Seven Inductees into Sports Hall of Fame
9/26/2011
West Virginia State UniversitySports Hall of Fame to Induct Seven Alumni
West Virginia State University's athletic booster organization, the "W" Club, will induct seven of its alumni into the Sports Hall Fame during the University's Homecoming. The ceremony will begin with a brunch at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 1 in the Wilson University Union. Inductees will then don gold jackets and be officially welcomed into the Canty House, site of the Sports Hall of Fame. They will also be recognized during the halftime at the Homecoming game later that day.
The new "W" Club Sports Hall of Fame members are: Albert "Chubby" Hughes (‘ 73), baseball and basketball; Oliver E. Hunter (‘74), track; Dr. William J. Kirk, Jr.,(‘70) basketball; James "Jim" Russell Nash (deceased)( ‘32), basketball, football, baseball, track and field; Harry J. Ravenel (‘ 83), football; Sheena Rosann Smithers Wolfe, (‘ 05), softball, and Steve Swayne (‘75), football.
Albert "Chubby" Hughes (‘ 73) for Baseball and Basketball
When Albert Hughes graduated from high school, he was drafted by the Houston Astros professional baseball organization. He chose, however, to play for Marshall University and later transferred to West Virginia State to continue his education and his sports endeavors. He went on to become an All-Conference WVIAC selection as a second base utility player and also was a letterman on the basketball team.
Following graduation, with a BA in political science and economics, he worked for Monsanto and BASF. He also had ten years with the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
Albert resides in Beckley, WV. He has two daughters and five grandchildren.
Oliver E. Hunter (‘74) for Track
Oliver Hunter is originally from Washington, D.C. His high school track coach, Mike Gallion, WVSU Hall of Famer, played a huge part in influencing him to attend college. Oliver earned a BA from West Virginia State University.
As a freshman, he won the 100 and 220 yard dash and was high point man in the State Championship. In a dual meet between WVSU and Morehead State University, Oliver ran a 9.7 in the 100 yard dash and a 20.9 in the 220 yard dash. In that same meet, "State" came from behind in the last race, the mile relay of Hunter, Jones, Gilmer, and Crummel and won the meet 74 - 71.
Oliver was inducted into the Cordozo High School Hall of Fame in June 2011. He is the proud father of six children.
Dr. William J. Kirk, Jr. (‘70) for Basketball
Dr. William Kirk was recruited to West Virginia State College (now University) in the fall of 1966 by Coach Frank Enty. He was a four-year starter on the Yellow Jacket basketball team. During that time, "State" had four winning seasons and several championship appearances in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament.
After graduating from "State" with a degree in zoology, he pursued a career in veterinary medicine. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Tuskegee Institute.
Dr. Kirk is currently a veterinary practitioner in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife Hattie are the parents of five children.
James "Jim" Russell Nash (deceased) ‘32 for Basketball, Football, Baseball, Track and Field
- First 4 Sport Letterman for "State"
James Russell Nash was a multi talented athlete who overcame many hardships in his live. He was born in Monongalia County, WV where he excelled in high school and won a scholarship to "State." He was the college’s first four sport letterman. Jim played basketball as a guard, football as quarterback, baseball as a center fielder, and also participated in track and field. In his senior year he was honored as a member of the 1931 Negro All-American football team.
After earning his BA in 1932 Jim obtained a teaching position in Bluefield, WV. He later relocated to Akron, Ohio. While working he played and coached his way to championships in Negro baseball and basketball leagues. He received a job at B.F. Goodrich where he used his influence to start many organizations such as, the Young Men’s Business and Professional Club. Jim served his community as a Special Deputy with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department and also ran for Akron City Council. He retired from B.F. Goodrich/Goodyear Tire & Rubber after 33 years of service.
James Russell Nash passed away on New Year’s Eve in 1973, leaving behind his wife, four daughters, and eight grandchildren.
Harry J. Ravenel (‘ 83) for Football
Harry Jerome Ravenel was born in Charleston, South Carolina where he was a stand-out athlete in high school. He was recruited as a quarterback by "State" and was a three-year starter. In his senior year he was a starter as quarterback and defensive pack. Harry was selected "Player of the Week" five times in his last two seasons at "State" and helped to rank his team as number one in the NAIA.
Harry earned a BS in business management and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he proudly served for eight years. He has had a productive career with Hertz Corporation and also served as Operations Manager for Avis/Budget. He is currently a senior logistics analyst for Claxton Logistics Services.
Harry and his wife reside in Stafford, Virginia. They are the parents of three sons and have three granddaughters.
Sheena Rosann Smithers Wolfe (‘ 05), for Softball
Sheena Smithers was the youngest of six children of Mike and Patty Smithers. She attended Herbert Hoover Higher School where she received numerous sports awards before entering West Virginia State University.
During Sheena’s time at WVSU her softball record speaks volumes to her athletic abilities and her commitment to her Yellow Jacket team. She was named Female Athlete of the Year in 2002 and 2004. She was also one of the members of the first women’s golf teams in 2005.
Sheena graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in Communications. Following graduation, she joined her family’s business. "The Smokehouse." She is married to Josh Wolfe. They are the proud parents of a daughter.
Steve Swayne (‘75), for Football
Steve Swayne is a native of McDowell County, WV where he attended public schools in Gary, WV. His athletic abilities earned him a scholarship to West Virginia State University to play football. He was a four-year starter at "State". In his senior year, he was named All-Conference and All-American defensive end.
After graduating from "State" in 1975 Steve was employed by U.S. Steel Corporation. He left there to join the Department of Labor as a Senior Coal Mine Safety Inspector in Denver, Colorado. He relocated to Hagerstown, MD to became an agent for State Farm Insurance. He is active in church and community organizations and was a charter member of the Shenandoah Valley "W" Club.
Steve is the proud father of three daughters and two sons and grandfather of six grandsons.