Kansas State University Legends to be Honored at Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has made an exciting announcement that is bound to thrill sports aficionados and the Kansas State community alike. Four legendary athletes with roots in K-State, including football icon Larry Brown, basketball standout Tim Jankovich, baseball star Bobby Randall, and track and field champion Deb (Pihl) Torneden, are set to join the 61st Anniversary Class of 2025.
Moreover, the ceremony will recognize Mark Mangino, the former K-State football assistant coach, who was unable to attend the previous year’s ceremony. This event marks a celebratory moment, as now 64 representatives affiliated with K-State are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Induction Ceremony Details
The highly-anticipated Induction Ceremony will unfold on Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. at the Washburn University Ballroom in Topeka (1700 SW College Ave). Following the ceremony, a reception and lunch will provide an opportunity to celebrate these athletes’ extraordinary careers. Tickets are available for $50 and can be purchased online at kshof.org.
Meet the Honorees
Larry Brown: A Star on the Gridiron
Larry Brown emerged from Pittsburgh (Pa.) Schenley High School and dazzled at Dodge City Community College before making his mark at Kansas State University in 1969. His NFL career spanned eight spectacular years with the Washington NFL franchise.
- Career Highlights:
- 1972 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler
- Achieved a whopping 5,875 rushing yards and 2,485 receiving yards in 102 games played.
- Led the NFL in rushing with 1,125 yards in 1970 and 1,216 yards in 1972, even playing in the 1973 Super Bowl.
- Enshrined in the Washington Ring of Fame and recognized by the Washington DC Hall of Fame.
Tim Jankovich: Basketball’s Triumph
Hailing from Manhattan High School, Tim Jankovich finished his collegiate journey at Kansas State in 1982 after a stint at Washington State, where he was a freshman starter. Under the tutelage of Jack Hartman, Jankovich led the Wildcats to NCAA tournaments, including a spectacular run to the 1981 Elite Eight.
- Career Highlights:
- Three-time academic All-American and honorable mention All-Big Eight player.
- Holds multiple records at K-State, such as the season free-throw percentage record (.917) and career field-goal percentage (.510).
- A coaching prodigy with a head coaching record of 332-199, and named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2017.
Bobby Randall: Swinging for the Fences
From Gove High School to Kansas State University, Bobby Randall transitioned to a professional baseball career that lasted from 1969 to 1980. A standout both in college and in the minors, Randall lit up the field with incredible batting averages and records.
- Career Highlights:
- Played in five major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins.
- All-Big Eight First Team selection with a mesmerizing .394 batting average in 1969.
- Recognized in the Kansas State All-Century Baseball Team and the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.
Deb (Pihl) Torneden: A Force on the Track
K-State’s own Deb (Pihl) Torneden showed remarkable prowess on the track, becoming a four-time All-American and an eight-time Big Eight champion. Her achievements extend well beyond collegiate success.
- Career Highlights:
- Outstanding Performer at the 1984 Big Eight Indoor meet and qualified for the Olympic Trials four times.
- National Masters 15K champion and seven-time Kansas Runner of the Year.
- Holds an astonishing 23 Kansas road race age group records!
Conclusion: Celebrate Kansas State Excellence
Join the celebration of Kansas State University’s sports legends at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This event is not just about honoring individual achievements, but about uniting the community to celebrate the pride and tradition that K-State athletics embody. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic day! Grab your tickets now and prepare to be inspired.
