June 3, 1998
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue's Athletic Hall of Fame will increase by seven new members next fall, bringing total membership to 43 since its inception in 1994.
This year's class includes a former All-America/All-Pro football player, a football coach/athletic director, a football and track and field All-American who won the national championship in the javelin, another two-sport star who became Purdue's long-time track and field coach, a two-sport star in basketball and track and field, an Olympic swimmer and an All-America basketball player.
"The victories and heroes in our athletic tradition are legendary in American sports history, but election to the Purdue Athletic Hall of Fame is a unique honor," Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke said. "Out of more than 5,000 varsity letterwinners and others who are under consideration each year, these seven individuals have been chosen to represent the very best. We are proud to have them represent our university and to recognize their outstanding accomplishments. This recognition acknowledges these seven as the elite among the thousands of men and women who have competed, coached or provided support and leadership during more than a century of Boilermaker sports. The Purdue Hall of Fame recognizes the key role that sports play in our university's history and the unique contribution of those who have performed at the very highest levels. We are all inspired by their achievements."
A formal induction and dinner are scheduled for Oct. 1 at the Purdue Memorial Union Ballroom. Tickets will go on sale in August at the Purdue Athletic Ticket Office. Public presentation will take place during halftime of the Purdue-Minnesota football game on P-Awards Day Oct. 3 in Ross-Ade Stadium. Tickets will be available to the general public for both the dinner and the football game.
There is a five-year waiting period from the time a former athlete, coach or administrator leaves Purdue before he or she may be nominated.
A permanent Athletic Hall of Fame plaza area is located on the outdoor concourse between Mackey Arena and the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility, near the message board on Northwestern Avenue. The display consists of a series of granite obelisks, flags and lighting.
The 1998 Hall of Famers in alphabetical order are -
Tim Foley - A native of Wilmette, Ill., Tim Foley starred as a defensive back, 1967-69. Selected All-Big Ten in 1967, '68 and '69. He was a 1968 and '69 Academic All-America and Academic All-Big Ten pick. He was inducted into the GTE Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 1997. The Boilermakers compiled a 24-6 record in Foley's three seasons and won the Rose Bowl in 1967. He played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and helped win back-to-back Super Bowl Championships, including a perfect 17-0 record in 1972. Foley played 11 seasons with Miami and was named as one of the cornerbacks on their Silver Anniversary team.
Noble Kizer Jr. - A native of Plymouth, Ind., Noble Kizer Jr. had a record of 42-13-3 as the Head Football Coach of the Boilermakers, 1930-36. He coached two Big Ten Co-Championship teams in 1931 and '32. Kizer never had a losing season and lost only nine games to Big Ten foes in his seven years. His winning percentage was the best of any Purdue coach with more than two year's tenure. Serious illness caused Kizer to relinquish his coaching duties while continuing on as Athletic Director until his untimely death in 1939. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1977. He played football and basketball at Notre Dame.
Duane Purvis - A native of Mattoon, Ill., Duane Purvis played halfback and fullback for Purdue, 1932-34, and was named All-American in 1933 and '34. He played in the 1935 College All-Star Game with future U.S. President Gerald R. Ford. Purvis also excelled in track at Purdue. He was the NCAA Champion in the javelin in 1933 and '34 and earned All-America status for 1932, '33 and '34. He was third in the world in the javelin in 1933, missing the U.S. record by 1/2 inch. Purvis stayed at Purdue, teaching for many years in the physical education department before retiring.
Dave Rankin - A native of Warsaw, Ind., Dave Rankin lettered in football, 1938-40, and track, 1940-41. He was an All-American end at Purdue in 1939 and '40. He also captained the 1941 College All-Stars. Rankin was named to the 1965 Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-America football team. In track, he is a former co-holder of the world record for the indoor 60-yard low hurdles. He became Purdue's head track coach in 1946, following his discharge as a Captain in the Marine Flying Corps. For 35 years he coached the Boilermakers, including 22 All-Americans. Rankin also was head coach of the U.S. track team in the 1975 World University Games in Rome.
Cathey Tyree - A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Cathey Tyree was selected Purdue's Female Athlete-of-the-Year and the team MVP for both track and basketball in 1987. In track, Tyree was a three-time All-American and Drake Relays champion in the heptathlon. The 1987 Purdue graduate remains the Big Ten record holder in the heptathlon. She won the competition at the 1987 U.S. Olympic Festival and finished sixth at the 1988 Olympic Trials. On the basketball court, Tyree was a three-time honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, averaging 10.8 ppg and 7.4 rpg during her four-year career.
Jeanne Wilson-Vaughan - Originally from Chicago, Jeanne Wilson made a name for herself representing Purdue in amateur swimming. In 1948, she became a four-time All-American and participated in the 1948 London Olympics. She competed in the 100-meter breaststroke semifinals and swam the breaststroke on the winning U.S. medley relay team, but medals were not issued in that event. She was a holder of 10 American records in the breaststroke. Wilson continued to swim professionally and also modeled in Chicago. She married Jack Vaughan and eventually settled in Lafayette.
Jewell Young - A native of Lafayette, Ind., Jewell Young was a two-time All-American in basketball, playing for the Boilermakers, 1936-38. He helped Purdue win two conference titles in 1936 and '38. His most memorable performance came against Chicago during his senior year, when he scored a conference record 29 points to help clinch a share of the championship for the Boilermakers and surpass the all-time Big Ten scoring leader. The left-handed sharpshooter was a two-time all-conference selection. Young also played first base for the Purdue baseball team in 1936.