Softball 7/30/2015 5:21:00 AM Sports Information Department

MNU Inducts 5 Into Athletics Hall of Fame

The MNU Athletics Department is pleased to announce the 2015 Hall of Fame class. This year's inductees include graduates from the classes of 1997, 2006, 2007, 2009, & 2010.

"The 2015 Class of MNU Athletics HOF inductees is one of absolute quality," said MNU Director of Athletics Kevin Steele. "As individuals in their sports they set themselves apart from the rest through tireless work and dedication. As a group they continue a legacy that was set long before them, and of which they continue to model the same excellence. It is a privilege to have each of them as new members in our illustrious Hall of Fame."

Football - Mike Birge
Linebacker Mike Birge was an honorable mention All-America selection in 1997, a 3-time All-Conference (2nd team '94, 3rd team '96, 1st team '97) honoree, and graduated as the 4th all time leading tackler in MNU history, and the leader in single-season and career pick-sixes. The 1997 graduate was a Business major and lives in Olathe with his wife (Erin) and children (Alex & Dylan).

Men's Basketball - Danny Hawkins
Forward Danny Hawkins led MNU to their most impressive 4-year run in program history. During his time as a Pioneer, MNU went 119-26, captured 3 conference titles, 2 conference tournament titles, reached the Fab Four every season, and won the National Championship in 2007. He was a 3-time NAIA All-America (2nd team '07, 1st team '08, 1st team '09) honoree, 2009 HAAC Player of the Year, and a 3–time 1st team All–Conference selection. He ranks 5th in MNU history with 2,499 points, 2nd in MNU history with 1,417 rebounds, and 6th in MNU history with 146 blocks. He led nation in rebounding in 2009 (12.1). He graduated in 2009 with a degree in Business Administration and lives in Kansas City with his wife (Lauren) and daughter (Nova).

Softball - Penny (Eastman) Morin
Pitcher Penny (Eastman) Morin led the Pioneers to their first appearance in the NAIA national tournament in 2010. She was the 2010 HAAC Pitcher of the Year, recorded an NAIA-record 19 consecutive strikeouts in a perfect game, recorded an NAIA-record 22 strikeouts in a 17-inning complete game victory in conference tournament, and in 2010 ranked top 10 in opponent batting average (.131), hits per 9 (4.0), strikeouts per 9 (15.2), ERA (0.98), and total strikeouts (278). The Elementary Education major graduated in 2010 and lives in Devil's Lake, North Dakota with her husband (Chris) and children (Lillian & Easton).

Football - Matt Schneider
Quarterback Matt Schneider was a 2-time all-conference (3rd team 06, 1st team 07) honoree, 2007 HAAC Offensive Player of the Year, all-time MNU leader in career, single-season, and single game touchdown passes; career and single-season passing yards; career and single season completion percentage; and single-season all purpose yards. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in Business Administration and lives in McKinney, Texas with his wife (Diana) and children (Collin, Macie, & Brielle).

Men's Soccer - Justen Wack
Forward Justen Wack graduated as the MNU leader in single-season goals (22), career goals (54), points in a season (48), and points in a career (121). He is a 2-time all-conference (2nd team '03, 1st team '04) selection and a 2004 NCCAA 1st team All-America honoree. The Graphic Design major graduated in 2006 and lives in Gardner with his wife (Elizabeth).

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