The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony has become the kickoff to SCF’s Homecoming weekend. The college, alumni and the community come together to honor the legends of Manatees and Lancers athletics. This year, alumni will compete in three sports on Saturday, Jan. 19. Visitors can come out at 10 a.m. to watch tennis and stick around for the 11 a.m. softball game and 2 p.m. baseball game.
This year’s hall of fame inductees come from SCF’s baseball and women’s basketball teams. They are:
Johnny Ard, who played for Hall of Fame coach Tim Hill Sr. and earned All-Conference and All-State honors while leading the team to a Suncoast Conference championship during the 1988 season. Ard, who passed away in Spring 2018, was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Twins as the 20th overall pick. He was the first junior college player selected in the 1988 draft. Ard won 49 minor league games in his professional career.
Stephanie Dumas played women’s basketball for Hall of Fame Coach Wayne Stellfox from 1988-1990. The power forward led the team in rebounds and steals in both seasons as a Lancer. In her sophomore year, she led the team and was ranked eighth in the state with 17.6 points per game. Winning the Suncoast conference in both seasons, the Lancers qualified twice for the state tournament. Dumas was named first team All-Conference and second team All-State. In a single game Dumas scored 41 points, pulled down 21 rebounds, had 11 steals, and 6 assists. At the time, 41 points in a game was a college record. Dumas turned down a scholarship to play at University of Central Florida to pursue a nursing career. She has a master’s degree and is a nurse practitioner.
Clem Freeman, who played baseball for Hall of Fame coach Bob Wynn from 1978-1980, led the nation in earned run average (.52) in his sophomore season and was named second team NJCAA All-American. The pitcher earned All-State awards both years of competition. Freeman holds the SCF baseball record for earned run average (1.04). Freeman was chosen to play on the USA All-Star team in 1980 where he was named the series’ Most Valuable Pitcher. He was twice drafted in the first round but chose to attend Florida State University. He earned All-Conference honors and signed with the Cincinnati Reds after one season at FSU. He played four professional baseball seasons.
SCF’s Athletics Hall of Fame was established to honor those whose achievements have distinguished the College and its teams. Student-athletes, coaches, staff members, teams and community members are eligible for nomination. A committee of Hall of Fame honorees, community members, athletic coaches, staff and faculty evaluates the nominees to select the inductees.
For information or tickets to the weekend’s events visit SCFManatees.com/Athletics/HallofFame or call 941-752-5261.
