Big Blue Pride was on full display on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, as five standout student-athletes and two championship teams were honored during the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, the final event of this year’s Homecoming festivities. The brunch brought together current and former student-athletes, coaches, and supporters to celebrate the enduring legacy of Millikin University Athletics.
Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow, Millikin’s President, reflected on the importance of the Athletic Hall of Fame. “It allows us to preserve and celebrate the stories that have become part of our University’s history,” he said. “And as we celebrate 125 years of being Forever Blue, that remains more important than ever.”
The “pursuit of excellence” that is found in Big Blue Athletics is “carried forward by today’s student-athletes who are building upon the foundation established by those who came before them,” said Dr. Pribbenow. “I have no doubt that we have many more memorable chapters ahead of us, both this year and well into the future.”
The ceremony, emceed by Mandi Landacre Podeschi ’02, Assistant Vice President of Campaign Strategy & Planned Giving, was the 56th Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in the University’s history. Since its conception in 1970, more than 300 student-athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters have been honored for their contributions to Millikin Athletics. This year’s class of inductees were presented with their awards by Dr. Pribbenow; Lori Kerans ’85, Vice President for Athletics & Community Engagement; and current and former Big Blue coaches.
The 2026 inductee class included the following:
Dr. Dennis Rademaker ’75 — Men’s Swimming
Dr. Dennis Rademaker was recognized for his accomplishments in Men’s Swimming. A two-time All-American and Conference Champion, he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1972. He captured CCIW championships in the 500-yard freestyle and 1,650-yard freestyle in both the 1971/72 and 1972/73 seasons.
Dr. Rademaker’s accomplishments helped establish Millikin swimming among the conference’s top programs in his era, during which he helped lead the team to a conference championship in the 800-yard freestyle relay.
“I’d like to thank Millikin University,” said Dr. Rademaker, “who took a ‘wet-behind-the-ears’ freshman from Peoria, Ill., and produced a two-time All-American and educated a future physician.” He then shared some of his favorite memories, before closing his speech with, “Go, MU 125, and here’s to the next 125!”
Blaine Buente ’17 — Men’s Golf
Blaine Buente was honored for his accomplishments in Men’s Golf. A three-time CCIW All-Conference selection, Blaine won the individual CCIW Championship in 2015/16 and served as team captain during his senior season. He finished his career holding Millikin records for both single-season and career scoring average and recorded seven collegiate tournament victories.
Blaine was also a recipient of the 2018 Lindsay Medallion, recognizing his excellence as a student athlete.
“When [Director of Golf Sam Osborne ’10/MBA ’14] recruited me in the fall of 2012, I never imagined I’d be standing here in front of everyone today being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Blaine said. “I could stand up here and talk about all my enjoyable experiences at Millikin … but it wouldn’t have been possible if Sam hadn’t walked up to me my senior year at the state tournament and introduced himself to me. That connection was pretty special.”
Anna Benvenuto Orlowski ’18 — Women’s Soccer
Anna was recognized for her accomplishments in Women’s Soccer. A standout goalkeeper, Anna was a two-time CCIW All-Conference First Team selection and posted a 1.72 goals-against average over 61 career matches. She served as team co-captain during her senior season.
An accomplished student, Anna was recognized for her success in the classroom as a three-time CCIW Academic All-Conference Honoree.
Anna was unable to attend the ceremony, but Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ian Doherty accepted the award on her behalf and shared her comments with the audience. “Thank you for believing in me and giving me a space where I could dream big,” Anna wrote. “I am humbled and honored to not only represent Millikin University, but also the Women’s Soccer program for years to come.”
Brent Beals ’21 — Baseball
Brent was acknowledged for his accomplishments in Baseball. A two-time CCIW All-Conference First Team selection, Brent served as team co-captain and was a key contributor to Millikin’s 2021 CCIW Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. During his senior season, he had a .331 batting average, 23 doubles, and 43 RBI while posting a 1.16 ERA on the mound.
Brent also earned D3baseball.com All-Region First Team honors, ABCA All-Region Second Team honors, and was a recipient of the 2022 Lindsay Medallion.
“I certainly am not able to be up here because I did it on my own,” said Brent. “There has been plenty of help along the way.” He acknowledged the support of his parents, coaches, and teammates throughout the years. “If you had told me nine years ago during my first year that I’d be standing up here, I never would have believed it … this University has given me a lot, and I’ll always hold a special place for it in my heart.”
Nicco Stepina ’18 — Football
Nicco was recognized for his accomplishments in Football. A two-time CCIW All-Conference Second Team selection, Nicco earned the team’s Offensive MVP award in both 2017 and 2018 while rewriting Millikin’s passing record book. He finished his career with 722 completions, 9,384 passing yards, 93 touchdown passes, and more than 10,000 yards of total offense.
A three-year team captain, Nicco was recognized as Student-Athlete of the year in 2018 and was awarded the Lindsay Medallion in 2020.
“I have a lot of gratitude to give as a look back to my time at Millikin,” Nicco said. He expressed that gratitude to his parents, coaches, teammates, wife, and children. “Thank you to the alumni community for recognizing what we were able to accomplish here at Millikin … and as always, Go Big Blue!”
1989 Football Team
The 1989 Millikin University Football Team remains one of the most accomplished teams in Big Blue Football history. Under 1981 Hall of Fame Inductee Head Coach Carl Poelker ’68, the team posted a 10-1 overall record, went undefeated 8-0 in conference play, captured the CCIW Championship, and became the first team in program history to qualify for the NCAA Division III playoffs. Millikin advanced to the second round of the postseason and finished the year ranked among the nation’s top Division III programs.
Several members of the team have gone on to earn individual induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame, including John Arlis ’90, the CCIW Offensive Player of the Year, and other standout contributors from one of the most successful eras in program history.
More than three decades later, the 1989 squad remains a benchmark for excellence, representing a defining chapter in the history of Big Blue Football.
Matt Snyder ’92, starting quarterback and signal caller for offense, and Tim O’Connor ’91, starting middle linebacker and signal caller for defense, shared their thoughts with the audience on behalf of the team. “The defense was really, really good that year, but they were never on the field,” joked Matt, referencing the team’s powerhouse offense. He also emphasized the team’s true camaraderie. “The biggest thing was, we liked each other.” Tim agreed, saying, “Some of these guys I haven’t seen for 30 or 35 years, and we didn’t miss a beat … this is a very special place for all of us, and we’re looking forward to great things to come for Millikin Football and Athletics.”
1990 Softball Team
The 1990 Softball Team remains one of the premier teams in Big Blue Softball history. Under Head Coach Bryce Boston ’60 and a 1996 Hall of Fame inductee, the team compiled a 32-6 record, captured the CCIW Tournament Championship, and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s outstanding season established Millikin among the nation’s top Division III programs and showcased one of the most productive offenses in school history.
The roster featured several highly decorated student-athletes, including All-American Stacey Sparks ’92, whose record-setting performances helped lead the team’s success and continue to rank among the best in program history.
More than 35 years later, the accomplishments of the 1990 Softball Team continue to stand as a source of pride, representing one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Millikin Softball.
Robin Harris Murdock ’90 spoke on behalf of the team, reminiscing on their time at Millikin. “It never felt like work; every day was a joy. I remember being so excited to play softball every day,” she said. “I don’t think this team ever had stats on their mind; we just kept playing hard and enjoying every day of softball.”
Podeschi closed the ceremony by inviting everyone back to campus to view the Athletic Hall of Fame display in the Griswold Physical Education Center, where the names of the 2026 class of inductees will soon take their places among the list of Millikin’s all-time greats.
