(Editor’s note: RMC Athletics release)
BILLINGS – Rocky Mountain College is honored to announce the 2019 Clara Klindt Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year’s class includes three Rocky graduates: Paul “Duke” Edwards, Jeannie McGonagle and Jake Stuart. Former Rocky men’s basketball coach and current ESPN sports commentator, Mark Adams will also be inducted in addition to the 2009 NAIA National Champion Battlin’ Bears men’s basketball team.
The recipient of the 2019 William “Bill” Woolston Distinguished Service Award is Rick Reid and his chain crew who have volunteered their time and efforts at Battlin’ Bears’ football games for the past 16 years. The crew includes: Rick Reid, Kerry Norris, Dan Saunders, Gary Paulson, Glenn Hufnagel, Laurie Hufnagel, Daryl Weisz, and Craig Paulson.
“This year’s Hall of Fame class typifies the proud history of Rocky Mountain College athletics. We are proud to honor these former student-athletes, coaches, the championship team as well as the dedicated volunteer group, who have left their mark on Rocky Mountain College and Battlin’ Bears athletics as well as their legacy in the world of sports,” said Director of Athletics, Jeff Malby. “I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hall of Fame selection committee for its selection of another great class as well as their time and dedication to Rocky Mountain College.”
Mark Adams served as Rocky Mountain College’s head men’s basketball coach from 1982-85. Adams helped guide the Battlin’ Bears (23-9) to the 1985 NAIA District 12 championship, and a NAIA national tournament berth. Rocky had suffered through 17 consecutive losing seasons prior to his arrival. It was the first trip to Kansas City for the Battlin’ Bears since 1951. Adams served as a college basketball coach for 17 years, 10 at the NCAA Division I level. His teams won two championships (1985, 1989) earning him Coach of the Year honors. Adams is currently a nationally respected college basketball commentator in his 20th season broadcasting college basketball games. He appears regularly on ESPN.
Paul “Duke” Edwards, a 1966 graduate, was a member of Rocky’s men’s golf team for four years. After graduation, Edwards embarked on a 31-year teaching and coaching career in Montana. As head coach at Columbus High School, Edwards guided the Cougars to five Class B state golf championships (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997). As the assistant coach, he helped lead Columbus to three state football championships (1976, 1980, and 1992) and one state boy’s basketball title (1977). This summer, Edwards will also be inducted into the Montana Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Jeannie McGonagle, 2006 graduate, was a member of Rocky women’s soccer team from 2002-05. McGonagle earned the program’s first All-American award in 2005 after leading the Battlin’ Bears to their first winning season in program history (10-6-1). During the 2002 season, McGonagle scored the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Lethbridge University to give Rocky’s current head coach, Richard Duffy, his first collegiate win. During her Rocky career, the 5-foot-11-inch central defender amassed 77 career points, scoring 28 goals with 21 assists.
Jake Stuart, a 2004 graduate, was a member of Rocky’s men’s basketball team from 2001-04. Stuart received NAIA All-America honors in 2004 and was a two-time All-Frontier Conference performer. He helped lead the Battlin’ Bears to two straight NAIA national tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003. During his three-year career as a Battlin’ Bear, the 6-foot-3-inch guard and two-time team captain accumulated nearly 1,400 points and 441 rebounds.
The 2008-09 Rocky Mountain College men’s basketball team made school history by winning the 2009 NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. Under Rocky’s current head men’s basketball coach, Bill Dreikosen, the Battlin’ Bears defeated Columbia College 77-61 to claim Montana’s first and only NAIA Division I men’s basketball national title.
The Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on Friday, September 20, at The Pub Station located at 2502 1st Avenue North in Billings
