Five Former Salukis Enter Hall of Fame
 |  Former gridiron great Tom Baugh is one of five inductees into Saluki Hall of Fame |
Feb. 8, 2002
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Tom Baugh, Bob Sprengelmeyer, Roy Sprengelmeyer, Larry Tucker and Susie (Wittry) Rashid will be inducted in the Saluki Hall of Fame Friday night. A reception will be held in their honor prior to Saturday's basketball game against Drake.
Tom Baugh, Football, 1982-85 Tom Baugh was a key member of the best football team in school history, the squad that finished 13-1 and won the I-AA National Championship in 1983. A four-year starter at the center position, he anchored an offensive line that compiled nearly 2,000 yards rushing and 2,500 yards passing in 1983 en route to winning the national title. Said his coach, Ray Dorr, prior to Tom's senior season, "He's the offensive line's quarterback. He not only has exceptional leadership qualities, but he's an outstanding player with unlimited potential. His strengths are his attitude, size, speed and knowledge of the game. He's All-American material." And indeed he was, as Tom earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1985. He was also a Second Team All-Gateway pick that season. Although the offensive line is the least glamorous position on the gridiron and is often overlooked by the media and fans, the National Football League recognized Tom's talent as he enjoyed a four-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs (1986-1988) and Cleveland Browns (1989).
Bob Sprengelmeyer, Men's Tennis, 1960-64 Bob Sprengelmeyer and his brother, Roy, were without question, one of the most dominating brother duos to ever compete in men's tennis at the college level. Bob was undefeated in singles play in both 1963 and 1964, and had a staggering 60-4 career record in singles, mostly at the number three position. He helped lead Southern Illinois to NCAA College Division National Championships in 1963 and 1964, beating the likes of Iowa, Northwestern, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Notre Dame along the way. Bob was one of three Salukis named to the All-America Team in 1963. Beginning in May of his sophomore year, Bob won 36 consecutive singles matches until he graduated in 1964. In fact, he lost only two sets along the way and posted wins over numerous nationally ranked players. In combined singles and doubles play, Bob and his brother, Roy, were a spectacular 109-17 from 1960-64.
Roy Sprengelmeyer, Men's Tennis, 1960-64 Roy Sprengelmeyer and his brother, Bob, were without question, one of the most dominating brother duos to ever compete in men's tennis at the college level. Roy was undefeated in singles play in 1963 and 17-1 in 1964, mostly at the number four position. In 1964, he posted an undefeated record in doubles play, teaming with Pacho Castillo at the number two position. He helped lead Southern Illinois to NCAA College Division National Championships in 1963 and 1964, as the team beat the likes of Iowa, Northwestern, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Notre Dame along the way. Roy was one of three Salukis named to the All-America Team in 1963. His powerful serves and ground strokes constantly caught his opposition off guard. In combined singles and doubles play, Roy and his brother, Bob, were a spectacular 109-17 from 1960-64.
Larry Tucker, Baseball, 1959-62 Larry Tucker was one of the finest pitchers to ever take the mound at Southern Illinois. His amazing performance as a freshman in 1959 still ranks among the best in school history. The left-hander was a perfect 9-0 on the season and recorded a minuscule 0.73 earned run average, the second-best, single-season ERA in school history. He led the team to a 26-8 overall record that year and a berth in the NAIA Tournament. During the 1959 season, the Salukis defeated teams such as Illinois, Southwest Louisiana and LSU. Tucker didn't rest on his laurels after his stellar freshman campaign. He continued to dominate opposing hitters the next three seasons, finishing his career second in school history in wins (27), strikeouts (262) and innings pitched (285.2). His career ERA of 1.98 ranks sixth all-time at Southern Illinois. The team advanced to the NAIA Tournament again in 1960, and SIU was a combined 88-46-2 during Tucker's splendid career.
Susie Wittry Rashid, Women's Swimming, 1984-87 Susie (Wittry) Rashid ranks as one of the most accomplished swimmers in Southern Illinois University history. She was a nine-time All-American in events such as the 200 Free Relay, the 200 Medley Relay, the 400 Medley Relay and the 800 Medley Relay. In 1985, she was on the Saluki team that finished fourth in the nation in the 400 Medley Relay, 10th in the 400 Free Relay and fifth in the 200 Free Relay (1:34.47). In 1986, she was on the 10th place 800 Free Relay (7:26.84) and fifth place 200 Free Relay (1:33.97) team which competed at nationals. Also a fine student, Susie was a Third Team GTE Academic All-American and a Coaches Association All-American in 1986. She maintained a near-perfect GPA in accounting. In the Saluki record book, she was a member of the fastest 400 Free Relay team in school history. Individually, she still holds the fifth fastest 100 Free performance (51.57) in school history.