Lebanon, IL - McKendree University announced that four individuals and one team will be inducted into the 2026 Bearcat Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Former student-athletes Breanna Clemmer (Class of 2021, Women's Bowling), Jarrod Karnes (Class of 2001, Football), Jason Karnes (Class of 2001, Football), Dr. James M. Dennis (Former President) and the 2016 Women's Soccer Team will be honored as part of the Class of 2026.
 
Dr. Dennis will be recognized during the 2026 Homecoming Alumni Banquet on Friday, October 9, while the remaining members of the Class of 2026 will be honored on Saturday, February 13, 2027, during an awards ceremony at The Hett.
 
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.
 
Details regarding both events and ticket availability will be announced later this fall. For inquiries, please contact alumni@mckendree.edu or call (618) 537-6824.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
BREANNA CLEMMER – Class of 2021 – Women's Bowling
Breanna Clemmer established herself as one of the most accomplished bowlers in McKendree University history during her standout career from 2016-21. As a freshman, she earned NTCA Division II/III Rookie of the Year and Bowler of the Year honors while helping lead the Bearcats to both the NCAA National Championship and Intercollegiate Team Championship.
 
She was a four-time NTCA All-American, including three First-Team selections, captured the 2019 Intercollegiate Singles Championship, and was named the 2020 Great Lakes Valley Conference Bowler of the Year after leading McKendree to the conference title.
 
Following her collegiate career, Clemmer has continued to excel on the professional and international stages. She claimed her first PWBA title at the 2022 St. Petersburg-Clearwater Open and added a PBA/PBA50/PWBA Jonesboro Trios Championship in 2024.
 
A seven-time member of Team USA (2019-25) after five years on Junior Team USA, Clemmer has earned multiple international medals, including gold and bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games. She also captured U.S. Amateur titles in 2019 and 2020 and currently serves as assistant women's bowling coach at the University of Pikeville.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
JARROD KARNES – Class of 2001 – Football
One of the most accomplished backs in McKendree football history, Jarrod Karnes overcame a devastating injury early in his collegiate career to leave a lasting legacy with the Bearcats.
 
After suffering a season-ending injury in the opening game of the 1996 season, Karnes returned to become the team's starting fullback from 1997-99. He played a pivotal role in helping McKendree reach the NAIA National Playoffs in 1997 and enjoyed a record-setting career that continues to rank among the program's best.
 
Karnes ranks eighth in school history with 1,825 career rushing yards, third with 454 career rushing attempts, second with 27 career rushing touchdowns, and third in scoring by a non-kicker with 164 points. During his remarkable 1999 season, he established school records with 19 rushing touchdowns and 116 points scored while also setting the program record with three two-point conversions.
 
Following his playing career, Karnes dedicated himself to education and coaching. He spent six years teaching and coaching football at Carmi High School before joining Murphysboro High School, where he serves as a teacher and assistant football coach.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
JASON KARNES – Class of 1999 – Football
Jason Karnes is one of the most accomplished football coaches in Southern Illinois history, while also playing a pivotal role in launching McKendree University's football program during its inaugural seasons. 
 
Following graduation, Karnes built Herrin High School into one of Illinois' premier football programs. In 14 seasons as head coach, he compiled a 105-45 overall record, captured 11 conference championships, guided the Tigers to 12 IHSA playoff appearances, and led the program to the 2014 IHSA Class 5A Final Four. A nine-time Southern Illinois Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Karnes was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2024.
 
Before his coaching career, Karnes starred at quarterback for Du Quoin High School, leading the Indians to a perfect 14-0 record and the 1992 IHSA State Championship. He then earned a scholarship to McKendree, where he was a member of the inaugural football team in 1995. As the Bearcats' quarterback, he led the program to its first-ever NAIA Football Championship Series playoff appearance in 1997, helping establish the foundation for McKendree football. 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
DR. JAMES M. DENNIS – Former President
Dr. James M. Dennis served as the 32nd president of McKendree from 1994 to 2020, leading the institution through the most transformative period in its history. His 26-year tenure remains the longest of any president at McKendree and was marked by remarkable growth in enrollment, academic programs, campus facilities, and national recognition.
 
A passionate advocate for intercollegiate athletics, Dr. Dennis understood the important role sports play in enhancing the student experience and strengthening the university community. Under his leadership, McKendree expanded its athletic offerings by adding 22 varsity sports, including the return of football in 1996, a move that significantly boosted enrollment and campus engagement.
 
The university's athletic programs flourished during his presidency. McKendree teams captured 36 conference championships and seven national championships, including six NAIA titles and the 2017 NCAA Women's Bowling National Championship. His commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes helped elevate McKendree into a nationally respected athletic program.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
2016 WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
Led by head coach Tim Strange, the 2016 women's soccer team enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in program history, capturing the school's first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championship and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Bearcats finished with an outstanding 17-5-1 overall record, including an 11-4 mark in conference play, and delivered McKendree University's first GLVC championship in any sport since joining the conference in 2012.
 
Sophomore forward Sydnee Carroll led the Bearcats with 18 goals and recorded 10 game-winning goals, the most in NCAA Division II that season. Carroll earned GLVC Offensive Player of the Year honors and became the first women's soccer player in McKendree's NCAA Division II era to receive All-American recognition, earning Second Team All-American honors. Defensively, senior Allyssa Reiniger anchored a back line that allowed just 15 goals all season and was named Second Team All-GLVC.
 
The Bearcats also excelled academically, posting a 3.57 team GPA, with four student-athletes earning the GLVC Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA during the academic year.