By: KSU Sports Information
KENNESAW, Ga. – Three prominent figures in Kennesaw State athletics will be inducted into the Kennesaw State Athletic Hall of Fame as the Class of 2011 was announced this week. The ninth class of luminaries includes Ron Bell, Kyle Owen and Marjo Venalainen. The trio will be honored at an induction dinner on Jan. 21, 2012 at KSU’s Carmichael Center before being celebrated at halftime of the men’s basketball game later that evening.
Venalainen is widely considered the greatest student-athlete in Kennesaw State history. The legendary long distance specialist was a four-year letterwinner for the Owls and in 2002, she was named the 2002 NCAA Division II Runner of the Year. A four-time national champion in cross country and track, Venalainen was also a four-time All-American in cross country and remains the only runner on the history of the Peach Belt Conference to win three consecutive conference championships.
In his three years with the men's golf team, Owen was a three-time All-American and earned the distinction of being one of the few student-athletes to be named both an NAIA and NCAA Division II All-American. In addition to his individual accolades, which included 10 individual championships as well as earning Academic All-American honors and being named KSU’s Scholar Athlete of the Year, he also helped guide the Owls to three consecutive national tournament appearances.
A former student-athlete himself, Bell has been one of longest contributing donors and supporters of Kennesaw State Athletics. For well over a decade, the founder and chairman of Bell Capital Management Inc., has been tireless in his dedication and commitment to the Owls. In 2009, he personally endowed the Dr. Dave Waples Total Person Award.
"One of my favorite times of the year is when we have the opportunity to honor and recognize the best of Owl athletics," said Kennesaw State Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams. "All of these inductees are worthy, and have exemplified a true student, a true athlete and a true supporter of KSU athletics and the value which we instill. I truly look forward to the evening of the 21
st and the enjoyment of the celebration that it deserves.”
Eligibility for election into the KSU Athletics Hall of Fame requires that former student-athletes must have received their degree and have completed their last season of eligibility no fewer than five years ago.
Tickets to the induction dinner are available by calling the Kennesaw State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (770) 499-3459.
