WEST LAFAYETTE – Purdue Athletics has announced the latest group of inductees to be enshrined in the Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame, with the Class of 2024 featuring eight Boilermaker greats whose accomplishments span from the 1970s to 2018.
Three of the most decorated Boilermakers in school history will enter the Hall of Fame while competing in the ongoing Summer Olympics, with Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men's Track & Field, 2013-16), Devynne Charlton (Women's Track & Field, 2013-18) and Annie Drews (Volleyball, 2012-15) showcasing their talents on the world stage.
Enekwechi, representing Nigeria internationally, totaled an outstanding 13 All-America honors and five NCAA medal finishes in throwing events for Purdue. Charlton, hurdling for her native Bahamas, earned nine All-America finishes as a Boiler, which included two NCAA runner-up performances. Drews has starred for Team USA on the volleyball court after twice receiving AVCA All-America status for the Old Gold and Black.
"This year's class of inductees to the Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame is distinguished by their outstanding accomplishments in Purdue Athletics history, with a uniquely Olympic theme," said Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Three of these Boilermaker greats are currently competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics. We are immensely proud that Devynne Charlton, Annie Drews and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are representing their home countries, as well as Purdue, in Paris this summer. Two basketball greats, Bob Ford and Katie Gearlds, showcased their talents in Mackey Arena during the 1970s and 2000s, respectively. Laura Gonzalez-Escallon and Kevin Plawecki, along with Devynne and Chukwuebuka, earned Big Ten Conference player and athlete of the year awards during their illustrious careers in West Lafayette. Tim Stratton was the first-ever Mackey Award winner following the 2000 football season, given to the nation's most outstanding tight end. Our athletics department is honored to recognize these eight Purdue greats, and we look forward to welcoming them home to campus this fall."
Tenth in school history for both career scoring (17.0) and rebounding (8.9), Bob Ford (1970-72) was an Academic All-American for the men's basketball squad as a senior in 1972 to finish off a season in which he averaged 19.6 points per game.
Current women's basketball head coach Katie Gearlds (2004-07) was an All-American on the court for the Boilermakers, also gathering four All-Big Ten Conference selections. Gearlds finished her Purdue Women's Basketball career with the fourth-most points (1,974) in program history and trips to three Sweet Sixteens and one Elite Eight.
Women's golf standout Laura Gonzalez-Escallon (2010-13) was twice an All-American as a Boilermaker, and was also notably the 2011-12 Big Ten Conference Women's Golfer of the Year. She was a member of the school's 2010 NCAA Championship-winning team under legendary former head coach Devon Brouse.
The 2012 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, Kevin Plawecki (2010-12) etched his name across Purdue Baseball's record book in several offensive categories, including ranking in the top 10 all-time for career batting average and doubles. Plawecki was selected 35th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Mets.
Tim Stratton (1998-2001) was the first-ever winner of the Mackey Award, given annually to college football's most outstanding tight end. Stratton was a pass-catching fixture of the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 Joe Tiller-led Purdue Football squads, ending his career with the then-school record for receptions (204).
This year's Hall of Fame event will culminate with a Friday-night Ross-Ade Stadium crowd cheering for and welcoming home the group during the Purdue-Oregon football game (Oct. 18). A private induction ceremony for inductees and guests will take place earlier in the day.
Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2024
Devynne Charlton (Women's Track & Field, 2013-18)
• Five-year letterwinner, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as a sprinter/hurdler for Purdue Women's Track & Field
• Won 11 Big Ten Conference individual championships while leading the Boilermakers to the 2017 Big Ten Outdoor Championships team title
• Earned seven First Team All-America honors and a pair of Second Team honors
• NCAA Championships runner-up in the 60-meter hurdles (indoor, 2017) and the 100-meter hurdles (outdoor, 2018)
• Named 2017 Purdue Athletics Female Athlete of the Year after winning five Big Ten individual titles and clinching three top eight finishes at the NCAA Championships
• Three-time Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year honoree and four-time Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships winner
• Still holds school records in the 100-meters, 100-meter hurdles, 60-meters and 60-meter hurdles
• Since graduation, has continued competing on the world stage with great distinction for her native Bahamas
• Set the world record in 60-meter hurdles, clocking 7.65 at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to win the gold medal
• Won silver at the 2022 Indoor World Championships in the 60-meter hurdles and finished fourth at the 2023 Outdoor World Championships in the 100-meter hurdles
• Five-time Bahamian national champion; national record holder in the 60-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles
• Placed sixth overall in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative for the Bahamas, competing in the 100-meter hurdles
Annie Drews (Volleyball, 2012-15)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, as an outside hitter for Purdue Volleyball
• Second Team All-America selection in 2015 by the AVCA after honorable mention honors in 2014
• Closed out her collegiate career with back-to-back First Team All-Big Ten honors, including a unanimous selection in 2015 after receiving the All-Freshman team nod in 2012
• Finished her career ranked ninth in kills at Purdue; led team in kills in 2014 and 2015
• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree
• Led team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight
• Since graduation, has played for a decade in top professional leagues in Puerto Rico, Italy and Japan; will play for LOVB Madison in the upcoming season after returning from the Paris Olympics
• Has become a regular with the U.S. Senior National Team, helping the USA to 2017 Pan-Am Volleyball Cup gold, FIVB Nations League titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021
• Gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, playing a key role in the team's advancement with 22 points vs. Italy in group play, 21 points in quarterfinal vs. Dominican Republic, 17 points in semifinal sweep of Serbia and 15 points in gold medal match vs. Brazil
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative with Team USA
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men's Track & Field, 2013-16)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, as a thrower for Purdue Men's Track & Field
• 13-time All-American, including four First Team honors his senior season
• Finished as the 2016 NCAA Championships runner-up in both the weight throw (indoor) and shot put (outdoor)
• Led team to top 15 finishes at both 2016 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships
• 2016 Big Ten Conference champion in weight and hammer throws and runner-up in indoor and outdoor shot put
• Swept 2016 Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Championships for indoor and outdoor seasons; also won Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Championships honors in 2015
• For his career, earned 12 total medals at Big Ten Championships – four gold, five silver and three bronze
• First three-time champion in the hammer throw in conference history
• Still holds school records in all four events he competed in (hammer throw, weight throw, indoor shot put and outdoor shot put)
• Since graduation, has been competing on the world stage for Nigeria, where he is the four-time national champion in shot put and holds the national record
• Finished eighth in shot put at the 2019 World Championships; qualified for the finals at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, finishing 12th
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative for Nigeria, competing in the shot put
Bob Ford (Men's Basketball, 1970-72)
• Three-year letterwinner, 1970, 1971 and 1972, for Purdue Men's Basketball
• Earned First Team All-Big Ten Conference honors as a senior in 1972
• Became the third Academic All-American in school history, earning First Team honors in 1972
• Ranks 10th in program history for both scoring average (17.0) and rebounding average (8.9)
• Inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 1997
• Twice earned NABC All-District recognition (1971, 1972)
• Was the 11th Boilermaker to surpass 1,000 career points scored with 1,244 points from 1970-72, an era in which freshmen did not play in varsity action
• Became one of the nation's most efficient scorers as an upperclassman, averaging 19.8 points per game as a junior and 19.6 as a senior
• Member of the World University Team in 1970 and of the Pan-American Team in 1971
• Served as host/emcee of the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony for several years at the beginning of the event's history (est. 1994)
Katie Gearlds (Women's Basketball, 2004-07)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, appearing in 133 Purdue Women's Basketball games with 100 starts
• Earned Third Team All-America (AP) and honorable mention All-America (WBCA) recognition as a senior in 2007
• Four-time All-Big Ten Conference selection and three-time All-Big Ten Tournament Team honoree
• Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004
• Recognized on the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team in 2007
• Ranks fourth in program history with 1,974 points
• Tied for ninth-fastest in program history to join the 1,000-point club, reaching the plateau in just 80 games
• Helped lead the Boilermakers to two Big Ten Tournament titles
• Played in four NCAA Tournaments, propelling Purdue to three Sweet 16s and one Elite Eight appearance
• Holds the Purdue single-game scoring record with 41 points at Wisconsin in 2007
• Tied the program's single-season scoring record with 707 points as a senior
• Selected with the seventh overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2007 WNBA Draft, the highest selection ever from Purdue
• Played three seasons with the Storm before also playing professionally in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Slovakia
Laura Gonzalez-Escallon (Women's Golf, 2010-13)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as a student-athlete for Purdue Women's Golf
• Two-time Second Team All-America selection (Golfweek and WGCA)
• Named 2012 Big Ten Conference Golfer of the Year
• Recipient of the 2012 Mary Fossum Award, given to the Big Ten golfer with the lowest stroke average
• Four-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree, one of only three four-timers in program history
• Two-time Big Ten Champion, earning medalist honors in 2010 and 2012
• Earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year recognition in 2010
• Member of the 2010 NCAA Championship team, Purdue's second women's national title team in school history
• Also helped lead the Boilermakers to a second-place team effort at the NCAA Championships in 2011, a third-place finish in 2013 and a ninth-place showing in 2012
• Placed third individually at the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Championships
Kevin Plawecki (Baseball, 2010-12)
• Three-time letterwinner, 2010, 2011 and 2012, as a catcher for Purdue Baseball
• Earned Second Team All-America honors and was a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award in 2012
• Named 2012 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year
• Recognized as the 2012 Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player
• Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection at catcher in 2011 and 2012
• Honored as the 2012 Purdue Male Athlete of the Year
• Received 2010 Freshman All-America honors
• Ranks in the top 10 in various program single-season record lists, including hits, runs, doubles, total bases and being hit by pitch
• Started 166 of his 168 career games at Purdue
• Co-MVP of the 2012 team that won Purdue's first Big Ten title since 1909, as well as the conference tournament title
• Selected 35th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by New York Mets; made his Major League debut with the Mets in 2015 and has spent eight seasons with the Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers
Tim Stratton (Football, 1998-2001)
• Four-year letterwinner, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, as a tight end for Purdue Football
• Inaugural recipient of the John Mackey Award in 2000, presented to the nation's best tight end
• Named a semifinalist for the Mackey Award in 2001
• Three-time First Team All-Big Ten Conference selection (1999, 2000, 2001), just the fourth in program history
• Recorded 204 career receptions, breaking the former school record of 181 set by running back Rodney Carter
• Became just the third player in Big Ten history to eclipse 200 career catches
• Played in all 49 games during his Purdue career, recording a reception in all but two contests
Three of the most decorated Boilermakers in school history will enter the Hall of Fame while competing in the ongoing Summer Olympics, with Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men's Track & Field, 2013-16), Devynne Charlton (Women's Track & Field, 2013-18) and Annie Drews (Volleyball, 2012-15) showcasing their talents on the world stage.
Enekwechi, representing Nigeria internationally, totaled an outstanding 13 All-America honors and five NCAA medal finishes in throwing events for Purdue. Charlton, hurdling for her native Bahamas, earned nine All-America finishes as a Boiler, which included two NCAA runner-up performances. Drews has starred for Team USA on the volleyball court after twice receiving AVCA All-America status for the Old Gold and Black.
"This year's class of inductees to the Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame is distinguished by their outstanding accomplishments in Purdue Athletics history, with a uniquely Olympic theme," said Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Three of these Boilermaker greats are currently competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics. We are immensely proud that Devynne Charlton, Annie Drews and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are representing their home countries, as well as Purdue, in Paris this summer. Two basketball greats, Bob Ford and Katie Gearlds, showcased their talents in Mackey Arena during the 1970s and 2000s, respectively. Laura Gonzalez-Escallon and Kevin Plawecki, along with Devynne and Chukwuebuka, earned Big Ten Conference player and athlete of the year awards during their illustrious careers in West Lafayette. Tim Stratton was the first-ever Mackey Award winner following the 2000 football season, given to the nation's most outstanding tight end. Our athletics department is honored to recognize these eight Purdue greats, and we look forward to welcoming them home to campus this fall."
Tenth in school history for both career scoring (17.0) and rebounding (8.9), Bob Ford (1970-72) was an Academic All-American for the men's basketball squad as a senior in 1972 to finish off a season in which he averaged 19.6 points per game.
Current women's basketball head coach Katie Gearlds (2004-07) was an All-American on the court for the Boilermakers, also gathering four All-Big Ten Conference selections. Gearlds finished her Purdue Women's Basketball career with the fourth-most points (1,974) in program history and trips to three Sweet Sixteens and one Elite Eight.
Women's golf standout Laura Gonzalez-Escallon (2010-13) was twice an All-American as a Boilermaker, and was also notably the 2011-12 Big Ten Conference Women's Golfer of the Year. She was a member of the school's 2010 NCAA Championship-winning team under legendary former head coach Devon Brouse.
The 2012 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, Kevin Plawecki (2010-12) etched his name across Purdue Baseball's record book in several offensive categories, including ranking in the top 10 all-time for career batting average and doubles. Plawecki was selected 35th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Mets.
Tim Stratton (1998-2001) was the first-ever winner of the Mackey Award, given annually to college football's most outstanding tight end. Stratton was a pass-catching fixture of the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 Joe Tiller-led Purdue Football squads, ending his career with the then-school record for receptions (204).
This year's Hall of Fame event will culminate with a Friday-night Ross-Ade Stadium crowd cheering for and welcoming home the group during the Purdue-Oregon football game (Oct. 18). A private induction ceremony for inductees and guests will take place earlier in the day.
Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2024
Devynne Charlton (Women's Track & Field, 2013-18)
• Five-year letterwinner, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as a sprinter/hurdler for Purdue Women's Track & Field
• Won 11 Big Ten Conference individual championships while leading the Boilermakers to the 2017 Big Ten Outdoor Championships team title
• Earned seven First Team All-America honors and a pair of Second Team honors
• NCAA Championships runner-up in the 60-meter hurdles (indoor, 2017) and the 100-meter hurdles (outdoor, 2018)
• Named 2017 Purdue Athletics Female Athlete of the Year after winning five Big Ten individual titles and clinching three top eight finishes at the NCAA Championships
• Three-time Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year honoree and four-time Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships winner
• Still holds school records in the 100-meters, 100-meter hurdles, 60-meters and 60-meter hurdles
• Since graduation, has continued competing on the world stage with great distinction for her native Bahamas
• Set the world record in 60-meter hurdles, clocking 7.65 at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to win the gold medal
• Won silver at the 2022 Indoor World Championships in the 60-meter hurdles and finished fourth at the 2023 Outdoor World Championships in the 100-meter hurdles
• Five-time Bahamian national champion; national record holder in the 60-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles
• Placed sixth overall in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative for the Bahamas, competing in the 100-meter hurdles
Annie Drews (Volleyball, 2012-15)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, as an outside hitter for Purdue Volleyball
• Second Team All-America selection in 2015 by the AVCA after honorable mention honors in 2014
• Closed out her collegiate career with back-to-back First Team All-Big Ten honors, including a unanimous selection in 2015 after receiving the All-Freshman team nod in 2012
• Finished her career ranked ninth in kills at Purdue; led team in kills in 2014 and 2015
• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree
• Led team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight
• Since graduation, has played for a decade in top professional leagues in Puerto Rico, Italy and Japan; will play for LOVB Madison in the upcoming season after returning from the Paris Olympics
• Has become a regular with the U.S. Senior National Team, helping the USA to 2017 Pan-Am Volleyball Cup gold, FIVB Nations League titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021
• Gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, playing a key role in the team's advancement with 22 points vs. Italy in group play, 21 points in quarterfinal vs. Dominican Republic, 17 points in semifinal sweep of Serbia and 15 points in gold medal match vs. Brazil
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative with Team USA
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men's Track & Field, 2013-16)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, as a thrower for Purdue Men's Track & Field
• 13-time All-American, including four First Team honors his senior season
• Finished as the 2016 NCAA Championships runner-up in both the weight throw (indoor) and shot put (outdoor)
• Led team to top 15 finishes at both 2016 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships
• 2016 Big Ten Conference champion in weight and hammer throws and runner-up in indoor and outdoor shot put
• Swept 2016 Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Championships for indoor and outdoor seasons; also won Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Championships honors in 2015
• For his career, earned 12 total medals at Big Ten Championships – four gold, five silver and three bronze
• First three-time champion in the hammer throw in conference history
• Still holds school records in all four events he competed in (hammer throw, weight throw, indoor shot put and outdoor shot put)
• Since graduation, has been competing on the world stage for Nigeria, where he is the four-time national champion in shot put and holds the national record
• Finished eighth in shot put at the 2019 World Championships; qualified for the finals at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, finishing 12th
• 2024 Paris Olympics representative for Nigeria, competing in the shot put
Bob Ford (Men's Basketball, 1970-72)
• Three-year letterwinner, 1970, 1971 and 1972, for Purdue Men's Basketball
• Earned First Team All-Big Ten Conference honors as a senior in 1972
• Became the third Academic All-American in school history, earning First Team honors in 1972
• Ranks 10th in program history for both scoring average (17.0) and rebounding average (8.9)
• Inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 1997
• Twice earned NABC All-District recognition (1971, 1972)
• Was the 11th Boilermaker to surpass 1,000 career points scored with 1,244 points from 1970-72, an era in which freshmen did not play in varsity action
• Became one of the nation's most efficient scorers as an upperclassman, averaging 19.8 points per game as a junior and 19.6 as a senior
• Member of the World University Team in 1970 and of the Pan-American Team in 1971
• Served as host/emcee of the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony for several years at the beginning of the event's history (est. 1994)
Katie Gearlds (Women's Basketball, 2004-07)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, appearing in 133 Purdue Women's Basketball games with 100 starts
• Earned Third Team All-America (AP) and honorable mention All-America (WBCA) recognition as a senior in 2007
• Four-time All-Big Ten Conference selection and three-time All-Big Ten Tournament Team honoree
• Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004
• Recognized on the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team in 2007
• Ranks fourth in program history with 1,974 points
• Tied for ninth-fastest in program history to join the 1,000-point club, reaching the plateau in just 80 games
• Helped lead the Boilermakers to two Big Ten Tournament titles
• Played in four NCAA Tournaments, propelling Purdue to three Sweet 16s and one Elite Eight appearance
• Holds the Purdue single-game scoring record with 41 points at Wisconsin in 2007
• Tied the program's single-season scoring record with 707 points as a senior
• Selected with the seventh overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2007 WNBA Draft, the highest selection ever from Purdue
• Played three seasons with the Storm before also playing professionally in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Slovakia
Laura Gonzalez-Escallon (Women's Golf, 2010-13)
• Four-year letterwinner, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as a student-athlete for Purdue Women's Golf
• Two-time Second Team All-America selection (Golfweek and WGCA)
• Named 2012 Big Ten Conference Golfer of the Year
• Recipient of the 2012 Mary Fossum Award, given to the Big Ten golfer with the lowest stroke average
• Four-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree, one of only three four-timers in program history
• Two-time Big Ten Champion, earning medalist honors in 2010 and 2012
• Earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year recognition in 2010
• Member of the 2010 NCAA Championship team, Purdue's second women's national title team in school history
• Also helped lead the Boilermakers to a second-place team effort at the NCAA Championships in 2011, a third-place finish in 2013 and a ninth-place showing in 2012
• Placed third individually at the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Championships
Kevin Plawecki (Baseball, 2010-12)
• Three-time letterwinner, 2010, 2011 and 2012, as a catcher for Purdue Baseball
• Earned Second Team All-America honors and was a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award in 2012
• Named 2012 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year
• Recognized as the 2012 Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player
• Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection at catcher in 2011 and 2012
• Honored as the 2012 Purdue Male Athlete of the Year
• Received 2010 Freshman All-America honors
• Ranks in the top 10 in various program single-season record lists, including hits, runs, doubles, total bases and being hit by pitch
• Started 166 of his 168 career games at Purdue
• Co-MVP of the 2012 team that won Purdue's first Big Ten title since 1909, as well as the conference tournament title
• Selected 35th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by New York Mets; made his Major League debut with the Mets in 2015 and has spent eight seasons with the Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers
Tim Stratton (Football, 1998-2001)
• Four-year letterwinner, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, as a tight end for Purdue Football
• Inaugural recipient of the John Mackey Award in 2000, presented to the nation's best tight end
• Named a semifinalist for the Mackey Award in 2001
• Three-time First Team All-Big Ten Conference selection (1999, 2000, 2001), just the fourth in program history
• Recorded 204 career receptions, breaking the former school record of 181 set by running back Rodney Carter
• Became just the third player in Big Ten history to eclipse 200 career catches
• Played in all 49 games during his Purdue career, recording a reception in all but two contests