DURANGO, Colo. — Fort Lewis College will induct four former student-athletes into its Athletic Hall of Fame at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011, in the Student Union Ballroom.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2011 includes
Richard Bent (football, 1973-76),
Steve Berglund (men's soccer, 1997-2000, and football, 2001),
John Chisholm (football, 1972-75), and
David Shrum (gymnastics, 1963-67).
“We are extremely honored to induct these four individuals, especially in the year in which we celebrate Fort Lewis College's Centennial,” said Assistant Director of Athletics for External Operations and Communications Chris Aaland, who chairs the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “These four gentlemen reached the pinnacle of athletic and academic excellence during their respective careers and have continued to make the college proud following their graduation.”
Bent, who graduated from FLC in 1977, was a four-year letterwinner for the Raiders from 1973-76. He earned NAIA All-America honorable mention in 1975 and twice received All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors as a defensive lineman (first team in 1975 and second team in 1976). During Bent's four-year career, the Raiders posted a 21-15 overall record. He signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977 following the completion of his undergraduate education. He later received a master's degree in education from Northern Arizona University in 1987. Bent, age 57, died in his sleep on December 9, 2009, in Dauphin, Pa.
“He exhibited leadership qualities both verbally and by example,” said teammate Richard Robinson. “He always encouraged his teammates. Rick proved he was an outstanding athlete at Fort Lewis.”
Berglund, who graduated from FLC in 2002, was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at goalkeeper in men's soccer from 1997-2000 and a one-year letterwinner and starter as a kicker and punter in football in 2001. He led the Skyhawks on an improbable run to the 1999 NCAA Division II national championship game, where they lost 2-1 to Southern Connecticut State in double overtime. During his career, Berglund was a first team NSCAA All-American (1999), was named to the NCAA Division II All-Final Four Team (1999), and earned a bevy of other accolades, including first team NSCAA All-Midwest Region (1999), second team NSCAA All-Midwest Region (2000), first team All-RMAC (1999), and second team All-RMAC (1998). He was also chosen as his team's Most Valuable Player in 1999.
Berglund owns FLC single-season records for shutouts (13, 1999) and most games in goal (24, 1999). He also is part of a duo that holds the school record for fastest consecutive goals scored by one team (20 seconds apart, vs. Colorado Mines, Oct. 11, 1999). Moments after teammate Josh Veryser scored against the Orediggers, Berglund punted the ball the length of the field and saw it bounce over the opposing goalkeeper's head into the netting.
“Steve was the guy who could make you laugh in the locker room and make you shake your head on the soccer field,” said teammate Luc Cisna, who was inducted into the FLC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. “If we would have won that last game, he would have been the national player of the year … and he probably should have gotten it anyway.”
Chisholm was a four-year letterwinner at quarterback for the Raiders football team from 1972-75. The epitome of a student-athlete, he earned NAIA Academic All-America honors and NAIA All-America honorable mention as a senior in 1975. He was also chosen as an RMAC Honor Scholar-Athlete and named to the Academic All-RMAC squad that same season — one that saw him finish as the second leading passer in the NAIA District VII. He was also a Rhodes Scholar semifinalist and was the final cut by the Philadelphia eagles prior to the 1976 NFL season.
Chisholm ranks eighth in FLC in career passing yards (3,457) despite splitting time with fellow FLC Athletic Hall of Famer Ron Trujillo at quarterback for most of his career. In fact, Trujillo and Chisholm are separated by just 126 yards in career passing.
“John was a complete student-athlete,” said his former coach, Jay McNitt. “Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil told me to my face when he cut John from the squad that he had made a big mistake. Weeks later, he tried to get him back. But John refused the offer ... he was already employed by a Texas oil firm.”
Shrum, a 1968 graduate of Fort Lewis College, was a four-year letterwinner in gymnastics from 1963-67. During those four years, he was FLC's leading all-around competitor. He ranked eighth in the parallel bars and 11th all-around following the 1967 NAIA national championships, earning team MVP honors along the way.
An active student leader, Shrum served as student body vice president, chaired the Clubs & Activities Council, served on the Governor's Budget Council as a college student representative, and was a member of the committee that chose FLC's new school colors and mascot following its change from a junior college to a four-year school. He was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and was a charter member and officer of Phi Alpha Theta, FLC's first academic fraternity.
“As Fort Lewis' only nationally-ranked gymnast, he is deserving of this honor,” said former classmate David Robertson, who now serves as vice president of the FLC Alumni Association. “Not only did David excel in gymnastics, but while attending Fort Lewis College, he and the rest of the team helped bring the sport of gymnastics to the entire Four Corners area at the high school level.”
In addition to adding four new members to its Athletic Hall of Fame, the Fort Lewis College Athletic Department and Skyhawk Booster Club will recognize its All-Century Team, comprised of the 100 top student-athletes, coaches and administrators, at the Hall of Fame ceremony and brunch on Sept. 18. That team will be announced early next month.
Cost for attending the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and brunch is $15 per person. To RSVP, contact Aaland at (970) 247-7381 or aaland_c@fortlewis.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011.
