By Bill Nestor
Recently the newest class of West Virginia University’s Aports Hall of Fame was selected. Eight new members comprise the 34th class. The most exciting part of the process will be the induction ceremonies that are set to take place prior to the WVu – Kansas football game on September 21st.
The class consists of former football standouts Anthony Becht, Rasheed Marshall, and Adrian Murrell. Becht, a Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania product, played from 1996 through 99. He ended his career second in receptions and receiving yards for a tight end. Becht ended his career in the Senior Bowl and was a Football News honorable mention All-American. He was selected as the 27th overall pick in the first round by the New York Jets.
During his professional career, he also played for Tampa bay, Kansas City, Arizona, and St. Louis. After his playing days, he spent time as a football analyst before going into coaching. He is currently the head coach of the St. Louis Battle Hawks of the United Football League.
Rasheed Marshall spent 2001 through 04 in a Mountaineer uniform. During that time, the Pittsburgh native threw for 5,558 yards (sixth most in school history) and 45 touchdowns (fourth best in WVU history.) Marshall was a dual threat quarterback, rushing for 2,040 yards, third most for a signal caller in Mountaineer history. He also rushed for 24 scores, second most of any quarterback to wear a WVU jersey.
Marshall was a fifth round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 Draft. He played for San Francisco, Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. Marshall spent time as a football analyst for ESPN and currently is the Director of Player Relations on Neal Brown’s West Virginia staff.
Adrian Murrell was a standout running back from 1989 to 92. Murrell made the lengthy trip from Wahiawa, Hawaii. Despite only being a starter for two seasons Murrell put up impressive numbers, finishing with 2,097 yards. He was a multi-dimensional player, ranking 14th and 22nd in the country in all-purpose yards.
His numbers really grew at the next level after being taken by the Jets in the fifth round of the 1993 Draft. In 10 seasons with New York, Murrell gained 5,199 yards, the most of any former West Virginia player.
Also included are a pair of basketball standouts in Cris Brooks and Liz Repella. Brooks came from the Bronx as the first McDonald’s All-American to play for the Mountaineers. Brooks, a top five recruit, roamed the Colisseumfrom 1988 to 91. Brooks passed away in 2012 and is 12th in career points and 15th in rebounds, playing in 121 games in his career.
Repella, from Steubenville, Ohio, played an integral part of the Mountaineers’ success from 2008 to 11. Repella was a consistent contributor on the hardwood with 24 20-point games, 18 double doubles, and played in 134 lock ups, the most of any player in program history.
Mark Landers represents the baseball program. He starred in Morgantown from 1991 to 94. Landers was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and an All-American. The home grown talent (from Charleston) was drafted in the 28th round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft.
Rounding out the class are Bob Donker and Bette Hushla. Donker, from Georgetown, Ontario, was a cross-country and track guru. Donker’s career ranged from 1991 to 95 and became the school’s first three-time All-American. Hushla was one of the first women to compete in intercollegiate athletics at WVU. In 1965, she was a member of the Mountaineer men’s swimming and diving team.
Congratulations to the newest class for their well-deserved selection into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God bless!