The Walsh University Athletic Department proudly inducted eight new members into the 33rd class of the Athletic Wall of Fame on Friday, January 29. Honorees included Katherine (Drap) Caniglia ’01, Lisa (Arnold) Contini ’98, Mike Galassi ’09, Rayshaun Kizer ’07, Randall Sistrunk ’05 and Darian Tate who were recognized for athletic achievements, while Ellen Kutz '83 & '94 and Dr. Mark Shepard were acknowledged for meritorious service.
Katherine (Drap) Caniglia was a member of the Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country teams from 1998 to 2001. In 1999, she was a national qualifier in cross country two years later qualified for nationals for cross country and indoor track & field in the 1,500 meter run in 2001. Caniglia was named the MVP for both cross country and track & field in 2000 and continued to hold that title for track & field in 2001. She still holds the Cavaliers record for the indoor 1,500 meter run, and held the record for the outdoor 1,500 meter run until last year.
Lisa (Arnold) Contini played in the Women’s Tennis team from 1994 to 1997, where she advanced to the national tournament in her first year. During her Walsh career, Contini won MOC championships in both singles and doubles, and was twice named to the All-MOC Team for singles and doubles. Contini ended her senior year with records in singles and doubles as well as being named Walsh’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1996-97.
Mike Galassi held the position of offensive lineman from 2006-07 after transferring from Kent State University. During his senior season, he helped pave the way for Clinton Blossomgame to rush for 1,487 yards, third-most all time for a single season at Walsh. After his junior season, he was named All-MSFA Mideast First Team, a member of the Executioner’s Club, and Victory Sports Network Honorable Mention after he blocked for another 1,000-yard rusher and started every game as the Cavaliers advanced to the NAIA playoffs.
Rayshaun Kizer, a defensive back for the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2006, helped the team to make its only playoff appearance in 2006. That year he was also named an All-NAIA-AFCA Honorable Mention and an All-MSFA First Team selection for intercepting five passes and returning two for touchdowns. After making six interceptions in 2004, Kizer tied for third all-time in a season and was an All-MSFA Second Team selection. With 14 career interceptions, he is currently tied for third overall.
Randall Sistrunk, a member of the Men’s Basketball team from 2003 to 2005, will be inducted to the Wall of Fame for the second time after being inducted in 2012 as a member of the 2005 NAIA Division II national championship team. Sistrunk was second on the team in points per game and first in rebounds. He was named an All-AMC First Team selection two years in a row, and an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention after his senior season.
Darian Tate, a defensive tackle for the Cavaliers in 2001, played a notable season after transferring from Northern Illinois University. He led the team to its only Mid-States Football Association Mideast Championship and set an all-time single season sack record at 14, which also ranks sixth on the Walsh all-time career list. Tate was named First Team All-NAIA, Hansen Gazette All-American, MSFA Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-MSFA, and a finalist for NAIA Defensive Player of the Year. He was also the first Cavalier to enter the NFL directly from Walsh when he signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent. Tate was chosen for the Wall of Fame in 2014 but was stationed in Afghanistan after enlisting that summer.
Ellen Kutz served Walsh for 38 years where she started as a school nurse before becoming the Director of Health Services, and eventually Director of Student Support Services. Kutz assisted student-athletes with various matters such as health and wellness, financial aid and personal and family issues. When Walsh applied to become a member of the NCAA, she became the first compliance officer in 2009 as Walsh joined Division II and the GLIAC.
Dr. Mark Shepard, the team physician for the athletics program since 1996, has provided service to the athletic department and the university as a whole. An instructor in 1998 and 1999, Dr. Shepard was also a member of the President Advisory Board from 1996 to 2004 and the Board of Directors from 2004 to 2014. He has been an assistant team physician for various teams and is currently a staff member at various local medical centers. He has completed several orthopedic research projects as well as publishing and presenting locally and nationally.