Emory & Henry Announces Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Class Of 2025

EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry University Department of Athletics inducted the 2025 Sports Hall of Fame class on Saturday, October 4 inside Carriger Hall. The group was further recognized with a public presentation on Nicewonder Field during halftime of the football game. Five individuals were awarded with the University’s highest athletic honor.

The 2025 Emory & Henry University Sports Hall of Fame class consists of Paul Sipos, Trista McGlothlin Godbey, Steve Dean, Mike Stansbury and Nathan Tuck.

Sports Hall of Fame
Paul Sipos exemplified the true spirit of a student-athlete during his time at Emory & Henry University, making a lasting impact both on and off the field. A four-year starter for the Wasps baseball team, Paul combined consistency, talent, and leadership to become one of the program’s all-time greats. He earned First Team All-ODAC honors in 1999 as a third baseman and still ranks among the top performers in several career and seasonal statistical categories. He led the team in assists every season from 1998 to 2001 and consistently finished at or near the top in batting average, on-base percentage, and total bases. His 2001 season was especially impressive, finishing 2nd in batting average (.355), slugging percentage (.505), and total bases, while leading the team in doubles (13) and on-base percentage (.450).

Trista McGlothlin Godbey left a lasting mark on Emory & Henry Tennis—both as a standout competitor and as an exceptional leader. A three-year team captain and consistent presence at the top of the lineup, Trista was known not only for her talent on the court but also for her relentless support of her teammates and her unwavering sportsmanship. Throughout her career, Trista competed at the highest level, often at the #1 singles and doubles positions. In 2004, she won the #1 singles title at the Ferrum Invitational and helped lead a team picked to finish seventh in the preseason to a remarkable 14–6 record and third-place finish at the ODAC Tournament. That season, she earned 2nd Team All-ODAC honors in #1 Doubles and was recognized as an ITA Scholar-Athlete—a distinction she would receive each of her competitive years. In 2005, Trista continued to anchor the team’s success as they finished second in the ODAC with an 11–7 record. She earned All-ODAC honors in both singles and doubles, including 2nd Team All-ODAC at #2 singles and a third-place conference finish at #1 doubles. Her senior year in 2006 capped off a stellar career. Trista finished third at #1 singles, was named to the All-ODAC Tournament Team, earned ODAC Player of the Week honors (April 4, 2006), and competed into the final 32 at the ITA South Atlantic Regional. Her leadership and performance helped the team to another second-place finish in the conference. She also earned Academic All-State Honorable Mention, underscoring her commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.

Steve Dean was a cornerstone of the Emory & Henry football team, anchoring the offensive line from 1983 to 1986. A relentless blocker, quiet leader, and true team player, Steve played a vital role in propelling the Wasps to back-to-back ODAC Championships and the program’s first-ever NCAA Playoff appearance. In 1986, Steve capped off an outstanding collegiate career with numerous accolades:

• All-American Honorable Mention (Pizza Hut/CoSIDA)
• First Team All-ODAC
• First Team All-State
• Top-rated offensive lineman on an E&H squad that finished 10–2, won the ODAC, and reached the NCAA Division III Playoffs

That same year, Steve was the lead blocker for a historic offense that achieved a rare NCAA milestone—becoming only the fourth team in NCAA history (across College Division and Division III) to feature both the nation’s leading rusher (Sandy Rogers) and top-rated passer (Gary Collier) in the same season. His consistent and physical play up front was a key reason the Wasps were ranked as high as 6th nationally, finishing the season at #12. Over the course of his career, Steve was a three-time All-ODAC selection (1st Team in 1986, 2nd Team in 1985 and 1984). He helped guide Emory & Henry to its first two ODAC titles (1985 and 1986) and laid the groundwork for future postseason success. His blocking was not only instrumental in powering the offense, but it also elevated the performance of his teammates—none more so than running back Sandy Rogers, who led the entire nation in rushing yards in 1986 with Steve clearing the way.

Mike Stansbury was a defensive force for the Emory & Henry football program in the early 1990s, anchoring one of the most dominant defensive units in program history. A four-year letterman and three-year starter at linebacker, Mike brought intensity, leadership, and consistency to the field every week, helping the Wasps to an impressive 30–10 record during his playing career. As a senior in 1992, Mike captained a team that not only won the ODAC Championship but also advanced to the NCAA Division III Playoffs, defeating Thomas More in the first round. That season, he earned First Team All-ODAC and Second Team All-State honors after ranking second on the team in tackles and leading a defense that finished:

• 2nd nationally in scoring defense (7.6 points per game)
• 3rd in pass defense
• 8th in total defense
• 26th in rush defense
  The 1992 squad also finished the season ranked 8th nationally.

Mike’s impact wasn’t limited to one standout season. In 1991, he led the team in tackles and helped guide a defense that finished in the top 10 nationally in both scoring and pass defense. His career total of 267 tackles places him among the top 20 all-time tacklers in Emory & Henry history. Following his collegiate playing days, Mike translated his deep understanding of the game into a remarkable career as a football official at nearly every level of competition. Over the past 19 years, he has officiated more than 200 games.

Nathan Tuck embodied the ideal of the scholar-athlete during his time at Emory & Henry College, excelling both on the football field and in the classroom. A four-year member of the Wasps football team and a multi-sport athlete who also started in center field for the baseball team, Nathan’s senior season in 2000 stands as one of the greatest in program history for a wide receiver. In 2000, Nathan led the ODAC in receiving yards per game (99.1) and ranked 25th nationally in NCAA Division III. His final season totals—49 receptions for 991 yards and 7 touchdowns—included the third-best season in school history for yards per catch (20.22) among receivers with 40+ receptions and the sixth-highest total for receiving yards in a single season. His most iconic performance came in a dramatic 37–35 win over Bridgewater, where he set multiple school records with 11 catches for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winning 22-yard score with just 22 seconds left on the clock. That game tied the school record for touchdown receptions in a single game and still ranks as the second-most receiving yards ever recorded in a game by an E&H player.

Over his career, Nathan amassed:

• 69 receptions
• 1,406 receiving yards
• 20.4 yards per catch (career average)
• 11 touchdowns

Nathan’s excellence extended well beyond the gridiron. In 2000, he was named a First Team Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-American for Division II/III and was awarded the prestigious Jopson Award as the ODAC’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year—the highest academic honor for a male athlete across all sports in the conference. He was also a First Team All-ODAC selection and earned Second Team All-State honors from the Roanoke Times. A team captain, Nathan helped lead the Wasps to a conference championship and NCAA Playoff berth in 2000, contributing to a four-year run that included three ODAC titles (1997, 1998, 2000) and a remarkable overall team record of 32–9 during his time.