Athletics Hall of Fame

Frank Connor (MATH ’54, M.S. ’56, Ph.D. ’59) is a legendary swimmer whose illustrious career has rightfully earned him a place in the Illinois Tech Athletics Hall of Fame. Competing during the 1950s and 60s at the collegiate and professional levels for swimming and water polo, he was an integral part of the AAU Senior National Championship Teams, winning titles in 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, and 1960. His talent and determination were evident as he led his teams to victory in numerous prestigious events.

In 1959, Connor achieved a remarkable feat by placing first in the U.S. Pan American Trials and subsequently winning a gold medal with the U.S. Pan American Team. His Olympic journey included three trials appearances: tied for first in 1956, fifth place in 1960, and fifth again in 1964, showcasing his consistent excellence.

He also excelled in local competitions, winning Chicago Water Polo Association championships in 1953 and 1954, and CIT Division Championships in 1950. His individual accolades include AAU All-American honors in 1958 and 1959 and a spot on the Pan American All-Star Team as a goalie in 1959. His induction into the Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1989 reflects his lasting impact on the sport.

James Dodgen (AE ’10) was a dominant force on the pitcher’s mound, and his collegiate achievements are a testament to his hard work and talent. In 2009, he was recognized as an All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention, setting the stage for an extraordinary 2010 season.

In 2010, Dodgen was named to the All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team and earned the prestigious title of Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year. His standout performance also earned him the Illinois Tech MVP award. Beyond single-season accolades, he left a lasting legacy as a pitcher by finishing first in career strikeouts, tied for the second most in career shutouts, third in overall-career ERA, and tied for third in career wins. Dodgen’s dedication, versatility, and leadership embody a true Illinois Tech student-athlete.

William Hogenson (Non-degreed 1914) was a pioneering athlete who made a significant mark in the early twentieth century. Competing on the world stage at the 1904 Summer Olympics, he showcased his extraordinary speed and determination. In the men's 60-Meter Dash, he earned a silver medal, finishing just behind the legendary Archie Hahn, who claimed gold.

Hogenson further demonstrated his exceptional talent by winning two bronze medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter races, with both events also dominated by Hahn. His remarkable achievements in these highly competitive events secured his place among the elite athletes of his time. Despite the fierce competition, his Olympic success remains a testament to his dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, and his inclusion in the Illinois Tech Athletics Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on the sport.

Kelley Cada Kinsella (BA ’86) collegiate athletics career was marked by consistent excellence, beginning in 1982-83 when she was named the Women's Tennis Rookie of the Year and Female Freshman Athlete of the Year. In 1983-84, she continued to shine, earning Women's Tennis MVP honors and being recognized as the Women's Volleyball Co-Most Improved Player. Her remarkable dual-sport success led to her being named Female Athlete of the Year. She repeated this honor in 1984-85, while also serving as co-captain of both the volleyball and tennis teams.

Her final year, 1985-86, was equally impressive, with her earning Women's Tennis MVP again, setting a school record for most good passes in a volleyball game, and being named Illinois Tech Female Athlete of the Year for the third time. Her legacy of dedication, leadership, and athletic excellence continues to inspire. 

Stephanie Lucas (BME ’11) career was marked by a series of impressive records and achievements across both track and cross-country. She set school records in the outdoor 800m (2:23.80), 1500m (4:50.16), and 5000m (17:46.88) races, showcasing her dominance in distance events. Additionally, she recorded the second-fastest time in school history for the 10,000m race (37:24.12).

In indoor events, Lucas set the school record in the mile (5:24.32) and posted the second-fastest times in the 800m (2:27.08) and 3000m (10:43.79) races. Her cross-country prowess was highlighted by a 6k time of 22:25.73, which ranks second in university history.

Her competitive spirit was further exemplified by qualifying twice for the NAIA Outdoor Nationals in the 5k and 10k (2011) and four times for the NAIA Cross Country Nationals (2007-2010). Lucas’s dedication and exceptional performances have set a high standard and continue to inspire future Scarlet Hawk athletes. 

Ian McNair (PED ’14, M.A.S. SED ’15) made a significant impact in diving, particularly at the NAIA Nationals. In 2010, he achieved national prominence by winning the NAIA National Championship in the 1m diving event and finishing third in the 3m diving competition. His success continued into 2011, where he secured third place in both the 1m and 3m diving events at the NAIA Nationals.

The following year, McNair reached new heights, winning the 2012 NAIA National Championship in the 1m diving event and earning second place in the 3m diving event. His final year of competition in 2013 was marked by a stellar performance, as he clinched first place in both the 1m and 3m diving events at the NAIA Nationals. He consistently excelled at conference meets, often placing in the top three. His record-setting achievements at Illinois Tech further underscore his remarkable diving career, solidifying his legacy as an Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawk. 

Over his illustrious career, Michael Messler (CS ’88) garnered 12 All-American recognitions across various distances, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the pool. His crowning achievement came in 1987 when he won the NAIA National Championship in the 100-yard backstroke, cementing his status as one of the premier swimmers in the nation.

Messler’s relentless dedication to swimming and his remarkable ability to excel at multiple distances made him a standout competitor. His consistent performance and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on Illinois Tech’s swimming program and continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes. His legacy as a national champion and multiple-time All-American serves as a testament to his hard work, talent, and passion for the sport.

Yoon “Dan” Oh (AE ’08, ME ’08) is a standout athlete whose exceptional achievements in cross country and track have earned him a distinguished place in the Illinois Tech Athletics Hall of Fame. From 2005-08, he qualified for the NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championships each year, demonstrating his consistent excellence and competitive spirit. During this period, he was also recognized as Illinois Tech's top runner in Men's Cross Country, solidifying his status as a key performer for the team.

In 2008, his leadership and performance were further highlighted when he served as the Men's Cross Country team captain. His dedication to the sport was evident in his record-setting performances, including school records in the 3K (8:51, indoor track), 5K (14:52, outdoor track), and 8K (25:33, cross country).

Yoon’s remarkable contributions to the team and his impressive athletic accomplishments were recognized with the prestigious Ed Glancy Award in 2008. His legacy as a top-tier runner and a respected leader continues to inspire future generations of athletes at Illinois Tech. His records and awards stand as a testament to his hard work, talent, and enduring impact on the sport.