JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman's Athletic Hall of Fame has seven new inductees.
Its newest members were inducted in a ceremony held Saturday morning on the Carson-Newman campus.
Longtime University of South Carolina and Georgia Tech head golf coach William "Puggy" Blackmon, C-N tennis standout David Brewer, 1930's basketball standout John W. Hudson, baseball and basketball standout Dr. Jack Owenby, former C-N football standout and C-N assistant football coach Mac Lambert, C-N tennis All-American Patricia (Rouchon) Wells, and basketball standout Steve Williams are the seven inductees.
2011 Carson-Newman Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
William "Puggy" Blackmon (Class of 1973) - Golf
One of the most decorated golfers in Carson-Newman history, William Blackmon was named one of the Outstanding College Athletes of America in 1971 and 1973. Blackmon, who currently serves as the Director of Golf at the University of South Carolina, coached 24 years at Georgia Tech and South Carolina and led his teams to 23 straight trips to the NCAA postseason. Blackmon was named ACC Coach of the Year four times, led Georgia Tech to five ACC titles and has coached 30 all-conference performers at South Carolina and Georgia Tech. He also guided the two programs to 43 tournament titles.
David Brewer (Class of 1975) - Tennis
A four-year standout on the Carson-Newman tennis team from 1971-75, David Brewer guided the Eagles to four VSAC titles and four NAIA District 24 championships. During his career, the Eagles finished the year with national rankings of No. 8, No. 10, No. 8 and No. 12. He earned All-VSAC honors all four years and was a three-time All-District 24 selection. Brewer began a successful tennis career as a pro for Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1976. He later became the Head Tennis Pro for Haper's Point Racquet Club in 1979 in Cincinnati, Ohio before serving as National Promotions Manager for Adidas from 1984-89. Brewer joined the United States Tennis Association in 1997 as Director of Professional Tennis and was promoted in 2009 to Managing Director of Professional Tournaments. He is also the Deputy Tournament Director for the US Open.
John W. Hudson (Class of 1939) - Basketball
A 6-3 center, John Hudson was a standout on the Carson-Newman basketball team from 1935-39. He averaged 11 points per game as a true freshman, leading the Eagles to a third place finish in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Hudson guided C-N to an undefeated conference season in 1937 and finished the year with 143 points. In 1938, he scored 46 points in seven games before suffering a serious arm injury in a tragic bus wreck that took the lives of two of his team members. Nicknamed "The Milkman" for bartering fresh milk from the family farm with the C-N cafeteria for college tuition, Hudson recovered from the injury to score a team-high 183 points his senior season. Following his playing days, Hudson became a coach and educator for short stints in Greene and Jefferson counties.
Mac Lambert (Class of 1955) – Football
Mac Lambert earned three letters in football at Carson-Newman and was the starting tackle on offense and defense during his junior and senior seasons as well as captain in 1954. He was also President of the men's Student Government from 1954-55. Following his playing career, Lambert has coached for 45 years in Cocke County, Maryville, Knox County, Marshall County, Jefferson County, at Morristown East High School and three stints at C-N. He is currently in his 16th season with the Eagles. As a coach Lambert helped guide the Eagles to a runner-up finish in the 1972 NAIA national title game and a victory in the 1986 NAIA national championship. Lambert is also very active with his church as he has served as Church Treasurer and Deacon.
Dr. Jack Owenby (Class of 1960) – Basketball and Baseball
Dr. Jack Owenby was a two-sport standout for the Eagles, excelling as a four-year letterman in both basketball and baseball. On the hardwood, Owenby was a three-year starter at center and received the News Sentinel Small College Co-MVP in 1959-60. Owenby was a four-year starting pitcher for the Eagle baseball team, earning All-VSAC honors in 1958. Professionally, Owenby has been a teacher, coach, university professor, Director of the Tennessee School Board, school and hospital facility planner and co-founder of Healthcare Facilities Inc. He has given back to Carson-Newman by serving on the Alumni Council, the President's Roundtable and has been active in planning facility improvements among other things. Owenby has also been an active member of the Southern Baptist Church for 53 years, serving 35 years as Deacon and Sunday school teacher.
Patricia (Rouchon) Wells (Class of 1988) - Tennis
One of the most decorated tennis players in Carson-Newman history, Patricia (Rouchon) Wells left Mossy Creek as a three-time All-America and four-time All-District 24 honoree. Wells, who had a career singles record of 116-22 and a doubles record of 97-24, never lost an NAIA singles or doubles match during her career. She was awarded the A.O Duer Award-Outstanding Junior Athlete in NAIA among all sports (1987), the ITCA Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award (1988), the Senior Tennis Player of the Year in NAIA (1988) and the ITCA Graduate Scholarship Award (1988). Wels was just as impressive in the class room as she was a two-time Academic All-American and graduated from Carson-Newman with a 4.0 GPA.
Steve Williams (Class of 1973) –Basketball
At 5-2, the "Mighty Mite" was the nation's smallest college basketball player. Williams was Honorable Mention All-American. His unusual quickness and aggressiveness made him a tenacious defensive player. Steve was an outstanding playmaker, free throw shooter, ball handler and middle man on the fast break. Williams still holds the NAIA single season record for most assists with 458.
