Lebanon, Ill.– McKendree University announced that three individuals and one team will be inducted into the Bearcat Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
 
Former student-athletes Arela Williams (Class of 2018, women's volleyball) and Darren Wynn (Class of 2017, men's wrestling), alumni coach Robert "Bob" Karnes (Class of 1966, baseball, basketball) and the 2000 Baseball Team will be honored on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. during the university's Alumni Awards Dinner.
 
The Sports Hall of Fame recognizes those who, through leadership and character, have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of the university. Honorees can be inducted as former student-athletes, former coaches, or alumni coaches and sports professional.
 
The Class of 2023 will also be recognized at halftime of the McKendree football game vs. Missouri S&T on Oct. 21. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. Visit the McKendree homecoming website at www.mckendree.edu/homecoming or call (618) 537-6826 for more information.
 
Arela Williams – Class of 2018 – Women's Volleyball

• 2-Time AVCA All-American
• 3-time AVCA All-Midwest Region
• 2015 GLVC Player of the Year
• McKendree Career leader in kills – 1,887
• 2015 and 2016 GLVC Fall Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women's volleyball
• Originally from San Diego, California (La Jolla Country Day School)
• Resides in London, England, United Kingdom

 
Darren Wynn – Class of 2017 – Men's Wrestling

• 2016 NCAA Division II 141-Pound National Champion
• 4-time All-American and 3-time NCAA finalist
• 158-40 overall record
• Second in school history in Falls (41) and seventh in win percentage (.798)
• Assistant men's and women's wrestling coach at Indian Hills Community College
• Originally from Champaign, Illinois (Centennial High School)
• Resides in Centreville, Iowa

Robert "Bob" Karnes – Class of 1966

• Recorded 136-59 record as head football coach (1968-87) at Du Quoin High School
• Had 17 winning seasons and qualified for IHSA quarterfinals four times
• 1986 IHSA Class 3A Runner-Up
• 1968 team finished with 10-0 record
• Played three years of baseball and basketball at McKendree
• Resides in Du Quoin, Illinois

 
2000 Baseball Team

• School record 55-10 (18-2 AMC) record
• American Midwest Conference (AMC) Regular Season champions
• NAIA Region V Tournament top seed
• Finished season ranked No. 13 in NAIA rankings
• Head Coach Jim Boehne
• 3 NAIA All-Americans
• 9 First-team All-Conference selections
• Set school record for Home Runs in a season with 93 that stood for 20 years