The Knox College-Lombard Athletics Hall of Fame is honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of these athletes and teams, celebrating their achievements and the indelible impact they have had on Knox College athletics. Honorees are inducted annually at Homecoming. 

Becky Mowers Nelson ’04
Volleyball, Softball

A standout two-sport athlete for the Prairie Fire, Becky Mowers Nelson received All-Midwest Conference First Team accolades in both softball and volleyball. She set two RBI records in softball, as well as being selected as MVP in her sophomore and senior years. There were records set in volleyball as well, as she set four single season program records as a senior. 

Jason Maclin ’07
Basketball

Jason Maclin is one of the most prolific scorers in Knox men’s basketball history. He led the league his sophomore year in free throws and ranked top four in the conference for scoring in his junior year. Throughout his time at Knox, he demonstrated a well-rounded overall game.

Vernie Mendrek
Coach and Administrator

Starting her Knox career in 1968, Vernie Mendrek was an integral part of the  athletics department for more than three  decades. She had a variety of positions in the department, including the first women’s tennis coach, guiding the team to eight winning seasons. Her stints as a coach and P.E. instructor were crucial to the establishment of women’s sports at Knox College.

1975-76 Men’s Swimming and Diving Team

The 1975-76 men’s swimming and diving team recorded a perfect 9-0 dual meet record in the conference. The team broke three school relay records in the 400 and 800 free relay and the 400 medley relay, as well as breaking a pair of conference records, which included the 200 yard free and the 800 free relay  quartet.