Oct. 23, 2013
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ROCHESTER, Mich. - Raffi Karapetian (men's swimming), Kristie (Kieffer) Slowke (women's cross country), Yoav Ritter (men's swimming), Jason Perry (men's soccer) and Danielle (Ward) Gray (women's swimming) were selected for induction to the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, announced by Director of Athletics Tracy Huth on Wednesday. Gina DeMartis was selected as the George Wibby Award recipient, while Gary Brancaleone and Beth Benson were named as this year's Community Service Award recipients.
"These student-athletes represent the elite of Oakland Athletics and we are very proud of what they have accomplished, not just here at Oakland University, but afterwards as well," said Huth. "We are extremely excited to welcome these outstanding alumni to the Hall of Honor."
Karapetian (1995-97) won an individual national championship in the 50-yard freestyle and helped Oakland win its final two national titles in Division II by swimming on three championship relay teams. He broke the school record in the 50 free and his time of 20.09 continues to rank inside the top 10, currently at No. 2. Karapetian earned his degree in biology in 1999.
"Having Raffi decide to come back to Michigan, after two years at USC, was a true blessing for everyone involved," said OU swim coach Pete Hovland. "At the time he left for California, he was the most decorated sprinter in MHSAA history. During his two years at Oakland he became the top sprinter in the country. His presence and contributions definitely played a large role in our two national championships when he was here."
(Kieffer) Slowke becomes the first-ever women's cross country runner to enter the Hall of Honor. She is the only runner to qualify for the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships and is a two-time Mid-Con Cross Country Athlete of the Year (2000 and '03). (Kieffer) Slowke won two conference championships in 2000 and '03, capturing a program-best eight events in her career. She finished as a four-time All-Mid-Con selection and graduated from Oakland in 2004 with a degree in accounting.
"In all my years of coaching here at Oakland, I have never had a more coachable student-athlete than Kristie," said OU cross country coach Paul Rice. "She was an incredible leader in our program, and her accomplishments really paved the way for where our program is now. Her legend to this day still inspires our current student-athletes."
Ritter (1996-2000) won a national title in the 200 butterfly during his freshman season and was unable to compete at the NCAA meet during OU's transition years from Division II to I (1998-99). Ritter won the 100 and 200 fly events at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championships in 1997 and 2000 Mid-Con Championships. He earned a degree in biology in 2001.
"Yoav is the last individual national champion of the Division II era," said Hovland. "He made a decision to stay at OU when he could've transferred anywhere in the country during our two transition years. Yoav was extremely instrumental in giving us a legitimate presence in the sport at a very difficult time. His dedication and talent played a major role in our immediate success (in D-I) and he certainly helped us pave the road forward."
Perry (1999-00, '02-03) became the first-ever Division I All-American in men's soccer and led the Golden Grizzlies to consecutive NCAA tournaments in 2002 and '03. He was named Mid-Con Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 and finished as a three-time all-league and two-time all-region honoree. Perry went on to get drafted as the third pick in the fifth round of the 2004 MLS Super Draft by Los Angeles Galaxy. He earned a degree in communications in 2003.
"Jason Perry was one of the very best soccer players and athletes to ever put on an Oakland University jersey," said former OU soccer coach and current Hall of Honor Inductee Gary Parsons. "The success our team had during his tenure, the role he played on our team and the fact that, after his Oakland career, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy and that he had a stellar professional career with the Rochester Rhinos, proves what a truly special player he was."
Ward (1999-2003) set almost every single freestyle record in program history and continues to hold the top mark in 100 free (50.06). She qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 100 and 200 freestyle events, winning a total of eight Mid-Con titles in her career. Ward was named Mid-Con Newcomer of the Championships in 2000 and continues to rank inside OU's all-time top three in five events. She earned a degree in elementary education in 2004.
"In my 42 years of coaching, I have never seen one person own school records in five of the six freestyle events, from the shortest to the longest," said Hovland. "Her ability to train was unequaled and was impressive to watch. To challenge her each day, we made her train with the men. Because of her work ethic and focus she became a natural leader and was voted team captain in her junior and senior seasons."
DeMartis worked for the athletic department from 2005 to 2013, before heading over to University Development this past September. Brancaleone and Benson have been strong supporters of the athletic department for many years.
"I'm thrilled that the Hall of Honor Committee has selected Gary and Beth as the Community Service Award recipients, and Gina to receive the Wibby Award," said Huth. "Each of them has, and continues, to support Oakland Athletics and assist us in fulfilling our Mission. They are all longtime advocates for the student-athlete experience and understand the value of our desire to produce Graduates, Champions and Friends. In addition to all these attributes, they are some of the most avid fans that you could hope for!"
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