Wingate Sports Hall of Fame

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University president Dr. Rhett Brown, along with Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Reich have announced the nine inductees that will go into the Wingate University Sports Hall of Fame this fall. The nine inductees are: baseball player Casey Allison (class of 2013), football player Billy Blakeney (class of 1990), Dr. Barry Cuffe (Faculty Athletics Representative), soccer player Jade Montgomery (class of 2015), football player Robbie Nallenweg (class of 2014), baseball coach Bill Nash (Director of the Bulldog Club / Athletic Foundation), volleyball player Lexi Potter (class of 2015), swimmer Paige Schmidt (class of 2014) and cross country runner Keeley Wood (class of 2014).

The 2026 Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will take place Friday, Sept. 18 on the Wingate University campus. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at LaVerne Banquet Hall, with the dinner and program getting underway at 6:30 p.m. The class will be also be recognized at halftime of the football game Saturday, Sept. 19. In addition to the nine inductees, the university will also be honoring the 2016 men's soccer team that won the first NCAA D2 team title in Wingate and SAC history. That squad is the "Team of Distinction."

CASEY ALLISON
Baseball (Class of 2013)

Allison is among the most prolific power hitters in SAC baseball history. A career .324 hitter, he piled up 44 homers, 72 doubles and 186 RBI, while scoring 214 runs in his career. He ranks third in league history in doubles, fourth in total bases, fifth in runs scored and ninth in homers. Allison helped lead Wingate to a 2010 regular season SAC title and 2011 SAC Tourney championship.

Allison had a monster season in 2012, earning first team All-American honors from multiple publications while also being a finalist for the Tino Martinez Award, going to the top D2 baseball player in the country. In 2012, Allison hit .352 with 22 homers, 18 doubles, 68 RBI and 58 runs scored, helping Wingate tie the SAC record with 95 homers on the year.

"Being inducted into Wingate's Athletic Hall of Fame is a great honor that fills me with deep gratitude," Allison says. "I'm humbled by this recognition and thankful for every teammate who pushed me, every coach who believed in me, and every friend and family member who supported me during my baseball career. My time as a Wingate University student-athlete shaped me and I carry those lessons with me every day. Thank you to those who selected me for this recognition. It means the world."

BILLY BLAKENEY
Football (Class of 1990)
Legacy and Leadership selection (selected by the Legacy and Leadership committee)

Blakeney was the leader of football team as the program was getting started during the 80's. His versatility and toughness set the standard for the program on the field, while his character and leadership also played a huge factor in the team's early success.

Blakeney was named Wingate team MVP following the 1989 season. He led the Bulldogs with 41 rushes for 327 yards and three touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 208 yards and one TD his senior season. Blakeney was a member of Wingate's first senior college football team in 1986. He led the Bulldogs in receiving in 1986 and 1987. For his career, Blakeney caught 91 passes for 1096 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed 133 times for 716 yards and seven TDs. Blakeney was a two-time All-NAIA District 26 selection.

"This is a very humbling experience that made me reflect on what it took to get to this level," Blakeney says. "None of this would have ever happened without the help and support of my teammates, coaches and family. It made me realize that someone not only noticed what I did on the field but off the field as well. Many people measure greatness by what one does on the field, court and track, but I think greatness extends to the impact you had on others, the lives you touched and the relationships you made. Because it's not what you say or did but how you make people feel. I would like to especially thank my mom, Susie Blakeney, my grandmother, Eva Welch and my two high school football coaches, Al Usher and Joey Mangum for making me the person and athlete I am today!"

DR. BARRY CUFFFE
Faculty Athletics Representative

Cuffe spent over 30 years at Wingate University, taking over as the Faculty Athletics Representative in 2008. In his time as the FAR, the Bulldogs lead the conference in Academic All-America honorees and SAC Scholar-Athletes. Cuffe was named the Wingate University Advisor of the Year in 2000 and won the Corts Teaching Award in 2005. He served on multiple committees for the SAC, including Postgraduate Scholarship Selection, Competition and Scheduling, Championship and Awards and heard numerous one-time transfer exception appeals.

A consistent present at all Wingate athletic events for nearly two decades, Cuffe earned the Wingate University Spirit Award for Campus Involvement in 2011. He then received the Ralph Hargett Athletic Department Service Award in 2018, then served two terms as a Faculty Senate Chair in 2018 and 2019. In 2023, Cuffe received the prestigious SAC David Riggins Service Award, which is presented annually to an administrator (President, FAR, AD, SWA, Athletic Trainer, SID) at a member institution based on his/her outstanding service to their institution and the SAC.

"Though I never won any games (unless you count a handful of undocumented wins as a volunteer JV Baseball coach), I am equally humbled by and appreciative of being inducted in the Wingate University Sports Hall of Fame," Cuffe says. "My stock and trade has been as a Professor of Quantitative Reasoning in our Business School, but it is especially gratifying to be recognized by our institution for behind-the-scenes contributions as an FAR. I will always treasure the relationships that I have been able to develop with so many amazing folks in our Athletics Department."

JADE MONTGOMERY
Soccer (Class of 2015)

In the history of the South Atlantic Conference, Montgomery is the only student-athlete to be named the SAC Athlete of the Year three times. She won the prestigious honor in each of her final three seasons for the Bulldogs, while also earning All-American accolades all three years. The four-time All-SAC and All-Region honoree was the SAC Player of the Year her final three years, earning Region Player of the Year accolades in 2013 and 2014.

Montgomery ranks fifth in league history with 66 career goals, while ranking fourth with 157 career points. She led the Bulldogs to back-to-back SAC Tourney titles in 2013 and 2014, the first two league championships in program history. Montgomery also led the Bulldogs to their lone region title in 2014. She led the nation in goals in 2012, while ranking fifth in points and 10th in goals nationally the following season.

"It is truly an honor to be selected for the Wingate Hall of Fame," Montgomery says. "God blessed me with a talent, and I hope I was able to glorify Him through it all. I want to thank my coaches and teammates...I wouldn't be here without them. Record-breaking seasons and championships were fun, but it's the memories and friendships that I cherish the most! Lastly, I want to thank my amazing family, who always showed up, believed in me and supported me...I'm just so grateful. Thank you Wingate, and thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey."

ROBBIE NALLENWEG
Football (Class of 2014)

Nallenweg put his name all over the Wingate record books, while also piling up prestigious honors as a student-athlete. Wingate's all-time leader in career completion percentage, Nallenweg threw for 6,748 yards and 54 touchdowns in his three seasons as the starting quarterback. He is fourth in program history in passing yards and fifth in passing touchdowns. He threw for 3,644 yards in 2012, the second-most in Wingate history.

Nallenweg was named the SAC Scholar-Athlete in 2012 and 2013, while also being named an Academic All-America honoree in 2012. He won the prestigious SAC President's Award in 2014, the top honor given out by the league, going to the top overall student-athlete in the entire conference.

"This is an unbelievable honor. I will be forever grateful for my time at Wingate," Nallenweg says. "My family was integral to any success I had. I was fortunate enough to share a backfield with my All-American twin brother, Andrew, along with the support of my brother, Rick, and my parents, Rich and Ronda, who came to every single game. I developed alongside great players like Cody Haffly, Chris Bowden, and many others, and under great coaches like Coach Reich, Coach Brown, and Coach Long. Wingate University allowed me to reach my potential as an athlete while also providing the resources to prioritize academics, enabling me to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician." 

BILL NASH
Baseball Coach / Director of the Bulldog Club / Director of Athletic Foundation

Nash has spent over 40 years at Wingate University, serving as a baseball assistant coach and head coach, while also serving as the Dean. A 1971 Wingate University graduate, Nash has served as the Director of the Bulldog Club and is currently the Director of the Athletic Foundation. Nash was the head baseball coach for 14 seasons, piling up 403 victories, including 175 wins in league play, coaching from 1994 through 2007. He guided the 'Dogs to four regular season SAC titles and four SAC Tournament championships. The 1995 SAC and Region Coach of the Year guided the 'Dogs to a 46-10 record and the program's first number one national ranking in Division II history.

Over the past 20 years as the Director of the Bulldog and the Athletic Foundation, Nash has helped fundraising efforts as Wingate University athletics has continued to be the top program in the conference and one of the best in Division II, with back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Learfield Directors' Cup to go along with 18 consecutive SAC Excellence Cups. Since 2020, Bulldog Club fundraising has grown from $170,000 to nearly $800,000 annually. In this time, Bulldog Club supporters have contributed more than $3.8 million to Wingate Athletics, providing critical resources that enhance the student-athlete experience.

"This recognition is genuinely appreciated," Nash says. "My time serving as Coach Christopher's assistant and then having the chance to lead the baseball program as we entered NCAA DII status were opportunities I did not see coming. I was around some great players, coaches and 'baseball people' that have made my life in collegiate baseball beyond special. My other opportunities in athletic administration and advancement continued to connect me with people and places that have made my life at Wingate; again, unexpectedly enjoyable and rewarding. All of this was complemented by life in Student Life and those incredible people on staff and how about these students (many of whom were student-athletes). The career here is enough of a reward. But I will be there to accept the others on behalf of all those who carried me."

LEXI POTTER
Volleyball (Class of 2015)

Potter is among the most efficient and dominant hitters in the history of Wingate and SAC volleyball. The three-time All-SAC and All-Region middle blocker ranks fifth in program history with her .350 career hitting percentage. The SAC leader in hitting percentage all four years of her career, Potter piled up 924 kills and 297 blocks while helping the Bulldogs collect four regular season SAC titles, four SAC Tourney championships and three NCAA Southeast Region titles.

Potter made an immediate impact in her first season with Wingate, earning SAC and Region Freshman of the Year accolades. In 2013, she became the first player in Wingate or SAC volleyball history to earn second team All-American accolades from the AVCA. She is now one of five players in league history to earn second team recognition. In her four seasons, the 'Dogs went 77-3 in league play as Potter posted a .372 hitting percentage in 2014 (fifth-best in WU history) and .368 hitting percentage in 2013 (seventh-best in WU history).

"Receiving this recognition is something I'm deeply grateful for, and being welcomed into the Wingate Hall of Fame is truly humbling," Potter says. "When I reflect on my time at Wingate, I think about the people, experiences, and relationships that made those years so meaningful. I'm especially thankful to Coach Collier for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of such a special program. His guidance challenged me to grow not only as a player, but as a person. I'm also grateful for my teammates, who made every practice, match, and championship unforgettable. This recognition reflects what we accomplished together, and I wouldn't be here without each of them. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for their unwavering love, encouragement, and countless sacrifices throughout my journey. A special thank you to my Dad who always believed in me and supported me every step of the way. I'm incredibly thankful to everyone who played a role in my time at Wingate, and I'll always be grateful to be part of the Bulldog family."

PAIGE SCHMIDT
Swimming (Class of 2014)

Schmidt piled up the hardware throughout her illustrious career, helping the Bulldogs excel at the conference and national level. She collected seven first-team All-American trophies in her career, while adding five more honorable mention All-American honors. The 14-time All-Bluegrass Mountain Conference swimmer won seven BMC titles.

Schmidt led the Bulldogs to the BMC title in 2013, after helping the 'Dogs finish second in 2011 and 2012. She posted two All-American swims at each of her final three national championship appearances. Her two All-American swims in 2013 in the 1,000 Free and the 1650 Free helped Wingate finish fifth in the nation, which was the best finish in program history. It is now one of four top-five national finishes in the history of Wingate women's swimming.

"It's hard to describe how surreal it feels to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," Schmidt says. "I am so honored and grateful to be in this position! Not only is Wingate where I competed for national championships, but it also played such a big role in shaping me into the person that I am today. My time there taught me so many lessons that continue to guide me in both my career and my life. I wouldn't have been able to succeed as much as I did without my incredible family whose support and love is nothing other than CONSTANT. I can count on only one hand the number of meets my parents were unable to attend throughout my entire career. To my teammates (special shout out to my graduating class who experienced it all with me), my professors who challenged me, and OF COURSE my coaches, Kirk Sanocki and Dan Kesler. THANK YOU for seeing all of my potential, believing in me, and pushing me to be nothing but my best. I am so thankful to have had coaches who brought out the dog in me. This honor means more to me than I can express, and I am incredibly proud to always be a Bulldog!"

KEELEY WOOD
Cross Country (Class of 2014)

Wood was a dominant runner in the conference and in the region, helping the 'Dogs collect SAC and region hardware. Wood was the SAC Runner of the Year in 2012, then defended her title the following year. She earned All-SAC and All-Region accolades all four years of her career.

Wood finished as the runner-up in the region in 2012 to qualify for the national meet as an individual, where she ran a personal-best 6K time of 22:21.8. The following year, Wood led the Bulldogs to their first-ever region title, as Wingate qualified as a team for nationals for just the third time in program history. She also had a big impact on the WU Track & Field team, earning All-Region honors in the 5,000 and 10,000 Meters. An All-SAC honoree in both the 5000 and 10,000 meters, Wood won the Southeast Region title in the 5000 meters.

"What an honor to be inducted into Wingate's Sports Hall of Fame!" Wood says. "I'm humbled to be commemorated alongside so many accomplished athletes. My years as a Bulldog were some of the most influential of my life and a lot of that is due to my coaches who saw unrealized potential in the wildcard freshman with mediocre stats. They gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities both on the track and in life, which is the greatest gift. The friendships and experiences I had at Wingate made me the person I am today and I am forever grateful to everyone who was a part of this journey. To the coaches who pushed me, the friends and teammates who ran with me and my parents who would drive hours to cheer me on for 20 minutes, thank you!"

WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 9 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education, and the School of Sport Sciences. 

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 18 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.

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