Millikin University will induct five new members in the Millikin Athletic Hall of Fame during the annual Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Induction dinner on Friday, Sept. 30, in Decatur, Ill. The event is part of Millikin's 101st Homecoming Celebration.
The 2016 Induction Class includes former men's soccer coach Dr. William G. Bodamer Jr., Rachel Cook '08 for volleyball, Kevin Crandall '85 for football, Shelley Smith Daigh '93 for softball and James White '85 for football.
The late Rev. Dr. William G. Bodamer Jr. is being recognized posthumously for his contributions to the Big Blue men's soccer program. Instrumental in starting the men's soccer program, he served as head coach from 1986-91. He currently ranks second in the Big Blue record book for career coaching wins with a career record of 37-63-3 (.373).
Bodamer joined the Millikin staff in 1965 as chaplain and assistant professor of religion. He served the university in many roles, including chairman of the religion department for much of his career. He was named Millikin's first Griswold Distinguished Professor of Religion in 1985 and Distinguished Faculty Lecturer in 1987. In 2003, he received the Millikin Medallion Society Award for his contributions and service to the university.
Though he retired from full-time teaching in 1997, Bodamer continued to serve the university as the first director of Pilling Chapel from 1997 to 2003. He frequently was a featured speaker at the university's baccalaureate ceremony and was a member of the Millikin Quarterback Club and Millikin Associates. Additionally, he worked as a consultant and evaluator for the North Central Association of Universities and was a guest scholar at the Center of Asian Studies at the University of Illinois.
Bodamer died Sept. 27, 2015, at age 83. His impact on Millikin is perhaps best summed up in this excerpt from his obituary: "In all his pursuits, he was known for exemplifying excellence and integrity and a deep caring for his students and colleagues. His distinguished career at Millikin has been characterized by his academic, pedagogical, scholarly, professional and collegial pursuits on behalf of the university."
Rachel Cook of Normal, Ill., is being inducted for her outstanding volleyball career at Millikin. Cook was a three-time Big Blue Most Valuable Player and was named team captain twice. She was selected to the CCIW All-Conference Second Team in 2005 and was named to the First Team in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Cook was named to the ESPN Academic All-America Third-Team and received AVCA Division III All-Region Honorable Mention recognition. Cook is currently fifth all-time in school history in season blocks and sixth in career hitting percentage.
While at Millikin, Cook was a member of the Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity and served on the Student Activity Fee Committee. She did a weekly sports recap on WJMU and interned with WAND-TV. During her senior year, Cook worked for Millikin's Sports Information Office. After graduation, Cook was one of 19 nationwide selected for an internship at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis.
Cook majored in communication at Millikin and earned a master's degree in educational administration from Illinois State University. She is currently the associate director of advisement and assessment at Heartland Community College.
Kevin Crandall of Rochelle, Ill., is being inducted into the Millikin Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions in football as an offensive guard. Crandall was named to the CCIW All-Conference First Team in 1984 and selected to the Kodak All-American Second Team. He was a CCIW All-Conference Second Team selection in 1983. Crandall was selected Millikin's team captain and Most Valuable Player in 1984.
As a student, Crandall was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He graduated with a degree in physical education. Crandall earned his master's in athletic administration from Eastern Illinois University in 1994.
Crandall is currently the athletic director and head football coach at Rochelle Township High School in Rochelle. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
Shelley Smith Daigh of Springfield, Ill., is being honored for her excellence in softball as a pitcher. A three year letter winner, Smith Daigh earned CCIW All-Conference honors in 1989 and 1990. She was named to the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional All-American Second Team in 1989 and 1990. She was a team captain and threw an eight inning no-hitter against Augustana in 1990. Smith Daigh had six career shutouts.
Smith Daigh continued her softball career following graduation. She played on the Chicago Fire USA Team All-Stars in Europe in 1991. In 1992 she won a National Championship in Redding, Calif., as a member of the Carlinville Storm. Smith Daigh was named the Most Valuable Player in the women's Class AA Major State Softball Tournament in 1993.
Smith Daigh earned a degree in nursing at Millikin and a master's degree in nursing and administration of anesthesia from Bradley University/Decatur Memorial Hospital in 2008.
Smith Daigh is a certified register nurse anesthetist at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Ill., and the assistant junior high girls basketball coach for Mt. Pulaski Elementary School.
James White of Decatur is being honored for his performance in football as a linebacker. White was a four year letter winner and named to the CCIW All-Conference First Team in 1983 and 1984. He earned Pizza Hut Division III Honorable Mention All-American recognition in 1984.
While at Millikin, White was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the Millikin Marketing Association and the Millikin Hospitality Corps. He earned a degree in Marketing.
White has worked at State Farm Insurance for 23 years. He is an active member of his community having coached JFL Football and Decatur Hess Park baseball and basketball at Garfield Montessori Grade School. White was an IHSA football referee. He is the vice president of Mu Delta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Springfield/Decatur and the chairman of the Deacon Ministry at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur.
White has been married to his wife Lisa for 28 years and is blessed with two wonderful children, Brett and Myah.