The MCC Athletics Hall of Fame committee is pleased to announce the inaugural 2022 class. Committee members Lauren Sanders (Director of Athletics), Mindy Eckert (Asst. AD), Marvin Rupe (Fmr. AD), Gabe Awbrey ('20), Brandon Roth ('11), Jordan Strom ('11) Jen Lenhart ('10) and Justin Glenn ('09) started the selection process in the summer of 2022 by establishing a criteria for selection and a nomination form. From there the committee reviewed nominations and made the following selections as the members of the first Hall of Fame class in Manhattan Christian College Athletics history. The class of 2022 has been informed individually. Congratulations to the following individuals:

Dr. Rick Wright ('76) - Head Men's Soccer Coach, 1991-2021

Dr. Rick Wright served as the Vice President for Student Life and Head Men's Soccer coach at MCC for more than 30 years. During his tenure as the Head Men's Soccer Coach the Crusaders/Thunder experienced unprecedented success winning three national championships ('05, '07, '08) and a school record 19 consecutive NCCAA region championships from 1997-2016. A four-time National Coach of the Year ('01, '03, '04, '08) and 2021 NCCAA Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Wright won more than 400 matches in his career while setting a standard of excellence that coaches have looked to follow for years following his tenure. Congratulations, Dr. Rick Wright! 

Jim Steeleman ('94) - Men's Basketball, 1988-1992

Jim Steelman was a trailblazer for MCC Men's Basketball in the late 1980's and early 1990's who helped set the tone for the success of the program for years to come. The first 2,000 point scorer in program history, Steelman was a two-time Midwest Christian College Conference first team selection that led the Crusaders to regular season conference championships in 1991 and 1992. He still owns the second highest single season scoring average in school history at 22.3 ppg in the 89-90 season and sits in the top five all time in career points (2,063), points per game (19.3), career rebounds (891),  and career rebounds per game (8.23) among others. Congratulations, Jim Steelman! 

Ryan Kluttz ('09) - Men's Basketball, 2004-2008

Ryan Kluttz influenced the Men's Basketball program at MCC in a way that is immeasurable. Kluttz, the school's all-time leading scorer (2,514 career points) earned NCCAA All-American honors 4 times during his career while also earning region and conference MVP awards and first team honors. He holds the single season scoring record (767 points) in '06-'07 and the single game scoring record when he scored 50 points in a single game at the Cookson Hills Classic in 2005. He helped his team to consecutive conference championships in 2006 and 2007, which started a streak of eight straight Midwest Christian College Conference titles for the Crusaders ('06-'14). Congratulations, Ryan Kluttz! 

Greg Klass ('09) - Men's Soccer, 2004-2007

Greg 'Red' Klass was a fixture at forward for the Crusaders in the mid 2000's. Hailing from Kentucky, Greg came to MCC in '04 and his impact was immediately felt as he helped the team to an NCCAA 3rd place finish his freshman season. He earned NCCAA 1st Team All-American honors and NCCAA All-Tournament team honors during that year. From there, the legend would only grow as he would lead MCC soccer in scoring over the next three years winning two NCCAA national championships and three more 1st team all-American honors as well as three more NCCAA all-tournament team honors. Congratulations, Greg Klass! 

Kylie (Rupe) Shipley ('14) - Women's Volleyball, 2011-2014

Kylie (Rupe) Shipley is the most decorated student-athlete to ever come through the volleyball program at MCC. The Manhattan native stepped right on to the court her freshman year and helped her team to a conference runners-up finish while earning all-conference and all-region honors as an outside hitter. From there, her team and individual accolades took off as she helped her team win three consecutive conference and region titles while securing three consecutive conference and region MVP awards. She was a three-time NCCAA and AVCA all-American and became first NCCAA National Player of the Year in program history during the 2013 season where she helped her team to the NCCAA Final Four. Congratulations, Kylie (Rupe) Shipley! 

"I am so proud of MCC Athletics and the growth that has happened and the legacy that has been established. With the many coaches, teams, and athletes to choose from over the years we believe this is an exemplary group of individuals who competed at the highest level and held themselves to a high standard on and off the field/court. We look forward to continuing to receive nominations for future classes so we can recognize individuals who have made a huge impact in our Athletics. Congratulations to the first class of 22' we are encouraged and inspired by you all," stated Hall of Fame committee member Jen Lenhart ('10)

Manhattan Christian College will celebrate our Hall of Fame Inductees for the class of 2022 in the spring of 2023 at the Vision 360 event and the all school reunion on April 14, 2023. 

"MCC has a rich athletic history filled with outstanding athletes and exceptional people. The Hall of Fame allows us to celebrate the accomplishments and character of those former athletes and coaches, while building relationships with past and present members of the MCC Family. The Hall of Fame will open many doors for reconnection of alumni, both those honored and those returning to celebrate teammates, coaches, and classmates. I can not wait for the induction ceremony to reconnect with so many that I’ve lost contact with since my time at MCC came to an end. I have already thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the other members of the Hall of Fame committee through the creation of the program and selection of inductees. This is going to be a fantastic addition at MCC for years to come," commented Hall of Fame committee member Brandon Roth ('11). 

Check back with mccthunder.com throughout the year for profiles on each of our inductees ahead of the celebration planned for April of 2023.