ALAMOSA, Colo. – Adams State Athletics is proud to announce its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, honoring a remarkable group of former student-athletes, a national championship team, and a special citation recipient whose achievements have left a lasting impact on Grizzly Athletics. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Plachy Hall Fieldhouse, where family, friends, teammates, and the Adams State community will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of this distinguished class. The 2026 Hall of Fame class represents excellence across multiple sports and generations, recognizing individuals and teams whose performances helped shape the proud tradition of Adams State Athletics through NCAA national championships, All-America honors, conference titles, school records, and leadership both on and off the field.

Special Citation

Mrs. Mary Motz
A 1962 Adams State graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Mary Motz has dedicated more than six decades to supporting Adams State University through her generosity, service, and unwavering commitment to its students and athletic programs. A longtime Grizzly Club member and supporter of the Motz Porter Men's Basketball Scholarship, her contributions have positively impacted generations of Grizzlies. Alongside her late husband, Hall of Famer Marv Motz (1963), the Motz family has built a remarkable Adams State legacy. All four of their children earned degrees from Adams State, five grandchildren have also become Grizzlies, and Mary continues to call Alamosa home while remaining an active supporter of the university and its community.

Track & Field / Cross Country

Jessica Scherrer
One of the most decorated track and field athletes in Adams State history, Scherrer earned 13 NCAA All-America honors, including 10 indoor and three outdoor selections. A two-time Distance Medley Relay National Champion, she was part of the nationally recognized DMR squad that held the NCAA Division II record from 2017 to 2023. She also continues to rank among the program's all-time greats as a school record holder in multiple relay events.

Brittany Felton
Felton's career was defined by excellence on both the cross country course and the track. She earned nine NCAA All-America honors, captured an individual national championship, helped Adams State win four consecutive NCAA Cross Country team titles, became the program's first NCAA Steeplechase Champion, and qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials while competing as a Grizzly.

Maura O'Brien
O'Brien earned 10 NCAA All-America honors while contributing to one of the most successful eras in Adams State distance running. She helped the Grizzlies capture the 2014 NCAA Indoor National Championship and the 2015 NCAA Cross Country National Championship, while also claiming the 2014 South Central Regional Cross Country title.

Jenna Thurman (Snoke)
A standout distance runner, Thurman collected 10 NCAA All-America honors, including six indoor recognitions. She played a key role in Adams State's 2017 Distance Medley Relay National Championship team and was named the 2017 South Central Region Athlete of the Year.

Chante Roberts
Roberts earned eight NCAA All-America honors and was a key contributor to Adams State's 2014 NCAA Indoor National Championship team. She helped capture a national title in the Distance Medley Relay while earning multiple RMAC championships throughout her career.

Volleyball

Gabriella Hochanadel
One of the most accomplished setters in program history, Hochanadel ranks second all-time in both assists and service aces despite playing only three seasons. She still holds the program's single-season records for assists and service aces while helping lead Adams State to one of the best seasons in school history, including an NCAA Tournament appearance and the program's first AVCA Top 25 finish.

Football / Baseball

Jeff Williams
One of the finest punters in NCAA Division II history, Williams earned Consensus All-America honors, was a repeat All-American, and set the NCAA Division II career punting average record. A four-time First Team All-RMAC selection, he still holds multiple Adams State punting records and went on to continue his football career with opportunities in both the NFL and NFL Europe.

Jon Barba
Barba established himself as one of the premier defensive players in Grizzly football history. A three-time All-RMAC selection, two-time All-Region honoree, and 1996 C.M. Frank All-American, he still holds the Adams State record with 27 tackles in a single game while also ranking among the program's all-time leaders for tackles in a season.

Rich Goggin
A standout multi-sport athlete, Goggin earned All-RMAC, All-District, and NAIA All-America honors as a linebacker while also contributing to the Grizzly baseball program. Following his playing career, he returned to Adams State as a graduate assistant football coach.

Men's Wrestling

Ken Taylor
Taylor made his mark as one of the top wrestlers in Adams State history, earning two All-America honors, finishing as the 1972 NCAA National Runner-up, serving as a team captain, and helping lead the Grizzlies to a national championship. He was also a member of the 1972 RMAC Hall of Fame Team.

John Sheridan
Sheridan established himself among Adams State's wrestling greats with three NCAA All-America honors, showcasing consistent excellence throughout his collegiate career. 2014 Women's Indoor Track & Field Team The 2014 Women's Indoor Track & Field Team earned its place among the greatest teams in Adams State Athletics history by capturing the NCAA Division II Women's Indoor Track & Field National Championship. Powered by a talented roster of All-Americans and national champions, the Grizzlies delivered one of the most memorable performances in program history, securing the national title and further cementing Adams State's reputation as one of the premier track and field programs in the nation.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class reflects the rich tradition of excellence that has defined Adams State Athletics for generations. From national champions and record holders to All-Americans, championship teams, and dedicated supporters, each inductee has made a lasting impact on the Grizzly legacy.

Tickets for the 2026 Adams State Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are now open. To purchase tickets, please visit the link provided: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=e9cf1b1a-8ca0-4511-ad7d-9c3302af8940&envId=p-diozs1TPNE6io0NYli6OYg&zone=usa

Adams State Athletics congratulates the 2026 Hall of Fame class and looks forward to celebrating their outstanding accomplishments during the induction ceremony.