CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics named 16 new members to the UI Athletics Hall of Fame as the Class of 2019, including athletes and coaches from 11 different teams.
Football is represented in 2019 by J.C. Caroline, Bobby Mitchell, Simeon Rice and David Williams. Caroline and Williams are both members of the College Football Hall of Fame, while Mitchell is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rice ended his Illini career in 1995 as the Big Ten’s all-time leader in the quarterback sacks and as a two-time All-American.
Sports represented for the first time in the Hall of Fame are women’s basketball, women’s tennis, softball and men’s swimming and diving. Former Big Ten Player of the Year Ashley Berggren led the Illini to the 1997 basketball conference championship. Lindsey Nimmo Bristow is Illinois’ only Big Ten Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Year, earning the honor in 1993. Jenna Hall was First-Team All-Big Ten all four years at Illinois and set nearly every hitting record during her UI career. Joe Hunsaker won a national title in the pool for the Illini before embarking on a long career as a national leader in the swimming and diving community.
Angela Bizzarri Pflugrath is Illinois’ most decorated distance runner after winning three NCAA titles. Joseph Giallombardo is still the NCAA co-record holder in the number of times he won an individual event at the NCAA championships with seven gold medals and is a member of the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Amer Delic is Illinois’ only player to win the NCAA tennis singles title when he helped Illinois win the NCAA team championship in 2003. Bob Norman won NCAA and Big Ten Championships in the heavyweight division in 1957 and 1958 while finishing his career undefeated (36-0-1) as a collegiate wrestler.
Three members of the Illini men’s basketball program are honored in this class, with each setting numerous scoring records during their careers. Don Freeman still holds the school record for season scoring average of 27.8 points per game in 1966. Eddie Johnson finished as Illinois’ all-time leader in scoring (1,692 points) and rebounds (831) before a distinguished NBA career. Deon Thomas broke Johnson’s Illini scoring record and still holds the school record with 2,129 points.
The only non-athlete inducted into the 2019 class is former men’s track and field and cross country coach Gary Wieneke. He led Illinois to 13 Big Ten Conference championships in his 36 years as head coach. Wieneke has been inducted into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA), Drake Relays, Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association and the East Moline High School Halls of Fame.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during a ceremony at State Farm Center on Friday, Sept. 20, during the Hall of Fame Celebration Weekend. Details on the Hall of Fame Weekend will be released as they are confirmed.
Plans for the Hall of Fame Gala, which was held in 2017 and 2018 in Chicago, have changed for future celebrations. The Gala will resume in 2021 to recognize the first five classes, then scheduled every five years as a premier event in the Chicago area.
Fighting Illini Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Ashley Berggren – Basketball – 1995-98
Lindsey Nimmo Bristow – Tennis – 1991-93
J.C. Caroline – Football – 1953-54
Amer Delic – Tennis – 2001-03
Don Freeman – Basketball – 1964-66
Joseph Giallombardo – Gymnastics – 1938-40
Jenna Hall – Softball – 2003-06
Joe Hunsaker – Swimming & Diving – 1957-59
Eddie Johnson – Basketball – 1978-81
Bobby Mitchell – Football / Track & Field – 1955-58
Bob Norman – Wrestling – 1957-58
Angela Bizzarri Pflugrath – Track & Field / Cross Country – 2006-10
Simeon Rice – Football – 1992-95
Deon Thomas – Basketball – 1991-94
Gary Wieneke – Men’s Track & Field (1974-2003) / Cross Country Coach (1967-2002)
David Williams – Football – 1983-85
Ashley Berggren (Basketball, 1995-98)
Ashley Berggren finished her career as Illinois’ most accomplished women’s basketball player. She was named 1997 Big Ten Player of the Year after leading the Fighting Illini to its first Big Ten Championship. Berggren earned third-team All-America honors in 1998 after being named honorable mention All-America in 1996 and 1997. Berggren finished her career as Illinois’ all-time leading scorer with 2,089 points. She was the Illini Athlete of the Year in both 1996 and 1998 and was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor as a senior in 1998. Berggren was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten honoree and has her jersey honored from the rafters of State Farm Center. Berggren and her wife, Pria Young, are currently living in London, England.
Lindsey Nimmo Bristow (Tennis, 1991-93)
Lindsey Nimmo Bristow is the most acclaimed women’s tennis player in Fighting Illini history after being named the 1993 Big Ten Player of the Year and earning All-Big Ten honors three times from 1991-93. Nimmo was the first Fighting Illini women’s tennis player to earn All-America honors, doing so as a senior in 1993. A native of Sutton Coldfield, England, Nimmo also earned the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1993 for excellence as both an athlete and student as she was named Academic All-Big Ten three times. She finished her Illini career as the school’s record holder for career wins and wins in a season (48), compiling a career mark of 103-33 and season record of 48-7 in 1993 and was her team’s most valuable player each of her final three years. Nimmo was named CoSIDA Academic All-American in 1993. Nimmo remains as Illinois’ only Big Ten Player of the Year in women’s tennis. She currently lives with her husband, Dal, in Naperville, Illinois.
J.C. Caroline (Football, 1953-54)
J.C. Caroline played just two seasons of football for the Fighting Illini, but led the nation and set the Big Ten record in rushing with 1,256 yards as a sophomore in 1953. He earned consensus All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1953 while leading the Fighting Illini to a share of the Big Ten title. Caroline finished seventh in voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1953. After battling through injuries as a junior in 1954, he went on to the Canadian Football League before a 10-year career as a defensive back with the Chicago Bears from 1956-65 and joining the Illinois coaching staff as an assistant from 1967-76. Caroline was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Caroline died in 2017 at the age of 84.
Amer Delic (Tennis, 2001-03)
Amer Delic is the only Fighting Illini tennis player to win an NCAA title in singles while posting a 36-5 singles record in helping Illinois to a perfect 32-0 mark during its 2003 NCAA Championship run. He earned All-America honors three times in 2001, 2002 and 2003, while being named All-Big Ten in 2002 and 2003. Delic twice reached the national semifinals in doubles. In 2003, Delic was named the Jesse Owens Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year and Dike Eddleman Illinois Male Athlete of the Year. Born in what is now Bosnia, he was also captain (2013) and a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Davis Cup team after his collegiate career. Delic climbed as high as No. 60 in the world during his professional career, reaching the third round of the Australian Open three times in singles, and the third round of the U.S. Open three times in doubles. Delic works in private wealth management while living with his wife, Anna, in Austin, Texas.
Don Freeman (Basketball, 1964-66)
One of the most explosive scorers in Illinois basketball history, Don Freeman finished his Fighting Illini career as Illinois’ all-time leading scorer with 1,449 points. His 20.1 career scoring average is still third best in school history while he also averaged 10.3 rebounds per game to finish third on the UI career list. He earned First-Team All-America honors in 1966 after setting school records for points in a season (668) and scoring average at 27.8 points per game, a mark that stands more than 50 years later. Freeman earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1966 after being named to the Third-Team in 1965. In 2005, he was named to the Illinois All-Century Team. Following his sterling Illini career, Freeman spent eight seasons in the ABA and one season in the NBA. He scored 11,544 points during his ABA career to rank seventh all-time in the ABA and appeared in five ABA All-Star Games. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, averaging 10.8 points per game before retiring. Combined, he averaged 18.9 points per game during his pro career. Freeman currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
Joseph Giallombardo (Gymnastics, 1938-40)
Joseph Giallombardo is the men’s co-record holder in the number of times he won an individual NCAA event championship with seven gold medals. During his Fighting Illini career, he won three times in all-around, three times in tumbling and once in the flying rings. His record stood alone for more than 40 years until tied in 1982. Giallombardo led Illinois to two NCAA team titles. He was named All-American 16 times. Giallombardo also won six Big Ten individual titles. A member of the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame (1966), he is the recipient of virtually every award available in the sport of gymnastics. Giallombardo was awarded the A.R. Rizzuto Award, given to outstanding American Athletes, of any sport, of Italian extraction. He was recipient of the College Coaches Association Honorary Lifetime Member Award, and is an inductee into the Illinois High School Gymnastics Coaches Hall of Fame, the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and the Helms Hall of Fame for gymnastics in 1966. After graduating from Illinois, he served as gymnastics coach at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, until retirement in 1975. Giallombardo died in 2011 at the age of 94.
Jenna Hall (Softball, 2003-06)
Jenna Hall set the offensive standard for Fighting Illini softball by finishing her career as Illinois’ record holder for best career (.357) and single-season (.481) batting average, slugging percentage (.580), on-base percentage (.486), home runs (33), RBI (142), total bases (361) and walks (148). As a senior in 2006, she led the nation in walks, while ranking second in batting (.481) and fourth in slugging percentage (.847). In addition, Hall was a finalist for the USA Softball Player of the Year Award while being named First-Team All-America by NFCA. Hall was named First-Team All-Big Ten four times and All-Region three times. She still holds the single-season batting average record at .481 set in 2006. Following her Illini career, Hall played professionally for the Philadelphia Force, and was selected to the National Pro Fastpitch League All-Star Team in her first season. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her wife, Cristina, and is an assistant softball coach at Ohio State University.
Joe Hunsaker (Swimming & Diving, 1957-59)
Joe Hunsaker spent a lifetime making his mark in aquatics, first as a national-champion swimmer, and later as a founder of one of the nation’s leading aquatic design firms, Counsilman-Hunsaker. He won an NCAA championship in the 200y individual medley as a UI junior and was twice named an All-American. In addition to his NCAA title in 1958, Hunsaker won a National YMCA Championship in 1955 and one AAU U.S. National Championship in the 200y individual medley in 1959. He set the world record in the 200y individual medley on New Year’s Day in 1959, a record that stood for almost a year. Later that year in a dual meet against Indiana, he set a Big Ten and American record in the same event. After college he joined forces with his legendary former coach James “Doc” Counsilman from high school as an industry leading firm in the creation of international-class swimming pools, including projects for the 1996 Olympic Games among many others. Hunsaker also served as a board member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame among several other professional organizations. He was recognized as one of the premier designers of international class competition pools. Hunsaker passed away in 2012 at the age of 74.
Eddie Johnson (Basketball, 1978-81)
One of the great shooters in the history of basketball, Eddie Johnson finished his Illinois career as the school’s all-time leader in scoring (1,692 points) and rebounds (831). He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1981, Second-Team recognition in 1980 and honorable mention in 1979, while earning team MVP honors in 1980 and 1981. A member of Illinois’ All-Century Team, Johnson hit one of the most iconic shots in Illinois history when his bucket in the final seconds lifted the fourth-ranked Illini to a 57-55 victory over top-ranked Michigan State in 1979 at the Assembly Hall. He led Illinois to the 1980 NIT, the Illini’s first post-season appearance since 1963, and to the 1981 NCAA Tournament. Johnson enjoyed a 17-year NBA career and still stands as the Illini’s all-time leading scorer in the NBA with a total of 19,202 points. That total ranked 22nd all-time at the time of his retirement. Johnson and his wife, Joy, currently live in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where he serves as the TV analyst for the Phoenix Suns.
Bobby Mitchell (Football, 1955-57 / Track & Field, 1957-58)
Bobby Mitchell earned his Fighting Illini stripes as a two-sport star in football and as a sprinter in track. He earned All-Big Ten honors for Ray Eliot on the gridiron in 1955 and 1957 while battling injuries as a junior in 1956. On the track, he set an indoor world record (one that lasted just six days) with a 7.7 mark in the 70-yard low hurdles in helping the Illini win the 1958 Big Ten Indoor Championship. Later that year, Mitchell won Big Ten sprint championships in the 100 yards (9.6 sec.) and 220 yards (21.3 sec.) in leading the Illini to the Big Ten Outdoor title as well. Mitchell was selected in the seventh round of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he teamed with Jim Brown to form one of history’s truly great running back combinations from 1958 through 1961. Prior to the 1962 season, he was traded to the Washington Redskins where Mitchell became the first African-American to play and star for the Redskins. When he retired at the end of his 11-year pro career, his 14,078 combined net yards was the second highest total in NFL history and led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983. After retiring from football in 1968, Mitchell remained with the Redskins as a pro scout, gradually moving up the ranks to assistant general manager before retiring in 2003. As a player and front office executive, Mitchell spent 40 years with the Redskins. Mitchell and his wife, Gwenn, continue to live in Washington D.C.
Bob Norman (Wrestling, 1957-58)
Bob Norman won NCAA and Big Ten Championships in the heavyweight division in 1957 and 1958 while finishing his career undefeated (36-0-1) as a collegiate wrestler. He earned All-America honors both seasons he won national championships. Norman came to Illinois as a football player, but a knee injury as a freshman derailed his career in that sport, and he made the switch to wrestling. As a senior, Norman went 21-0 with 14 pins. Norman started a legacy at Illinois with his son, Tim, playing football from 1977-80 and grandson, Jake, wrestling for the Illini from 2007-10. Bob was voted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1978. Norman currently resides in Delavan, Wisconsin.
Angela Bizzarri Pflugrath (Track & Field/Cross Country, 2006-10)
The most decorated women’s distance runner in Illini history, Angela Bizzarri was a three-time NCAA Champion and nine-time All-American (five in track & field and four in cross country) at Illinois. She won an NCAA title in the 5,000m outdoors in 2009, the 3,000m indoors in 2010 and the NCAA championship in cross country in 2009. Bizzarri won five Big Ten titles in track including the 5,000m outdoor in 2009, the 3,000m and 5,000m indoor in 2010 and the 1,500m and 5,000m outoor in 2010. On the cross-country course, Bizzarri earned four All-America honors, including Top 15 finishes in 2007 (14th), 2008 (6th) and her championship in 2009. She was a four-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection with finishes of second, third, fifth and seventh during her career. Bizzarri is the Illinois record holder in the mile, 1,500m, 3,000m and 5,000m indoor, the 1,500m and 5,000m outdoor, and at 6,000m in cross country. She was the 2009 USTFCCCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year and won the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2010. Following her collegiate career, Bizzarri competed professionally for six years. Bizzarri Pflugrath and her husband, Karl, live in Vallejo, California, where she recently finished medical school at Touro University.
Simeon Rice (Football, 1992-95)
Simeon Rice was a four-year star for the Fighting Illini football team earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1992, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors three times from 1993 to 1995. He earned honorable-mention All-America recognition in 1993 and First-Team All-America honors in 1994 and 1995. As a junior in 1994, Rice was named Big Ten Lineman of the Year. He finished his career as the Big Ten’s all-time leader in quarterback sacks (44.5) and tackles for loss (69). Rice was selected third overall in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. During his 12-year NFL career, Rice recorded 122 sacks (20th all-time), forced 25 fumbles, recovered eight and intercepted five passes. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl title with Tampa Bay following the 2002 season. After football, Rice has enjoyed a career in the entertainment industry and lives in Phoenix.
Deon Thomas (Basketball, 1991-94)
Deon Thomas finished his Illini career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,129 points and blocked shots (177) while finishing second in rebounds (846) and shooting percentage (.601). A model of consistency, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors three times from 1992-94 after being named third-team in 1991. Thomas was named to the Illinois All-Century Team in 2005. He was the Illini team MVP each of his final three seasons. Thomas was the first pick of the second round of the 1994 NBA Draft by Dallas before opting to start a highly successful 14-year international pro career in six different countries. He helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the Israel championship, the Israeli Cup and the Euroleague championship twice as one of the most successful American pros of all time in the European leagues. Thomas currently lives with his wife, Dafna, in Naperville, Illinois, and serves as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and Fighting Illini Sports Network.
Gary Wieneke (Coach Men’s Track & Field, 1974-2003 and Cross Country, 1967-2002)
One of the most decorated track and field coaches in Illinois history, Gary Wieneke continually had his Illini teams competing for and winning Big Ten championships during his 36 years as a coach of the track and cross country teams. During his tenure, Wieneke tallied 13 Big Ten titles (six indoor, six outdoor, one cross country) and four NCAA indoor team trophies. His best run at the helm came from 1985-95 when the Illini placed in the top three 20 times in 22 Big Ten meets. As a result of putting Illinois track in the national spotlight, Wieneke played a major role in the UI twice hosting the outdoor NCAA Championships meet at Memorial Stadium in 1977 and 1979. Known as the “Einstein of the 800 meters,” Wieneke made the Illini a Big Ten and national power in the middle distances, most noticeably in the half-mile and mile. He coached 11 different half-milers to 27 Big Ten titles. Before taking over as head coach of the track and field and cross country programs, Wieneke spent seven seasons leading the Illinois cross country program. In addition to their success while donning the Orange and Blue, Wieneke guided four of his athletes to Olympic appearances: Craig Virgin (1976, 1980, 1984), Marko Koers (1992, 1996, 2000), Mike Durkin (1976, 1980) and Bobby True (2000). In 1989, Wieneke coached the U.S. Junior National Team. Retiring at the end of the 2002-03 season, Wieneke was a nine-time NCAA District IV Coach of the Year, was named the NCAA National Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year in 1987 and garnered three Big Ten Outdoor Coach of the Year honors. Wieneke has been inducted into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA), Drake Relays, Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association and the East Moline High School Halls of Fame. Wieneke and his wife, Peggy, reside in Champaign.
David Williams (Football, 1983-85)
David Williams was a two-time consensus All-American in 1984 and 1985 and three-time All-Big Ten selection during his Illini career as one of the premier wide receivers in the history of the conference. He helped Illinois to the 1983 Big Ten Championship by catching 69 passes for 958 yards and six touchdowns. In 1984, Williams led the nation with 101 receptions for 1,278 yards, becoming just the second player in NCAA history to have more than 100 receptions in a season. He finished his career as the second-leading receiver in NCAA history with 262 catches, good for 3,392 reception yards and 24 touchdowns. Williams was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 and to the Illinois All-Century Team in 1990. He played seven seasons in the Canadian Football League, where he earned All-Star status five times and was named league MVP in 1988. Williams currently resides with his wife, Laurie, in Los Angeles, California, and is president of sales and operations at Jacquet West Inc.
