Along with the start of a new school year, Grinnell College welcomed 12 new members to the 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame. 

William Eric Blevins ’04, commonly known as “Country,” led Grinnell towards a “men’s swimming and diving dynasty” by winning multiple memorable titles that include—but are not limited to—winning eight Midwest Conference diving championships. 

Emilio Jacob Chavez ’01 holds the school career record in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and Earned Run Average. He also threw the only perfect game in Grinnell history. 

Steve Diekmann ’95 was a two-time All-American basketball player who also played an essential role in rebuilding the basketball program.

Diane “Dee” Fairchild was the College’s athletic director for more than two decades and was one of the first female directors of athletics to be in charge of both men’s and women’s programs in Iowa. 

Stephanie Hitztaler ’96 was a cross country and track star, who holds a number of respected titles, such as the second fastest five-kilometer racer in Grinnell history at the time.

Dan LaFountaine ’09 along with Nate Fox ’09 was an undefeatable tennis double player, who secured a victory in the NCAA Division III tournament play. Under his leadership, Grinnell posted a 124-4 record in individual matches. 

David Malbrough ’35 never lost a backstroke race in his four years at Grinnell, while losing only one of his races during his senior year. 

Rob Rollins ’86 was the College’s first two-time Academic All-American in swimming who also won various honorary titles that include setting 10 varsity records.

Nick Ryan ’55 is considered a legendary athlete in Grinnell, not only because he set the single-game rushing record that remained undefeated for two decades in football, but also for his contributions to recruiting talented student-athletes to the College.  

Christine Thorburn M.D. ’92 is not only renowned for her accomplishment for holding the 15th-best-five-kilometer time in MWC history, but is also highly regarded for her cycling accomplishments at the 2004 U.S. Federation National Championships as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics Women’s time trial. 

Amy E. Walters ’01 was an accomplished soccer player and a dedicated basketball player as well as a respected runner who, to this day, holds the school record for most points in soccer.

Darren W. Young ’93 was a sprinter and long jumper, who holds the title of being a five-time qualifier for the NCAA Division III National Track and Field Championships and is also highly regarded as a valuable performer and supporter of Grinnell College’s track and field teams.