General 6/16/2026 2:00:00 PM

2026 Hall of Honor Class Announced

MARION, Ind. - Indiana Wesleyan Athletics is excited to announce the 2026 IWU Athletics Hall of Honor Class. This year's class boasts one team and four athletes, and one lifelong supporter.

The 2026 Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. All in attendance will receive a free ticket to the IWU football home game that evening at 6:00 p.m. against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Individuals looking to register for the event can do so by clicking HERE.
For more information on the Hall of Honor, click HERE.

2016 MBB National Championship Team Photo Web.jpg

2016 MEN'S BASKETBALL

PROGRAM'S SECOND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2016 Indiana Wesleyan Men’s Basketball Team earns induction into the IWU Hall of Honor on the tenth anniversary of a championship season that stands among the program’s finest achievements. The Wildcats captured the second NAIA National Championship in program history, highlighted by a victory over top-ranked Saint Francis in the title game after falling to the Cougars three times earlier that season. The team’s offensive production set new single-season program records, including total points (3,395), field goals made (1,225), and three-pointers (353). Throughout the tournament run, the group demonstrated strong cohesion and confidence against elite competition. Their ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level secured their place among the most memorable teams in Indiana Wesleyan basketball history.

KYLE MANGAS

MEN'S BASKETBALL | 2017-2021

Kyle Mangas, one of the most accomplished men's basketball players in NAIA history, secures his place in the IWU Hall of Honor following a record-setting career from 2017 to 2021. Mangas made an immediate impact, leading the Wildcats to the 2018 NAIA National Championship as a freshman. He continued to elevate his game throughout his career, becoming a four-time Crossroads League Player of the Year and a four-time NAIA All-American. His national recognition included two NAIA National Player of the Year honors and the prestigious 2020 Bevo Francis Award, presented to the top small-college player in the nation. He has continued on to have a successful professional career in the NBA G-League and signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs in 2025. At the time of his induction, Mangas holds program career records for points (3,453), field goals (1,280), and three-pointers (307). He had a career record of 120-20 including 68-3 at home in Luckey Arena. His achievements helped define a championship era for Indiana Wesleyan basketball and set a standard that will endure for years to come.

KATIE RITCHIE (WILSON)

WOMEN'S TENNIS | 2012-2016

Katie Ritchie (Wilson), a foundational figure in the rise of IWU women’s tennis from 2012 to 2016, earns her place in the Hall of Honor for her role in the program’s emergence on the national stage. A three-time NAIA All-American and four-time All-Crossroads League selection, Ritchie was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to seven combined conference regular season and tournament championships. Her senior season in 2016 was particularly memorable, as IWU advanced to the NAIA Quarterfinals and captured the NCCAA National Championship. That same year, she achieved a historic milestone by winning the ITA Doubles National Championship, the first ITA national title in program history. Ritchie’s contributions helped shape the identity of IWU Tennis and set the foundation for continued success.

LEE SMITH

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD | 1976-PRESENT

Lee Smith, a devoted servant of Indiana Wesleyan Athletics for nearly five decades, earns his place in the IWU Hall of Honor for his lasting influence on the cross country and track & field programs. A former Wildcat runner from 1976 to 1979, Smith returned to campus in the mid-1980s to guide both programs as head coach before transitioning into a long-standing role as an assistant under John Foss. Over 35 years, his guidance helped shape countless student-athletes, leaving a profound impact on the distance running tradition at IWU. Smith’s commitment extended beyond coaching through the creation of the Smith Cross Country Scholarship, supporting future generations of runners. In 2026, his legacy reached new heights with the transformative gift to the university of the Wellness Center and the Center for Sports and Physical Therapy. His lifelong investment in student-athletes and the IWU community continues to resonate across campus.

JOEL TRAINER

MEN'S SOCCER | 2005-2008

Joel Trainer, a prolific scorer for IWU men’s soccer from 2005 to 2008, is inducted into the Hall of Honor for his role in elevating the program during a highly successful era. Trainer’s senior season in 2008 marked the peak of his career, earning MCC Player of the Year honors and NAIA All-American recognition while leading the Wildcats to the NCCAA National Championship. Throughout his four seasons, he was a consistent contributor, earning All-MCC First Team honors each year and collecting three NCCAA All-American selections. At the time of his induction, Trainer holds the program records for career goals (58) and total points (146), reflecting his sustained offensive production. His contributions helped guide IWU to three conference championships and established him as one of the program’s all-time greats.

TIAH WINGATE (ROMAGNOLI)

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL/TRACK & FIELD | 1999-2003

Tiah Wingate (Romagnoli), a standout two-sport athlete for Indiana Wesleyan from 1999 to 2003, earns Hall of Honor recognition for her exceptional accomplishments in both women’s volleyball and track & field. A 2002 NAIA All-American in volleyball, Wingate played a vital role in helping the Wildcats secure two MCC Regular Season Championships and the 2000 NCCAA National Championship during her career. At the time of her induction, she ranks top five in career program history in kills (2,085), hitting percentage (0.350), blocks (671), sets played (653), and career aces (224). He also holds the single season record with a 0.434 hitting percentage in 1999. Wingate also competed for three seasons as a member of the IWU track & field program. She claimed the NCCAA Indoor High Jump National Championship in 2002, while qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both 2002 and 2003. She also earned three NCCAA All-American honors and three All-Conference selections. Wingate’s achievements across volleyball and track & field continue to place her among the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in IWU history.

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