October 22, 2007
Lyon College News Bureau
Three former athletes, Dr. Spragins honored at Hall of Fame ceremony
The Lyon College Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2007 was enshrined on Saturday evening in a ceremony at the College’s Edwards Commons Dining Hall.
The event featured the induction of three former student-athletes – Tammy Peten ’92, Brandi Love Higginbotham ’94 and Martin Jacobs ’75 – and Hall of Fame Service Award honoree, the late Dr. Fitzhugh Spragins ’57.
Peten played basketball and was a standout talent on the College track and field team. For four years straight, she was named Outstanding Athlete and All-AIC in track, and made it to the National Track Qualifier in 1990. In 1990, she was named NAIA All American in the Heptathlon and was invited to the U.S. Olympic Training Camp for the Heptathlon.
"It's an honor to considered worthy enough to be in the Hall of Fame," said Peten in her acceptance speech. "It's been an honor to attend school at the College, where I've made so many life-long friends. I'll never forget the College and I'll never forget where I came from."
Higginbotham played basketball for Lyon for four full years, earning an All-AIC distinction from 1992-94, and All-District 17 honors in 1992 and 1994. In 1994, she won the Winnie Marable Award, which is given to Lyon's outstanding female student athlete.
"Lyon College just felt like family for me," said Higginbotham. "I know how good it is here and I feel so fortunate for being able to meet so many people just by dribbling a basketball. The school challenged me academically and personally and for that I'm truly greatful."
Jacobs played basketball for the College from 1972-74, where he earned MVP honors at the Thanksgiving Holiday Classic during the '72-'73 season and was an honorable mention All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference. The following season he was an All-AIC selection, All-District 17 honoree and he led the AIC in rebounding. In 1974, he earned MVP honors at the All-Arkansas Classic College All-Star game.
"I was really impressed with the College's family atmosphere when I first came here," said Jacobs. "It made me feel wanted and loved. I really enjoyed my stay here and I feel honored by my selection into the Hall of Fame."
The late Dr. Spragins was a longtime leader in education, church and civic affairs in Batesville and a beloved member of the Lyon College community. He died March 10, 2005, at the age of 69. Dr. Spragins was a member of the Lyon College family almost his entire life. His father, John D. Spragins, was president of Lyon from 1942-52. Spragins Hall on the Lyon campus was named in honor of his father and the Spragins family.
“Whether you knew him as Fitz, Sprags, Dr. Spragins or by that red sports car,” said Fitzhugh presenter, Fred Wann ’59, “You’ll always remember him. He was trusted, respected and he was my friend. And I wish he could be here tonight.”
Hope Spragins, Dr. Spragins’ widow, accepted the award.
The Hall of Fame Service Award is an honor bestowed annually to an alumnus or associate member of the Alumni Association (present and former members of the Lyon College faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees) and recognizes distinguished service to the College.
Receiving honors at the Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony Saturday night were (from left) Brandi Love Higginbotham '94, Hope Spragins, who accepted the Service Award on behalf of her late husband, Dr. C. Fitzhugh Spragins; Tammy Peten '92; and Martin Jacobs '75.