By Dacoda McDowell-Wahpekeche, Student Reporter
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Athletic Department inducted four new members into the Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday during halftime of the men’s basketball game.
Ramon Byndom, Steve Gale, Dana Gandolfo Mitrovic and Mel Sharp were recognized as the Hall of Fame’s newest members by athletic director Brad Franz, who praised the abilities of the athletes.
“These inductees into the Hall of Fame were some of the finest student-athletes that Northwestern’s had,” Franz said. “As always, it’s a very tough decision, but they stand out as excellent student-athletes.”
Sharp, a student-athlete from Dacoma, was an early definition of a “3 & D” player. With a “great touch” on the offensive side of the ball and a “hardworking soul” on the defensive side, he solidified himself as a Hall of Famer, according to the program for the event.
Sharp was not in attendance, but a video from him was shown at the luncheon. In the video, he thanked the Hall of Fame committee by displaying his gratitude and humor. Skeeter Bird accepted the award on his behalf.
Byndom was a “phenomenal scoring machine” with numerous accolades with Ranger basketball. Throughout his two-year career, he scored 1,738 points.
Byndom has two children, whom he encourages to attend Northwestern. He said his favorite memory of Alva was “the love that I was shown from the fans, teammates, the culture and the atmosphere.”
Mitrovic was Northwestern’s sole All-American softball player. She dominated in her three years, averaging a .432 batting average. She only struck-out four times in 111 at-bats. Mitrovic was joined by two other softball players who were some of her childhood friends from Vancouver, Canada.
She said she was “well supported” in her time, and was “very happy” with getting to play softball with her Canadian friends, as well as her Northwestern teammates and students. She said her college days at Northwestern were some of the best memories of her 20’s.
Gale, formerly of Purcell, said he was “very honored” with the Hall of Fame award. He has now joined the ranks of people he knew, like Dr. Yvonne Carmichael, a longtime professor of health and sports science at Northwestern.
Not knowing where NWOSU was, Gale said he came here with a few of his buddies and was “instantly hit with a scorching hot summer day at the beginning of August.” He said he was hesitant, but decided to give it a shot.
During his time as a student-athlete, Gale was an offensive lineman. After graduation, he became a coach for Northwestern. He coached the Rangers to their first ever conference championship in football. When asked about how he felt about receiving the Hall of Fame award, Gale said: “It’s an amazing place to come to. … I’m very humbled and honored.”
The Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1993.