Carson-Newman inducted six new members into its Athletics Hall of Fame during its 21st induction ceremony Oct. 15,2021 in the Stokely Memorial Building on Carson-Newman's campus.
Those inducted in this class are Shari Buford (Women's Basketball, 2010), Steve Cishek (Baseball, 2007), Libby Conley (Softball, 2002), Jay Floyd (Football, 1988), Charlie King (Men's Golf/Football Coach, 1957), Mike Schlechter (Football, 1989).
Shari Buford (2010) – The first NCAA All-American in Carson-Newman women's basketball history, Shari Buford was a three-time All-SAC performer and helped the women's basketball program to a trio of NCAA tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth in her senior season. She is Carson-Newman's third all-time leading scorer and second leading rebounder with 1,496 points and 1,058 boards.
Steve Cishek (2007) – Steve Cishek helped pitch Carson-Newman to the 2007 SAC tournament title before being drafted by the Florida Marlins in the fifth round of the 2007 MLB draft. He has spent a decade playing in the big leagues with the Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. He is the Marlins franchise record-holder for consecutive saves with 33.
Libby Conley (2002) – A two-time SAC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year for the league, Libby Conley hit .435 for her career – a figure that is good for fifth in school history. She ranks in the top five in program history in runs scored, hits, triples, stolen bases and highest stolen base percentage. She earned all-league honors all four years of her career with four SAC regular season titles and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances.
Jay Floyd (1988) - A two-time All-American and three-time all-SAC selection, Jay Floyd was an anchor on Carson-Newman's offensive line for a national title and a national runner-up trophy. Floyd cleared the way for 7,236 rushing yards in his final two years with the program. He blocked for a fifth of Carson-Newman's top 25 all-time rushers.
Charlie King (1957) – A long-time assistant football coach and head golf coach for Carson-Newman, his 1972 golf team was the first to participate in a national tournament. In his 32-year coaching career, he accounted for eight NAIA District 24 titles and five NAIA National Tournament berths. King oversaw the transition of the program from NAIA to NCAA Division II; he went on to coach two SAC golfers of the year and six All-SAC golfers. He was also an assistant football coach for the 1972 national runner-up team.
Mike Schlechter (1989) – An All-American and the 1988 SAC Defensive Player of the Year, Mike Schlechter starred at safety for a pair of national championships for Carson-Newman football and another trip to the title game. Schlechter is the school record holder for picks (25), interception return yards (520), interception returns for TDs (four) and fumble returns (seven). He ranks seventh in program history with 315 tackles, the second most of any defensive back all-time.
2021 Carson-Newman Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
