Five standouts make-up 2009 Hall of Fame class

MURFREESBORO - Five former Middle Tennessee standouts will make up the 2009 Hall of Fame class when they are inducted into the Blue Raider Hall of Fame, Oct. 17.

Granville "Buck" Bouldin (tennis), Sheikh Faye (track), Charles "Fuzzy" Harmening (men's basketball), Steve McAdoo (football) and Danny Moore (baseball) will be enshrined during Hall of Fame induction ceremonies prior to Middle Tennessee's football game against Mississippi State.

This marks the second year in a row the Hall of Fame committee has had five inductees. Prior to 2008, the classes were limited to three inductees.

The Hall of Fame weekend will get underway on Friday evening, October 16 with a celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Kennon Hall of Fame. A limited number of tickets are available for $30 each. Contact Jim Simpson at the Varsity Club to reserve your spot at 615-898-5632.

"This year's class truly reflects the depth of our rich sports history, representing five different sports over seven decades at Middle Tennessee," said Simpson. "The class of 2009 will long be remembered for their outstanding achievements as Blue Raiders."

Bouldin (Class of 1956) served as the Blue Raider Head Men's Tennis Coach for eight seasons from 1964 to 1971. During that time, the University boasted some of its' finest teams to date as his squads won five Tennessee Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. Bouldin, who was known as a fierce competitor and respected sportsman, earned Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors in both 1965 and 1968. A former U.S. Marine Corp Captain, Bouldin continues to help the Blue Raider tennis program with his time and resources.

"It is a great honor and I am very appreciative," said Bouldin. "It was more small-time back then but it was a lot of fun. We accomplished a lot and I am proud to have been a part of that time period."

Faye was a stalwart on Blue Raider track teams in the late '70s. The highly-colorful Faye was a four-time All-American under Dean Hayes in the long jump with indoor honors in 1976 and outdoor honors in 1976, 1977, and 1978. The 1977 and 1978 Ohio Valley Conference long jump champion represented his homeland of Gambia in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be inducted into the Blue Raider Sports Hall of Fame," said Faye. "It would have never been possible without Coach Dean Hayes, who I consider the greatest coach of all time. I am truly humbled".

Harmening (Class of 1950) was a starter on the Blue Raider basketball team from 1947 to 1950 where he was elected team captain as a junior and senior. The hard-nosed Harmening played under three different head coaches but still managed to become the first member of the 1,000-point club at Middle Tennessee as he ended his career with 1,006 total points. Harmening, who also lettered two years in baseball, enrolled at Middle Tennessee in the fall of 1946, having participated in three major World War II campaigns, earning the EAME Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars and the combat Infantry badge.

"I have never given the Hall of Fame much thought but I told my wife someone must have a great memory to vote me in," said Harmening. "I remember my first game like it was yesterday because I got in because the player ahead of me fouled out. My uniform was too big and I had to have a belt on just to keep my pants up, but as it would turn out I ended up making the game-winning shot."

One of the most decorated players in school history, McAdoo was a local player from Oakland High School who is regarded today as the best offensive lineman in school history. One of just two Blue Raiders to earn back-to-back First Team All-American honors, McAdoo helped lead Middle Tennessee to three OVC Championships in four years while making four playoff appearances. With McAdoo anchoring the offensive line, a Blue Raider running back topped the 940 yard rushing mark all four years and two of those years saw a back go over the 1,000-yard barrier.

"I can't explain how I feel to be inducted," McAdoo said. "To think so many people thought that highly of me to vote me in is unbelievable. Honestly, I never thought I would go to MTSU coming out of high school, but it ended up being the best decision for me because I played for a great man in Coach (Boots) Donnelly. Coach Donnelly was tough, but I saw his vision and he pushed me everyday to see how far I could go."

Moore (Class of 1978), the heart and soul of Middle Tennessee's great baseball teams in the late '70s, is the only baseball player in school history to have his jersey retired. The lefty played with a Pete Rose-style of swagger as the team's lead-off hitter and centerfielder and always set the tone on gameday. Moore played for John Stanford from 1976 to 1978 where he was a two-time All-OVC performer and helped lead the Blue Raiders to an OVC title in 1976 and a trip to the NCAA regionals. With his unique split-grip, Moore ended his career with a highly impressive .351 average.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be inducted into the Hall of Fame," Moore said. "My dad was right. If you work hard you can accomplish your goals. I enjoyed every minute of my time at Middle Tennessee because I got a great education and played for a great leader in John Stanford."