The 1949 Baseball Team—This team was recognized by sports authorities around the country as one of the nation’s best college baseball teams.  The team won two consecutive MIAA titles in 1948 and 1949 and went undefeated in the MIAA in 1949.  Seven members signed professional baseball contracts.

Michele Anne Smith, ’85—An outstanding basketball and volleyball player, Smith was named All-GLIAC First Team in volleyball for three years as well as to the NAIA District 23 First Team.  She was also named an All American.  In basketball, she likewise was named All-GLIAC First Team for two years and NAIA District 23 First Team.

The 1955, 1956 and 1957 Football Teams—These three teams went undefeated, continuing a winning streak begun in 1954, until the 1957 squad lost 27-26 to Pittsburg State in the televised NAIA National Championship game.  All three teams won MIAA Championships.  Nate Clark, ’57, Doug Maison, ’58 and Dave Trippet, ’58, were named All-Americans.  Several individuals received All-League First Team and All-MIAA First Team honors, and many school records were set during this era.

Gene “Geno” Hepker—A dedicated employee, Hepker worked as the Sports Complex Facilities Maintenance/Assistant Equipment staff member from 1974 to 1992.  He traveled with the football and basketball teams and was a friend to all student-athletes and coaches during his two decades of work at the College.

Bruce McLenna (posthumous)—A standout in football, basketball and track, McLenna was named an All-American halfback and defensive back.  He became the first 1,000-yard rusher in school history.  The Detroit Lions drafted McLenna in 1966.  His life came to an untimely end in a military vehicle accident while serving with the Michigan National Guard in 1968.

Donald R. Mossey, ’51—A U.S. Navy World War II veteran, Mossey played left guard for the College and participated in the 1949 Refrigerator Bowl.  He was elected to Hillsdale’s Board of Trustees in 1966 and held the chairmanship from 1975 until 2003.  He received an honorary doctorate from the College in 1975 and the Freedom Leadership Award in 1998.