News Summary
Tuscaloosa is abuzz as Stillman College prepares to honor six former athletes in its Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The induction ceremony on February 7, 2025, coincides with Homecoming Week, celebrating the rich athletic history and achievements. Notable inductees include NCAA All-American Nicole Chester and scoring legends Lester Dent and James Toombs. Although some honorees will be recognized posthumously, their legacies inspire future generations of student-athletes. The festivities will continue with celebratory games on February 8, making it an unforgettable event for all involved.
Excitement Builds in Tuscaloosa for Stillman College Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
Tuscaloosa is buzzing with excitement as six remarkable former student-athletes are set to be honored by Stillman College in their upcoming Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Mark your calendars for February 7, 2025, when the induction ceremony kicks off at 8:30 a.m. This ceremony is part of the college’s spirited Homecoming Week, an event that brings together alumni and current students for a celebration of school pride and athletic excellence.
Meet the Inductees
The list of inductees is a who’s who of athletic talent, showcasing achievements across various sports. First up is Nicole Chester, a legend in women’s track and field who made history as Stillman College’s first two-time NCAA All-American. With an impressive discus record of 147 feet, 6 inches, she set the bar high for future athletes.
Next, we have Lester Dent making a double entrance into the Hall of Fame. Known as the second member of the coveted 1,000 Point Club for Stillman basketball, he lit up the court by scoring over 1,700 points throughout his impressive college career. His contributions to the game have left an indelible mark on the college.
Also being inducted is Glenda Gilcud, who was not only a standout in women’s basketball but a remarkable four-sport athlete. During the 1996-97 season, she was a scoring machine, averaging an incredible 33.4 points per game. To this day, she holds several scoring records at Stillman, making her a standout figure in the school’s athletics.
Then there’s the one and only James Toombs, whose name will go down in history for his exceptional scoring prowess. Toombs set multiple records, boasting a career total of 2,382 points. Notably, he scored an astonishing 64 points in one game, the highest in college basketball at any level in Alabama history. What a feat!
Moving to baseball, we have Dr. Archie Wade, who took the step into the professional realm by becoming the first Stillman athlete to join a Major League Baseball farm system back in 1964 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Beyond sports, he made history as the first Black faculty member at the University of Alabama, contributing to education and sports alike.
Lastly, Thomas Wesley, another baseball icon, etched his name in NCAA history by setting the record for triples in a season during his tenure at Stillman in 1980. He went on to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and had a fulfilling coaching career at Alabama A&M University. It’s truly a rich legacy in athletic excellence!
A Touching Tribute
Sadly, three of the inductees—Lester Dent, Dr. Archie Wade, and Thomas Wesley—will be honored posthumously. Their contributions to Stillman College and the world of sports live on, reminding us of their hard work and sacrifices.
Celebration Continues
The induction ceremony isn’t the only event marking this occasion. On February 8, the inductees will be celebrated during the homecoming basketball games against Arkansas Baptist College, scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. CST. It promises to be an exhilarating day filled with pride, passion, and nostalgia for all involved.
The Hall of Fame Legacy
Founded in 2022, the Stillman College Athletics Hall of Fame aims to honor those whose outstanding contributions have shaped the legacy of the college. The inaugural class was inducted just last year, and now, the Class of 2025 is ready to join the ranks of excellence, inspiring future generations of student-athletes.
In summary, the upcoming event in Tuscaloosa not only celebrates incredible achievements but also strengthens the bonds of community and pride at Stillman College. So whether you’re a proud alum or just a fan of great sports history, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tuscaloosa Mourns the Loss of Dr. Archie Wade at 85
Nicholas J. Finch Appointed Interim Director of Sports Information at Stillman College
Additional Resources
