2009 Hall of Fame
Ben F. Gillies (1936 graduate)
Football & Basketball
Ben Gillies was a pioneer in the earlier days of Adrian
College and was a multi-sport star in the 1930's. Gillies earned
nine varsity letters during his time at Adrian including four in
football, four in basketball and one in baseball. He would have
earned more letters in baseball, but the College did not have a
team during his first three years as a student-athlete.
Ben played linebacker as it is known today and his position was
referred to as "signal caller" as referenced in a College World
article from Nov. 4, 1933. In addition, he was a fullback or
"blocking back" and was considered one of the best of his era in
both positions on the football field. Ben also possessed a prowess
on the hardwood as part of the basketball team.
He was a starting forward during his collegiate days and as a
sophomore was part of the team that posted a record of 17-9 which
was the best record to date at the time. Gillies earned a bachelor
of science degree from Adrian College and was also a member of
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
After graduation, he taught math for five years at Melvindale
Junior High from 1936-41. He served in the United States Navy from
1941-45. He was aboard submarine "Blenny" in the South Pacific
during World War II. After his time in the service, he resided in
Tecumseh, Michigan from 1952 until his passing in 1997.
Gillies worked at Tecumseh Products in production planning until
his retirement in 1977. Gillies married his college sweetheart,
Jeannette (Kirk), on August 20, 1942, herself an Adrian College
graduate in 1937. The couple were blessed with two sons, Doug and
Chuck, who are honored to be receiving this recognition along with
their mother, in their dad's memory.
James D. Swoish (1956 graduate)
Basketball
Jim Swoish was a prominent guard for the Bulldogs on the
basketball court in the 1950's. Swoish earned three letters in
basketball from 1952-55 and was a member of the 1954-55 team that
won a MIAA Championship and set a school-record with a mark of
21-4. The team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament as the
Michigan representative in Kansas City, Missouri. Jim scored 20
points in the Bulldogs' loss to Texas Southern.
Swoish averaged 9.8 points per game during the 1954-55 season and
was named Second Team All-MIAA. He earned a total of 11 varsity
letters also competing in football, baseball and golf at Adrian
College.
Jim has remained active in athletics since his days at Adrian
College. He is involved with golf, racquetball, squash and other
activities in his current residence of Kailua, Hawaii. He has fond
memories of practices and games in Ridge Gymnasium and being
coached by Ted Boyett and Jim Skola. Jim and his wife, Ann, have
three sons - Chris, Gregg and Jon.
Kim Cunningham (1981 graduate)
Basketball & Softball
Kim Cunningham was an integral part of the early success
of women's athletics at Adrian College in the late 1970's and early
1980's. Cunningham was a four-year starter in basketball from
1977-81 and played on two MIAA Championship teams in 1979-80 and
1980-81. Both of those teams are also enshrined in the Adrian
College Athletic Hall of Fame.
She served as co-captain of the basketball team during her junior
and senior seasons. Kim was named All-MIAA during her final two
years on the hardwood. She also was an accomplished student earning
Academic All-American plaudits during her senior season. Kim also
excelled on the softball diamond and helped the team win the state
SMAIAW title in 1978-79 playing right field.
She said that Adrian was a great place to play sports during her
era. She commented that for being such a small school her teams had
amazing talent. During her junior year, the team was ranked ninth
in the nation and beat the likes of Michigan and Notre Dame. She
has been an active member in her community of Lake Forest,
California and is currently employed by CalOptima as a Chief
Administrative Officer.
Michael G. Farrell (1986 graduate)
Football
Mike Farrell is the best placekicker in the history of
Adrian College football. Farrell earned four letters on the
gridiron from 1982-85. He was named All-MIAA for three straight
years from 1983-85 and is the only kicker at Adrian to be named
all-conference three times.
Mike was named a Division III Honorable Mention All-American in
1983 and two years later was named Second Team All-American in
1985. He was twice named Adrian College Special Teams Player of the
Year and led NCAA Division III in field goals made per game in
1983. He was a member of the 1983 MIAA Championship squad that has
already been enshrined into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of
Fame.
Farrell currently holds the NCAA Division III career record for
extra point percentage having been a perfect 84-of-84 during his
career as a Bulldog. He currently holds Adrian College career
records for field goals, field goal percentage and extra points. He
currently serves as president of BFK Enterprises in Columbia, South
Carolina and has been involved with children's charities and
organizations, including serving as President of the Richland
County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association in 2007-08. He and
his wife, Mary Ann, have two children - David and Mae.
Steven J. Goda (1993 graduate)
Baseball
Steve Goda was a prominent fixture in the lineup for the
Bulldog baseball team in the early 1990's. Goda earned four letters
in baseball from 1990-93. He was named Adrian College
Co-Outstanding Senior Athlete of the Year in 1993 after leading the
Bulldogs to their first MIAA Championship in baseball.
Goda was named team Most Valuable Player in 1990 and 1991 and led
the team with a .410 batting average which ranked second in the
MIAA in 1991. He was named First Team All-MIAA in 1991 and Second
Team All-MIAA in 1993. Steve was also recognized for his
contributions in the classroom as he was selected as a Third Team
Academic All-American as a senior.
Steve was a great contact hitter and only struck out 12 times in
345 at-bats during his career. He ranked third in Division III as a
senior for fewest strikeout percentage. During his sophomore year,
he established a school record by reaching base 58.1 percent of the
time. One of his proudest memories is when the team went winless
during his freshman season and by the time he graduated they won 17
games and captured a league title. He enjoyed working with
tremendous coaches and players.
Steve will also receive the 2009 Adrian College Young Alumni Award
during homecoming weekend and is currently Vice President and
Corporate Controller for Domino's Pizza. He resides in Dundee,
Michigan with his wife, Aimee, and their three children - Katie,
Nick and Jacob.
Lisa Lamberson-Kramer (1996 graduate)
Softball
Lisa Lamberson-Kramer was a dominant force in the circle
for the Adrian College softball team in the mid 1990's. She earned
three letters in softball from 1993-95. During those three years,
she was awarded First Team All-MIAA accolades and was also named
All-Region in 1993.
Lisa helped lead her squad to the NCAA Regionals and was named to
the All-Tournament Team. She earned Academic All-District honors as
a junior and senior showing she could do more than just embarrass
opposing hitters. The 1993 season was one for the record books for
Lisa as she led NCAA Division III with 25 pitching wins becoming
the only player at Adrian to accomplish that feat.
In addition, Lisa holds the MIAA single season record with 12
pitching wins in 1993. She was named team Most Valuable Player in
1993 and 1994 and holds several statistical records at AC. She
holds single season records for innings pitched, wins and complete
games. Lisa also holds career records for lowest earned run
average, strikeouts, wins, complete games, shutouts and inning
pitched.
Lisa graduated from Adrian College summa cum laude with three
minors in 1996. She and her husband, Dean Kramer, reside in
Fowlerville, Michigan with three children - Kennedy, Brendan and
Lexie.