April 4, 2016
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Former Oakland University standouts Steve Clark, Brittni Hutton and Brian Stuard will be inducted into the Athletics Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor, announced by Senior Associate Athletics Director and Co-Chairman of the Hall of Honor, Padraic McMeel. The ceremony will take place as part of the Black and Gold Awards on Monday, April 18th at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit at 7 p.m.
"This is definitely one of the most decorated classes we have ever had," said McMeel. "Not only did all three have extremely successful careers at Oakland, but they have gone on to accomplish even more in their current professional careers, being the first-ever former student-athletes to compete in MLS, on the PGA Tour and sign a professional running contract.
"We are also extremely excited about honoring them at our Black and Gold Awards celebration of our current student-athletes. Our committee felt it was important to unite the past and the present and we believe that we are the only school in the country to combine these two great events. It should make for an amazing evening for all Golden Grizzly fans."
Clark Photo Gallery
Clark (2005-08) was named The Summit League Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after setting the conference and school single-season record with a 0.54 goals against average, finishing eighth in the country that season. His 11 shutouts that year matched the league record and he was named to the all-region first team after tallying 14 wins. A two-time All-Summit League first team performer, Clark led the Golden Grizzlies to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including the first-ever Division I postseason win in 2007 with a 2-1 victory over Michigan State in East Lansing. Clark was elected Oakland University Student Body President in 2008-09, and earned his history degree in 2009.
Professionally, Clark has played three seasons for the Columbus Crew of the MLS where he has worked to become one of the best and most popular players in the league. In 2015 he helped lead the Crew to an appearance in its first MLS Cup after winning the Eastern Conference title. Clark has appeared in over 70 matches for the Crew, playing in every single minute. He holds 29 victories and has over 200 career saves with over 15 shutouts.
"Steve is extremely deserving of his induction into the Oakland Hall of Honor," said men's soccer head coach Eric Pogue. "He had a standout career at Oakland helping us to three Summit League regular-season titles, as well as back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2007 and '08. Since graduating, Steve has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the United States with his play for the Columbus Crew SC of Major League Soccer through his hard work, perseverance and dedication. The future is very bright for Steve and he will continue to be a great ambassador for Oakland University, Oakland Athletics and Oakland Soccer."
Hutton Photo Gallery
Hutton (2010-13) is three-time all-Summit League selection in cross country and was named The Summit League Athlete of the Year in 2012 after claiming the individual title at the league championship to earn MVP honors. She also broke the school's 6K record that season with a time of 21:49.8. She ended her cross country career with four wins and nine top-10 finishes. In track, Hutton qualified for the 2013 NCAA East Regional Championships and finished 43rd in the 10,000 meters. During her career, Hutton broke several school records and continues to hold the indoor school record in the 5,000 meters (16:45.31), and outdoor school records in the 10,000 (34:56.38) and 3,000 Steeplechase (10:42.12). She earned a communication degree in 2013.
Professionally, Hutton runs for Ultimate Endurance. She competed in her first-ever marathon race in 2014, winning the American Discovery Trial Marathon, considered as the top marathon in the state of Colorado. Hutton picked up another win at the Bolder Boulder Citizen's Race in 2015, one of the world's most famous 10K races, running a time of 34:06, the second fastest time over the last six years and only the second woman to break the 35-minute barrier. She captured the USA Track and Field Club National Women's 5K race in 2015 and finished 18th at the USA Cross Country Championships.
"Having the opportunity to work with Brittni during her career here at Oakland was really a pleasure for me," said cross country and track head coach Paul Rice. "The impact she had on our program in her three years is still being felt to this day. She saw great individual success in her time in our program, and those successes really contributed to the team development over her career. To be with Brittni at the NCAA Preliminary Round competition to end her career, and celebrate her running her way on to the National stage in the 10K is something I will never forget. Being inducted into the Hall of Honor is a recognition she truly deserves, and I am looking forward to celebrating that with her and her family."
Stuard Photo Gallery
Stuard (2001-05) became the first player in Division I history to earn player of the year accolades in 2005. He won The Summit League championship after tallying a score of 216 (E), the third-best score in program history over 54 holes. A three-time all-league and academic honor roll performer, Stuard ended his career with school records for lowest career stroke average (73.82), most career tournament wins (9), most career rounds under par (22), single-season stroke average (72.25), single-season events played (12) and most wins in a single season (4 in 2003-04 and '04-05). Stuard earned a management degree in 2005.
After graduating from Oakland, Stuard went on to become the first player in program history to play on the PGA Tour in 2010 and officially earning his PGA Tour card in 2013. He has competed in over 100 PGA Tour events, making 62 cuts and collecting over $4 million in earnings. His best season came in 2014 after posting 12 top-25 finishes and finishing No. 51 on the money list at $1.85 million.
"Brian was the most dedicated and committed Oakland University golf team member, and was focused on continual improvement to achieve his goal for a career on the PGA Tour as a successful professional golfer," said Oakland University Golf and Managing Director Bill Rogers. "He is certainly most deserving of the Hall of Honor recognition, as he is one of the most notable, successful, and recognized Oakland University professional athletes to preform on the National and International stage."
The Black and Gold Awards, featuring a celebration of current student-athletes and the Hall of Honor Induction, is a FREE event at the Fox Theatre on April 18th. Don't miss your chance to witness the greatest accomplishments of the past and present.
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