Macomb, IL. – On Friday, October 17, Western Illinois University Athletics inducted its 2025 Hall of Fame class, which included Sammy Marshall (Softball, 2012-2015), Jim Morsovillo (Baseball 1993-1996), Garry Johnson ( University Administrator), and the 1978 Men's Track and Field Team.
Quote from WIU's Athletics Director Paul Bubb:
"Every year I am impressed with the quality of the student-athletes, now alumni, who attended Western Illinois University and competed for the Leathernecks. The countless number of quality student-athletes, who have gone on to have amazing careers, is endless. This year's class was no exception and was a personal thrill for me to meet this great group of Leatherneck Alumni."
Sammy Marshall Softball 2012-2015
Sammy Marshall competed as a softball player for the Leathernecks from 2012-2015. Marshall finished her career with a staggering .456 batting average and 134 stolen bases—both Summit League records. She was a four-time First Team All-Summit League selection and earned back-to-back conference Player of the Year honors in 2013 and 2014. In 2012, she led the nation with a perfect 45-for-45 mark in stolen base attempts. Following her record-breaking college career, Marshall was drafted by the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league, where she continued to shine and earned NPF Player of the Week honors in 2017.
Jim Morsovillo Baseball 1993-1996
Jim Morsovillo competed as a baseball player for the Leathernecks from 1993-1996. Known for his competitive spirit and steady presence at the plate and in the field, Morsovillo made a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and opponents. Morsovillo is listed in the Top Ten in five categories for the Leathernecks, including runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and career batting average. His contributions extended beyond the box score, earning him the reputation as one of the most respected players of his era.
Garry Johnson University Administrator
Garry Johnson served as the Vice President for Student Affairs for the Leathernecks. Known for his strategic leadership and deep commitment to student-athlete success, Dr. Johnson played an instrumental role in enhancing the university's athletic facilities and fostering a culture that valued both athletic and academic excellence. Under Dr. Johnson's supervision, improvements for Leatherneck Athletics included $5.5 million for renovations of the East Side Football stadium, $1.4 million for the turf field and scoreboard, and significant investments in coaches' offices, locker rooms, and other enhancements. Johnson continues to support Western's athletic programs as he and his wife Margie were Charter Members of the Leatherneck Legends, a giving society for the Leatherneck Club. His behind-the-scenes influence helped shape the modern experience for Leatherneck student-athletes across all sports.
1978 Men's Track and Team
The 1978 men's track and field team finished third in the nation in the NCAA Division II National Championships held that year in Macomb. Their success laid the foundation for future generations and remains one of the defining chapters in Leatherneck track and field history. Members of the 1978 team hold over twenty Top Ten records for Track and Field at Western, while the team finished third in the NCAA Division II National Championship meet hosted by Western Illinois University. Members of the team who were able to return for the ceremonies and weekend festivities included Alvin Barrett, Keith Bond, Jasmine Braggs in honor of her father Stanley Braggs, Keith Clerkley, Marvin Edmond, Brent Ericson, Harold Hayes, David Harden, Jerry Holloway, Al Kennedy, Jay Markuson, Coach Ron McEachran, Ed Miller, Kerry Rice, Steve Safranski, David Stoermer, Tyron Taylor, Don Vahldick, Dwayne Wall, and Ed Wort.
To access photos from the evening please Click Here.
