Belmont University Athletics announced Thursday the names of its 2008 Belmont Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.
Temp Sparkman (’55) was one of the founding fathers of Belmont Basketball. A starter and key contributor on Belmont’s first team in 1952-53, Sparkman was named all conference on the 1955 Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) Championship team that advanced to the program’s first NAIA District Tournament. Nearly a career double figure scorer from the guard position, Sparkman was a team captain and regular set-up man for All-American post player, Robert Barnes. But Sparkman’s accomplishments and contributions extend far beyond the hardwood, and in large order serve as a microcosm of the spirit of the university itself. After graduating from Belmont with honors, Sparkman became minister and professor of theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. From there, he served as graduate professor within the University of Kansas’s School of Education. Author of numerous renowned publications on faith and discipleship, Sparkman is currently penning a book on Belmont’s inaugural basketball team.
Sherry Tegarden Flecksteiner (’99) stands among the greatest softball players in Belmont history. Both a distinguished hitter and pitcher, Tegarden Flecksteiner virtually rewrote the Bruin record book. She ranks first in career runs scored (128) and NCAA Division-I era pitching victories (11), and she ranks second in career hits (166), triples (15) and stolen bases (49). Also the standard bearer for a myriad of single-season records, Tegarden Flecksteiner ranks in the Top 4 all-time at Belmont in a staggering 13 categories. But perhaps most noteworthy, this versatile performer was the steadying force in transitioning the Bruin program from NAIA to NCAA Division-I play.
The two honorees will be formally inducted as part of a banquet on Fri., Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Maddox Grand Atrium of the Curb Event Center.
Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations, contact Debbie Chenoweth at (615) 460-6854.
The Belmont University Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1980 by Belmont University Athletics. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the achievements and prestige of Belmont University and its intercollegiate athletic program. To be nominated, an individual must have completed his or her athletic eligibility at least seven years prior.
