American after finishing in a tie for fifth place at the national championships with a 72-hole total 305. Jay Eihausen would earn his third All-American certificate with a 320 in his final collegiate event. In addition to Gaus and Eihausen, SIUE's roster would include two more players who had been or would be named All-American. Bob Donnewald was an All-American in 1982. Mark Marcuzzo would earn All-American status in 1984. SIUE won five team titles during the fall and spring season and finished among the top 10 in every event. Other team members include Kent Dolenc, Lee Hammel, Harry Hazlehurst, Jim Kurtzeborn, Dave Stites, and Boyd Watson.

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