2014 Hall of Fame Inductees

IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas honored five 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees on Sunday afternoon. Those honored with the recognition included: Charles Crowley, Adam Lunger, Hank Meinster, Bob Newton, and Greg Roper.

Charles Crowley came to UD to coach football in 1912 from the University of Notre Dame, where he had played with the legendary Knute Rockne. Coach Crowley's impact was immediate, as UD became a major player in college football in the Southwest. His four-year tenure produced the best cumulative football record in university history, both in terms of wins (18) and best winning percentage (.760). The 1915 season saw UD capture the Independent Championship of the Southwest and a 6-1 record. He left after the 1916 season to serve as an Army Field Artillery Officer during World War I in France. After his return to the United States, he coached at Columbia University from 1925-29.

Adam Lunger is the most prolific scorer in the annals of the UD men's soccer program. In 75 games played, spanning the 2005-08 seasons, he managed school records in goals (74), assists (30) and points (178). His scoring exploits helped the Crusaders become champions in 2007 of the Association of Division III Independents and in 2008 of the North Eastern Athletic Conference. The latter secured a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III championship tournament. He also holds school records for most goals in a game (five) and in a season (25). His exploits were recognized by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, with All-American recognition in 2005 and 2006.

Hank Meinster, a soccer-coaching legend in Dallas, started the men's soccer program at UD in the early 1970s. Although records from this period are sparse, Coach Meinster had some significant accomplishments. The 1979 team was the first soccer team to achieve a winning record (7-4-2). The 1980 team was the first to make the NAIA District 8 playoffs, and, subsequently, won the first men's soccer postseason game in UD history. This appearance was followed-up by an additional postseason berth by the 1981 team.

Bob Newton was the ace of the UD baseball pitching staff on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 8 Central Zone Championship teams of 1978 and 1979. Although records from that era are sketchy, we can account for a 16-11 record for a .592 winning percentage. The 16 wins place him 12th on the university's all-time wins list. Of particular note, is the fact he had nine complete games in 1980, and pitched a no-hitter against the University of Texas-Arlington in 1978.

Greg Roper was a midfielder on the UD men's soccer team from 1980 to 1983, and became the first recipient of the university's Scholar-Athlete Award. In his debut, Roper scored in an 8-1 win over Austin College. The 1980 team was the first to make soccer postseason play in NAIA District 8, and, in doing so, became the first UD soccer team to earn a victory in the postseason. Roper was team captain the next three seasons and led a continued run of postseason play for the Crusaders. In a school that places a great value on academics, Roper epitomizes what it is to be a scholar-athlete.

Full listings of previous Hall of Fame members can be found here.