SALEM, West Virginia - With the summer winding to a close, the focus will soon be shifting to the fall sports and events here in the Valley of Learning. One of the biggest of those events is the annual induction ceremony for the Salem University Athletics Hall of Fame, which will be held this year on Friday, October 4th in the Benedum Library. The honorees for this year's class are as follows:

Antoine Hatcher - Men's Basketball Player from 1994-1996

One of the best players from the dominant 1990's era for Salem Men's Basketball was Antoine Hatcher. Hatcher had a dominant 2 seasons wearing the Green and White, and earned the rare distinction of earning All-American honors for his play in the NAIA (1994-1995) and in NCAA Division II (1995-1996). Averaging 18.2 point per game during his time at Salem, Hatcher also earned All-WVIAC honors twice, and was named WVIAC Player of the Year in 1995-1996. Alongside fellow Salem Hall of Famer Willie Coleman, Hatcher helped lead the Tigers to a WVIAC Championship in 1994-1995, and a national tournament berth as a 3 seed in the Tigers' final year competing as a member of the NAIA. 

Monty Hunter - Football Student-Athlete from 1978-1982

Monty Hunter came to Salem as a walk-on, but quickly became a big part of the defensive unit for Salem's football program in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After earning his scholarship spot, Hunter went on to be a 3 year starter for the Tigers, and earned All-WVIAC honors for the Tigers in his senior season. After Salem, he was drafted into the NFL in the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys. He would go on to spend 3 years playing in the NFL with the Cowboys, the St. Louis (now Arizona) Cardinals, and the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). 

Katie Mangold - Softball Player from 2010-2014

On the softball diamond, Katie Mangold was one of the most consistent and versatile players to hit the field for Salem. In her 4 years at Salem, she was a leader for the Tigers, and held down starting duties at both 3rd Base and as a pitcher. That consistency made a major impact in the record books as she is the all-time hits leader for the Tigers, and she is second all-time in home runs, runs batted in, at bats, slugging percentage, total bases, and doubles. In her final season as a Tiger, she earned All-GMAC honors for her efforts on the diamond at Salem.

Larry Riley - Football Student-Athlete from 1972-1976

As a two-way player for the Salem Football program during the mid-1970s, Larry Riley was a key factor for the 1975 NAIA National runner-up team of 1975, and during his entire career at Salem. He earned both defensive and offensive All-WVIAC honors in 1976 alongside All-American honors. He went on to play on the 1977 Denver Broncos Super Bowl Team, and then spent a season playing for the New York Jets before a 3 year career in the Canadian Football League. After his playing career, he became an Assistant Football Coach at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. 

Jeff Shaw - Football Student-Athlete from 1983-1985

A big part of the Salem Football WVIAC powerhouse teams of the mid-1980s, Jeff Shaw was a key contributor for the Tigers for 3 seasons. In his defensive line roles at Salem, he earned All-WVIAC in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He also added All-American honors in 1985. As a team, the Tigers earned WVIAC Championships in 1984 and 1985. After Salem, he was a NFL draftee to the Cincinnati Bengals in 1986. 

Angela Smith - Women's Basketball Player From 1984 through 1988

Salem Women's Basketball student-athlete Angela Smith was one of the most talented athletes to compete at Salem in the late 1980s. She was a major factor on some strong Tigers' teams. She scored over 1,000 points in her Salem career, and she averaged over 10 points and over 10 rebounds for 3 straight seasons as a Tiger. Accordingly, the strong play on the court earned her All-WVIAC honors in 1987 and 1988.

Mark Perlman - Football Student-Athlete from 1971-1975 (Inducted as Contributor)

Back to the gridiron, Mark Perlman came to Salem as a walk-on, and eventually earned a scholarship as a wide receiver. He was part of the 1975 NAIA runner-up team at Salem. After Salem, he went on to have a prodigious career as an NFL referee. He officiated his first NFL game after a successful college and high school officiating career in 2000. In 2024, he finished his officiating career as part of 4 Super Bowls, over 25 playoff games, and numerous college bowl games. 

The Salem University Athletic Department would like to thank all of our honorees, and all those who submitted nominations for the Class of 2024 for the important contributions they have made to Salem. We are excited to honor these Tigers this fall, and we welcome all to join us on October 4th to support this year's nominees.