Marina
On September 8, 2025, Emporia State University proudly announced the newest inductees into its Athletics Hall of Honor. This year’s class features five outstanding individuals and one legendary team, all of whom have etched their names into ESU’s sporting history.
The honorees include National Champions, All-Americans, and school record holders, as well as the 1947 Men’s Basketball Team, famously known for its Fab Four semifinal run.
These inductees will join an esteemed list of 245 former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, along with 23 celebrated teams, recognized for their excellence and contributions to Emporia State athletics.
Induction Ceremony
The Hall of Honor Luncheon will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, in the KSTC Ballroom of the ESU Memorial Union. The event is open to the public, with reservations available starting September 10 on esuhornets.com. Tickets are priced at $35.
The class will also be recognized during halftime of the Hornet football game against Northwest Missouri on Saturday, November 1, 2025, ensuring the entire Hornet community can celebrate these legends.
Andrew Etheridge – Men’s Track & Field (2011–15)
A Wichita, Kansas native, Andrew Etheridge became the first NCAA Division II national champion on the track for ESU men when he won the 110m hurdles in 2011. Etheridge is a nine-time All-American, excelling in hurdles and relays.
He holds the school records in the 110m hurdles (13.85s) and 60m hurdles (7.87s), and contributed to two of the fastest 4x100m relay teams in ESU history. His achievements represent a cornerstone in Hornet track and field success.
Kadri Kelve – Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country (2001–03)
Kadri Kelve, from Tallinn, Estonia, dominated both cross country and track. She became a National Champion in the 3000m steeplechase, setting a school record of 10:20.81 in 2003. In 2002-03, she had one of the most dominant seasons in conference history, winning MIAA championships in events ranging from the 800m to the 10,000m.
Kelve ranks among the all-time greats in multiple events, cementing her status as one of ESU’s finest distance runners.
Merissa Quick – Women’s Basketball (2011–15)
Merissa Quick, from Cheney, Kansas, was a defensive powerhouse for the Lady Hornets. She earned WBCA Honorable Mention All-American honors and led her team to the Final Four in 2015. Quick holds the ESU record for blocked shots, with 123 in a single season and 326 in her career.
She ranks ninth in career scoring with 1,554 points and fifth in rebounding with 919 boards, making her one of only two players in program history with over 1,500 points and 900 rebounds. Quick continued her basketball career professionally after graduation.
Dick Utter – Track & Field (1954–57)
Dick Utter was a pioneer in ESU track and field during the 1950s. He captured the NAIA National Championship in pole vault (1955), setting both meet and school records.
Utter helped the Hornets secure a second-place national team finish and finished as the national runner-up in 1956, only behind a future Olympic Gold Medalist.
He was a three-time Central Intercollegiate Conference Champion and once held the Kansas collegiate record at 14’4″—a vault that stood as the best in state history at the time.
Al Viebrock – Baseball (1972–73)
Al Viebrock, from West Islip, New York, posted one of the greatest pitching seasons in ESU history. In 1972, he threw 97.1 innings, allowing just 26 hits, striking out 98, and posting a 1.11 ERA with a WHIP of .55—the best in school history.
In 1973, he added another eight wins with a 2.01 ERA before health issues slowed him during tournament play. Viebrock’s career WHIP of .89 remains among the program’s all-time best.
After college, he signed with the New York Yankees and pitched professionally for five years, reaching the AA level.
1947 Men’s Basketball Team – Fab Four Semifinalists
The 1947 Men’s Basketball Team carved its place in Hornet history by advancing to the NAIA Final Four. They secured wins over Lawrence Tech, Canterbury, and Beloit before falling in overtime to Marshall in the semifinals.
The team finished with an 18–9 overall record, won the CIC Championship, and placed fourth nationally after a loss to Arizona State in the third-place game.
Led by All-American Wilbur Reeser, this team remains one of the most iconic in ESU’s basketball history.
2025 ESU Hall of Honor Inductees
| Inductee / Team | Sport / Category | Highlight Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Etheridge | Men’s Track & Field | First NCAA DII track champion; 9x All-American; school records in hurdles |
| Kadri Kelve | Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country | National Champion; steeplechase record holder; multiple MIAA titles |
| Merissa Quick | Women’s Basketball | All-American; Final Four leader; school blocks record; top-10 in scoring and rebounding |
| Dick Utter | Track & Field | NAIA National Champion; record-setting pole vaulter; 3x conference champion |
| Al Viebrock | Baseball | Historic 1.11 ERA season; professional career with Yankees organization |
| 1947 Men’s Basketball Team | Team | NAIA Final Four; CIC Champions; led by All-American Wilbur Reeser |
The 2025 ESU Athletics Hall of Honor induction celebrates achievements that span generations and sports.
From Etheridge’s national titles and Quick’s Final Four run, to Kelve’s dominance on the track, Utter’s historic vaults, Viebrock’s pitching mastery, and the legendary 1947 basketball team, these inductees embody the values of excellence, perseverance, and Hornet pride.
Their legacies will continue to inspire both current athletes and future generations at Emporia State University.