HARROGATE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) will induct three distinguished athletes into the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 12, during a ceremony at Tex Turner Arena at 10 a.m. This year's honorees include Connor Froning (Men's Golf), Bob Dempsey (Baseball), and Phil Blevins (Cross Country), all of whom left a lasting legacy during their time at LMU and beyond.
Phil Blevins: A Champion of Cross Country
Phil Blevins, a 1988 graduate of LMU and a former All-District runner, is being inducted for his contributions to both cross country and coaching. During his time as a student-athlete, Blevins was named All-District three times and qualified for Nationals twice. His excellence on and off the course was recognized with the prestigious B. Frank Turner Award.
Blevins later became the head coach of LMU's men's and women's cross country teams, leading the women's team to the District 24 Championship and an appearance at the NAIA national meet. The women's team also won the Gulf South Conference championship under his leadership, earning him the Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year title. Blevins mentored numerous athletes who qualified for Nationals as individuals, leaving an indelible mark on LMU's cross country program.
Blevins, who now serves as the Assistant Director of Student Services for Upward Bound at East Tennessee State University, resides in Thorn Hill, Tennessee, with his wife, Edwina, a fellow LMU alumna. They are the proud parents of two sons, Dakota and Devon.
Bob Dempsey: A Pioneer in Baseball and Coaching Excellence
Bob Dempsey, a 1976 graduate, was a standout member of the LMU Railsplitters baseball team from 1974 to 1976. Dempsey's leadership and on-field performance earned him All-Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) and All-District 24 honors for two consecutive seasons. As team captain, he helped guide LMU to the 1975 VSAC Championship, a season marked by significant wins, including an upset victory over the University of Tennessee.
Dempsey's career stats include a .348 batting average and a .990 fielding percentage, along with 14 home runs and 81 RBIs. His impact extended into a 45-year coaching career in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he earned multiple Coach of the Year awards in both baseball and softball. His extensive contributions to high school sports and his scouting work for MLB teams further highlight his dedication to athletics.
Connor Froning: A Legacy on the Links
Connor Froning, a 2016 graduate and former member of the LMU Men's Golf Team from 2012 to 2016, is being recognized for his outstanding achievements on the golf course. A Knoxville native, Froning's stellar career at LMU includes a career stroke average of 74.63 and numerous top finishes, including his victory at the 2013 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship, where he posted a tournament-record round of 64.
During his collegiate career, Froning helped lead the Railsplitters to two SAC Tournament championships, nine tournament victories, and three NCAA Southeast/South Super Regional appearances. His induction also celebrates a family legacy, as Froning joins his father, Brad Froning (class of 2015), making them the second father-son duo to be inducted into the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame.
