CLARION, Pa. – Clarion University honored the six newest members of its Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, recognizing the group in front of friends and family at Eagle Commons on campus.  Bob Beatty, Bernie Carpenter, Frank Edgar, Jim Koontz, Bill May and Melissa (Yearous) O'Neil were all recognized for the honor they brought to Clarion University in their times in the Blue & Gold.
 
"The group that is assembled around me tonight will not just live on the walls of Tippin Gymnasium, but in the hearts and minds of everyone here for what they mean to Clarion University," said athletic director Dave Katis.
 
After enthusiastic greetings from retired Sports Information Director Rich Herman and University President Dr. Karen Whitney, the Hall of Fame Class of 2016 was introduced individually by master of ceremonies Barry McCauliff.  First on the docket was Beatty, the first of a pair of two-sport athletes that ranked among the best quarterbacks in the football program's history.
 
"My favorite thing about playing here is, quite simply, we won.  We were winners," said Beatty.  "You guys made me a winner.  I can really say that 33-8-1, winning with my teammates, was really the most wonderful thing."
 
Another football player followed Beatty, his teammate Carpenter.  The hard-nosed defensive lineman/linebacker said the greatest things he had accomplished in his life were the relationships he forged.
 
"Don't trust life with your assets," said Carpenter.  "They're not in your pocket or in the bank or a balance sheet.  My family and my friends are my assets.  There's my balance sheet.
 
Edgar was the next to take the podium.  He said that despite all the amazing places he's seen as a result of his professional success as a mixed martial artist, there's a place at Clarion that sticks out to him above all.
 
"Clarion definitely molded me into who I am today, especially that wrestling room," said Edgar.  "Wrestling is a sport that will teach you things that other sports can't.  I'm a fighter, and that room taught me to be a fighter."
 
Koontz stepped up to bat next and remarked on the amazing opportunities his time at Clarion afforded him.  A four-year starter on the baseball team, Koontz had the choice of a lifetime upon graduation…a privilege he attributes to his time at Clarion.
 
"When I graduated Clarion I had a job offer in Chicago and two weeks later I was drafted into Major League Baseball.  Those are good problems to have!" laughed Koontz.  "None of it would have been possible without Clarion University.  I want to say thank you to all the faculty and staff."
 
A three-time PSAC champion in golf, Bill May was the athlete longest removed from his time at Clarion, having graduated nearly 50 years ago in 1968.  However, he was pleased to remark that some things never quite change.
 
"When I returned 50 years later, I saw the same friendliness I saw when I decided to come here," said May.
 
Rounding out the group was O'Neil, who was overcome with emotion as she acknowledged the role her friends and family played in her success at Clarion.  O'Neil's father passed away not long after she received word of her honor, with the basketball and track star showing the importance of family in her life.
 
"I was a small town kid from Iowa that had family and friends from home come out to every game," said O'Neil.  "I could never have done it without you."