Athletic Hall of Fame
The Gustavus Adolphus College Hall of Fame was established in 1978 at which time 19 "Charter Members" were inducted either as coaches or as athletes. As of the fall of 2022, 348 individuals (321 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 benefactors) have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The former Hall of Fame room on the second floor of the Lund Center was originally partially endowed by the families of both Dwight Holcombe's (the only father/son combination holding membership in the Hall). The hardwood plaque upon which the individual plates are permanently displayed, now in the Hall of Champions, was donated by the family of former football coach and Hall of Fame member Jocko Nelson, who passed away in 1978.
Richard Evans
Football and Wrestling
Inducted: 1997
A two-sport standout for the Gusties, Rick Evans was a four-year regular in both football- and wrestling and served as captain in both sports his senior year. Evans dominated the 160-pound weight class both in the MIAC and nationally during his wrestling career. He was a three-time MIAC champion and helped the Gusties win three conference titles. He was also a two-time All-American, finishing second at the national meet in 1966 and sixth in 1967. He helped Gustavus to a fifth-place team finish in 1966 and a tenth-place team finish in 1967. His career match record was an impressive 81-15.
On the football field, Evans was a very versatile athlete as he played halfback, split end and returned kicks and punts. He was a very dangerous weapon on the special teams and he holds the unique distinction of being the only Gustavus football player to have returned both a kickoff (twice) and a punt (twice) for a touchdown. In his senior season, Evans was named the Gusties' Most Valuable Player, while also receiving all-conference honors as a split end.
Graduating with a double major in biology and physical education, Evans went on to earn master's and doctoral degrees in physical education from Mankato State and Michigan State, respectively. Upon receiving his Ph.D., he accepted a teaching position in kinesiology and anatomy at UCLA and later moved on to faculty positions at USC, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Pasadena College of Chiropractic and Palmer West Chiropractic College. Rick passed away in February of 1992 at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife, Kay, and son, Jason.