ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University Hall of Fame Class of 2023 has been announced.
Seven individuals and one team will be inducted on June 10, 2023, in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center as part of Reunion Weekend.
Christine Bestland of Women's Ice Hockey will be entering the Hall of Fame. Bestland graduated in 2014 and served as the team captain in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Bestland was a four-time All-American and ranks second all-time in school history with 226 points.
Willie Bohince was a member of the Wrestling team from 2012-2017. During his time at Mercyhurst, he earned All-America and PSAC honors. He qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2013 and was the 2013 NCAA Super Region I Champion (125). Bohnice also hold the All-Time Wins Record (132) and has a winning percentage of 86.8%.
Samantha Eimers competed for the Mercyhurst Softball team from 2008-12. Eimers claimed All-America All-Region, and All-PSAC Honors.
Trevor Kennedy played football for the Lakers from 2008-2011. He aided the team to the 2010 PSAC Championship, where he earned Most Valuable Player. Along with earning MVP, he earned ECAC Offensive Player of the Year, All-America honors, PSAC West Player of the Year, and many other accolades.
Luis Leao competed for the Men's Basketball team from 2009-13. While on the team, Leao scored over 1,000 points. He also tallied multiple PSAC and All-America Honors and led the Lakers in scoring, rebounds and blocks.
Jenna Matson was a member of the Women's Volleyball team in 2004-09. She is Top-10 for the Career Points, Career Kills, Single Season Kills, Career Aces, and Career Digs in the Mercyhurst Record Book. She earned All-GLIAC, All-PSAC, and All-Region Honors.
Ben Rawding competed for Mercyhurst Baseball from 2009-13. He holds the PSAC record for 19 consecutive decisions for a win. Rawding has also earned numerous Pitcher of the Year awards and PSAC Honors.
2009-10 Women's Rowing Team is the lone team to get inducted this year. The team was led by Adrian Spracklen. It consisted of Amanda Carlyon, Bethany (Brun) Woods, Sally O'Brien, Leah Niecgorski, Annie Schiller, Alex Salen, Rachel Beste, Alicia Peterson, and Lindsey Crosby. At the 2010 NCAA Rowing National Championships, the Lakers used a strong start to build a two-second lead over the Vikings through the first 1000 meters then held off a surging WWU unit to cross the line in 6:42.53 to capture the varsity eight crown. The Lakers closed out the 2010 season having won gold in five out of six races entered. With the victory at the national regatta, Mercyhurst has also posted victories at the Dad Vail Regatta, NCAA East Regional, SIRA and the Knecht Cup.
