BOONE, N.C. – With a stellar class of six alums from five different sports, Appalachian State celebrated the Athletics Hall of Fame induction of Mark Fee, Anna Freeman Healy, Wes Hobson, Corey Lynch, Marques Murrell and D.J. Thompson on Saturday morning.
In association with Appalachian State Athletics and the Former Athletes Association, members of the 44th class spoke about their time at Appalachian to family, friends and other alumni during the Hall of Fame breakfast in Plemmons Student Union. The six inductees were also recognized at halftime of the Mountaineers' 45-17 football win over Georgia State at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
Even with a childhood passion for football, Fee realized his potential on the wrestling mat. As an upperclassman, Fee notched a 66-16 record and secured all-conference selections as a junior and senior.
Entering the NCAA Championships unranked in 2002, Fee won his first three matches, helping him earn All-America honors.
"These are things I did 15 years ago, so it's crazy to be here remembering things I did so long ago," said Fee, who is now a lieutenant in the fire service. "These are the best memories of being here, and it couldn't be a better day."
From 2009-13, the Holmes Center played host to Freeman Healy, who ranks among the top two in program history in four categories – career points, rebounds, steals and blocks. Her 383 career steals and 265 career blocks both rank first in App State women's basketball history.
Freeman Healy also was a key member on the two winningest teams in program history, groups that finished 25-7 in 2010-11 and 27-7 in 2011-12.
"It's very surreal," said Freeman Healy, who teaches fifth grade in Charlotte. "I laugh sometimes because it feels like a life ago that I was an athlete, so it's nice to come back. Like I said earlier, App State is calling, and it feels like coming home."
On the baseball diamond, Hobson tops the list as App State's career leader in hits (318), runs (223), doubles (78) and total bases (504). A second baseman, he earned third-team All-America honors in 2010 after smacking 95 hits and batting .404.
A Winston-Salem native, Hobson said he "loves what does" as he returned to his hometown less than two years ago to teach special education and coach baseball at a middle school.
"It's a very special moment for me, and just being back here in Boone feels good," Hobson said. "This whole induction process has been outstanding. Appalachian State definitely did it the right way."
Lynch made a play that still resonates with college football fans across the country, securing App State's historic 34-32 upset over Michigan with a blocked field goal in the game's waning seconds.
During his induction speech, the three-time first-team All-American reminisced on his memories and growth under coach Jerry Moore. Lynch went on to play six NFL seasons with five different teams.
"I'm definitely honored to be a part of this class and this team of Hall of Famers," said Lynch, who retired from the NFL four years ago and now works in Alaska for a Samaritan's Purse program called Operation Heal Our Patriots. "I remember looking at a case full of Hall of Famers when I was here, and I just never thought that I would quite live up to that, so it's a great feeling to be here on a beautiful day."
A teammate of Lynch's, Murrell helped Appalachian win back-to-back FCS national titles in 2005 and 2006. Murrell's shining moment came when he recorded a sack and forced a Northern Iowa fumble that was returned for the go-ahead touchdown in App State's first-ever national championship victory.
Murrell finished his App State career with 36 sacks and 59 tackles for loss, both of which rank second in school history. After college, Murrell played four NFL seasons with the New York Jets and New England Patriots.
"The journey was really good," said Murrell, who works as a broker in Charlotte. "I just thank God that he was able to bless me to be a Hall of Famer here at Appalachian State, which is a great school."
App State's final speaker Saturday, Thompson, delivered an impromptu message thanking his family, teammates and coaches. He is first in App State history with 293 steals while also ranking second with 508 assists and 293 3-pointers.
Thompson helped App State win the San Juan Shootout during the 2006-07 season. He was named to the all-tournament team for his role in victories over Virginia, UCF and Vanderbilt.
"Once I saw who was being inducted, I got excited," said Thompson, who works as a physical trainer. "There are so many memories, and once you come up, you see everything. It's just a chance to bring my family up here and gather my friends. It was awesome."
