ALBANY, GA – The Albany State University (ASU) Department of Athletics is inducting eight new members into its Hall of Fame. The ASU Athletics Hall of Fame formally recognizes outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of excellence of the Golden Rams. The 2022 inductees made a lasting impact as players, coaches, administrators, and alumni and shaped the Golden Ram and Cavalier Athletics programs into today's Albany State University Golden Rams
The 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame class includes two meritorious service inductees, two long-time coaches, and four outstanding student-athletes.
The 2022 Meritorious Service inductees are Andy Christo and Jesse Massey.
Andy Christo
- Darton College Public Address Announcer (1997 – 2012)
- Darton College Community Baseball Coach (1999 – 2001)
- Darton College Associate Athletics Director (2005 – 2006)
- Financial supporter for Darton College and Albany State University
Jesse Massey
- Long-time volunteer in athletics at Albany State University
- One of the voices of Golden Rams football
- Longtime coordinator of the ASU National Youth Sports Program
- Financial supporter for Albany State University
The 2022 Coach inductees are Ken Veilands and Oliver Jones.
Ken Veilands
- Region Coach of the Year 13 Times at Darton College
- 267 Wins
- 3 National Championship Appearances
- 8 Region Titles
- 7 National Tournament Appearances
Oliver Jones
- Member of the original Golden Rams basketball team from 1961 – 1964
- 415 career wins as the Head Basketball Coach
- Led the team to the school's first SIAC Championship in 1972 – 1973 basketball season
- Won 6 SIAC Championships
The 2022 Student-Athlete inductees are Anthony Cox, Harold Little, Joe Paige, and Willie Seay.
Anthony Cox
- Starting center on (3) SIAC Championship football teams
- All SIAC center in 1985 & 1986
- Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1985 & 1986
- Participated in the Black All American Freedom Bowl in 1986
Harold Little
- KODAK All American Defensive End in 1972 – 1973 football season
- ASC Boosters Athlete of the Year in 1972 – 1973
- All SIAC Member from 1972 - 1975
Joe Paige
- Set the SIAC record for track and field in the 800 meters
- Team Captain for cross country & track and field
- Competed in the National 800 meters event for track and field
Frank Seay
- SIAC 100 meters champion in 1976, 1977 & 1978
- 60 meters champion in the US Federation Championships in 1977
- Set SIAC records in the 100 meter and 200 meters in 1978
- Featured in the Black Collegiate Sports Magazine
The ASU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be honored during a special ceremony on September 2, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the Event Center on West Campus.
Photo: https://bit.ly/3vnfHao
ASU Media Contact: media@asurams.edu
Athletics Media Contact: Dr. Earnest Brown,
earnest.brown@asurams.edu, 229-500-2875
About ASU …Albany State University, in Southwest Georgia, has been a catalyst for change in the region from its inception as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute to its designation as a university. Founded in 1903 to educate African-American youth, the university continues to fulfill its historic mission while also serving the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. A progressive institution, Albany State University seeks to foster the growth and development of the region, state and nation through teaching, research, creative expression and public service. Through its collaborative efforts, the university responds to the needs of all of its constituents and offers educational programs and service to improve the quality of life in Southwest Georgia. For more information, please visit https://www.asurams.edu/. Follow the university on Twitter and Facebook @AlbanyStateUniv.
