West Central Michigan News

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Five former Central Michigan student-athletes and one legendary coach were honored and inducted into the Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday evening in a ceremony at McGuirk Arena. The event marked the school's 41st annual induction ceremony.

Central Michigan Athletics' 2024 Hall of Fame Class includes:

- Wrestling Coach Tom Borrelli (1991-2024), Goose Creek, S.C.

- Gymnast Sarah Dame (2000-03), Maple City, Mich.

- Football player Eric Fisher (2009-12), Rochester, Mich.

- Baseball/Men's Basketball player Chad Pleiness (1999-2002), Scottville, Mich.

- Volleyball player Kaitlyn Schultz (2008-11), Highland, Mich.

- Cross Country/Track & Field Runner Ryan Watson (1999-2000), Cedar Springs, Mich.

Voice of the Chippewas Adam Jaksa served as emcee for the formal hour-long program, which included interviews with each of the inductees. Each inductee was presented with a plaque depicting their accomplishments with the Chippewas. CMU President Robert O. Davies and Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan both gave congratulatory speeches. The inductees will also be honored at halftime of Saturday's home football game against Ball State.

Davies began the evening with a speech: "We honor five tremendous athletes who excelled in their time at CMU, on the field, on the pitch, on the court, in the classroom, and in the community," Davies said. "We also honor one amazing coach... Each of these individuals represent the university with honor, determination and skill."

Folan followed with her remarks: "This is an event that showcases our history, our traditions, and our commitment to excellence," Folan said. "Tonight is just a small sliver of what people do here in Mount Pleasant and then go on outward into the world and lead the way."

Legendary wrestling coach Tom Borrelli was interviewed first. He spoke about his success as a coach at Central Michigan: "The most important thing is our student-athletes," Borrelli said. "When you have very committed student-athletes... You just have to have lots of support." He also discussed athletics' role in education: "To me, athletics is part of the educational process... Those lessons are invaluable."

Gymnast Sarah Dame shared how she ended up at Central Michigan: "I had a fall during my senior year of high school... It turned out to be the best decision I ever made." She emphasized her bond with her teammates: "Ever since I was little... These are the people that will stay with you forever."

Eric Fisher reflected on his career: "My senior year was surreal... I'm very grateful to hear my name." He highlighted camaraderie at Central Michigan: "The football locker room is a special place... All the relationships that I developed here were phenomenal."

Chad Pleiness discussed playing three sports at Central Michigan: "What I loved about playing different sports... All the people who helped me along the way... I'm honored to be here."

Kaitlyn Schultz spoke about her connection to Mount Pleasant: "Every time I drive up here and see the Mount Pleasant sign... Playing volleyball at Central Michigan was my home away from home." Her favorite memory was winning the Mid-American Conference.

Ryan Watson talked about how Central Michigan impacts his life today: "I coach at Big Rapids High School... We still have that group that we can bounce ideas off of." He expressed gratitude for representing Central Michigan University.

Central Michigan wrestling and gymnastics teams were in attendance. The inductees were announced in a press release on June 18, 2024.

—CMU—