West Virginia University is set to celebrate a milestone in its athletic heritage as seven distinguished figures prepare to join the Sports Hall of Fame this October. The upcoming class will bring the total number of inductees to 250, underscoring the institution’s deep-rooted tradition of sporting achievement.
A Milestone for WVU Athletics
The inductees span multiple sports and eras, reflecting the breadth of talent that has represented the Mountaineers over the decades. Their contributions have shaped everything from dominant basketball campaigns to record‑setting performances on the soccer field, the gridiron, the track, and the wrestling mat.
John Beilein, who coached the Mountaineers from 2003 to 2007, led the men’s basketball team to the 2005 NCAA Elite Eight, the 2006 Sweet Sixteen, and captured the 2007 NIT championship. Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, standout midfielders on the women’s soccer squad, amassed a collection of awards that cement their status as the most decorated players in program history. Dennis Fowlkes, a stalwart inside linebacker from 1979 to 1982, was renowned for his tackling prowess, while Bria Holmes scored over 2,000 career points in women’s basketball and became the highest WNBA draft pick in school history, selected 11th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Alex Kasich, a distance runner from 1972 to 1976, left his mark on cross country and track, and Craig Turnbull, the winningest wrestling coach in WVU history, steered the program for 35 years, from 1979 through 2014.
Induction Ceremony Details
The ceremony will take place on October 10, just before the home football game against Arizona, providing fans with a prime opportunity to honor these contributors in front of a full stadium. The event promises to blend nostalgia with celebration, highlighting the enduring impact of each inductee on the university’s athletic identity.
Beyond the individual accolades, the class of 2026 exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering excellence both on and off the field. Their stories will serve as inspiration for current student‑athletes and reinforce the Mountaineer spirit for generations to come.