Clark hall of fame

Clark College President Bob Knight announced the 2012 Clark College Hall of Fame Class during his annual state of the college address. This year's class marks the first of many that will enter the college's new athletic hall of fame.

Inductees include former pitcher Randy Myers, who was the star pitcher for Clark College, and later went on to have a successful career in Major League Baseball. In his 14-year career, Myers became one of the best closers in the game, winning a World Series in 1990 with the Cincinnati Reds, and being selected to four all-star games. Myers was also voted MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1990. He continues to be very active at Clark College, helping out various sports teams including basketball and baseball.

Claude "Skeet" O'Connell, a living Clark College legend whom the athletics' building is named after, will be honored for his many years of service to the school. O'Connell started at Clark in 1946, as the athletic director, until he eventually retired in 1977. O'Connell also coached baseball, basketball and golf while at Clark.

"Vern" Kindsfather coached the Clark baseball team for 25 years, and also taught physical education. As an athlete, Kindsfather pitched for the Seattle Rainiers, where he was a 20-game winner as a pitcher. He also went down in the record books for throwing the first perfect game in the Northwest League. The new baseball field at Clark was named after Kindsfather last spring. Kindsfather passed away in 2008.

Jim Raines is being inducted for his service to the school and its athletic department. Raines was president of the Clark College Alumni Association Board and also the Penguin Athletic Club. He was awarded the Clark President Award for Excellence in 2007.

Gaydena Thompson etched her name in Washington State history in 1977 by becoming the first female athletic director in the Washington State Community College system. She would continue in that role until she decided to focus on teaching in 1982. The fitness center is named after her.

Mary Lou White was a long-time supporter for women's sports. White was a major supporter and advocate of Title-9, as well as a coach. She passed away in 2007.

Finally, the 1992-93 Clark women's basketball team will be honored. The '93 Penguins won an NWACC Championship after an undefeated season, ending that season with a staggering 33-0 record.

The 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Fireside room.