By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. - On an emotional day at Bailey Park, Kennesaw State legends Don McKinlay and Krissy Bamford were inducted into the Softball Circle of Honor in a ceremony on
Saturday morning.
In the annual event which kicks off Alumni Day, Owl head coach Scott Whitlock inducted Bamford, a two-time All-American shortstop, and then Mckinlay, his former assistant coach.
“There would be no Scott Whitlock without Don McKinlay,” said the humbled Whitlock said as he spoke to the crowd about his longtime assistant. “Don and I built this together and he allowed me to become the coach I am
today.”
Whitlock presented Bamford with admiration of his talented middle infielder, who will go down in the history of the Owls as one of the greatest all-around players.
“Krissy Bamford was one of the greatest all-around shortstop that I have ever seen,” Whitlock said as he told of his former shortstops talents. “I am not only proud of what she has accomplished as a player, but also as the young professional she is
today.”
Both Bamford and McKinlay spoke at the on-field ceremony hosted by longtime public address announcer Grant Case. Each was thankful about their time and experiences at Kennesaw State with each offering a heartfelt thanks to Whitlock and all he had done for them both during their careers.
“I loved my time here,” said Bamford during her speech. “I can’t thank Coach [Whitlock] enough for what he did for me and I am so proud to be a part of this program and University.”
McKinlay was humbled by the experience and the soft-spoken 12-year assistant coach was caught on several moments with swelled eyes.
“This is an amazing day for me and my family,” said McKinlay, who was an assistant coach with the Owls from 1991-2002. “I am so fortunate to have been a part of this program and to be a small part of the success we had.”
The annual Alumni Game followed the ceremony as the Owls welcomed back several former student-athletes back for a five-inning game. Returning to Bailey Park for this year’s game were numerous former Kennesaw State stars including Audra Thomas, Julie Eggert, Jennifer Lamb, Lisa Lamb, Missy Hobdy, Sarah Hesterman,
April Keasler, Jennifer Hunt, Keri McKee, Brittany Matthews, Tonya Carlisle, Tara Hrycuik, Janet Kearns, Sarah Lockett, Amanda Malcom and Jamie KeKaualua.
