The Connection - Oakland City University

Four Inducted into the OCU IntercollegiateAthletic Hall of FameIn 1992, the Athletic Department and Alumni Office joined forces to establish a way to honor former athletes that hadgraduated from OCU. Since that time, a total of thirty eight athletes have been nominated and elected to the Hall of Fame.On February 7, 2009, four new members were inducted between games at Johnson Center and then honored at a banquetthat evening. A great crowd was on hand for both events. Here are brief bios of the class of 2009 Hall of Fame members.James ‘Pinky’Powell ‘57Jim started coachingin 1958 after an outstandingbasketballcareer at OCU with1,059 career points.He has received numeroushonorsthroughout his career,including ConferenceCoach of theYear in 1964. Jimnow resides in Columbus, IN with his wife Barbara, of55 years. He is an Elder in his church and small groupBible Study leader. He enjoys duck hunting and playinggolf.Gary Duncan ‘67After lettering in four sports in high school, Gary receiveda scholarship from Coach Disler to play at OCU.He finished his playing career at OCU under WillisSimpson, excelling in track. Following his graduation,Gary began his coaching and teaching career at WashingtonCounty and retiredfrom teachingin 2001. He wasnamed the HoosierBasketball CoachAssociation DistrictTwo Coach of theYear in 1986. In2005, he returnedto coaching atSouthridge HS andcontinues to coachsuccessful teams.Coach WillisSimpson1927—1998Coach Willis ‘Simp’Simpson taught andcoached at OCU for 15years, most as Head BasketballCoach. He wasnamed Coach of the Yearof the K.I.A.C. Conferencein 1973-74. Hereturned to his home inProvidence, Kentucky in1974 to teach and serve as principal until his retirementin 1992. Accepting the award for Coach Simpson washis wife, Camille and his children, Kelly, Becky andRusty.George Fleming ‘781949-1995George Fleming came to OCU via Michigan City, IN.He was a 6’6” center known for his consistent freethrows, rebounding and assists. After graduation,George became a coal miner, but continued to be involvedin coaching onmany levels, especiallywith his four children.His life was tragically cutshort in a car accident in1995. His wife, LindaArford Fleming ‘75and his children, Andrea,Tamara, Nathanand Darian were all presentfor the Hall of Fameinduction.PAGE 4 THE CONNECTION VOLUME LXI I NUMBER 1