The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department and the Office of Alumni Affairs announced the Class of 2016 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees today.  Five new members were chosen for induction, along with the four special award honorees.

The 2016 class represents a broad range of the history of Mocs Athletics.  The late Porter Henderson was a standout football player for legendary head coach Scrappy Moore from 1953-56, while All-American Mike Makins was a part of a championship team for Buddy Nix from 1983-86. 

Susan Bednar Kirby was a member of three NCAA Division II Women's Tennis National Championships during her time at UTC (1983-86), while Stewart Lawwill was a SoCon-title-winning men's tennis player from 1980-83.  Rounding out the class is David Barden, the 1996 Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year. 

"I am excited about the different eras and programs represented in this incoming class," stated UTC Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics David Blackburn.  "I think it celebrates our history and reminds us of the many great accomplishments of our student-athletes throughout our timeline."

The inductees will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 19, at the Chattanooga Country Club.  The banquet is open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $35.00 per person which includes dinner. Payments and RSVP's can be submitted to the UTC Office of Alumni Affairs at (423) 425-4785.  For more information, email Jayne-Holder@utc.edu.

The UTC Athletics Hall of Fame was established to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the university's intercollegiate athletic program.  A total of 204 individuals have been inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame during special ceremonies held each year.

Below is a brief biography on each member of the 2016 class. Be sure to check back with GoMocs.com over the next few weeks for a more in-depth look at each inductee, as well as photos from their days at Chattanooga.

David Barden – Wrestling – 1993-96
Barden was the 1996 Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year.  He won three SoCon titles during his career at UTC, including 118 pounds in 1993 and 126 pounds in 1994 and 1995.  He was also the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Southern Conference Tournament in 1995.  He guided the Mocs to two SoCon tournament and one regular season title during his career and was a four-time qualifier for the NCAA Championships.
 
Susan Bednar (Kirby) - Women's Tennis - 1983-86
Susan Bednar was a member of three NCAA Division II Women's Tennis National Championship teams from 1984-86. She was an All-Southern Conference performer and won the league singles title at No. 6 in 1984 and No. 3 in 1986. She teamed with Hall Of Famer Lori Massengill to win doubles titles at No. 1 in 1986.  She was also a member of three Southern Conference Championship teams. 

Porter Henderson* – Football - 1953-1956
Porter Henderson was a four-year starter and co-captain as a senior for the Mocs in 1956.  He played on two winning teams in 1954 and 1956 under legendary head coach Scrappy Moore.  He helped the Mocs to a 44-6 win over Johnny Unitas' Louisville team on Oct. 30, 1953.  Henderson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers following his career with the Mocs.

Stewart Lawwill - Men's Tennis - 1980-83
Stewart Lawwill was a key member of four Southern Conference men's tennis championship teams from 1980-83. Individually, he won the SoCon title at No. 4 in 1982 and No. 5 in 1980 and 1983. He and teammate Phillip Tuckniss won back-to-back SoCon doubles crowns in 1982 and 1983, guiding the Mocs to one of the most successful periods in program history. 

Mike Makins - Football - 1983-86
Mike Makins is a two-time All-American defensive lineman from 1983-86. As a sophomore on the Mocs' 1984 Southern Conference Championship team, he posted 24 tackles and a pair of sacks while splitting time at defensive end. He moved into the starting lineup as a junior and finished with 63 tackles, six sacks, and 14 hurries, while earning first team All-SoCon and Kodak All-American honors. As a senior in 1986, he repeated on the All-SoCon first team with 101 tackles and three sacks and was named to the AFCA All-American squad.

Special Award Winners
The A.C. "Scrappy" Moore Award is presented to a current UTC student-athlete who best personifies the athletic department's mission of equipping for success, in the classroom, in competition and in the community.  Jacob Huesman was a three-time Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year, a two-time All-American and an Academic All-SoCon honoree.  He holds almost every offensive record at UTC and his 12,248 yards of total offense is No. 15 all-time in FCS history. 

The Gordon Davenport Award is given annually by the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame to a person who has shown outstanding commitment to the Chattanooga Mocs athletics program.  Alex Emerson is a long-time supporter of the Mocs who continues to be an advocate for UTC Athletics and the University.

The Joe Morrison Award is given annually by the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame to a former student-athlete or coach for notable accomplishments and life experiences.  Former Chattanooga football letterman David Atkins (1967-70) is the current Executive Vice President of Westrock Coffee Company.

The Harold Wilkes Award was established to recognize a volunteer, coach, staff member or University administrator who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in furthering the Vision of Chattanooga Athletics – to achieve excellence.  Lynn Trent recently finished his 50^th season as the official scorekeeper for Chattanooga Football.  He is also the longtime timekeeper for Mocs Basketball and has been a fixture in the Athletics Department for decades.